Sean Astin is good! And like in LotR, he starts with a silly, supporting character, and ends with our love and sympathy. And two scenes are what we need to love him, when he manages to make us see his feelings only with his expression (something that, for me, only the best can achieve):
1. When he escapes the demo-dog, he looks at Joyce and we shows in his expression not relief for surviving, his face says "I love this woman, and now I can spend the rest of my life with her. I, the nerd, survived, and now I have the chance to be with the girl, to get the reward of having the love of my life"
2. He dies, a stupid, violent death, but his face, lying there being devoured by the demo-dogs, is not one of terror or pain or agony, but an expression of surprise, of doubt, I could say. His faces says "What happened? I did all right, I did my best, I survived against all odds, I was about to get my reward, a happy life with the woman of my dreams... Why I died? This is not right!"
Sean Astin is the man! Even gaining silly roles, he turns them into charismatic people that we can't NOT love!
This episode is amazing, even being partially a clichê!
Too bad we won't see Bob Newby again (even his name is lame, but he's Sean Astin, so...)
49 Reviews
Nail-biting tension and heart-wrenching emotion in a visceral, intense penultimate.
TouchTheGarlicProduction29 October 2017
Warning: Spoilers
This season of Stranger Things started with a slow-burn set up episode, and gradually built from there, with each episode more engaging and intense than the last (with the exception of Chapter 7, which was a good concept poorly timed and executed). Like last season's "The Bathtub", this episode is the culmination of an entire season of ramping up tension and slowly converging characters, finally bringing them all together and setting in motion the end game. And like "The Bathtub" before it, the result is incredibly satisfying (albeit at a great cost this time).
Most of the episode follows our characters' attempted escape from Hawkins lab, which was being invaded by demagorgans last we saw it. This simple premise is executed very effectively, using the most basic elements of horror with shockingly powerful results. It just goes to show that all you need to do to generate tension is to develop characters who feel like real humans and make us believe that they are in real danger of dying. Unfortunately, in order to make us believe that there is a genuine threat, you have to actually kill people off sometimes. The major death in this episode made me very sad and I can see why some people wouldn't like the execution of it because it did feel a little contrived. However, I fervently disagree with those who say that it was not necessary, because without deaths like it the story would lack any form of tension because I would not feel the characters were ever in any genuine danger. The death was absolutely necessary, and while I thought it could have been done a little more realistically, I also thought the lead up to it and aftermath of it were handled perfectly.
The final act of the episode slows down and develops the characters in very interesting, emotional ways. It's great seeing them all come together again, albeit under even darker circumstances. This culminates in their very clever plan to figure out a way of killing the monster, once again hardening back to "The Bathtub". Their plan achieves the desired goal but also backfires, leading to some more tension and the powerful, satisfying conclusion of the episode.
In short, "The Mind Flayer" uses all the best elements of Stranger Things to produce an intense, emotional roller-coaster of an episode.
Most of the episode follows our characters' attempted escape from Hawkins lab, which was being invaded by demagorgans last we saw it. This simple premise is executed very effectively, using the most basic elements of horror with shockingly powerful results. It just goes to show that all you need to do to generate tension is to develop characters who feel like real humans and make us believe that they are in real danger of dying. Unfortunately, in order to make us believe that there is a genuine threat, you have to actually kill people off sometimes. The major death in this episode made me very sad and I can see why some people wouldn't like the execution of it because it did feel a little contrived. However, I fervently disagree with those who say that it was not necessary, because without deaths like it the story would lack any form of tension because I would not feel the characters were ever in any genuine danger. The death was absolutely necessary, and while I thought it could have been done a little more realistically, I also thought the lead up to it and aftermath of it were handled perfectly.
The final act of the episode slows down and develops the characters in very interesting, emotional ways. It's great seeing them all come together again, albeit under even darker circumstances. This culminates in their very clever plan to figure out a way of killing the monster, once again hardening back to "The Bathtub". Their plan achieves the desired goal but also backfires, leading to some more tension and the powerful, satisfying conclusion of the episode.
In short, "The Mind Flayer" uses all the best elements of Stranger Things to produce an intense, emotional roller-coaster of an episode.
Bob Newby, superhero
TheDonaldofDoom16 November 2017
Warning: Spoilers
As soon as those words were uttered, his death was inevitable. No one who says "Bob Newby, superhero" in that way can make it. It meant that for the whole time, I was anticipating a Demogorgon catching him, and that made his safe escape even more relieving. But oh Stranger Things, you just had to do, didn't you? It's the most brutal moment of the show thus far, seeing Bob get ripped to shreds.
But this whole episode was gripping. Lots of fantastic setpieces in the entire lab scene, and when trying to escape it was shocking to see how the Demogorgons have run rampant all over the lab.
And yet despite the intense action, there are tender moments. It's heartbreaking seeing Joyce recounting the past to Will in desperate attempts to bring him back. Finally seeing Will reunited with Eleven is a triumphant way to end the episode, even though anyone would have seen it coming a mile off. That may have been the intention, but it ruined the suspense of the Demogorgons attacking the house, since we knew El would arrive at the last minute and save the day.
All this will no doubt lead to a thrilling conclusion.
But this whole episode was gripping. Lots of fantastic setpieces in the entire lab scene, and when trying to escape it was shocking to see how the Demogorgons have run rampant all over the lab.
And yet despite the intense action, there are tender moments. It's heartbreaking seeing Joyce recounting the past to Will in desperate attempts to bring him back. Finally seeing Will reunited with Eleven is a triumphant way to end the episode, even though anyone would have seen it coming a mile off. That may have been the intention, but it ruined the suspense of the Demogorgons attacking the house, since we knew El would arrive at the last minute and save the day.
All this will no doubt lead to a thrilling conclusion.
"Bob Newby, Superhero"
deepakdst22 June 2019
Warning: Spoilers
I think many of us will forgot the sacrifice that Bob made because of El's entry in the episode.
But this was the episode when we witness the real potential of Bob Newby. The direction was amazing especially the dead demo-dog in the last. I will not say it is the best episode 'cause every episode tends to increase the limit that previous episode sets.
This had me on the edge of my seat!
and_mikkelsen21 June 2022
This episode was intense from the start, picking up from episode 6, making episode 7 completely irrelevant! The episode was also the most brutal thus far and i just couldn't hold my tears back! This will haunt me! Abanded hallways with dead bodies gave me "The Stand" 90's miniseries vibes!
That cliffhanger ending would also have been even better if episode 7 didn't exist!
That cliffhanger ending would also have been even better if episode 7 didn't exist!
Explosive - Horror- Adventure - Drama
joey_isham5 April 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Wow, this episode had it all. Though it was a bit predictable. I think we all knew Bob was gonna die once he assumed the role of "tech hero". And we all knew who was at the door at the very end. But nonetheless, a superb episode where all the characters come together. What I love about "Stranger Things" is the characters. Season two has been a bit slow... well slower than season one. But its these characters that keep me watching. Another awesome thing about this show is it never missteps. It keeps reminding us this is the 80s. For example, the scene when Bob and the kids start talking about how they know BASIC language with computers as if it's this new innovation. Oh how far we've come from BASIC. Anyway, cant wait for the season two finale!!
The Invasion Begins
claudio_carvalho6 January 2018
Warning: Spoilers
The Demogorgons invade the laboratory killing everybody inside and Joyce sedates Will that is connected and giving information to them. There is a blackout locking the laboratory and Hopper and Bob head to get the power and systems back to let Joyce, Will, Mike and Dr. Owens leave the security room. Meanwhile Dustin, Steve, Lucas and Max meet Nancy and Jonathan at the laboratory front gate. Soon Joyce, Will, Mike and Hopper join them and they head to Joyce´s house. But the Demogorgons are hunting them down.
"Chapter Eight: The Mind Flayer" is another great episode of "Stranger Things". Unfortunatelly Bob that was growing in the show is killed by one creature. Eleven will certainly meet the group at Joyce´s house and help her friends to destroy the creatures. My vote is nine.
Title (Brazil): "Chapter Eight: The Mind Flayer"
"Chapter Eight: The Mind Flayer" is another great episode of "Stranger Things". Unfortunatelly Bob that was growing in the show is killed by one creature. Eleven will certainly meet the group at Joyce´s house and help her friends to destroy the creatures. My vote is nine.
Title (Brazil): "Chapter Eight: The Mind Flayer"
Chapter Eight: The Mind Flayer (#2.8)
ComedyFan201021 May 2019
Warning: Spoilers
An episode full of action and tension. A lot has happened in the lab. Bob played an enormous part. When he was lead by the doctor one was on the edge. Although him forgetting the gun on the table already made one predict his death. Once he ran out one felt that he made it and yet a second later it was over. Very well done.
The final scene was also making one think something bad is about to happen. And then Eleven was there. With her typical facial expression. Guess she will save it all. I doubt they will kill her off.
This is just too good
ououzaza28 September 2019
Best Episode Of Season 2 So Far!
judetonynassar16 December 2018
The Most Mind Flaying Episode of the Series
imranfarid-8381119 January 2018
Warning: Spoilers
Breathing...Just Breathing......What an epic showdown has this episode been.
From the doctors to the servants to our favorite Bob, everyone of them faced terrific consequences when the Demo dogs (a treat from Dustin) began to invade the Hawkins Lab.
Starting events from the epilogue of Episode Six, the Demo-dogs did bring havoc as Will, who was also being tortured by the shadow monster to act as the spy, tried to warn Joyce and Mike. As the invasion begins, the lab looses electricity and Bob reluctantly takes the job of getting power back on. The cinematography and camera work is played skillfully here as it moves from one screen to the other seamlessly.
However, when the system reboots and they try to escape, Bob is hunted by the Demogorgon and is ultimately killed off. Such shocking gory death makes me heart-broken. And Will, who is still possessed, tactfully communes with Mike, Joyce and Hopper via Morse code which both gives a hint to the first meeting with Mike and Will and also shows the highlight of the talented young actors' acting displays.
And the last bit of spoiler, Eleven aka Jane's quest really pays off as she reunites with Mike, Hopper and the others. What more can one want from an episode! Just fantastic!!
From the doctors to the servants to our favorite Bob, everyone of them faced terrific consequences when the Demo dogs (a treat from Dustin) began to invade the Hawkins Lab.
Starting events from the epilogue of Episode Six, the Demo-dogs did bring havoc as Will, who was also being tortured by the shadow monster to act as the spy, tried to warn Joyce and Mike. As the invasion begins, the lab looses electricity and Bob reluctantly takes the job of getting power back on. The cinematography and camera work is played skillfully here as it moves from one screen to the other seamlessly.
However, when the system reboots and they try to escape, Bob is hunted by the Demogorgon and is ultimately killed off. Such shocking gory death makes me heart-broken. And Will, who is still possessed, tactfully communes with Mike, Joyce and Hopper via Morse code which both gives a hint to the first meeting with Mike and Will and also shows the highlight of the talented young actors' acting displays.
And the last bit of spoiler, Eleven aka Jane's quest really pays off as she reunites with Mike, Hopper and the others. What more can one want from an episode! Just fantastic!!
A good series turned sour by nonsense writing
andahlin24 November 2017
Warning: Spoilers
This episode annoyed me too much. And SPOILER: It's because of Bob.
First of all, the whole Basic joke. That's not how any of this works.
Second of all, nobody in their right mind would be in a building full of monsters(they have personally seen kill people) and question why someone helping you over radio tells you to go into a closet. He should have died right there. And they would neither have ran through a door, they knew the monsters could get through. And then stand still for a minute for no reason at all.
What did Bobs death even give to the show? If you wanted to paint him a hero. Then his last scenes ruined that. Good job.
Thirdly, why did all the monsters decide to group up to eat Bob, while all the other scientists were just killed, then left to rot?
The behavior of the demo-dogs throughout the 2 last episodes were just too riddled with plot holes.
First of all, the whole Basic joke. That's not how any of this works.
Second of all, nobody in their right mind would be in a building full of monsters(they have personally seen kill people) and question why someone helping you over radio tells you to go into a closet. He should have died right there. And they would neither have ran through a door, they knew the monsters could get through. And then stand still for a minute for no reason at all.
What did Bobs death even give to the show? If you wanted to paint him a hero. Then his last scenes ruined that. Good job.
Thirdly, why did all the monsters decide to group up to eat Bob, while all the other scientists were just killed, then left to rot?
The behavior of the demo-dogs throughout the 2 last episodes were just too riddled with plot holes.
Will Joins the Borg
Samuel-Shovel20 February 2018
Warning: Spoilers
The lab has been compromised and nobody is safe. Hopper, Joyce, & Bob attempt to escape with Will and Mike but must traverse the halls of the lab. Bob must reset the breaker to reset the electricity and gets separated from the group. While trying to escape he gets attacked by the demadogs and dies. The group runs into the rest of the cast in the parking lot and they all head back to Will's house to interrogate him, realizing now that he's a spy for the Upside Down. They make an interrogation room in the shed as to not give away his position to the Upside Down entities. Finally, the thing possessing Will realizes his location and alerts the demadogs. They come to attack the group but Eleven comes and saves the day as the episode ends.
Mike continues to be a jerk to Max. I know he's still upset about Eleven leaving, so hopefully now he'll stop being the worst part of Season 2 now that she's back in his life.
The death of Bob made zero sense. Besides the fact that he's one of the only redeeming characters in season 2, the way they shot his death scene was full of nonsense. When he leaves the basement after turning on the breakers, there's this long shot focused on the gun that he mistakenly leaves behind in his hurry to get out; so he's defenseless. This should come into play right? Wrong! At no point during this would he even have the opportunity to use the gun even if he had kept it. He hides in the closet and then eventually escapes to Joyce. Yes, he should have known that that flimsy door wouldn't hold back the demon dogs so there was no time for them to have this cutesy moment. But the dogs attack him so quickly that even if he had the gun, he never would have had time to grab it, aim, and fire. And there's never a moment where he reaches for where it used to be, any sort of callback to that shot would have been something but they don't do that. Everything about that sequence was poorly made.
Also, you think that the Upside Down demon (whatever you want to call him) would look at Will's house to see if that's where they're hiding him. That would be the first place I'd look! All this is a bit ridiculous.
We've built up to this season finale but it doesn't have the same weight to it as it did last season. Maybe because it's no longer "fresh" (for lack of a better term) but I'm not as emotionally invested in the story this time around. Hopefully the season finale will blow my socks off.
Mike continues to be a jerk to Max. I know he's still upset about Eleven leaving, so hopefully now he'll stop being the worst part of Season 2 now that she's back in his life.
The death of Bob made zero sense. Besides the fact that he's one of the only redeeming characters in season 2, the way they shot his death scene was full of nonsense. When he leaves the basement after turning on the breakers, there's this long shot focused on the gun that he mistakenly leaves behind in his hurry to get out; so he's defenseless. This should come into play right? Wrong! At no point during this would he even have the opportunity to use the gun even if he had kept it. He hides in the closet and then eventually escapes to Joyce. Yes, he should have known that that flimsy door wouldn't hold back the demon dogs so there was no time for them to have this cutesy moment. But the dogs attack him so quickly that even if he had the gun, he never would have had time to grab it, aim, and fire. And there's never a moment where he reaches for where it used to be, any sort of callback to that shot would have been something but they don't do that. Everything about that sequence was poorly made.
Also, you think that the Upside Down demon (whatever you want to call him) would look at Will's house to see if that's where they're hiding him. That would be the first place I'd look! All this is a bit ridiculous.
We've built up to this season finale but it doesn't have the same weight to it as it did last season. Maybe because it's no longer "fresh" (for lack of a better term) but I'm not as emotionally invested in the story this time around. Hopefully the season finale will blow my socks off.
Rip Mikey
maximovlE6 June 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Rip Mikey Walsh. I mean Samwise Gamgee.... Ahh you know who I mean.
This series is hotting up, this show is so much better than I thought it would be. I really hoped that this iconic actor of my childhood would stay a little longer, but alas, he ended up being dinner to the demidogs.
Keep up the good work!
This series is hotting up, this show is so much better than I thought it would be. I really hoped that this iconic actor of my childhood would stay a little longer, but alas, he ended up being dinner to the demidogs.
Keep up the good work!
A great episode with a terrible cliché ending
edi-moldovan4 November 2017
Warning: Spoilers
As soon as Bob said he was gonna go down to put the power back on I said "oh god they are gonna kill him. Please don't kill him in such a cliché manner." I have seen so many movies and if you have seen only like 50 movies in your entire life than yeah it might seem like a total surprise to see Bob dying at the end, but not for me. And I bet not for many people. Movie makers have been using this scenario so many times to write a character out of the story. He is showing bravery and is so close to victory but then out of nowhere and without reason he stops 5 meters away from the exit only to TALK to his love. Like come on please stop that, why would you ever stop while being followed instead of running forward and taking everyone with you to safety. Also there are a couple of details in this episode that were stupid. First he says that it's really complicated to start up the computer and then we only see him use the arrow keys and the enter key. Wow a monkey could have done that but okay. But what really annoyed me is that you see the monsters eating Bob at the end. During that entire episode you see dead bodies all over the lab. Not a single one is being eaten they only have claw marks. so my assumption was, that they only kill but don't eat their victims. But then OF COURSE they have to eat Bob for no freaking reason just to create a more dramatic ending. Boy what a terrible eye for detail and clichés .. Also next episode the doctor isn't even being killed for absolutely NO REASON except him having survive for story purposes. That really made me angry.
But then there are the actors and they are again so incredibly good. All of them without exception play their part to the finest. And that is what makes this series so incredible. Sadly the story and details have been worse this season and filled with a bunch of clichés like the brother of max. The writers sure don't make this series so great - it's the actors and the director.
But then there are the actors and they are again so incredibly good. All of them without exception play their part to the finest. And that is what makes this series so incredible. Sadly the story and details have been worse this season and filled with a bunch of clichés like the brother of max. The writers sure don't make this series so great - it's the actors and the director.
Absolutely outstanding
Joshumms30 March 2022
Chapter Eight
bobcobb3014 November 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Once they got back to the house it got a little ridiculous, but this was another action-packed and enjoyable episode of Stranger Things.
It is not perfect, I think the show is still very overrated by the internet, but it is definitely fun programming and a rare show where I feel pressure to binge as quickly as I can.
This episode proved that slow build and old school horror teases can still work in today's television landscape.
It is not perfect, I think the show is still very overrated by the internet, but it is definitely fun programming and a rare show where I feel pressure to binge as quickly as I can.
This episode proved that slow build and old school horror teases can still work in today's television landscape.
Unnecessary sacrifice
xuezeyang28 October 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Why would they kill Bob? He was at most 3 meters away from a main character and got killed by a monster coming out of no where. His death is just unnecessary. Why would the script writers think killing a new character that people love is OK. Why don't they kill Max's brother instead? What a cliché. This season has been great overall, but this kind of scene just ruins the atmosphere.
Pretty Predictable and Pretty Exciting
Hitchcoc31 October 2017
Warning: Spoilers
All the characters go through hell. Bob dies a hero (but he's still dead). Everyone that matters is together after experiences horrors at the lab (where just about everyone is dead). After the extreme measures to be rescued and the ultimate escape, it is now time to try to figure out how they are going to kill this monster. There appears to her a Borg- liked mentality at work. Based on a Dungeons and Dragons book, Dustin figures things out. Hopper realizes, rightly, that it's a crock (or is it?). We give so much credence to these kids. Meanwhile, our boy Will is apparently the center of this crazy universe. As the whole gang appears to be about to die, a door opens. It's a familiar face.
Seriously guys??
HaveYouEverNoticed6 July 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Come on man, that was the worst death on this show...no, probably one of the worst deaths on tv! Sean Astin's character Bob Newby was always a little different. Kinda weird and nerdy. He clearly wasn't a fighter, but come on, everyone has a fight or flight instinct. He was literally running away from one of those faceless monsters. He saw the damage and destruction that they can do to a body, and after he runs away, and shuts a lightweight door behind him, does he keep running the five or six feet to the gate that would have kept him safe?? Noooo. He stands there looking like an idiot. I would have rather seen him getting dragged out of the closet by his ankles, or even caught right before he reached the first door, but to get taken out because you're just standing there is so stupid. R.I.P Bob Newby...you deserved better...
Laziest writing of the series
the_medicine_man_of_ou13 March 2019
I'll keep it short and sweet. Everything about this episode is predictable to the point of being laughable. If you have watched The Walking Dead, Supernatural, or any TV really, you have seen this episode. Very disappointed considering the rest of the show
How did we go from the worst episode in the show to the best episode in the show?
mohammedalawami-109484 June 2021
Warning: Spoilers
First of all, some of these reviewe are genuinely sickening: 'Oh, wow, my favorite character dies and it's so sad. 2/10, worst episode over'. It reminds me of the people who hate the Mockingjay movies because Finnick died. It's like saying Deathly Hallows sucked because Lupin, Fred and Tonks died. It's like saying Fellowship of the Ring sucks because Boromir died. Writers, listen, just don't kill anyone if you want to make an emotionless piece of media that causes no controversy. I swear, do people not want emotion?
Rant aside, what a phenomneal episode. I could write a 100 page essay on why this episode rocks but let me list everything I like: everyone finally getting together, the emotional talks between Will and Jonathan, Mike and Joyce, Eleven's entrance and finale, the music, the finale, the tension, the scale, the directing, Bob getting his time to shine, his death and the violence. After episode 7, this reminded me why I love Stranger Things.
Rant aside, what a phenomneal episode. I could write a 100 page essay on why this episode rocks but let me list everything I like: everyone finally getting together, the emotional talks between Will and Jonathan, Mike and Joyce, Eleven's entrance and finale, the music, the finale, the tension, the scale, the directing, Bob getting his time to shine, his death and the violence. After episode 7, this reminded me why I love Stranger Things.
See also
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