Stranger Things S4 Vol 1: Episode List & Quick Recaps

Hey guys! Ready to dive back into the Upside Down? Stranger Things Season 4 Volume 1 dropped, and it was a wild ride! If you're anything like me, you probably binged it in a weekend (or maybe even a day – no judgment!). But with so much going on – new monsters, new locations, and the gang scattered across the country – it's easy to get a little lost. So, let's break down each episode of Stranger Things Season 4 Volume 1. I'll give you a quick rundown of what happened, key moments, and everything you need to remember before diving into Volume 2. Trust me; you'll want to be prepared!

Episode 1: The Hellfire Club

Alright, let's kick things off with The Hellfire Club. Right from the jump, we see that things have changed drastically since the Battle of Starcourt. Eleven, now going by Jane, is living in California with Will and Joyce, trying to navigate the treacherous waters of high school. But, surprise, surprise, she's having a tough time fitting in. Meanwhile, back in Hawkins, our favorite nerds, Dustin, Mike, and Lucas, are embracing their high school personas, especially with their involvement in the Dungeons & Dragons club, The Hellfire Club, led by the one and only Eddie Munson. The Hellfire Club isn't just some after-school activity; it's a central point of connection for the group, a place where they can be themselves and escape the increasingly strange occurrences in Hawkins. Eddie Munson, with his wild hair and even wilder personality, quickly becomes a standout character, embodying the outsider spirit that resonates with many of the show's fans. But things take a dark turn when Chrissy Cunningham, a popular cheerleader, seeks Eddie's help, and then meets a gruesome end, setting off a chain of events that will plunge Hawkins into chaos once again. The introduction of Chrissy highlights the vulnerability that lies beneath the surface of seemingly perfect lives, adding another layer of complexity to the already intricate narrative of Stranger Things. This episode masterfully sets the stage for the season, introducing new characters, re-establishing old dynamics, and hinting at the terrifying forces that are about to descend upon Hawkins. It's a strong opening that leaves you craving more, eager to unravel the mysteries that lie ahead. Plus, we get a glimpse of Hopper, who is very much alive but stuck in a Russian prison. Talk about a cliffhanger! The episode does a fantastic job of juggling multiple storylines, seamlessly transitioning between Eleven's struggles in California, the D&D-fueled drama in Hawkins, and Hopper's desperate fight for survival in the harsh Russian landscape. This intricate web of narratives keeps you engaged and invested in the fate of each character, making the stakes feel higher than ever before. As the episode concludes, the sense of foreboding is palpable, leaving you with the unsettling feeling that the worst is yet to come. The seeds of fear and uncertainty have been planted, and you know that the journey ahead will be fraught with peril and unexpected twists. Get ready, because Stranger Things Season 4 is about to take you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions and suspense.

Episode 2: Vecna's Curse

Okay, so Vecna's Curse picks up right where we left off – with Hawkins PD convinced that Eddie is responsible for Chrissy's murder. Dustin and the gang know better, of course, and start their own investigation. This is where they start to suspect that something supernatural is at play, something far more sinister than they've faced before. They start piecing together the clues, drawing parallels between Chrissy's death and other strange occurrences in Hawkins, leading them down a rabbit hole of mystery and intrigue. Meanwhile, we get our first real glimpse of Vecna, this season's big bad, and let me tell you, he is terrifying! Vecna's curse is not just a simple haunting; it's a meticulously crafted psychological torment that preys on the deepest fears and insecurities of its victims. He's not just a monster; he's a manipulator, a puppeteer who pulls the strings of his victims' minds, driving them to the brink of madness before delivering the final blow. The way Vecna operates is truly chilling, and it sets him apart from the Demogorgon and the Mind Flayer, who were more brute force than strategic mastermind. This episode ratchets up the suspense, and the scenes where Vecna is hunting his prey are genuinely unsettling. The special effects are top-notch, making Vecna a truly menacing presence. And let's not forget about Max, who starts experiencing some seriously disturbing visions. Max's vulnerability makes her an easy target for Vecna, and her struggle to resist his influence is one of the most gripping aspects of the season. The episode delves into Max's past traumas and insecurities, giving us a deeper understanding of her character and her motivations. As she battles against Vecna's curse, we see her inner strength and resilience shine through, making her a true hero in the face of unimaginable horror. In California, Eleven is still struggling to adjust to her new life, facing relentless bullying at school. Her attempts to fit in only seem to backfire, leading to even more humiliation and isolation. However, a glimmer of hope appears when Dr. Owens arrives with a proposition: to help Eleven regain her powers. This sets her on a new path, one that will force her to confront her past and unlock the full potential of her abilities. The episode ends with a sense of impending doom, as Vecna's grip on Hawkins tightens and Eleven embarks on a perilous journey to reclaim her powers. The stakes are higher than ever before, and the fate of Hawkins hangs in the balance. Get ready for a wild ride, because things are about to get even crazier!

Episode 3: The Monster and the Superhero

The Monster and the Superhero sees Eleven agreeing to work with Dr. Owens and returning to Hawkins Lab (cue the flashbacks!). This is a huge turning point for Eleven, as she must confront the trauma she experienced in the lab and try to regain her powers, which are essential to saving her friends in Hawkins. The scenes in the lab are intense and emotionally charged, as Eleven relives her past experiences and faces the inner demons that have haunted her for years. Meanwhile, in Hawkins, Dustin, Steve, and Max continue their investigation into Vecna, trying to understand his motives and how to stop him. They discover that Vecna is preying on victims with past traumas, making Max a prime target. The gang races against time to protect Max, using everything they have learned about the Upside Down to try to outsmart Vecna. Their resourcefulness and determination are truly inspiring, and they prove that even without superpowers, they are a force to be reckoned with. Hopper, in Russia, is facing his own challenges, as he tries to survive in a brutal prison camp. He makes a new ally in Enzo, a guard who is willing to help him escape. Their alliance is born out of desperation and mutual respect, and it provides a glimmer of hope in the bleakest of circumstances. The episode is a rollercoaster of emotions, with moments of hope, fear, and heartbreak. The performances are outstanding, and the chemistry between the actors is palpable. As the episode ends, the stakes are higher than ever, and the fate of Hawkins and its inhabitants hangs in the balance. Eleven is on a journey to reclaim her powers, the gang is trying to protect Max from Vecna, and Hopper is fighting for his life in Russia. The stage is set for an epic showdown, and you won't want to miss a single moment.

Episode 4: Dear Billy

Grab your tissues, guys, because Dear Billy is a tearjerker. This episode is all about Max and her struggle to escape Vecna's curse. We see Max writing letters to her deceased brother, Billy, pouring out her heart and expressing her guilt over his death. These letters serve as a powerful coping mechanism for Max, allowing her to confront her past traumas and find the strength to fight back against Vecna. The scenes where Max reads her letters are incredibly moving, and Sadie Sink delivers a performance that is both heartbreaking and inspiring. As Vecna closes in, Max finds herself trapped in the Upside Down, reliving her most painful memories. The gang races against time to save her, using music to create a connection to the real world and pull her back from the brink. The use of music as a lifeline is a brilliant touch, and it highlights the power of human connection in the face of darkness. The climax of the episode is a heart-pounding sequence where Max confronts Vecna in her mind. She draws on her memories of Billy and her love for her friends to fight back against his influence. In a moment of triumph, she breaks free from Vecna's grasp and returns to the real world, thanks to the efforts of her friends. Dear Billy is a powerful reminder of the importance of confronting our past traumas and the strength we can find in our loved ones. It's an episode that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

Episode 5: The Nina Project

In The Nina Project, Eleven delves deeper into her past at Hawkins Lab, participating in The Nina Project, a program designed to help her regain her powers. Through intense training and memory retrieval, Eleven begins to uncover repressed memories of her time in the lab, including her interactions with other children with special abilities. These flashbacks provide crucial insights into Eleven's past and the origins of her powers. We learn more about Dr. Brenner's experiments and the extent of his manipulation. Back in Hawkins, the gang continues to investigate Vecna, discovering more about his origins and his connection to the Creel House. They uncover a dark and twisted history, revealing that Vecna is not just a monster, but a product of human cruelty and experimentation. The Creel House, with its eerie atmosphere and haunting secrets, becomes a central location in the investigation, adding to the suspense and mystery of the season. Meanwhile, Hopper and Enzo continue their escape from the Russian prison, facing numerous obstacles and challenges along the way. Their journey is fraught with danger, as they must evade capture and navigate the treacherous Russian landscape. Their determination to escape is fueled by their hope of reuniting with their loved ones and fighting against the forces of evil. The episode ends with a sense of urgency, as Eleven makes a breakthrough in The Nina Project, the gang uncovers more about Vecna's past, and Hopper and Enzo inch closer to freedom. The stakes are higher than ever, and the battle against the darkness is about to intensify.

Episode 6: The Dive

The Dive sees the Hawkins crew venturing into Lover's Lake to find the gate to the Upside Down. Steve, being the brave soul that he is, takes the dive. Things go south pretty quickly, and he ends up face-to-face with some nasty creatures from the Upside Down. It's a classic Stranger Things moment – full of suspense, action, and a healthy dose of 80s horror vibes. Steve's willingness to put himself in danger for his friends is a testament to his character development throughout the series. He's come a long way from the self-centered jock we met in Season 1, and he's now a true hero in his own right. Meanwhile, Nancy and Robin are on a mission of their own, trying to get information from Victor Creel, who is locked up in a psychiatric hospital. Their investigation leads them down a dark and twisted path, as they uncover the truth about Creel's past and his connection to Vecna. The scenes in the psychiatric hospital are chilling, and Robert Englund (aka Freddy Krueger) delivers a haunting performance as Victor Creel. In Russia, Hopper and Enzo are getting closer to their escape, but they face a major setback when they are betrayed by Yuri, a smuggler who was supposed to help them. Their escape plan is thrown into chaos, and they must fight for their survival against overwhelming odds. Hopper's resilience and determination are tested to their limits, and he must draw on all his strength to overcome the obstacles in his path. The episode ends with a cliffhanger, as Steve is in grave danger in the Upside Down, Nancy and Robin are on the verge of uncovering a shocking truth, and Hopper and Enzo are facing imminent capture. The tension is palpable, and you can't help but wonder what will happen next.

Episode 7: The Massacre at Hawkins Lab

Okay, buckle up because The Massacre at Hawkins Lab is where things get really intense. Eleven finally unlocks her repressed memories and remembers everything that happened at Hawkins Lab. And what she remembers is… well, it's a game-changer. We see the massacre unfold through Eleven's eyes, and it's brutal and heartbreaking. The episode reveals the true identity of One, the first child with powers at Hawkins Lab, and his connection to Vecna. The twist is shocking and unexpected, and it completely recontextualizes everything we thought we knew about Eleven's past. The massacre at Hawkins Lab is a pivotal moment in the series, and it has profound implications for the future. It sheds light on the origins of Vecna and his motivations, and it sets the stage for an epic showdown between Eleven and her former mentor. Meanwhile, the Hawkins crew is still dealing with the fallout from Steve's dive into the Upside Down. They realize that they need to find a way to defeat Vecna before he destroys everything they hold dear. Their determination to protect their town and their loved ones is unwavering, and they are willing to risk everything to stop him. In Russia, Hopper, Joyce, and Murray are reunited and ready to take on the Demogorgon. Their reunion is a heartwarming moment, and it gives them the strength they need to face the challenges ahead. The episode ends with a sense of foreboding, as Eleven confronts her past, the Hawkins crew prepares for battle, and Hopper, Joyce, and Murray face off against the Demogorgon. The stage is set for an epic conclusion to Volume 1, and you won't want to miss a single moment.

So there you have it – a quick recap of Stranger Things Season 4 Volume 1! What were your favorite moments? Who do you think will survive Volume 2? Let's discuss in the comments below! And get ready, because the Upside Down is about to get a whole lot crazier!