‘Stranger Things 3’ Recap – ‘Chapter Two: The Mall Rats’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

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There are so many reasons to love Stranger Things on Netflix. But being the giant writing nerd that I am, one my favorite things when it comes to this series, is how it structures its early episodes. Because the season premiere is more is less designed to initially provide the audience with a sense of comfort, since we spend a lot of time catching up with everyone and how they’re doing after the events of the prior season, and then, just like that, the season finds the perfect moment to kick the plot into overdrive and we are now a part of one wild ride, and season three is no exception to this unspoken rule. Because ‘Chapter One: Suzie, Do You Copy?’ provided the audience with a lot of warm and fuzzy and funny moments, allowing for us to settle back into the world of Hawkins, Indiana, just before the juicy stuff got underway with Billy.

Which quite frankly, left this reviewer excited, since that meant, answers and surprises were likely on their way and ‘Chapter Two: The Mall Rats’ did not disappoint when it comes to that in the slightest. Because it didn’t take long for the audience to learn that whatever gooey thing Billy encountered in that barn, has a purpose and a design for him since it asked for his help and seemingly transformed his mind since he wasn’t well in this tale. And what made Billy’s journey so stunning and shocking is that he didn’t back away or fight whatever was attempting to consume him since he did its bidding and apparently provided it with human food and while we don’t have specific answers as to what this force from the Upside Down specifically wants just yet, its actions and demands of Billy fill in the blanks just fine, in that, it does at least want a piece of our world.
Yet while that plotline, and all the gooey-ness that came with it was awesome in its own right, I was also impressed with how far the Russian radio transmission storyline was advanced in this tale.

Because that really seemed like it was going to need more time to blossom and grow but the wonder that is Robin changed things up in this particular tale since she dove head first into the matter and translated the message with some sense of ease and well, what I love the most about this particular thread, is how it ends. Because Steve’s discovery of the fact, that the song on the tape was the exact one that the horse in the mall plays is chilling to say the least. Since it means that something in that mall is not at all what it seems and honestly, of all the plot points taking shape this season, this one fascinates me the most because well, the thought of Russians on American soil in an era where the Cold War was at its peak, is a unique and intriguing concept that can go all kinds of awesome places.

However, while that is a lot to digest in its own right, this episode gets serious credit for breaking up the juicer storylines with some of the good old-fashioned lightheartedness we enjoyed in the season premiere. Because seeing Eleven get the opportunity to be teenager and shop and have a good time at the mall, and offer up a little surprise for the popular kids was a sheer delight, as was the flip side to her story since Mike was desperate to figure out how to win her over after lying to her. And really, it’s nice to see these kids be kids for a change, and deal with the growing pains that come with growing up and well, I guess it’s best at this point to wish Mike best of luck on his relationship because Eleven is pissed. Oh, and speaking of relationships, I also found Hopper’s journey in this tale to be downright fascinating as well.

Because it is inherently clear that he’s really concerned with being a good dad for Eleven, and apparently having a complete family is something he believes is needed for that, and his pursuit of Joyce is clearly part of the process in getting that to come to fruition and well, it’s just fascinating to see him in this lonely place and vulnerable for a change. In the end however, this was just another fantastic episode, and I love how the plot is chugging along nicely, I love that there’s plenty to keep us interested and how about that Cary Elwes cameo? Too, freakin’ cool. The Duffer Brothers really do a great job with sneaking 1980s icons into this series and well, I’m ready for more. So, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to hunt Russians with Steve and Dustin and Robin. Until next time. 

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