STRANGER THINGS Season 4 Episodes 1-4 Reaction! | First Time Watch | Millie Bobby Brown
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Quick Read
Summary
Takeaways
- ❖The host was initially upset by Jim Hopper's presumed death, only to be surprised and slightly annoyed by his reveal as alive in Russia.
- ❖Eleven struggles with bullying and the loss of her powers in California, leading to a violent outburst at a roller rink.
- ❖Max grapples with intense grief over Billy's death, experiencing disturbing visions and headaches that connect her to the new villain, Vecna.
- ❖Vecna's attacks are linked to victims' unaddressed trauma and past guilt, making Max particularly vulnerable.
- ❖The power of music is revealed as a potential lifeline against Vecna's psychic attacks, saving Max from certain death.
- ❖New character Eddie Munson is introduced as a charismatic D&D club leader who becomes a prime suspect in Chrissy's murder.
- ❖Jonathan struggles with his long-distance relationship with Nancy and his own coping mechanisms, while Will's unrequited feelings for Mike are subtly highlighted.
- ❖Joyce and Murray embark on a dangerous mission to rescue Hopper from a Russian prison, only to be double-crossed.
Insights
1Hopper's Survival and Russian Imprisonment
The host reacts with a mix of shock and frustration to the revelation that Jim Hopper survived the explosion at the end of Season 3 and is now imprisoned in a Russian gulag. She feels 'fooled' for having cried so hard over his supposed death, but is also excited for his eventual return.
Host's reaction to the Russian doll message and subsequent scenes of Hopper in prison. "You telling me everybody else poofed to ash and my Jimmy boy Harper survived?" []
2Eleven's Power Loss and Bullying Ordeal
Eleven is shown struggling in California without her powers, facing relentless bullying from Angela and her friends. This culminates in a public confrontation where Eleven violently retaliates with a roller skate, highlighting her vulnerability and the emotional toll of her new life.
Description of Eleven's letter to Mike, her experiences at the roller rink, and the subsequent arrest. "I didn't mean with the skate. Like I didn't want her to get that like I just like or just get a drink part." []
3Vecna's Introduction and Trauma-Based Attacks
The season introduces Vecna, a terrifying new entity from the Upside Down, who preys on individuals with deep-seated trauma and guilt. Chrissy and Fred are his initial victims, and Max quickly realizes she is next due to her unresolved grief over Billy's death.
Host's reactions to Chrissy's death, Fred's visions, and Max's realization of her own impending doom. "I swear it has to do with um trauma. If you were if you were somebody who had trauma, it's attacking you because you're vulnerable and weak." []
4Music as a Lifeline Against Vecna
During Max's terrifying encounter with Vecna, the group discovers that playing her favorite music can create a 'lifeline' that allows her to escape his psychic grip and return to reality. This provides a crucial weakness for the new villain.
The frantic search for Max's favorite song and its immediate effect on her during Vecna's attack. "Music. Music. We need music to snap her out." []
5The Creel Family's Connection to Vecna's Origin
Nancy and Robin investigate the history of Victor Creel, a man imprisoned for murdering his family in the 1950s, who claimed a demon was responsible. They uncover evidence suggesting Vecna's origins are tied to the Creel house and predate Eleven's involvement with the Upside Down.
Nancy and Robin's research at the library and their conversation with the asylum director. "Victor Creel claims vengeful demon killed family." []
Lessons
- Communicate openly in relationships, as seen with Jonathan and Nancy, to avoid misunderstandings and resentment in long-distance connections.
- Address personal trauma and grief, as bottling up emotions can leave one vulnerable to psychological distress or, in the show's context, supernatural attacks.
- Recognize the importance of teamwork and collaboration, as the characters repeatedly find success when they unite and share information, despite attempts to protect each other by withholding details.
Notable Moments
The terrifying death of Chrissy Cunningham by Vecna, which deeply disturbs the host.
This scene establishes the heightened horror and brutality of Season 4, setting a new, darker tone for the series and immediately introducing a formidable new threat.
Eleven's violent retaliation against Angela at the roller rink.
It showcases Eleven's emotional vulnerability without her powers and the severe impact of bullying, leading to a morally complex moment for the character.
Max's near-death experience with Vecna and her escape through music.
This is a highly emotional and intense sequence that highlights Max's struggle with trauma, introduces a critical plot device (music as a defense), and is praised by the host as a standout acting performance.
Joyce and Murray's double-cross by Yuri in Alaska.
This unexpected twist leaves the adult characters in a dire situation, complicating the rescue mission for Hopper and raising the stakes significantly, frustrating the host who believed they had a 'win'.
Quotes
"Why the hell did they have to kill Jim? I will never understand that. I don't understand why they wiped him out."
"This is season 4, episode one. Okay. Episode one is terrifying."
"I'm telling you, this this show's giving me I'm going to have nightmares again."
"Max's acting abilities were on fire. the moment she was like running um like that whole everything like she was I just I felt I felt it like she's come a long way."
"Season 4, they're being savage. They are not letting up."
Q&A
Recent Questions
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