Stranger Things: Season 2, Episode 3 - Chapter Three: The Pollywog (2017)

The episode opens with a recap of the events from the previous season, focusing on the aftermath of the Mind Flayer's attack and the lingering effects on the characters. We see a flashback of Eleven, who is living with Jim Hopper in a secluded cabin in the woods. She is adjusting to her new life, but struggles with her past and the isolation from her friends.

In Hawkins, Mike Wheeler is still reeling from the events of last season and is trying to maintain contact with Eleven, whom he believes is still alive. He is frustrated by the lack of communication and feels a deep sense of loss. Meanwhile, Dustin Henderson is excited about a new pet he found, which he believes is a rare creature. He brings it to school, where he shows it off to his friends, including Lucas Sinclair and Max Mayfield. The creature, which he names Dart, is small and resembles a baby Demogorgon, but Dustin is unaware of its true nature.

At the same time, Joyce Byers is dealing with the emotional fallout of the previous events. She is trying to keep her family together and is particularly concerned about Will, who is still experiencing strange visions and episodes related to the Upside Down. Will's condition is deteriorating, and he is haunted by flashbacks of the Mind Flayer, which causes him distress and confusion.

Dustin takes Dart home, where he continues to care for it, feeding it and keeping it in a makeshift terrarium. He is enamored with the creature, despite its odd behavior. However, Dart begins to exhibit more aggressive tendencies, and Dustin starts to notice that it is growing rapidly. He is torn between his affection for Dart and the growing realization that it may not be safe.

Meanwhile, Eleven is struggling with her powers and her identity. She has been practicing her telekinesis and trying to connect with her friends through her memories. Hopper is protective of her, but he also encourages her to embrace her abilities. He takes her to a nearby store to buy supplies, where she experiences the outside world for the first time in a long while. This outing is both thrilling and overwhelming for her.

Back at school, the boys are increasingly concerned about Dart's behavior. They decide to investigate further, and Dustin leads them to his house to show them the creature. When they arrive, they find that Dart has escaped from his enclosure, leading to a frantic search around Dustin's home. The boys split up to look for Dart, and Dustin is filled with a mix of worry and guilt for not keeping a closer eye on him.

As the search continues, Dart is discovered in the basement, where he has grown significantly larger and is now more aggressive. The boys attempt to capture him, but Dart manages to evade them, causing chaos in the house. In the midst of the commotion, Dart reveals his true nature by displaying sharp teeth and a predatory instinct, which terrifies the boys. They realize that Dart is not just a harmless pet but a creature connected to the Upside Down.

Meanwhile, Will's condition worsens, and he experiences another episode where he is transported back to the Upside Down. He sees the Mind Flayer again, which is now more powerful and threatening. This vision leaves him shaken and confused, and he struggles to communicate what he has seen to Joyce and the others. Joyce is increasingly worried about Will's mental state and the implications of his connection to the Upside Down.

The episode culminates in a tense confrontation between the boys and Dart. They manage to corner him, but Dart's aggressive behavior escalates, leading to a chaotic chase through the house. The boys work together to trap Dart, but the experience leaves them shaken and questioning the safety of their town. They realize that the Upside Down is still a looming threat, and Dart is just the beginning of something much larger.

The episode ends with a sense of foreboding as the characters grapple with the implications of Dart's existence and Will's ongoing struggles. The connection to the Upside Down remains a central concern, setting the stage for the challenges that lie ahead.

At the end of "Chapter Three: The Pollywog," Dustin discovers that the creature he has been keeping, which he names Dart, is not just a harmless pet but a dangerous creature that resembles a Demogorgon. Meanwhile, Eleven, who has been living with Jim Hopper, begins to explore her powers and her past. The episode concludes with a sense of foreboding as the characters realize the threat Dart poses, setting the stage for future conflicts.

As the episode unfolds, we begin with Dustin Henderson, who has been keeping a small creature he found in the woods, which he affectionately names Dart. He is excited about his new pet, showing it off to his friends Lucas Sinclair and Max Mayfield. However, as they observe Dart, they notice its strange behavior and rapid growth, which raises concerns about what it truly is.

In a parallel storyline, Eleven, who is living with Chief Jim Hopper, is struggling with her identity and the limitations of her new life. Hopper is trying to protect her, but he is also strict, enforcing rules that frustrate her. Eleven feels isolated and yearns for connection, which leads her to sneak out and explore the world outside their cabin. She is determined to understand her powers and her past, which she feels is tied to the Upside Down.

Back with Dustin, he and his friends decide to take Dart to the school science lab to learn more about it. They are initially fascinated by Dart's unique features, but as Dart continues to grow, it becomes increasingly clear that it is not a typical pet. The tension escalates when Dart escapes from Dustin's grasp, leading to a frantic chase through the school. The boys are filled with a mix of excitement and fear, realizing that Dart is more than they bargained for.

The climax of the episode occurs when Dart reveals its true nature, resembling a smaller version of a Demogorgon. This revelation shocks Dustin and his friends, who are now faced with the reality that they are dealing with a creature from the Upside Down. The stakes are raised as they understand the potential danger Dart poses not only to them but to the entire town of Hawkins.

Meanwhile, Eleven's journey leads her to a moment of self-discovery. She finds a way to connect with her powers, which she uses to explore her memories and the truth about her past. This exploration is both empowering and painful, as she confronts the trauma of her experiences in the lab and her connection to the Upside Down.

As the episode concludes, the characters are left with a sense of urgency and dread. Dustin realizes that Dart is not just a pet but a creature that could bring chaos to their lives. Eleven, on the other hand, is beginning to understand her strength and the importance of her role in the fight against the forces that threaten Hawkins. The episode ends with a lingering sense of danger, as the characters prepare for the challenges that lie ahead, setting the stage for the unfolding conflict in the season.

In "Chapter Three: The Pollywog," there is no post-credit scene. The episode concludes without any additional scenes after the credits roll. The focus remains on the main narrative and character developments throughout the episode, particularly revolving around the introduction of the creature that Dustin discovers and the ongoing struggles of the characters in Hawkins.

Max is introduced more prominently in this episode as she begins to integrate into the group of friends. She is portrayed as a strong-willed and independent character who is not afraid to stand up to the boys. Her presence creates tension, especially with Lucas, who is drawn to her, while Dustin feels threatened by her confidence. Max's character adds a new dynamic to the group, challenging the boys' perceptions and interactions.

In 'Chapter Three: The Pollywog', Dart, a small creature resembling a baby Demogorgon, is first introduced when Dustin discovers him in the trash can at his home. Initially, Dart is small and cute, and Dustin is fascinated by him, treating him like a pet. However, Dart's true nature is hinted at when he displays aggressive behavior, particularly when he tries to eat Dustin's cat, Mr. Mews.

Dustin's relationship with Dart evolves from curiosity and affection to concern and fear. At first, he is excited to have found a unique creature and names him Dart after the D'Artagnan character from 'The Three Musketeers'. However, as Dart begins to exhibit predatory instincts, especially when he tries to attack Mr. Mews, Dustin starts to realize that Dart is not just a harmless pet but a creature with dangerous potential.

In this episode, Eleven struggles with feelings of isolation and confusion as she tries to reintegrate into a normal life after her time in the Upside Down. She feels disconnected from her friends and is haunted by her past experiences. Her emotional state is further complicated by her desire to find her friends and her fear of being discovered by those who might want to exploit her powers.

Mike is overjoyed to see Eleven again, but he quickly realizes that she is not the same girl he once knew. He is protective and supportive, trying to help her adjust to the world outside the lab. However, he also feels frustrated and helpless as he witnesses her struggles with fitting in and dealing with her traumatic past, which creates a sense of urgency in him to help her feel safe and accepted.

"Stranger Things 2," episode 3 titled "Chapter Three: The Pollywog," contains several elements that may be considered objectionable or upsetting for children or sensitive viewers. Here are some aspects to be aware of:

1. Mild Language: The episode includes some instances of strong language that may not be suitable for younger audiences.

2. Violence: There are scenes that depict violence, including confrontations and physical altercations that may be intense for some viewers.

3. Supernatural Horror Elements: The presence of supernatural creatures and the eerie atmosphere can be frightening, particularly for younger children. The episode features suspenseful moments that may induce fear.

4. Emotional Distress: Characters experience emotional turmoil, including fear, anxiety, and sadness, which may resonate deeply with sensitive viewers.

5. Themes of Isolation and Bullying: The episode touches on themes of social isolation and bullying, which could be upsetting for some children.

These elements contribute to the overall tone of the series, which blends adventure with horror and emotional depth, making it more suitable for older children and teens rather than a family-friendly viewing experience.