Chapter 4 feels like a step up, blending heartfelt character moments with escalating monster mayhem in a way that feels true to the spirit of Hawkins. Set against the continued snowy backdrop of winter 1985, this episode shifts gears by weaving personal confessions and team-ups into the ongoing threat of the evolving plant-like creatures. Everything feels closer to the earlier seasons of Stranger Things and keep things engaging from start to finish.
We pick up with Mike grappling with guilt over Eleven’s injuries from being trapped in a wood pile. Worried and protective as ever, he decides it’s time to come clean to Hopper about the dangers the Party has been facing. Mike carries the emotional weight, showcasing his maturing sense of responsibility and the strain it puts on his relationship with El, who feels sidelined and frustrated as she wants to carry on the hunt. Their interactions carry a tenderness that echoes the interpersonal drama of the original series, a reminder why these kids’ bonds remain the heart of any Stranger Things tale.
Dustin takes centre stage for the majority of the episode. Also wanting to take the fight to the creatures, Dustin splits from his friends and decides to go it alone but it doesn’t take long until he drags a reluctant Steve Harrington into the fray. The introduction of Steve puts some real energy into the show, transforming what could have been another kid-centric investigation into a buddy-cop-style adventure, upping the charisma and humour. Voiced by Jeremy Jordan, Steve’s presence feels like a shot in the arm. First seen during a date turned sour, where he calls his date by the wrong name, this leads directly into a monster attack, forcing him to run and him meeting up with Dustin.
The two fall straight into their double act from the live-action show. They are the fan favourites and it was essential that the creators made this relationship work. The moment Dustin discovers not just Steve’s iconic nail bat but a second one crafted for backup is not only heartwarming but pure fan-service gold that puts a smile on your face. Their partnership crackles with banter as they trap a creature in a meat truck and race toward the incinerator plant to dispose of the threat permanently. Steve’s nervous cool-under-pressure attitude combined with Dustin’s inventive problem-solving creates the show shows most entertaining action sequence so far, delivering something that’s more than a straightforward..
Meanwhile, the rest of the Party isn’t idle. Lucas and Max enjoy a lively outing at the Palace Arcade, providing lighter, nostalgic counterpoints filled with ’80s gaming vibes and budding teenage flirtation. Will gets welcomed into a mosh pit by Nikki Baxter, adding a touch of punk edge and hinting at broader social circles in Hawkins that could tie into the larger conspiracy. These subplots keep the world feeling grounded, even as the central monster hunt intensifies.
The confession to Hopper builds quiet tension that leads to a mad dash to stop it happening once Dustin and Steve incinerate the monsters. Unfortunately, this closing twist feels a bit flat. It might have been wiser to let the episode finish with Dustin trapped inside the incinerator to create a real sense of danger. Yet this is a minor complaint in an episode that otherwise succeeds in advancing both plot and character growth.
The Confession is the highlight of the season so far, thanks to its heartfelt confessions, thrilling action, and especially the lively injection of Steve’s personality. It captures the essence of what makes Stranger Things special: ordinary kids (and one older friend with a spiked baseball bat) banding together against extraordinary evil, all while navigating the awkwardness of growing up. The blend of nostalgia, humour, and horror works here making this animated detour a worthy extension of the universe.
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