Stranger Things: Season 2, Episode 4 - Chapter Four: Will the Wise (2017)

The episode opens with a dark, eerie atmosphere as Will Byers is in the midst of a terrifying vision. He is in the Upside Down, where he sees a monstrous shadow looming over the town of Hawkins. The scene is filled with tension as Will struggles to comprehend the horror surrounding him. He gasps for breath, clearly terrified, and the audience can feel his panic as he tries to escape the clutches of the shadow.

Cut to the Byers household, where Joyce is trying to help Will cope with his trauma. She is concerned about his well-being and is determined to support him. Will, however, is distant and haunted by his experiences in the Upside Down. He expresses his fear of the shadow, which he refers to as the "Mind Flayer." Joyce tries to reassure him, but Will's emotional state is fragile, and he feels a strong connection to the creature.

Meanwhile, at the Hawkins Middle School, Mike Wheeler is struggling with the absence of Eleven. He is visibly upset and feels a sense of loss. He confides in his friends, Dustin and Lucas, about his feelings. They try to cheer him up, but Mike's heart is not in it. The boys discuss the possibility of finding Eleven, and Mike is determined to do whatever it takes to bring her back.

In another part of town, we see Hopper, the chief of police, investigating the mysterious occurrences surrounding the Upside Down. He visits the lab where Dr. Owens is conducting experiments. Hopper is skeptical of the lab's intentions and is concerned about the safety of the town. Dr. Owens tries to assure him that they are working to understand the Upside Down, but Hopper remains wary.

Back at the Byers' home, Will has another vision. This time, he sees the shadow moving closer, and he feels a sense of urgency. He begins to draw what he sees, trying to make sense of the images in his mind. Joyce notices his drawings and becomes alarmed at the recurring theme of the shadow. She realizes that Will is still deeply affected by his time in the Upside Down.

The scene shifts to the arcade where Dustin and Lucas are playing games. They encounter a new girl, Max, who is skilled at gaming. The boys are intrigued by her confidence and competitive spirit. Max quickly becomes part of their group, and they bond over their shared interests. However, Lucas is particularly smitten with her, which adds a layer of tension to their friendship.

As the episode progresses, Will's visions intensify. He experiences another episode where he sees the Mind Flayer's influence spreading throughout Hawkins. He becomes increasingly distressed, and Joyce decides to take him to the lab for help. She believes that the scientists may have a way to understand what is happening to him.

At the lab, Dr. Owens and his team conduct tests on Will. They monitor his brain activity as he experiences another vision. The tension builds as Will's condition worsens, and he begins to scream in agony. The scientists are alarmed, and Joyce is frantic, desperate to help her son. They realize that Will is still connected to the Upside Down, and the Mind Flayer is using him as a conduit.

In a parallel storyline, Hopper investigates the woods surrounding Hawkins. He discovers a hidden area that leads to a secret entrance to the Upside Down. He is determined to uncover the truth and protect the town from the impending threat. His investigation is fraught with danger, and he must navigate the eerie landscape filled with remnants of the Upside Down.

The episode culminates in a tense confrontation as Will's visions reach a breaking point. He is overwhelmed by the presence of the Mind Flayer, and his screams echo through the lab. Joyce and the scientists scramble to find a way to sever Will's connection to the creature. The emotional stakes are high as they race against time to save him from the clutches of the shadow.

As the episode draws to a close, Will's condition stabilizes, but the threat of the Mind Flayer looms larger than ever. The characters are left grappling with the reality of the situation, and the audience is left with a sense of foreboding as the implications of Will's connection to the Upside Down become increasingly clear.

At the end of "Chapter Four: Will the Wise," Will Byers experiences a terrifying vision of the Upside Down, which leads to a confrontation with the Mind Flayer. Meanwhile, Joyce Byers and Jim Hopper work to uncover the truth about Will's condition, and the group of friends, including Mike, Lucas, and Dustin, continue to support Will as he struggles with his connection to the other dimension. The episode concludes with a sense of foreboding as Will's visions intensify, hinting at the dangers that lie ahead.

As the episode unfolds, we begin with Will Byers, who is still grappling with the aftermath of his time in the Upside Down. He is in the midst of a drawing session at school, but his focus is shattered by a sudden vision of the dark, twisted landscape of the Upside Down. The scene is filled with tension as Will's breathing quickens, and his eyes widen in fear. He sees the shadowy figure of the Mind Flayer looming over him, a reminder of the terror he faced during his abduction.

Cut to Joyce Byers, who is deeply concerned about her son. She is determined to understand what is happening to Will. In her home, she examines the drawings he has made, which depict the Upside Down and the creature that haunts him. Her emotional state is one of desperation and fear, as she realizes that Will is still connected to the other dimension. She seeks the help of Jim Hopper, who is equally troubled by the implications of Will's visions.

Meanwhile, Mike, Lucas, and Dustin are trying to support Will as best as they can. They gather at Mike's house, where they attempt to distract him from his fears. The camaraderie among the boys is palpable, filled with moments of laughter and friendship, but it is overshadowed by the underlying tension of Will's condition. They play games and share stories, but Will's mind is elsewhere, haunted by the visions that continue to plague him.

As the episode progresses, Will's visions become more intense. He experiences another episode, this time in the middle of a school class. The classroom fades away, and he is transported back to the Upside Down, where he sees the Mind Flayer again. The creature's presence is suffocating, and Will's panic escalates. He gasps for air, and the scene is filled with a sense of urgency and dread as he struggles to break free from the grip of the vision.

Back in the real world, Joyce and Hopper are piecing together the mystery of Will's connection to the Upside Down. They conduct research and interviews, trying to find answers. Their determination is evident as they delve deeper into the strange occurrences surrounding Hawkins. The emotional weight of their quest is heavy, as they both feel the burden of protecting Will from the dangers that lurk in the shadows.

The climax of the episode occurs when Will has another vision, this time more vivid and terrifying than before. He sees the Mind Flayer's true form and feels its malevolent intent. The scene is visually striking, with dark, swirling clouds and the creature's grotesque features looming over him. Will's fear is palpable, and the audience can feel the stakes rising as he realizes that the Mind Flayer is not just a figment of his imagination but a real threat.

As the episode draws to a close, Will's fate remains uncertain. He is left shaken and terrified, struggling to comprehend the connection he has with the Upside Down. Joyce and Hopper are left with more questions than answers, their resolve to protect Will only growing stronger. The episode ends on a cliffhanger, with a sense of impending doom as the Mind Flayer's influence looms over Hawkins, setting the stage for the challenges that lie ahead for Will and his friends.

In "Chapter Four: Will the Wise," there is no post-credit scene. The episode concludes without any additional scenes after the credits roll. The focus remains on the unfolding narrative and character developments throughout the episode, particularly concerning Will's experiences and the growing tension surrounding the Upside Down.

Mike Wheeler is portrayed as a loyal friend to Will, showing concern for his well-being. He is determined to support Will and tries to reassure him that he is not alone in facing his fears. Mike's emotional state is one of worry and frustration, as he grapples with the changes in their friendship and the impact of Will's trauma. He also seeks to maintain the group's dynamics, trying to keep the spirit of their friendship alive despite the darkness surrounding them.

In 'Chapter Four: Will the Wise', Will Byers experiences intense visions of the Upside Down, which manifest as he draws a disturbing picture of a shadowy figure. He is haunted by the memories of his time in the Upside Down, and his emotional state is fragile as he struggles to articulate his fears to his friends and family. Will's connection to the Upside Down becomes increasingly evident, as he is unable to escape the grip of the dark entity that continues to influence him.

Joyce Byers is deeply concerned about her son Will's erratic behavior and the drawings he creates. She feels a mix of fear and determination as she tries to understand what he is going through. Joyce's emotional turmoil is palpable; she is protective and desperate to help Will, yet she feels helpless as he becomes more withdrawn and troubled. Her maternal instincts drive her to seek answers, leading her to consult with Dr. Owens at the Hawkins Lab.

The shadow monster in Will's drawings symbolizes the lingering threat of the Upside Down and the trauma Will has endured. It represents his internal struggle and the fear that he cannot escape the darkness that has invaded his life. The drawings serve as a visual manifestation of Will's psychological state, illustrating his inability to fully articulate the horrors he has experienced. This shadow monster becomes a focal point for the characters as they try to understand the nature of the threat they face.

In this episode, the theme of friendship is explored through the interactions between Mike, Dustin, and Lucas as they rally around Will. They attempt to support him despite the challenges posed by his trauma. Their camaraderie is tested as they navigate their fears and uncertainties, but they ultimately demonstrate loyalty and solidarity. The emotional stakes are high as they confront the reality of Will's situation, showcasing the strength of their bond in the face of adversity.

"Stranger Things 2," episode 4 titled "Chapter Four: Will the Wise," contains several elements that may be considered objectionable or upsetting for children or sensitive viewers. Here are some aspects to be aware of:

1. Supernatural Horror Elements: The episode features intense scenes involving the Upside Down, a dark parallel dimension filled with unsettling creatures and imagery that can be frightening.

2. Emotional Distress: Characters experience significant emotional turmoil, including fear, anxiety, and trauma related to past events, which may be distressing for younger viewers.

3. Violence: There are moments of implied violence and danger, including confrontations with supernatural entities that can be intense and suspenseful.

4. Parental Concerns: Themes of parental neglect and the struggles of family dynamics are present, which may resonate deeply and evoke strong emotions.

5. Mature Themes: The episode touches on themes of mental health and the impact of trauma, which may be complex for younger audiences to fully understand.

These elements contribute to the overall tone of suspense and horror that characterizes the series, making it more suitable for older children and adults. Viewer discretion is advised.