6) Bob Newby: Superhero (“Chapter Eight: The Mind Flayer”)
Sean Astin was a lovely treat, and his Bob Newby provided a moment for nerds everywhere to save the day. In another nod to “Jurassic Park,” Bob leaves the safety of Joyce, Hopper, Mike, unconscious Will, and Dr. Owens in order to reset the power and unlock the doors of Hawkins Lab. Bob takes this brave venture all while the entire vicinity is run amok by hungry demordogs leaving nearly everyone dead. Bob is able to free Joyce, Hopper, Mike, and unconscious Will, but at a severe cost. What follows is a brave sacrifice, if also a cruel way to show the world of “Stranger Things” is not forgiving.
7) The Possession of Will Byers (“Chapter Eight: The Mind Flayer”)
You can probably discern at this point that the best moments of “Stranger Things 2” arrive at the end, following the slow burn of the earlier chapters. Chapter eight finds a way to include a reference to “The Exorcist” as Will, possessed by the shadow monsters, pleads for help and lets the band of heroes know he is still “here” by tapping out the word in morse code, while he’s tied up by the group. Physically and emotionally, Schnapp channels Regan of the aforementioned ’70s horror, as those around him desperately try to exorcise the monster. It’s an intense scene with a high volume of editing as we cut between the group translating Will’s messages, and Will acting as pawn for the Mind Flayer.
8) Max Threatens Billy (“Chapter Nine: The Gate”)
Left under the watch of Steve Harrington, Max, Lucas, Dustin, and Mike find themselves threatened by Billy, who arrives in search of his step-sister. Channeling Jack Nicholson in “The Shining” (or trying to), Billy is the bully of Hawkins for the entirety of the series. Billy initially gets the upper hand, beating Steve ruthlessly, until Max stabs him with a syringe, filled with a sedative, knocking him out. As Billy lays dazed, Max takes Steve’s nail clustered bat and tells her sibling to stay away from her and her friends, smashing the weapon between his legs for emphasis. It’s a great moment of payoff from the threat one-dimensional Billy poses, and its great to see another powerful female character put a villain in their place.
9) Eleven Closes The Gate (“Chapter Nine: The Gate”)
Harnessing all of her power, Eleven closes the gate she opened in season one. From watching the scene, we can see the Duffer Brothers didn’t waste the budget they were given. It’s an epic moment for Millie Bobby Brown and David Harbour, whose characters tighten their father-daughter like connection. Eleven and Hopper face the dangerous opening together, strengthening their bond as they work together to save the town, as demordogs fall around them. It’s a cathartic release as the world is saved….and their relationship.
10) The Mind Flayer Watches (“Chapter Nine: The Gate”)
In the powerful and unsettling capper to season two, we see all is not done with the Mind Flayer, who looms over Hawkins Middle School in the Upside Down. Mike, Eleven, Dustin, Lucas, Max, and Will enjoy their safe haven for now, but the threat will certainly be back. It’s a cliffhanger that’s jarring, unsettling, and exciting. Much like the series itself, you have to see it to believe it.
What were some of you favorite moments of “Stranger Things 2?” Let us know in the comments. “Stranger Things” is now streaming on Netflix.
