What I’m Watching: Stranger Things

Stranger Things: Season 1, Episode 7 “Chapter Seven: The Bathtub” (B+)

Now, this was a cool episode. I’m not so into the monster stuff, though I guess that is what guides this show a bit, and I’m much more into the fact that, in just half of one episode, everyone who’s well aware that Will is alive came together and is finally on the same page. Hopper was more willing to listen to what Jonathan expected would be taken as the ravings of a madman than he thought, and connecting those two pairs was a great first step. Hopper showing up to the bus to save the day was very satisfying, and now they’re all together, pursuing the same goal. Eleven saving Mike in the last episode was cool, but not quite as much as lifting and then flipping over one of the trucks when they were being pursued. I absolutely love that Dustin called his teacher at night for help building a sensory deprivation tank and that he shot back at his dismissal of the urgency of the situation by reminding him of his motto to never stop being curious. Eleven met Will, which is great, but it sure looks as if he’s about to get snatched by that monster. With just one episode left this season - fortunately, my late start means that season two is just two months away - I’m wondering how much fringe characters like Steve, who may not be as bad as we all thought, will actually play into everything. And are they going to be able to save Will?