The episode opens with a flashback to 1979, where a young Eleven is seen in the Hawkins National Laboratory. She is being trained by Dr. Brenner, who instructs her to use her powers to move objects. During a session, she is shown struggling with her abilities, and Dr. Brenner pushes her to focus. The scene shifts to a chaotic moment when a group of children, referred to as "the numbers," are seen in the facility. Eleven, feeling overwhelmed, accidentally causes a violent incident that results in the death of several staff members. The flashback ends with Eleven looking horrified at the destruction she has caused.

In the present day, the story picks up in Hawkins, where the aftermath of the previous season's events is still being felt. Mike Wheeler is seen in California, video calling Eleven, who is now living with the Byers family. Eleven, struggling with her new life and feeling isolated, is trying to adjust to her surroundings. She expresses her longing for her friends and the life she had in Hawkins. Mike reassures her, but it's clear that Eleven feels disconnected and is grappling with her identity without her powers.

Meanwhile, in Hawkins, the local high school is buzzing with rumors about the recent murders that have taken place. The town is on edge, and the students are anxious. Nancy Wheeler, Mike's sister, is determined to investigate the murders, believing there is a connection to the Upside Down. She teams up with her friend, Robin Buckley, and they begin to dig deeper into the events surrounding the deaths, interviewing classmates and gathering information.

Back in California, Eleven faces bullying at school. A group of popular kids taunts her, and she struggles to stand up for herself. This culminates in a confrontation where she uses her powers to retaliate, but she quickly realizes that she must keep her abilities hidden. This moment highlights her internal conflict and desire to fit in while also feeling the weight of her past.

In Hawkins, the investigation led by Nancy and Robin leads them to a connection between the murders and a Dungeons & Dragons game that the victims were involved in. They discover that the game has a dark reputation and that the players may have been involved in something sinister. This revelation drives Nancy to dig deeper, determined to uncover the truth.

Simultaneously, Jonathan Byers and Argyle, his new friend, are trying to navigate their own challenges in California. Jonathan is worried about Eleven and feels the strain of their long-distance relationship. Argyle, who is laid-back and carefree, tries to lighten the mood but Jonathan remains preoccupied with thoughts of home and his friends.

As the episode progresses, we see a series of strange occurrences in Hawkins. The atmosphere grows increasingly tense as more people begin to experience terrifying visions and nightmares. The connection to the Upside Down becomes more apparent, and the characters start to realize that they are facing a new threat.

The climax of the episode occurs when Nancy and Robin uncover a crucial piece of evidence linking the murders to a mysterious figure known as Vecna. They learn that Vecna is a powerful entity from the Upside Down, and they begin to piece together how he may be involved in the recent events. This revelation sets the stage for the impending conflict and raises the stakes for the characters.

The episode concludes with Eleven receiving a message from Mike, reminding her that she is not alone. This moment reignites her determination to reconnect with her friends and embrace her identity, setting the tone for her journey in the upcoming episodes. The final scene hints at the looming danger of Vecna, leaving the audience with a sense of foreboding as the characters prepare to face the challenges ahead.

In this episode, Chrissy Cunningham, a cheerleader at Hawkins High, experiences a terrifying encounter with Vecna, the new antagonist. She is drawn into a trance-like state where she sees disturbing visions of her past traumas. Ultimately, Chrissy meets a tragic fate when Vecna kills her in a gruesome manner, leaving her body contorted and lifeless in the woods.

Eddie Munson is introduced as the leader of the Hellfire Club, a Dungeons & Dragons group at Hawkins High. He is portrayed as an eccentric and rebellious character, wearing a leather jacket and sporting long hair. His passion for the game and his outsider status are established, setting the stage for his role in the unfolding events.

Vecna is introduced as a powerful and sinister entity that poses a new threat to the characters in Hawkins. His ability to manipulate and prey on the fears and traumas of his victims is highlighted through Chrissy's experience. This establishes him as a formidable antagonist, linking him to the Upside Down and the horrors that the characters have faced in previous seasons.

Nancy Wheeler, driven by her determination to uncover the truth, begins investigating Chrissy's death. She interviews classmates and gathers information about Chrissy's last moments, showing her tenacity and commitment to seeking justice. Nancy's emotional state is one of concern and urgency, as she senses that something supernatural is at play.

In this episode, Eleven is shown struggling with her new life in California, feeling isolated and disconnected from her friends. Her emotional turmoil is evident as she grapples with the loss of her powers and the challenges of fitting in at school. This internal conflict is juxtaposed with the unfolding horror in Hawkins, highlighting her longing for connection and purpose.