What I’m Watching: Stranger Things

Stranger Things: Season 2, Episode 5 “Chapter 5: Dig Dug” (B+)

I like it when all the characters on this show talk to each other, and enlisting multiple generations in missions is always going to win me over. Of course Bob would show up to try to help Will feel better when he and Mike were in the middle of working with Joyce on dealing with this whole shadow monster business, and Joyce was smart to call him back to have help them figure out the secret of his map. His reaction to finding Hopper when they jumped down into the hole was fantastic, and the simultaneous arrival of the men in white suits was ominous, mainly since they were on the same side for once. Nothing was as worrisome as Will writhing and screaming as the monster was being burned, and the hope is that this rids him of the monster’s presence without hurting him in the process. Dustin trying hard to get someone on the radio while he was in full hockey gear dealing with Dart was funny, and I love that Lucas’ sister answered and told him to shut up. Dustin grabbing the flowers from Steve and making him drive was hilarious, and I’m eager to see where that leads. Max didn’t respond well to Lucas telling her the truth, and I’m worried that Lucas is still in the crosshairs of Max’s brother. Eleven’s trip into her mom’s memory was harrowing, and I don’t know where this leaves here. The casting of Brett Gelman as conspiracy theorist Murray Bauman was brilliant, and his alcohol dilution trick presented the ultimate solution that Nancy eagerly voiced, something that I don’t imagine will go as planned but should be fascinating to watch nonetheless.