dex14

Stranger Things (S4E08) -- "Chapter Eight: Papa"

Runtime: 1hr 25min

Episode 1 Thread: https://forum.dvdtalk.com/tv-talk/65...fire-club.html
Episode 2 Thread: https://forum.dvdtalk.com/tv-talk/65...nas-curse.html
Episode 3 Thread: https://forum.dvdtalk.com/tv-talk/65...superhero.html
Episode 4 Thread: https://forum.dvdtalk.com/tv-talk/65...ear-billy.html
Episode 5 Thread: https://forum.dvdtalk.com/tv-talk/65...a-project.html
Episode 6 Thread: https://forum.dvdtalk.com/tv-talk/65...-six-dive.html
Episode 7 Thread: https://forum.dvdtalk.com/tv-talk/65...wkins-lab.html
Episode 8 Thread: https://forum.dvdtalk.com/tv-talk/65...ight-papa.html
Episode 9 Thread: https://forum.dvdtalk.com/tv-talk/65...piggyback.html

MysterioMan007

Terrific episode. I really don't like Sullivan and hope he gets dead by season's end. Poor Robin, although I'm still not convinced her crush is completely straight. I still don't think they committed to Brenner's death. There's some ominous stuff going on in this episode, with Robin feeling like they won't make it and Max offering herself up as bait. Also, Eddie telling Dustin to "never change" gives off bad vibes about Eddie surviving the season. That scene with Jason and Nancy at the ammo store was tense, if only because Jason is such a skeez. The Alaska storyline still isn't the best, but passable. Onto the finale!

TomOpus

It happened at 3am EST and only lasted 30 mins.

Stranger Things 4 Volume 2 Release Causes Netflix Crash

Cellar Door

Very good episode--significant scenes with all the main players. All the stuff at the Nina bunker was great, and 'Papa' reveals that, yes, he is still a controlling monster. Loved El's rebuke of him and his manipulations.

I posted in the episode 7 thread about the speculation about Will being gay. I expected that would be revealed at some point, but I was skeptical about him being in love with Mike so I was kind of surprised they went there. Of course, Mike is still oblivious, but Jonathan looked like he knew what was up. Anyway, really good work by Noah (Will)--it was heartbreaking when he turns away from Mike to hide his tears.

The scene in Russia with the demogorgon bodies floating in the vats was reminiscent of Aliens (and Alien: Resurrection). And that swarming cloud thing in one of the containers, was that part of the Mind Flayer?! The demogorgon from the fighting ring was still on the loose when they left, right?

I am very worried for the Hawkins gang now. Any of them dying would not surprise me at this point, even one of the originals like Nancy, Steve, Lucas, or Dustin. Feels like they are all in way over their heads. After they dropped off Max, Lucas, and Erica at the Creel house, are the others headed back to Eddie's to go through the gate there?

Gonna take a break now and then watch the finale in a few hours.

Toddarino

Man this was great. I’m totally expecting some deaths, but for some reason won’t be surprised if they keep em alive. I think the core cast is “safe” but I’d love to be wrong as heartbreaking that would be.
I’ll watch 9 tomorrow. Looking forward to it.

Decker

Really loved Episode 8. Wonderful set up. Nice room to allow every major a chance to breathe. Didn't feel too long at all . Knew Will was in love with Mike! I did kind of forgot about that painting he made for Mike's arrival. That was a little rough to reveal at last. Really liked getting to spend a little time with all of the main characters. Worried about who's gonna die, but feel like it's gonna hurt. I will probably have to watch this tonight to not get spoiled.

I also wish that when the Duffers were writing this episode and tried to decide which characters were going to do what, someone would have pulled them aside and asked if they really thought it was such a good idea for the only two actors of color on the show to be the ones that were assigned to make the spears.

Toddarino

Also noticed during the desert chopper scene a Leone/Morricone homage. Or maybe I was just drunk and opening my Kino shipment.

MLBFan24

Finally, Papa is dead (probably). Couldn’t stand that guy everytime he was on screen. I kept thinking pedophile! Not sure how he could talk after being shot in the chest.

Awesome desert explosion, Michael Bay style.

I still think the Russia storyline is pointless and unnecessary.

majorjoe23

It felt like the opening of A New Hope when the soldiers were invading the compound.

lwhy?

I just finished part 8 and I thought that it was fantastic. Really well done. I wonder if Russia capturing the Mind Flayer led to Vecna taking control of the Upside Down and Hopper and crew are going to have to go back and release the Mind Flayer to defeat Vecna? There has to be a reason for this Russia storyline however boring it is. I hope to watch part 9 soon, but I’m out of town with poor internet. It not, I’ll watch it tomorrow night when I’m back home.

OldBoy

now this was a great episode. hearkened back to S1 & 2 for me. smartly written. the kids are the show. the whole Russian storyline is for shit and could careless (think it's pointless), but the rest in US, with the kids, is superb. MBB is really great in this role and should be nominated.

Michael Corvin

Same.

Similarly, El wanting to leave her training early to save her friends halfway across the country while Brenner and Owens argued otherwise was lifted right out of Empire.

dstrauss

It's a basic storytelling trope.

https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.p...pletelyTrained