'Stranger Things 2' Recap - 'Chapter Eight: The Mind Flayer'

Written by John Edward Betancourt

THIS IS THE EMERGENCY SPOILER ALERT SYSTEM...YOU ARE ADVISED TO READ AT YOUR OWN RISK...

​Despite the fact that season two of Stranger Things started off in lighthearted and fun fashion, I think that deep down, we all knew that eventually, some supremely dark moments would come to fruition for the good people of Hawkins, Indiana, and while some might argue that Will’s possession by the Shadow Monster was dark enough, I would have to say that ‘Chapter Eight: The Mind Flayer’ would serve as far more dismal territory, because holy cow…this was a heartbreaking and devastating episode through and through.
 
Because in many ways, the good guys lose in this one. The baby Demogorgons find their way into the Hawkins Lab and bring about the wholesale slaughter of just about everyone in there in another moment reminiscent of 1986’s Aliens and it was truly chilling to see this place mired in darkness and filled to the brim with monsters running about in the shadows, and while one might expect a hint of satisfaction to come with seeing the Lab get its just desserts since hey, this was all their fault in the first place, there’s no joy to be found in seeing these things have free run of the place.
 
But while all of that was tough to get through, it doesn’t top the hardest and most painful moment in this episode…the death of Bob. All over the internet I’ve seen people saying that the man deserved better and you know what? He did. It doesn’t matter that he was goofy or far too enthusiastic. He was a guy that simply wanted to see people be better to one another in this world, and to be open about their feelings be them good or bad and while he does get a hero’s ending by helping to save the day, his passing was downright soul crushing and while I understand that his death serves the story and adds danger to the whole matter, it doesn’t make his exit any easier.
 
However, despite the melancholy surrounding this episode, there was at least some silver lining in the end. At least the group now has a better understanding of what they’re up against since they figured out what the Shadow Monster is up to, in that it’s looking to conquer our dimension and world and one has to wonder how many other alternate realities this being has already sunk its smoky fingers into, and they also have an idea how on to beat him by way closing the Gate at the Hawkins Lab and as an added bonus, Eleven, is back! Her timing was simply perfect in this episode and I’m certain she’s the key to ending all of this madness.
 
If anything, THAT is how you set up a season finale ladies and gentlemen, because this tale did everything right. It was filled to the brim with action and adventure, we laughed, we certainly cried, and everything is set up perfectly for a grand showdown between good versus evil in the season two finale. But, considering the fact that the series was willing to off one of the good guys in this one, will everyone survive this final battle with the Shadow Monster? There’s only one way to find out…which means it’s time to part ways for a little while so I can steel my nerves before I press play to see how this story ends. Until next time.

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