This was the worst episode of the show so far. It didn't even feel like an episode of Stranger Things. It felt like a backdoor pilot for a less interesting show. The gang was very one note and contributed nothing to the plot. I liked the idea of introducing another character with powers, but they completely ruined it. I was very disappointed.
232 Reviews
Nope.
philneil28 October 2017
First of all - I LOVE THIS SHOW!!!
After the cliff hanger of chapter 6 I would have been sorely disappointed that the story line did not resume until chapter 8 but, thankfully, all the episodes are streamed so the wait was not too long.
What were they thinking? Was this a half-arsed attempt at a spin-off pilot? This whole episode was pointless. If they wanted to develop the Eleven/Jane Ives/Jane Hopper character, there surely must be better ways of doing so rather than taking her on an out-of-town mission of self-discovery whilst encountering 2 dimensional, poorly developed characters unnecessary to the plot.
If for whatever reason your internet went down between chapters 6 & 8 - let me reassure you - you didn't miss a thing.
After the cliff hanger of chapter 6 I would have been sorely disappointed that the story line did not resume until chapter 8 but, thankfully, all the episodes are streamed so the wait was not too long.
What were they thinking? Was this a half-arsed attempt at a spin-off pilot? This whole episode was pointless. If they wanted to develop the Eleven/Jane Ives/Jane Hopper character, there surely must be better ways of doing so rather than taking her on an out-of-town mission of self-discovery whilst encountering 2 dimensional, poorly developed characters unnecessary to the plot.
If for whatever reason your internet went down between chapters 6 & 8 - let me reassure you - you didn't miss a thing.
The worst of the series
internsrf6 June 2021
Aside from the quick snippets in which we see 11 has a sister in 8, the rest of this episode is trash. Mostly, I think it's due to the terrible cast, and honestly casting of this episode. Everyone from 8 herself, as well as her supporting cast simply are not on par with the rest of the cast of this series. As such, this episode both from a story standpoint, and a quality standpoint completely pull you out of the season.
Who..... who approved this episode?
MatthewOfDuncan22 April 2020
Badly written, casted, and produced.
kmqjrryv11 July 2021
Warning: Spoilers
What bothers me about this epsiode is that 8's 'gang' is more like a group of art school kids. It's laughable. I don't see how Netflix isn't trolling people here. Also, why would 8's 'gang' challenge 11 when 8 is there leader and has magical powers? It's just so contrived. The only reason I will give it 6 stars is it may be enjoyable enough for adolescent kids to watch. I'm sure I watched worse episodes of shows growing up (I'm looking at you "Facts of Life").
Fun mythology fueled journey.
alexanderbarbot12 July 2019
I loved this episode of only for the stark contrast between the small town kids of Hawkins and punk people in the city. It showed Elevens growth as a character, both h mentally and psychically. Her sister was a wonderful addition as a character study. The people they surrounded themselves with made them very different people. Heck Eleven's papa as much as I dislike him shaped and sheltered Eleven on his psychotic way, it was clear Kali never had those type of relationships. I love that Eleven was pushing her limits and ultimately she is not alone. There are others like her. Also it was very much like that baby sister adventure movie that I love. So great points there. All in all this episode like the last 2 are my favorites for this season. The transition was very 80s from overhype to what does this have to do with anything to oooohhhh I get it.
Out of place
dark4une10 July 2019
A weak filler episode made weaker because of its placement.
leonthesleepy28 October 2017
This is basically X Men-Third class. Its entirely predictable, and executed poorly with boring new characters and weak direction. Millie Brown does the best she can, but what is up with the rest of the new cast? Its almost as if the show ventured into a cheap spin off, the character "Eight" is laughable at best, and the actress really pales in comparison with the main cast. She lacks any menacing presence, or vulnerability. Its a flat "green screen acting and monotone line deliver" performance. Worse, there is nothing interesting about the entire scenario. It feels inconsequential. A forced tie in just to create extra spin off scenarios.
The worst part is that it acts as a filler to what has been a mostly great season. It breaks any form of momentum we had from the previous cliffhanger just to forcibly give Eleven an episode of her own. Her character, and the show deserves better than this shoddy and generic story line.
The worst part is that it acts as a filler to what has been a mostly great season. It breaks any form of momentum we had from the previous cliffhanger just to forcibly give Eleven an episode of her own. Her character, and the show deserves better than this shoddy and generic story line.
Many fans missing the point
a-jakovljevic963 November 2017
Warning: Spoilers
In my opinion, a lot of fans are missing the point of this episode. It shows us that if there's Eleven, there's Eight and maybe there are One, Two, etc... It's was a filler episode which brought to the series foundations for further seasons. It wasn't bad, it wasn't great, but it was a key point for the future of this series.
Definitely the worst episode, But still good!
peacegraceson2 November 2020
Different isn't always bad!
kellyrantan13 June 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I found the differences in this episode compared to the other episodes refreshing. It has a Bladerunner feel to it (which works as one of the many 80s tributes to films of that era) where the group of misfits Eleven finds herself in mirror the rebellious robots of Bladerunner. It's clear that Eleven needs to go on this soul-searching trip to grow up and get some prospective on how to truly harness her powers and respect and appreciate Hopper. It doesn't feel like a filler episode at all, but an important part of Eleven's character progression and plot. I think most people are put off by it just because it's so different to any other Stranger Things episode.
Dagobah
chris-59507 February 2020
Warning: Spoilers
This episode has parallels to The Empire Strikes Back. Chicago is Dagobah and 008, Kali, is Yoda. She teaches El how to use her powers, how to channel her emotions. Ok, Kali is a vengeful Yoda, maybe she's from the darkside or maybe she's just damaged.
El, just like Luke Skywalker, has a vision of her friends and sees that they are in trouble. Just like a Luke, she leaves before her training is complete.
El, just like Luke Skywalker, has a vision of her friends and sees that they are in trouble. Just like a Luke, she leaves before her training is complete.
Worst episode of the series
swampsloth27 October 2017
Love the series, but I have no idea what they were trying to do with this episode. Was this all just setup for a spin off? It completely took me out of the story, and could have been left out of the series completely. Nothing of value would have been lost if they just cutout this entire episode.
A decent enough episode, marred by placement
jpcalandhobb-4004213 September 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Just to start out, I don't think this is the best episode of the series. But at the same time, it is an enjoyable episode integral to how the season ends and gets hated on more because it was placed at the wrong point. Let me explain.
While it is an Eleven-centered episode, it is done so without any of the other supporting cast, outside of a brief glimpse while inside the Void and a split-second flashback. That alone will turn off many, but it doesn't mean it is bad. The characters here were meant to tell the story, not be integral to the universe of the show. That said, they did a well enough job and should get credit for stepping into a side plot in the middle of the season. The episode also contains a key element to the end of the season. Without it, the finale would make zero sense. At a lesser value, it also has some of the better parts of the soundtrack and a vital part of Eleven's development and dramatic return to the group.
So what is the main downfall? The episode was placed at number 7 when it would have fared better at number 6. Here's the explanation: episode 6 ended with the demodogs on the brink of attacking the lab with Will being taken over by the Flayer. Everyone inside is in imminent danger and...subplot. The flow of the story was brought to a sudden halt. The only connection here is Eleven's vision of Mike and Hopper being in trouble at the very end. If the episode was placed at number 6 we would have seen them in trouble as foreshadowing instead of her seemingly catching up to the story. The viewer would have then gone into The Spy on their toes waiting to see what the trap was instead of waiting for The Mind Flayer flat-footed.
That being said, the episode is still good, if not up to the standard of the remainder of the season. After watching the whole season, just go back and watch this one on its' own before passing judgement.
While it is an Eleven-centered episode, it is done so without any of the other supporting cast, outside of a brief glimpse while inside the Void and a split-second flashback. That alone will turn off many, but it doesn't mean it is bad. The characters here were meant to tell the story, not be integral to the universe of the show. That said, they did a well enough job and should get credit for stepping into a side plot in the middle of the season. The episode also contains a key element to the end of the season. Without it, the finale would make zero sense. At a lesser value, it also has some of the better parts of the soundtrack and a vital part of Eleven's development and dramatic return to the group.
So what is the main downfall? The episode was placed at number 7 when it would have fared better at number 6. Here's the explanation: episode 6 ended with the demodogs on the brink of attacking the lab with Will being taken over by the Flayer. Everyone inside is in imminent danger and...subplot. The flow of the story was brought to a sudden halt. The only connection here is Eleven's vision of Mike and Hopper being in trouble at the very end. If the episode was placed at number 6 we would have seen them in trouble as foreshadowing instead of her seemingly catching up to the story. The viewer would have then gone into The Spy on their toes waiting to see what the trap was instead of waiting for The Mind Flayer flat-footed.
That being said, the episode is still good, if not up to the standard of the remainder of the season. After watching the whole season, just go back and watch this one on its' own before passing judgement.
Extremely Different, But Necessary Episode
Jackets_Time5 November 2017
Warning: Spoilers
I don't typically review movies or TV episodes, but in light of the fact that i haven't seen a single positive review of Chapter 7...
While this episode is clearly different from the rest of the series, it is STILL a Stranger Things episode. A very necessary one at that.
We needed a background story for Eleven and this is what we got. And personally i enjoyed it. From communicating with her mother in the void, to learning that the other numbers have different powers. Kali teaching her how to hone and channel her telekinesis. And mind you Kali chose a non violent way to do that, when given her character, she could have easily gone a different direction. Also, the mental interaction with Brenner. All of these things were needed in order for Eleven to be able to close the gate to the Upside Down.
Then after everything she experiences with Kali, she delivers one of the best lines in the show when Kali says that her friends/family (back in Hawkins) can't save her, she responds with "No, but i can save them."
So if people want to say this episode sucked, fine. But i will highly disagree with things like "just skip it" or "you didn't miss anything." Yes you can get through the rest of the story without watching this episode, but if you're a true fan, and you want every last drop of story about every character you love, you won't skip this one. Or any other one for that matter.
While this episode is clearly different from the rest of the series, it is STILL a Stranger Things episode. A very necessary one at that.
We needed a background story for Eleven and this is what we got. And personally i enjoyed it. From communicating with her mother in the void, to learning that the other numbers have different powers. Kali teaching her how to hone and channel her telekinesis. And mind you Kali chose a non violent way to do that, when given her character, she could have easily gone a different direction. Also, the mental interaction with Brenner. All of these things were needed in order for Eleven to be able to close the gate to the Upside Down.
Then after everything she experiences with Kali, she delivers one of the best lines in the show when Kali says that her friends/family (back in Hawkins) can't save her, she responds with "No, but i can save them."
So if people want to say this episode sucked, fine. But i will highly disagree with things like "just skip it" or "you didn't miss anything." Yes you can get through the rest of the story without watching this episode, but if you're a true fan, and you want every last drop of story about every character you love, you won't skip this one. Or any other one for that matter.
What is this?
ououzaza28 September 2019
I thought i had the wrong show on for a minute.
domesticatedprimate29 October 2017
I have no idea why they did this, they could've built Jane's character without introducing four bad actors and making us sit through a thankfully short merry go round. None of those new characters were likable, The short story was very predictable it was very unlike the quality that stranger things tends to offer. It felt like i had accidentally turned on one of those bad marvel shows.
You can do better than that, seriously.
adamajane29 December 2017
Warning: Spoilers
I've never reviewed any episodes of any shows I've seen, but for this I felt the need to do it.
When episode 6 ended with a huge cliffhanger, the only thing I could do was to watch the next episode. When I started the next episode, I thought was watching a completely different show. All of a sudden, Eleven/Jane was headed to the big city to go find her so called "sister". Nothing about it was right, everything felt out of place and that Stranger Things vibe was completely missing. When Eleven then finally finds her sister, their bonding were extremely forced. Not only that, we're introduced to four other flat and boring characters with no contribution to the main plot whatsoever. It felt as if I was watching a horrible knockoff of Suicide Squad. The whole thing was a terrible filler and completely stopped the momentum of an otherwise amazing season. Inconsequential and unimportant is the only way to describe it. That being said, it does actually give us a peak of the future of Stranger Things. It foreshadows what might happen in the seasons to come. Maybe all the test subjects of Hawkins Lab will somehow work together to fight back the Mind Flayer. Sadly, the execution was completely of. What actually could've been a crucial episode for the storyline as well as the future turned out as one big pile of horse feces.
When episode 6 ended with a huge cliffhanger, the only thing I could do was to watch the next episode. When I started the next episode, I thought was watching a completely different show. All of a sudden, Eleven/Jane was headed to the big city to go find her so called "sister". Nothing about it was right, everything felt out of place and that Stranger Things vibe was completely missing. When Eleven then finally finds her sister, their bonding were extremely forced. Not only that, we're introduced to four other flat and boring characters with no contribution to the main plot whatsoever. It felt as if I was watching a horrible knockoff of Suicide Squad. The whole thing was a terrible filler and completely stopped the momentum of an otherwise amazing season. Inconsequential and unimportant is the only way to describe it. That being said, it does actually give us a peak of the future of Stranger Things. It foreshadows what might happen in the seasons to come. Maybe all the test subjects of Hawkins Lab will somehow work together to fight back the Mind Flayer. Sadly, the execution was completely of. What actually could've been a crucial episode for the storyline as well as the future turned out as one big pile of horse feces.
I actually enjoyed this episode..
jmcclure-526323 November 2017
Warning: Spoilers
I appreciated learning more about El's personal story. This episode showed us that there were more like her, and also set us up for future seasons. El has mommy and daddy issues, and it's nice to see her personality and depth progress as she explores her past.. We see the inner turmoil of choosing to allow the bitterness lead her down a negative path, or if the goodness in her overpowers that. She has been like a sponge, soaking in everything ever since season one. This is a whole new environment for her to investigate and make a choice on what type of person she is. Plus, if it weren't for the training with her sister, she wouldn't have been prepared to close the gate. And she deserved to know the truth about her mother. It's so redemptive to see how she had every right to seek vengeance, yet she chose the better route. While the episode was a change of pace for the season, it was appreciated, and totally set us up for more paths to take with future seasons.
A Distraction
Hitchcoc31 October 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Episode Six ended with tremendous tension built up. So we go to this one which focuses on El and what happens to her. I disagree with all the negativity. While it was not my favorite episode, it gives us a multi-dimensional view of Eleven. We now know her history in some specifics. She seeks out another young woman who has been molded in that place, that place where everything is evil. She meets up with her "sister." It turns out that this woman has a tremendous gift, but has used it in the worst possible way--to exact revenge. Eleven is asked to participate in a gang world. A world where they hold people up, steal from stores, and plan to exact revenge on anyone who has wronged them in some way. I'm assuming we will get back to the more interesting issues and El is going to be helpful in saving her friends.
Pointless Episode, We Didn't Need 9 Episodes
flowerstardust19794 July 2019
I get the feeling that the writers felt they needed to fill a whole episode, instead of cutting season 2 down to 8 episodes. Not only was this episode cringeworthy, but absolutely pointless. I could understand if they were going to carry on with the sister story, but they weren't, thus making the sister completely pointless, and using it as a "filler" as someone else has mentioned. It reminded me of an old CD album, where you get a bad song to fill the track list numbers. Totally cringeworthy acting, episode plotline and a waste of Millie's talent. And the outfits!!!! This then leads back to why these cringeworthy punks were at the beginning of episode one season 2. But still absolutely zero point of needing it.
Unworthy of All the Hate
jonah-raleigh30 October 2017
I'll be the first to admit that this episode isn't necessarily the strongest of the season, but I don't understand why so many people are bashing on it mercilessly. This episode explored many important topics that are going to be crucial in the future of the series, such as other people like El. Although this episode didn't move the narrative of the season along, we did get a glimpse into the future of Stranger Things, which I think is ultimately valuable. Maybe it wasn't the best episode, but it definitely doesn't deserve a 6.8 and plummeting review.
Maybe
Breter-IMDB6 April 2021
This is a skip
mr-altex13 November 2021
This episode is completely unnecessary to watch and I would recommend anyone who would Season 2 to just directly skip it.
There is nothing related to main plot. It is just a dull backstory for Eleven and a bad one at that.
There is nothing related to main plot. It is just a dull backstory for Eleven and a bad one at that.
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