The episode opens with a flashback to the 1980s, showing a young Max Mayfield at the grave of her brother, Billy Hargrove. She is visibly upset, struggling with her grief over his death. The scene shifts to the present day in Hawkins, where Max is still grappling with the loss. She is haunted by memories of Billy and feels a deep sense of guilt for not being able to save him.

Meanwhile, in the Byers' home, Joyce and Jonathan are preparing to leave Hawkins. They are packing their belongings, and Jonathan expresses his concern about Will's emotional state. Will is still dealing with the trauma of his past experiences in the Upside Down. Joyce reassures him, but there is a palpable tension as they discuss their uncertain future.

In another part of town, Eleven is struggling with her powers. She is training with Mike and trying to regain her abilities, but she feels frustrated and powerless. Mike encourages her, but Eleven is plagued by self-doubt. They are interrupted by a visit from Argyle, who brings pizza and tries to lighten the mood. However, the atmosphere remains heavy as they discuss the ongoing threats from the Upside Down.

Back in Hawkins, the group of friends--Dustin, Lucas, and Max--are trying to figure out how to help their friend, who is still in danger from Vecna, a new and powerful enemy. They learn that Vecna preys on people's traumas and fears, and they realize that they need to confront their own pasts to save their friend. Max is particularly affected by this revelation, as she feels responsible for Billy's death.

As the episode progresses, the group devises a plan to confront Vecna. They decide to use music as a way to reach Max, who is still in a vulnerable state. They believe that if they can connect with her through her favorite songs, they can help her fight against Vecna's influence. Lucas takes the lead in gathering the music, while Dustin and Max prepare for the confrontation.

The scene shifts to a tense moment where Max is alone in her room, feeling the weight of her grief. She is suddenly drawn into Vecna's world, where she faces her worst fears. In this nightmarish landscape, she sees visions of her brother and the moments leading up to his death. The emotional turmoil is overwhelming, and she struggles to break free from Vecna's grasp.

Meanwhile, the rest of the group is frantically trying to reach Max. They gather at the cemetery, where they believe she will be most vulnerable. Lucas plays Max's favorite song, "Running Up That Hill" by Kate Bush, in an attempt to connect with her. The music reverberates through the air, and Max begins to hear it, slowly breaking through the darkness that surrounds her.

As the song plays, Max's memories flood back, and she confronts her feelings of guilt and loss. She sees visions of her brother but also begins to remember the good times they shared. This emotional journey empowers her, and she fights back against Vecna's control. The music acts as a lifeline, pulling her back to reality.

In a climactic moment, Max manages to break free from Vecna's hold. She screams for help, and the group hears her. They continue to play the song, and Max is able to escape the nightmare. However, just as she thinks she is safe, Vecna retaliates, and the scene becomes chaotic.

The episode culminates in a dramatic confrontation where Max is physically attacked by Vecna. The group rallies together, using their combined strength and the power of music to fend off the creature. In a heart-stopping moment, Max is thrown into the air, and the group watches in horror as she falls.

The episode ends on a cliffhanger, with Max's fate uncertain. The group is left reeling from the events, and the emotional weight of their experiences hangs heavily in the air. The final shot lingers on Max's unconscious body, leaving viewers anxious about what will happen next.

In the ending of "Stranger Things 4, Chapter Four: Dear Billy," Max Mayfield confronts her fears and the threat posed by Vecna. As she is targeted by Vecna, her friends rally to save her, using a plan that involves music to reach her. Ultimately, they succeed in pulling her back from the brink, but not without significant emotional turmoil. The episode concludes with a sense of victory tinged with loss, as the characters grapple with the ongoing threat of Vecna and the implications of their battle.

As the episode nears its climax, the tension escalates in Hawkins. Max Mayfield, played by Sadie Sink, finds herself in a perilous situation as Vecna, the malevolent entity, targets her. The scene is set in the eerie, shadowy realm of Vecna's mind, where Max is trapped in a nightmarish landscape. She is haunted by visions of her past, particularly memories of her brother, Billy, who died tragically. The emotional weight of her grief is palpable, and it manifests as she struggles against Vecna's influence.

Meanwhile, her friends--Lucas, Dustin, and Steve--are frantically working to save her. They devise a plan to use music, specifically Kate Bush's "Running Up That Hill," to reach Max in her vulnerable state. The choice of this song is significant, as it symbolizes a connection to her identity and her fight against despair. As the music plays, the scene shifts between the real world and the dreamlike realm where Max is ensnared. The juxtaposition of the upbeat song against the dark visuals of Vecna's domain creates a powerful emotional contrast.

As the music envelops Max, she begins to regain her strength. The visuals shift, showing her fighting back against Vecna's grasp. The scene is filled with tension as she recalls her memories of Billy, which serve both as a source of pain and a catalyst for her resilience. The emotional stakes are high, and the audience can feel her determination to escape the clutches of Vecna.

In a pivotal moment, Max confronts Vecna directly, declaring her refusal to succumb to his power. This act of defiance is crucial, as it signifies her growth and her ability to reclaim her agency. The music swells, and the scene crescendos with Max breaking free from Vecna's hold, a moment filled with both relief and triumph. Her friends, who have been anxiously waiting, celebrate her return, but the victory is bittersweet.

However, the episode does not end on a completely positive note. As the characters regroup, they are left to grapple with the reality of their situation. Vecna is still a looming threat, and the emotional scars from their battle remain. Max, though saved, is left shaken by the experience, and her friends are acutely aware that the fight is far from over.

The episode concludes with a sense of foreboding, as the characters realize that while they have won this battle, the war against Vecna and the darkness that looms over Hawkins is just beginning. Each character is left to reflect on their personal struggles and the bonds that have been tested, setting the stage for the challenges that lie ahead.

In "Stranger Things 4," episode 4 titled "Chapter Four: Dear Billy," there is no post-credit scene. The episode concludes without any additional scenes after the credits roll. The focus remains on the intense emotional and narrative developments throughout the episode, particularly surrounding Max's struggles and the group's efforts to confront the looming threat from Vecna. The absence of a post-credit scene allows the emotional weight of the episode to resonate without distraction.

During the confrontation with Vecna, Max is targeted due to her emotional turmoil and feelings of guilt over Billy's death. As she is drawn into Vecna's mindscape, she experiences a series of traumatic memories, including her last moments with Billy. In a desperate attempt to escape, her friends, particularly Lucas, try to reach her emotionally, reminding her of their shared memories and love. Ultimately, Max's connection to her friends helps her break free from Vecna's grasp, but she is left severely injured and in a critical state.

Nancy, along with Robin, investigates the recent murders in Hawkins, which they suspect are linked to a supernatural force. They discover that the victims share a connection to Vecna, a powerful entity from the Upside Down. As they delve deeper, they uncover the history of Vecna and his connection to the Hawkins Lab experiments, revealing that he preys on individuals with trauma and emotional pain, which aligns with the patterns of the recent deaths.

Billy's character plays a significant role in Max's emotional journey throughout the episode. As she grapples with her feelings of guilt and loss over his death, flashbacks reveal their complicated relationship. Max reflects on the moments of anger and love they shared, which ultimately culminates in her realization that she must confront her grief to escape Vecna's influence. Billy's memory serves as both a source of pain and a catalyst for her strength.

The group devises a plan to save Max from Vecna by using music as a means to anchor her to the real world. They believe that if they can play her favorite song, 'Running Up That Hill' by Kate Bush, it will help her fight against Vecna's control. Lucas, Dustin, and the others work together to create a distraction while simultaneously playing the song, hoping it will reach her in the mindscape and give her the strength to break free.

The song 'Running Up That Hill' is significant in the episode as it serves as a lifeline for Max during her confrontation with Vecna. It symbolizes her connection to her friends and the emotional support they provide. The lyrics resonate with her struggle to overcome her fears and trauma, and the song becomes a powerful tool in the battle against Vecna's manipulation. Its use highlights the theme of friendship and the importance of emotional bonds in overcoming darkness.

"Stranger Things 4, Chapter Four: Dear Billy" contains several elements that may be considered objectionable or upsetting for children or sensitive viewers. Here are some aspects to be aware of:

1. Intense Horror Elements: The episode features scenes with horror themes, including supernatural creatures and suspenseful moments that may be frightening.

2. Violence: There are instances of violence, including characters in peril and confrontations that may be graphic or intense.

3. Emotional Distress: Characters experience significant emotional turmoil, including themes of loss, grief, and fear, which may be upsetting for some viewers.

4. Death and Trauma: The episode touches on themes of death and trauma, with characters dealing with the aftermath of past events that can be heavy and distressing.

5. Dark Themes: The overall atmosphere of the episode is dark, exploring themes of despair and hopelessness, which may not be suitable for younger audiences.

These elements contribute to the show's mature tone and may require parental discretion for younger viewers.