“The Lost Sister,” Episode 7 of Season 2, stands as the most widely criticized and arguably the worst episode in Stranger Things. Its jarring tonal shift, disconnected storyline, and generally unsatisfying execution disrupt the show’s established rhythm and leave a lasting negative impression.
A Detour Gone Wrong: Why “The Lost Sister” Fails
“The Lost Sister” promised expansion, a glimpse into the broader world of Hawkins Lab’s experiments beyond Eleven. Instead, it delivered a jarring and ultimately unnecessary detour to Chicago, introducing a group of brooding, vengeful misfits led by Kali, another former lab subject. The episode’s problems are multifaceted and contribute to its widespread disfavor.
Tone Deaf and Out of Sync
The core strength of Stranger Things lies in its blend of Spielbergian wonder, Amblin-esque family dynamics, and a palpable sense of nostalgic horror. “The Lost Sister” abandons these elements almost entirely. It’s a bleak, gritty tale of revenge, lacking the warmth and humor that characterize the rest of the series. The abrupt shift in tone feels jarring and unwelcome, making it feel like a completely different show.
Narrative Dissociation
The episode’s primary failing is its disconnection from the main storyline. While the concept of Eleven exploring her past and discovering other subjects is inherently intriguing, its execution feels forced and ultimately adds little to the overall narrative arc of Season 2. The Chicago plotline feels like a self-contained mini-movie rather than an integral part of the Stranger Things universe.
Eleven’s journey in Hawkins, her connection with Hopper, and the escalating threat of the Mind Flayer are all abruptly sidelined. The episode interrupts the momentum of the season, leaving viewers feeling frustrated and impatient to return to the main characters and plot.
Unconvincing Characters
Kali and her crew are presented as troubled individuals seeking justice for the wrongs inflicted upon them by Dr. Brenner and Hawkins Lab. However, their motivations feel underdeveloped, and their actions often come across as overly dramatic and unconvincing. Eleven’s quick acceptance and adoption of their violent methods also feels out of character, undermining her established moral compass. The lack of compelling character development contributes to the episode’s overall lack of emotional resonance.
The “Villain” Problem
While Dr. Brenner is a clearly established antagonist, “The Lost Sister” attempts to introduce another layer of villainy through Kali’s methods of vengeance. However, it fails to effectively explore the moral ambiguities of her actions, instead presenting a simplistic and ultimately uninteresting conflict. The episode never successfully justifies Eleven’s involvement, making her character arc feel forced and unnatural.
In essence, “The Lost Sister” suffers from a combination of poor pacing, underdeveloped characters, and a jarring tonal shift that undermines the core strengths of Stranger Things. It’s a deviation that leaves viewers yearning to return to the familiar comfort and engaging storylines of Hawkins, Indiana.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about “The Lost Sister”
Here are some common questions and answers surrounding the controversial episode:
What exactly is “The Lost Sister” about?
The episode follows Eleven as she seeks out Kali, another child experimented on at Hawkins Lab who possesses the ability to create illusions. They team up with Kali’s group of vigilantes who are seeking revenge against those who wronged them. Eleven grapples with the morality of their methods before ultimately returning to Hawkins to help her friends.
Why do so many fans dislike “The Lost Sister”?
The most common criticisms revolve around the episode’s jarring tonal shift, its disconnect from the main plot, the underdeveloped and unlikeable characters, and the interruption of the season’s momentum. It simply doesn’t feel like a natural extension of the Stranger Things universe.
Does “The Lost Sister” contribute anything important to the overall Stranger Things storyline?
Arguably, very little. While it introduces the concept of other Hawkins Lab subjects, Kali’s character doesn’t reappear in subsequent seasons. The episode provides a brief exploration of Eleven’s past, but that backstory is largely re-explored and expanded upon in later episodes within the main Hawkins setting.
Could “The Lost Sister” have been improved?
Absolutely. Focusing on exploring the broader implications of Hawkins Lab’s experiments while remaining grounded in the show’s established tone and character dynamics could have significantly improved the episode. More nuanced character development for Kali and her crew, as well as a clearer connection to the main storyline, could have made it a more compelling and valuable addition to the season.
Are there any redeeming qualities to “The Lost Sister”?
Some viewers appreciate the episode’s attempt to expand the Stranger Things universe and explore the long-term consequences of the Hawkins Lab experiments. Millie Bobby Brown’s performance as Eleven is consistently strong, even within the context of a flawed episode.
How does “The Lost Sister” compare to other filler episodes in Stranger Things?
While other Stranger Things seasons may have episodes that don’t significantly advance the main plot, “The Lost Sister” stands out due to its complete departure from the show’s core elements. Other filler episodes often maintain the same tone, character dynamics, and atmosphere, making them more palatable to viewers.
Does the Duffer Brothers, the creators of the show, acknowledge the criticism of “The Lost Sister”?
While they haven’t explicitly stated regret for the episode, they have acknowledged the mixed reception and learned from the experience. Subsequent seasons have avoided such drastic tonal and narrative shifts, suggesting an awareness of the fans’ concerns.
Is it necessary to watch “The Lost Sister” to understand the rest of Stranger Things?
No. Skipping “The Lost Sister” will not significantly impact your understanding of the overall Stranger Things narrative. The main storyline progresses independently of the events in Chicago.
What lessons can be learned from the reception of “The Lost Sister”?
The episode serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining consistency in tone and character development. Drastic departures from established formulas can alienate audiences, even if the underlying concept has potential.
Did “The Lost Sister” impact the overall success of Stranger Things?
While the episode received significant criticism, it didn’t derail the overall success of Stranger Things. The show’s popularity remained high, and subsequent seasons were generally well-received.
Are there any theories on why “The Lost Sister” was made in the first place?
Some theories suggest that the episode was intended to set up a spin-off series centered around Kali and her group. However, the negative reception likely dissuaded Netflix and the Duffer Brothers from pursuing that idea. Other theories suggest it was meant to explore Eleven’s moral compass and independence from Hopper, but the execution was poorly done.
Is there any chance that Kali and her group will reappear in future seasons of Stranger Things?
While it’s not impossible, it seems unlikely. The Duffer Brothers have not indicated any plans to revisit those characters, and their storyline appears to have been largely abandoned. However, given the unpredictable nature of Stranger Things, anything is possible.
In conclusion, “The Lost Sister” remains a black sheep in the Stranger Things family, a testament to the delicate balance required to maintain a successful and beloved television series. Its shortcomings serve as a valuable lesson for creators and viewers alike.