Stranger Things Season 5, Episode 4— Review & Analysis

Episode 4 is one of the most psychological episodes of the season. Every character is fighting not only monsters, but also their own fears, memories, and inner worlds. Through Will and Max especially, the show explores a powerful theme:

“What looks like weakness can grow into real strength.”

Here is a breakdown of the key storylines:

1. Will’s Visions:

Will continues to see events through the eyes of the demogorgons, and even though this ability exhausts him, it becomes important for the first time this episode.

When Joyce is attacked, the demogorgon suddenly pulls back because Will is connected to it and witnessing everything.

This moment shows something big:

Will carries a power that could change the direction of the story.

It hurts him, but it also gives him influence. This duality sets up a major transformation for Will later in the season.

2. Max’s Story:

Max has been unconscious for so long, always shown in a hospital bed with Lucas by her side. But here she returns to us alive, moving, warning Holly.

From her memories, we learn:

1. Vecna guided her through different “rooms” in her own mind. Max is trapped in a mental maze he built for her.
2. The new “Running Up That Hill” sequence is emotionally powerful. She hears the song again, runs toward the sound, and tries to pull herself back to reality where Lucas is waiting. But then…
3. The tape recorder dies. The music stops. Max loses the connection. This creates a heartbreaking moment:

In a world full of monsters and supernatural forces, Max is defeated by something as simple as a dead battery.

It pulls the story back to reality in the most painful way.

When she remains inside Vecna’s mental world specifically the cave we notice something interesting:

Henry follows her but cannot enter the cave.

This suggests:

The cave holds a memory, fear, or trauma from Henry’s past. Its meaning will likely be revealed later in the season.

3. The Military’s “Protection”: A False Sense of Safety

The military begins collecting children under the claim of protecting them. But the group knows this won’t keep anyone safe.

This episode marks one of their first serious strategic moves a reminder that the kids often understand danger better than the adults.

4. Will & Robin: Emotional Mirror

During Robin, Will, and Mike’s conversation, Will sees a version of his past self in Mike’s situation that hopeless feeling of a platonic love.

Robin notices, and they share a soft, emotional moment.

Robin’s words about finding yourself, feeling strong, and feeling free stay with Will.

These words become important later, when:

The team is cornered by demogorgons, and Will remembers that moment and finally feels free.

It becomes a turning point for him. A small conversation becomes the key to survival later in the episode.

5. Vecna’s Manipulation:

Vecna already knows that Will can see through the demogorgons.

That’s why he tries to manipulate him:

He brings back Will’s old insecurities, reminds him of lonely moments, tries to make him believe he is weak.

But Vecna’s strategy begins to fail. Because yes, Will had a difficult childhood. But he also grew up with strong emotional bonds, loyal friends, and a family that truly loves him.

This gives him a strength Vecna did not expect.

Vecna targets children because he sees them as weak. But those same children grow up with every reason to fight him.

This episode makes it clear that Vecna’s long-term plan might eventually turn against him.