Cute and quite funny episode on the one hand and tragic on the other, a really nice episode that begins to build the ending in a very beautiful and very well done way.
55 Reviews
Cute
gianmarcoronconi4 July 2022
Hmm...
Trey_Trebuchet8 September 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I get where the all of the criticism is coming from, but I'm not so sure all of it is warranted. I can't help but feel like there are worse seasons of shows (some of them Netflix originals) that for some reason get a pass even with poor reception and nitpicking like this show has been getting. It just doesn't quite make sense to me.
This season has been far from perfect. I'll admit that some of the comedy get a bit too goofy for me (Robin and Steve getting drugged, the whole New Coke monologue), but as I have stated in other reviews, I'm here for the characters, and they're all still really well acted and engaging.
I'm still invested in all of these characters and that's my biggest reason for watching this show. The intrigue and mystery from the earlier seasons has been replaced with mostly camp and some strange zombie plot... It's still very 80s though. Zombies were a thing of that era, so we're kids on drugs and falling in love with each other. This is all of the tropes of the 1980s cinema scene and it knows it. I'm all for it. Bring on the finale.
P. S.: I was very sad when Alexei died. I didn't know I cared so much about him!
This season has been far from perfect. I'll admit that some of the comedy get a bit too goofy for me (Robin and Steve getting drugged, the whole New Coke monologue), but as I have stated in other reviews, I'm here for the characters, and they're all still really well acted and engaging.
I'm still invested in all of these characters and that's my biggest reason for watching this show. The intrigue and mystery from the earlier seasons has been replaced with mostly camp and some strange zombie plot... It's still very 80s though. Zombies were a thing of that era, so we're kids on drugs and falling in love with each other. This is all of the tropes of the 1980s cinema scene and it knows it. I'm all for it. Bring on the finale.
P. S.: I was very sad when Alexei died. I didn't know I cared so much about him!
The Carnival
claudio_carvalho27 October 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Larry Kline promotes the 04th July with a Carnival for the residents of Hawkins. During the fireworks, El and his friends are under attack of the Mind Flayer in Hopper´s cabin and El is wounded in her leg. They escape in Nancy's car. Meanwhile Dustin and Erica drives a cart with the drugged Steve and Robin trying to escape from the Russian soldiers. They return to the Starcourt Mall and hide in a movie theater that is showing "Back to the Future". Hopper, Joyce, Murray and Alexei are driving to the Carnival to rescue the children. Alexei teaches how to destroy the machine that is opening The Gate.
"Chapter Seven: The Bite" is another great episode of "Stranger Things" with three important segments. One in the Carnival; in the Starcourt Mall; and in the cabin and supermarket. The sad part is the fate of the funny Alexei. My vote is eight.
Title (Brazil): "Chapter Seven: The Bite"
"Chapter Seven: The Bite" is another great episode of "Stranger Things" with three important segments. One in the Carnival; in the Starcourt Mall; and in the cabin and supermarket. The sad part is the fate of the funny Alexei. My vote is eight.
Title (Brazil): "Chapter Seven: The Bite"
"This interminable bickering was amusing at first ..."
bosporan16 May 2022
Another fine episode building up to the finale. Yes it is packed with tropes, unnecessary agendas and is a bit slapstick at times, but as an overall package it is awesome. There is plenty of action and the jeopardy level is through the roof with the various strands coming together naturally to line up for a final showdown.
A lot of fun.
BA_Harrison9 July 2019
The penultimate chapter of Stranger Things 3 is another blinder, with plenty of action and excitement leading up to the season finale.
It's the 4th of July and the people of Hawkins are enjoying the county fair - except for Dustin, Robin, Erica and Steve, who are trying to escape from the Russian base, El and pals, who are fighting the Mindflayer monster, and Joyce and Hopper, who are planning to turn off the machine that the Russkies are using to open an inter-dimensional gate.
Robin and Steve spend most of the episode tripping, having been drugged by the Russian doctor, which leads to the pair sharing personal secrets. Hopper has a punch-up/shoot-out with Russians in a funhouse (my favourite scene of this chapter). And El saves her friends by throwing a car at the baddies. It all adds up to a hugely enjoyable episode, one that also sees the death of character and El suffering from a nasty injury, her leg infected by the monster.
Season finale, here we come...
It's the 4th of July and the people of Hawkins are enjoying the county fair - except for Dustin, Robin, Erica and Steve, who are trying to escape from the Russian base, El and pals, who are fighting the Mindflayer monster, and Joyce and Hopper, who are planning to turn off the machine that the Russkies are using to open an inter-dimensional gate.
Robin and Steve spend most of the episode tripping, having been drugged by the Russian doctor, which leads to the pair sharing personal secrets. Hopper has a punch-up/shoot-out with Russians in a funhouse (my favourite scene of this chapter). And El saves her friends by throwing a car at the baddies. It all adds up to a hugely enjoyable episode, one that also sees the death of character and El suffering from a nasty injury, her leg infected by the monster.
Season finale, here we come...
Stop calling it a Coke commercial!
rebekahlcrcm9 August 2019
All the commenters lamenting the "product placement" Coke dialogue are likely too young to know or remember this pop-culture (wink) juggernaut of the 80's.
The Coke scene isn't just some dastardly commercial... it's a poke at the huge "New Coke" debacle of the mid 80's. Why do you think Coke is now called Coca Cola "Classic" or "Original Taste"? Look it up, kids, to literally get with the program!
It is funny, though, that Coke capitalized on this new generation by offering a limited run of 500k cans of New Coke in May 2019. America!!
The Coke scene isn't just some dastardly commercial... it's a poke at the huge "New Coke" debacle of the mid 80's. Why do you think Coke is now called Coca Cola "Classic" or "Original Taste"? Look it up, kids, to literally get with the program!
It is funny, though, that Coke capitalized on this new generation by offering a limited run of 500k cans of New Coke in May 2019. America!!
Robin <3
funnycommentor12 July 2022
The plot of the 7th episode was so good. The storyline is very well written and so interesting. The kill on that episode was totally unexpected. Actually, most scenes on that episode were totally unexpected, I was shocked. The characters keep getting developed more. Also, the battle scenes were EPIC, so intense and very violent, totally breathing. I guess, the final episode is gonna be SUPER EPIC. The ending scene was totally unexpected and kinda worrying... Anyway, I hope the ending is gonna be good, not bittersweet..
Loved it
theteamavengers15 November 2020
Back on Track
petereviews7 July 2019
Warning: Spoilers
The Good: This episode started off with some spectacular tension that did not let up the entire episode. The show's turn into pure horror at the cabin was fitting for this point of the show and it was nice to see all the kids team up to fight the Mind Flayer.
The comedic relief with Steve and the gang was for once appreciated and seemed to be more dialed down. Robin and Steve finally stopped behaving like caricatures in their bathroom talk scene and it was definitely a subversion of expectations to learn Robin was lesbian.
Alexei's death was very sudden and tragic, and it's impressive that the show has made me care for a character that ended up appearing only for three episodes. Hopper's fight in the fair was very entertaining to watch and creative/beautiful to look at.
The gang converging at the end was very satisfying to see and the cliffhanger definitely made me want to see the last episode.
The Bad: The show unfortunately continues its recent habit of having characters do quippy things or talk about small-scale nonsense in the face of world-ending threats. It was particularly bad here, as Lucas and Mike do random jokes/banter as Eleven is dying and in need of help. The product placement has also been quite noticeable this season and the "New Coke" scene was particularly blatant, feeling like a commercial in the middle of the show.
Episode Highlight: The attack on the cabin
Conclusion: A great episode that brings the characters together and some genuine excitement. Bring on the season finale!
The comedic relief with Steve and the gang was for once appreciated and seemed to be more dialed down. Robin and Steve finally stopped behaving like caricatures in their bathroom talk scene and it was definitely a subversion of expectations to learn Robin was lesbian.
Alexei's death was very sudden and tragic, and it's impressive that the show has made me care for a character that ended up appearing only for three episodes. Hopper's fight in the fair was very entertaining to watch and creative/beautiful to look at.
The gang converging at the end was very satisfying to see and the cliffhanger definitely made me want to see the last episode.
The Bad: The show unfortunately continues its recent habit of having characters do quippy things or talk about small-scale nonsense in the face of world-ending threats. It was particularly bad here, as Lucas and Mike do random jokes/banter as Eleven is dying and in need of help. The product placement has also been quite noticeable this season and the "New Coke" scene was particularly blatant, feeling like a commercial in the middle of the show.
Episode Highlight: The attack on the cabin
Conclusion: A great episode that brings the characters together and some genuine excitement. Bring on the season finale!
Story and acting continue to improve and surprise!
ZolileMehlomakulu20 July 2019
Warning: Spoilers
One of my favourite characters in this series may go unnoticed among the main cast. That is cynical yet hilarious ex-reporter Murray Bauman played by Brett Gelman. Perfectly cast. It seems like the directors and writers just told Brett: "Your character doubts people, incredibly smart, and read people stupidly well...now go without reservation." Yes there are other major plot points that occur yet in this episode he absolutely owns every scene he is a part of. Notably the hilarious outing of sexual tension between Joyce and Hopper. His delivery and emotional temperature throughout the short scene delivers spot on and leaves the viewer with a deeper understanding of characters while laughing their ass off entirely.
Well played Brett!
Well played Brett!
free at last
glstrom-1426022 September 2022
Warning: Spoilers
This was a mind jarring spectacle for sure, very well filmed so viewers were inundated with sights and sounds (and could almost smell corn dog!) of carnival. Such a happy over the top patriotic event with stereotypical carnies and family fun for everyone. Alas poor Alexi finally getting a taste of fun and freedom, joyful after his balloon dart victory gets snuffed out by the real bad guys. He was such an innocent with his love of looney tunes and cherry slurpees , yet the mind of an rocket scientist. Seems they were on to the mayor (just realized it was Carey Elwes of Buttercup fame) though fairly unbelievable he would allow himself to get smacked around like that.
On the topic of smacking around, the Russians punched both Hopper and Steve in such a way that they should be toothless and barely walking considering the blows they absorbed, seriously. I can see where this is going, nice that lesbian and interracial characters are introduced, A hole wife/child beaters are outed, and the unreal world of the mall is about to be replaced with mom and pop again...as if...well one can dream. Well done kids.
On the topic of smacking around, the Russians punched both Hopper and Steve in such a way that they should be toothless and barely walking considering the blows they absorbed, seriously. I can see where this is going, nice that lesbian and interracial characters are introduced, A hole wife/child beaters are outed, and the unreal world of the mall is about to be replaced with mom and pop again...as if...well one can dream. Well done kids.
Could have done with a little more bite
TheLittleSongbird21 September 2022
Most of the previous Season 3 episodes of 'Stranger Things' in my view have been disappointing. Liked a good deal "Chapter Three: The Case of the Missing Lifeguard" and loved "Chapter Four: The Sauna Test" (the latter a return to form for the show). The other four were average at best, with the premiere being a major disappointment after the previous season's finale being as outstandingly good as it was. So expectations were a bit mixed for "Chapter Seven: The Bite".
It luckily turned out to be a lot better than expected. Not "Chapter Four: The Sauna Test" level, but nearly on par with "Chapter Three: The Case of the Misssing Lifeguard" and much better than the rest of the previous episodes. "Chapter Seven: The Bite" is a long way from perfect and has a couple of the flaws of most of the previous episodes had, but it has also has a lot of truly great things and has less of the issues that the other episodes did have. Ranking the episodes, "Chapter Seven: The Bite" for Season 3 is one of the better ones generally.
"Chapter Seven: The Bite" isn't flawless. Not all the comedy hits, not that it is not funny but more in terms of placement as some of it situates awkwardly in serious situations so it occasionally felt out of place.
The whole Russian threat subplot was less than suspenseful and was actually somewhat heavy handed. It was a little too reliant on coincidence at times and some of the teen situational comedy induced some cringing.
A lot is fantastic though. The production values are superb. Very stylish and atmospheric, with some truly beautiful images that one can't believe such high quality comes from a Netflix show. Not to mention the highly impressive special effects that put a good deal of big budget films in recent years to shame. The music has a wonderful 80s nostalgic vibe while also being quite haunting, enhancing the atmosphere beautifully.
On the most part, the writing is a return to the brains and heart kind rather than what was seen and heard in the previous two episodes. The story has a lot more momentum and advances, with it being at its best with everything with the monster. The acting is never less than very good and is actually more than that.
Concluding, good but not great. 7/10.
It luckily turned out to be a lot better than expected. Not "Chapter Four: The Sauna Test" level, but nearly on par with "Chapter Three: The Case of the Misssing Lifeguard" and much better than the rest of the previous episodes. "Chapter Seven: The Bite" is a long way from perfect and has a couple of the flaws of most of the previous episodes had, but it has also has a lot of truly great things and has less of the issues that the other episodes did have. Ranking the episodes, "Chapter Seven: The Bite" for Season 3 is one of the better ones generally.
"Chapter Seven: The Bite" isn't flawless. Not all the comedy hits, not that it is not funny but more in terms of placement as some of it situates awkwardly in serious situations so it occasionally felt out of place.
The whole Russian threat subplot was less than suspenseful and was actually somewhat heavy handed. It was a little too reliant on coincidence at times and some of the teen situational comedy induced some cringing.
A lot is fantastic though. The production values are superb. Very stylish and atmospheric, with some truly beautiful images that one can't believe such high quality comes from a Netflix show. Not to mention the highly impressive special effects that put a good deal of big budget films in recent years to shame. The music has a wonderful 80s nostalgic vibe while also being quite haunting, enhancing the atmosphere beautifully.
On the most part, the writing is a return to the brains and heart kind rather than what was seen and heard in the previous two episodes. The story has a lot more momentum and advances, with it being at its best with everything with the monster. The acting is never less than very good and is actually more than that.
Concluding, good but not great. 7/10.
So bad
Supermurph0912 July 2019
Never have I watched a show that I want to like so much but has failed. How I have got to EP7 I'll never know, S3 has been awful.
Jim and Joyce, uuuurgh, just terrible. As for the rest it's all so disjointed, the spookiness and goose bump moments all gone too.
This show had the potential to be epic, it's failed so badly.
Jim and Joyce, uuuurgh, just terrible. As for the rest it's all so disjointed, the spookiness and goose bump moments all gone too.
This show had the potential to be epic, it's failed so badly.
CAPTIVATING (season 3)
imalayne1722 July 2019
Season 3 has blown me away! I go from feeling nostalgia to laughing to full blown crying. It is well written and well casted. I have never connected with a show as much as I have with this one. Netflix is really stepping up their game. I just hope they don't cancel it after season 3.
People forget it's set in the 1980s
actionsub19 December 2022
Warning: Spoilers
So much of what is being criticized by others here is simply the Duffers attempt to be authentically '80s:
-Dustin and Erica watching "Back to the Future" at the theater
-the whole "New Coke" shtick
-Russians: Red Dawn? Glasnost? Perestroika
These were all big trends in the mid-80s.
The ONLY 80s ball they dropped was Robin's coming out. Robin and Steve had been smacked around by the Russians for the prior episode and a half, and this was a period when the fear of contracting AIDS from LGBT people was just slightly more insane than the early days of the COVID pandemic. Steve took the whole thing awfully calmly, which may be more a reflection of current attitudes than anything.
The "meta" was a little stronger in this episode than usual, but it made a good cliffhanger for the next episode.
These were all big trends in the mid-80s.
The ONLY 80s ball they dropped was Robin's coming out. Robin and Steve had been smacked around by the Russians for the prior episode and a half, and this was a period when the fear of contracting AIDS from LGBT people was just slightly more insane than the early days of the COVID pandemic. Steve took the whole thing awfully calmly, which may be more a reflection of current attitudes than anything.
The "meta" was a little stronger in this episode than usual, but it made a good cliffhanger for the next episode.
Awesome!!!
cruise0112 August 2019
Episode 3.07 (5 out of 5 stars).
The episode is coming close to the finale. This seventh episode delivers an exciting and awesome addition. Eleven and her friends battle off a monster. Dustin and his friends escape from the Russians. Joyce and Hopper are searching for their kids.
It is thrilling and exciting. The climax is tying up characters by having them meet up for first time since this season started. There is a lot of action. A thrilling monster fight. And a chase with the bad guys in a carnival. Hopper fighting against the Russian guys and the one looking terminator baddie. The episode does get emotional when it actually makes you fall in love with one person and a scene later they are taken away. The script and direction is sharp, fast, and exciting. The music score is amazing. The heart to heart conversation Steve and Robin has is touching. It ends exciting to the ultimate climax.
The episode is coming close to the finale. This seventh episode delivers an exciting and awesome addition. Eleven and her friends battle off a monster. Dustin and his friends escape from the Russians. Joyce and Hopper are searching for their kids.
It is thrilling and exciting. The climax is tying up characters by having them meet up for first time since this season started. There is a lot of action. A thrilling monster fight. And a chase with the bad guys in a carnival. Hopper fighting against the Russian guys and the one looking terminator baddie. The episode does get emotional when it actually makes you fall in love with one person and a scene later they are taken away. The script and direction is sharp, fast, and exciting. The music score is amazing. The heart to heart conversation Steve and Robin has is touching. It ends exciting to the ultimate climax.
Gettin crazy
Joshumms30 March 2022
Battle approaching...
ninjaboyballer6 July 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Episode 7 of Stranger Things 3 is a great episode of the series, with the tension of Dustin, Steve, Robin, and Erica being found by the Russians, Eleven and the party being found by the Mind Flayer, and Hopper, Joyce, Murray, and Alexi being hunted by Gregori(The Terminator). Which results in a great scene between Steve and Robin, Eleven getting a injury like no other by the Mind Flayer, and Alexi being killed. Which is sad, I actually really liked him. He was having a good time at the fair one minute, being gunned down the next. And the ending really says a lot for the ending. In conclusion, this episode builds up the final episode of the season in great fashion.
Final rating: 9.8/10
Final rating: 9.8/10
3x07
formotog3 May 2020
Warning: Spoilers
This episode started off stupidly but got a lot better as it went on. The demogorgon really couldn't have just brought that house down or something? Made another limb so it had more than El? I've also noticed just how much screaming and shouting there's been this season having seen other reviewers pick up on it. Murray's rant to Hopper and Joyce, as funny as it was, is yet more comic relief and deviation from the plot. It's got to the point where there's so much comic relief that it doesn't even feel like relief. More like the drama feels like relief from the comedy, most of which isn't actually funny. I liked the character moments in this episode, particularly El and Mike and Steve and Robin, although the latter didn't need to be high for as long as they were. Honestly, this episode has made me realise that throughout the season, the plot has felt really quite mechanical. It should feel natural and carried by the characters for the most part but it just hasn't really felt that way. I get it's a sci-fi show and now apparently Cold War thriller but still. The reunion at the end was nice as well although brief, although yet another saved at the last minute trope which has got so ridiculously tiring. I don't really have any feelings towards Alexei's death, although how he was shot in the middle of a bustling festival by the literal Terminator sticking out like a sore thumb and not even concealing his weapon was a testament to what the writing has been like this season. Also, I'm not entirely convinced by his willingness to chuck away his project that he'd worked so hard on so easily. Maybe he was lying, maybe it's because he wanted to defect, maybe it's because he knew he could never go back. I guess we'll never know. That being said, the overlapping of the plots was great, visually it was amazing once again, and the pacing was relentless. One thing I haven't mentioned but has been a constant across the season is the brilliant dialogue. Overall, this episode has set up the finale well
Low 8
Low 8
Shotguns are now completely useless
ben_jarmin_45 July 2019
So once again, a solid episode but come on, an axe does more damage than a shotgun blasted at 5m? Has anyone on the crew ever shot one at something close range? I can tell you now, things get real mushy, really quickly
Best episode of the season so far
samraff-8668931 July 2019
I can't believe I am still watching this garbage
GAman1239 November 2019
Mix 60% Nickelodeon, 20% Red Dawn, 20% Body Snatchers, add some silly dialogues, non-stop yelling, flat jokes, idiotic russophobic cliche and you will get a recepe for a disaster. Enjoy! Don't forget to turn your brain off. ... and all this mess after really enjoyable Season 1 and 2?
Nice collaboration
NFLRose5 September 2019
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