Watch Stranger Things S02e07 -

Are you watching the series for the , or are you curious about how this episode connects to the villains in Season 4 ?

: By meeting others like her who have chosen a path of vengeance, Eleven realizes that her "found family" in Hawkins is where she truly belongs. It turns her from a runaway into a hero who chooses to return and fight. Tips for the Best Viewing Experience Watch Stranger Things S02e07

For many, the first instinct is to feel frustrated. However, the "story" of this episode isn't about the Demogorgon; it’s about . To enjoy it, you have to view it as a standalone character study rather than a plot-driver for the Mind Flayer arc. Why You Shouldn't Skip It Are you watching the series for the ,

Here is a helpful guide (and a bit of a "story") on how to approach this unique chapter of the saga. The "Departure" Episode Tips for the Best Viewing Experience For many,

: It expands the universe by confirming there are many other "numbered" children out there, which becomes much more relevant in later seasons (especially Season 4).

: Treat it like a spin-off pilot or a "bottle episode." It has a gritty, 80s punk-rock aesthetic that is very different from the Spielbergian vibe of Hawkins.