Episode 6 of Season 4 of Stranger Things opens with a tense police interrogation, centering on the children's account of Patrick's mysterious disappearance. Justin, one of the boys, vehemently insists that Eddie is a conduit for Satanic forces, claiming he possesses the ability to conjure evil spirits. Simultaneously, Wallace, the officer locked away by Sullivan in a cramped locker, stubbornly denies any knowledge of El's whereabouts, though it's evident that the truth will eventually surface.
Elsewhere, Brenner engages Eleven in a profound conversation about her condition. He theorizes that the attack at the Starcourt Mall a year prior has scrambled the signals in her brain, similar to the effects of a stroke. Yet, Brenner remains steadfast in his belief that he can aid Eleven in reclaiming her powers; she simply needs to recall how to harness them. To this end, he presents her with old videotapes, documenting her repressed memories of harnessing her abilities alongside other test subjects. Brenner cautions that they must proceed delicately, revisiting one memory at a time, in order to gently guide Eleven back to her former self.
One particular memory stands out, stemming from Eleven's mother. It transpires that she did not perish during Eleven's birth; Brenner had lied. It is this exact memory of her mother's sorrow that ignites Eleven's ability to harness her powers, at least in the flashbacks she experiences.
The truth, however, is far more complex. Eleven reveals that she was bullied by the other test subjects, who physically abused her and threatened to inform "Papa" if she spoke out. Amidst this chaos, Eleven momentarily loses control, plunging them into a precarious situation.
Meanwhile, in the present, the police stage a press conference, painting Eddie as public enemy number one. The TV broadcast reaches countless eyes across Hawkins, but Eddie manages to sneak a radio message to Dustin, urging him to rendezvous in the woods where he's hiding out.
Elsewhere, Mike and his gang embark on a mission to visit Suzie, who happens to be residing in a madcap house filled with costumed revelers. She's busy fixing an antenna on the roof when they finally catch up with her. Argyle, captivated by Eden, a woman they encounter downstairs, decides to join her for a smoke break outside.
Team Mike and their compatriots embark on a Disney Channel-like adventure, filled with whimsical role-playing, children scurrying around, and espionage antics. The entire spectacle appears strikingly out of sync with its surroundings. Nevertheless, Suzie manages to secure a lock on an IP address tracing back to Nevada, prompting another thrilling pursuit.
Meanwhile, deep within the Russian prison, Hopper's will to survive has waned. He resolutely refuses to consume the food offered by the guards. His cellmates, however, gluttonously devour each meal, unaware of Hopper's warnings. He insists that the food is merely a ploy to fatten them up, rendering them prime targets for the creature lurking behind the massive metal gates in the prison courtyard.
Hopper is convinced that this will be their final meal, and time is rapidly slipping away. Joyce and Murray, meanwhile, persuade Yuri to guide them to the prison, unaware of the danger that awaits.
As they draw nearer, Hopper, Enzo, and the other guards brace themselves for the inevitable confrontation with the Demogorgon. Hopper's preparations include a scuffle with a guard, which results in him being knocked unconscious. But not before he manages to seize the guard's lighter, a crucial tool that could potentially aid them in their upcoming battle.
Elsewhere, at the town meeting, Justin unexpectedly arrives and seizes control of the evening's proceedings. He alleges that the recent killings are the result of satanic rituals, with Eddie at the helm of these dark deeds. He further claims that Hellfire is a front for the club and its members are covering up Eddie's involvement.
The townsfolk, already unnerved, begin to rally behind Justin and accept his claims as truth. Justin urges them to cast out the evil and rid the town of its menace. While some residents eagerly embrace this idea, others remain skeptical.
In the woods, Steve and Dustin continue their playful argument, this time centered around the elusive Skull Rock. It soon becomes apparent that Dustin's compass is malfunctioning, and they deduce that this aberration is somehow connected to Vecna. Remembering previous electrical disturbances, they surmise that another portal may be lurking nearby, potentially leading them to Vecna and his sinister plans.
Together, they trace the origin of the compass's erratic behavior back to the lake. Steve, Robin, Eddie, and Nancy set out on a boat, with Steve stripping down to dive into the depths. There, he spies the ominous red glow of another portal, its presence unsettling and mysterious.
As Steve reaches out to touch the portal, it seems to stir in response. Suddenly, Steve feels a chill and decides to return to the boat. But it's too late; the tentacles of the portal have already begun to stir and reach out. Steve is pulled under the surface and dragged into the Upside Down, a nightmarish realm where winged demobats await. They wrap their long tails around Steve's neck and gnaw at his stomach, leaving him screaming in agony.
