Ep 4. The Body

As the fourth episode of Stranger Things season 1, "The Body" starts with the suspenseful search for Will, who had gone missing in the previous episode. His mother, Joyce, is frantically trying to reach out to him through the telephone lines, while Will's friends - Mike, Lucas, and Dustin - head out on their search mission. Meanwhile, Chief Hopper is also investigating the mysterious disappearance, resulting in him finding a peculiar patch of white powder at the site where Will's bicycle was found.

At the same time, Nancy, Mike's sister, goes on a search of her own after a terrifying encounter with the monster that has been wreaking havoc in the town. But things take an unexpected turn when she finds a familiar face in the woods, leading to a difficult decision. While all of this is going on, Jonathan (Will's older brother) is gathering evidence to help with the search, but his efforts are hindered by the bully Steve and his group of friends.

As the episode progresses, the tension builds with each character's search seemingly coming to a dead end. However, a shocking discovery allows the town to come together to mourn, while Joyce refuses to believe the apparent death of her son and instead turns to supernatural means to communicate with him.

"The Body" is a crucial episode in the Stranger Things series as it sets up much of the show's central themes and plotlines. The mystery surrounding Will's disappearance is intensified, and the emotional stakes are heightened as his friends and family try to find him. The introduction of the white powder marks a significant moment in the series, as it becomes apparent that there is something truly sinister at work in the town.

Additionally, this episode focuses heavily on the characters' personal relationships and the bonds that hold them together. Almost every character in the episode grapples with difficult choices and emotional turmoil as they try to come to terms with Will's disappearance. The scene where the small town gathers to mourn together is a particularly powerful moment that showcases the strength and resilience of people in the face of tragedy.

Overall, "The Body" is an excellent episode of Stranger Things that strikes a perfect balance between suspense and emotional depth. It marks a turning point in the series and sets up the rest of the season with great payoff. Fans of the show will undoubtedly find this episode to be one of the most memorable and impactful of the entire series.