Stranger Things: Season 3, Episode 5 - Chapter Five: The Flayed (2019)

The episode opens with a scene in the Starcourt Mall, where a group of teenagers, including Steve Harrington and Robin Buckley, are working at the ice cream shop, Scoops Ahoy. They are busy serving customers when they overhear a conversation about a strange occurrence in the nearby woods. Meanwhile, Mike Wheeler and Eleven are enjoying their summer together, but their relationship is strained as they navigate the complexities of young love. Mike is frustrated with Eleven's growing independence, while Eleven is eager to experience life outside of her past.

The scene shifts to the Byers' house, where Joyce Byers is trying to convince her son, Will, that they need to leave Hawkins. Will is still haunted by his experiences in the Upside Down and is increasingly paranoid about the Mind Flayer's return. Joyce is determined to protect her family, but Will's fears create tension between them. Joyce's concern for Will's mental state is palpable, and she struggles to find a balance between being a supportive mother and addressing his fears.

Back at the mall, Steve and Robin are approached by a customer who seems to be acting strangely. They notice that he is sweating profusely and appears disoriented. As they serve him, they exchange glances, sensing that something is off. After the customer leaves, they discuss the odd behavior and decide to investigate further. Their curiosity leads them to the mall's basement, where they discover a hidden door that leads to a secret Russian facility.

Meanwhile, Nancy Wheeler and Jonathan Byers are working on a story for the Hawkins Post about the recent string of mysterious events in town. They interview a local woman who has been experiencing strange occurrences, including her husband acting erratically. As they dig deeper, they uncover evidence that suggests the Mind Flayer is back and is controlling people in Hawkins. Nancy's determination to expose the truth drives her to confront her editor, who is dismissive of her findings.

The narrative shifts to the Flayed, a group of people who have been possessed by the Mind Flayer. They are seen gathering in a warehouse, where they are being controlled by the creature. The tension builds as the Flayed begin to exhibit violent behavior, attacking anyone who gets in their way. The scene is chaotic, with the Flayed moving in unison, showcasing the power of the Mind Flayer over them.

Back at the Byers' house, Joyce and Will are joined by Eleven and Mike. They discuss the recent events and the possibility of the Mind Flayer's return. Will's visions intensify, and he begins to draw a connection between the Flayed and the creature's influence. The group realizes that they need to take action to stop the Mind Flayer before it can wreak havoc on Hawkins.

Steve and Robin continue their investigation in the Russian facility, where they discover a room filled with surveillance equipment. They find footage of various locations in Hawkins, including the Byers' house and the Wheeler's home. The realization that they are being watched sends a chill down their spines, and they understand the gravity of the situation. They decide to gather more evidence to expose the Russians' plans.

As the episode progresses, Nancy and Jonathan confront the Flayed in the warehouse. They witness the chaos as the Flayed attack a group of people, and they realize that they need to warn the town. Nancy's journalistic instincts kick in, and she pushes Jonathan to help her gather evidence to prove the Mind Flayer's existence. They narrowly escape the warehouse, but not without witnessing the terrifying power of the Flayed.

The episode culminates in a tense confrontation between the main characters and the Flayed. The group bands together, using their unique skills to fight back against the Mind Flayer's influence. The stakes are high as they realize that the fate of Hawkins hangs in the balance. The episode ends on a cliffhanger, leaving viewers anxious to see how the characters will confront the growing threat of the Mind Flayer and the Flayed.

In the ending of "Stranger Things 3," the group confronts the Mind Flayer, which has taken control of Billy and is using him to attack the town. Eleven and her friends work together to defeat the creature, but not without significant emotional and physical tolls. The episode concludes with the group mourning their losses, particularly the fate of Billy, who sacrifices himself to save Eleven and the others. The season ends with a sense of uncertainty as the characters face the aftermath of their battle and the looming threat of the Upside Down.

As the episode unfolds, we find ourselves in the Hawkins mall, where the tension is palpable. The group--comprised of Eleven, Mike, Lucas, Max, Dustin, and Steve--has been piecing together the mystery of the Mind Flayer and its connection to Billy. They realize that the creature is using Billy as a vessel to enact its will, and they must confront him to save their town.

The scene shifts to the old Hawkins lab, where the group gathers to strategize. Eleven, feeling the weight of her powers, is determined to confront the Mind Flayer directly. Her emotional state is fraught with anxiety and determination, as she knows the stakes are high. The group splits up, with some heading to the mall to distract the Flayed while others prepare to confront Billy.

In a tense confrontation, Eleven and her friends find themselves face-to-face with the Mind Flayer, which has taken on a grotesque form, a mass of writhing tendrils and flayed bodies. The visual horror of the creature is matched by the emotional stakes, as they realize that Billy is trapped within it. Eleven reaches out to him, trying to connect with the part of him that remains human. The scene is charged with desperation as she calls his name, hoping to break through the creature's hold.

As the battle escalates, the group fights valiantly against the Mind Flayer. Lucas and Max work together, using their knowledge of the creature to find its weaknesses. Dustin and Steve provide support, showcasing their bravery and camaraderie. The emotional weight of the fight is palpable, as each character grapples with their fears and the possibility of loss.

In a climactic moment, Billy, in a moment of clarity, sacrifices himself to save Eleven. He breaks free from the Mind Flayer's control, allowing her to unleash her powers against the creature. The scene is heart-wrenching, as Billy's final moments are filled with regret and redemption. The group watches as the Mind Flayer is defeated, but the victory is bittersweet, marked by the loss of a friend.

As the dust settles, the characters are left to process their grief. Eleven, in particular, feels the weight of her actions and the loss of Billy. The emotional aftermath is heavy, as they realize the cost of their victory. The season ends with a sense of uncertainty, as the characters face the reality of their world and the lingering threat of the Upside Down.

In the final moments, the camera pans over the town of Hawkins, now quiet but still filled with the remnants of the battle. The characters, though victorious, are left with unresolved feelings and the knowledge that their fight is far from over. The episode closes, leaving viewers with a haunting sense of what lies ahead for Eleven and her friends.

In "Stranger Things 3," episode 5 titled "Chapter Five: The Flayed," there is no post-credit scene. The episode concludes without any additional scenes after the credits roll. The focus remains on the unfolding events in Hawkins, particularly the growing threat posed by the Mind Flayer and the emotional turmoil experienced by the characters as they navigate their relationships and the dangers surrounding them. The episode wraps up with significant developments in the plot, but it does not include any teaser or additional content after the credits.

In 'Chapter Five: The Flayed', Billy is revealed to be under the influence of the Mind Flayer, which has taken control of him. He is seen struggling with his own identity and the pain of his past, particularly his relationship with his mother. The episode culminates in a tense scene where he is forced to confront his feelings of inadequacy and fear, ultimately leading to a confrontation with Eleven and the other kids.

Nancy continues her investigation into the strange occurrences in Hawkins, focusing on the connection between the rats and the Mind Flayer. She and Jonathan uncover evidence that suggests a larger conspiracy at play, leading them to confront the dangers of their findings and the skepticism of those around them, particularly from their boss at the newspaper.

Eleven uses her telepathic abilities to try to locate Billy and understand what is happening to him. She experiences a vision of the Mind Flayer's influence over him, which reveals the extent of the creature's control. This moment highlights her determination to save him, despite the danger it poses to her and her friends.

The Flayed are individuals who have been possessed by the Mind Flayer, turning them into a collective force that seeks to spread its influence. In this episode, the Flayed are shown to be a growing threat as they begin to attack the town, showcasing the Mind Flayer's power and the urgency for the main characters to act before it's too late.

Steve, along with Robin, works at the ice cream shop and becomes involved in the investigation when they discover the strange behavior of the townspeople. His character is portrayed as both comedic and brave, as he tries to help the younger kids understand the seriousness of the situation while also dealing with his own insecurities about his role in the group.

"Stranger Things 3," episode 5 titled "Chapter Five: The Flayed," contains several elements that may be considered objectionable or upsetting for children or sensitive viewers. Here are some aspects to be aware of:

1. Violence and Horror Elements: The episode features scenes of body horror and violence, including characters being attacked and the presence of a menacing creature. The visual effects can be intense and frightening.

2. Death and Threats: There are themes of death and the threat of harm to characters, which may be distressing for younger viewers.

3. Emotional Distress: Characters experience significant emotional turmoil, including fear, anxiety, and feelings of helplessness, which may resonate deeply with sensitive audiences.

4. Mature Themes: The episode touches on themes of possession and control, which can be unsettling, especially for younger viewers.

5. Language: There may be instances of mild profanity or strong language that could be inappropriate for children.

These elements contribute to the overall suspenseful and dark tone of the series, which may not be suitable for all audiences.