Kind of saw the ending happening - was the only real way to take the game to Vecna.

Really enjoyed the four eps, but with such a huge cast a lot of the screentime gets lost.

Spoiler warning for episodes 1-4 - don't read on if you haven't seen all four episodes!

Really strong start to the season, though I didn't doubt it for a second as it hasn't yet disappointed me. Episode 4 is a masterpiece, the tension just kept building and building, and that fight scene between the soldiers and the Demogorgons was superb - the direction and camerawork really stood out to me. Obviously, that cliffhanger was epic, Will having powers is a really exciting direction to take this in, and the many hints they're dropping about Will and Mike becoming a thing better not be leading to disappointment. Huge props to Noah Schnapp because the contrast he displayed in that final episode alone was phenomenal. Also really love his blossoming friendship with Robin!

My only real qualm with season 4 was how separated the cast felt - Hopper and Joyce entirely separate for the season, Will/Mike/Jonathan didn't really add much to the plot, and Eleven was on her own for a significant part of the season too - but it hasn't felt that way so far, I've loved all of the main characters being a part of the same mission even if they naturally have to be split up. I think everyone's had at least one moment to shine so far too, the only main character who feels a little background so far is Lucas and I expect he's got some good stuff to come when Max surely wakes up from her coma.

Speaking of Max, I really loved her comeback moment and the subsequent flashbacks! Definitely one of the most exciting narrative threads thus far. I really like Holly so far too, and Karen protecting her from the Demogorgon was Cara Buono's best moment so far. Ted being oblivious to most of it and then nobody really caring when he was in hospital other highlights have been Steve and Robin working at the radio station, Joyce becoming a mother figure to Dipshit Derek, and every scene Erica's in quite frankly.

Also why can't I have Steve and Jonathan fighting over me x

Derek the unexpected star of the season!

Erica is also still incredibly entertaining, what a queen

Okay so I was putting off watching this because honestly the breaks between seasons is far too long for me that I'd lost interest and couldn't really remember what happened in the previous seasons but also couldn't be bothered to rewatch 😅

That being said, I've done an episode each night this week just as something to put on and I'm surprised by how much I've enjoyed episodes 2-4 in particular. I think my love for Winona helps tbf 🤭 The plot seems more thought out this time, there's direction since we know this is how it's all coming to an end. I'm interested in Max's story in particular as it has the most question marks around it and of course the latest Will development. I don't really care about what El and Hopper are doing and I keep forgetting about the other group that's in the upside down (except Steve, he can stay). Having Joyce and Robin teaming up and integrating with Will, Mike and Lucas is great too, they're my two faves anyway so them having scenes together has won me over, basically. Robins character development has been really well done and I love how they're linking that to Will's story. It's nice to see Robin be her own character rather than a goofy side character to add to the plots of Steve and Nancy. I feel like they've kinda ruined Dustin's character in the first half but we'll see what happens with him going forward I guess, Nancy a little too.

Dustin I'm finding annoying though I know he's grieving so ill give him a pass. Steve and Jonathan, this is not the time to be fighting over Nancy.

The standouts are Joyce, Robin, Will, Derek and Erika.

Episode 4 was so great, from Derek going from I can't stand you to new fave character? The funny bathroom scene. The conversation between Robin and Will, then that epic battle. So looking forward to this season in a way I wasn't before it came out.

The wait for the next episodes is killing me, the first 4 so far have been perfect !

Finished the first four - great cliffhanger and nice to see Will finally have a clear role after being a bit sidelined last season. I really liked his developing friendship with Robin. It's a bit too fast-paced at points and I feel like Mike and Nancy's parents hasn't quite hit as really affecting them, but I have really enjoyed it and production-wise, it's an absolute treat and epic and grand as it's ever been.

Dustin has become even more annoying. I loved the little ABBA plug.