Yes, despite its controversial reception and perceived disconnect from the main narrative, Stranger Things Season 2 Episode 7, “The Lost Sister,” is crucial for understanding Eleven’s character development and setting up potential future storylines. It explores her past traumas, introduces her to a group of similarly powered individuals, and ultimately informs her decision to return to Hawkins to confront the Mind Flayer.
Deconstructing “The Lost Sister”: More Than Just Filler?
Season 2 of Stranger Things is largely considered a triumph, expanding the world and deepening the characters we’d come to love in its inaugural season. However, Episode 7, “The Lost Sister,” stands out as a sore thumb for many viewers. Shifting the setting entirely away from Hawkins, Indiana, and focusing almost exclusively on Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) as she connects with a long-lost “sister,” Kali (Linnea Berthelsen), the episode felt jarring and ultimately unnecessary to the immediate plot of battling the Mind Flayer. This feeling led to criticism of its pacing, tone, and perceived irrelevance. But dismissing “The Lost Sister” as mere filler is a significant oversight.
The episode delves into Eleven’s painful history at Hawkins National Laboratory. We see flashbacks of her training and experimentation under Dr. Brenner (Matthew Modine), further solidifying her traumatic past. This deeper understanding of her origin story is essential for appreciating her growth throughout the series. Furthermore, it reveals the existence of other children with similar powers, broadening the scope of the world beyond Hawkins and the Upside Down.
The most significant aspect of the episode, though, is Eleven’s confrontation with her darker impulses. Kali’s group embodies a vigilante-style justice, using their powers to enact revenge on those who wronged them. Eleven, initially drawn to their cause, witnesses the consequences of their actions – innocent people caught in the crossfire. This experience forces her to grapple with her own potential for darkness and, crucially, to ultimately reject that path. It’s this internal conflict and resulting decision that informs her return to Hawkins, not just to defeat the Mind Flayer, but also to protect her friends and family from harm.
Without “The Lost Sister,” Eleven’s later actions in the season finale would lack the necessary emotional weight and justification. We wouldn’t fully understand the internal struggle she undergoes or the conscious choice she makes to embrace her heroic role.
Unpacking the Controversies and Nuances
The episode’s controversial nature stems from several factors. Firstly, the sudden change of scenery and introduction of new characters felt out of place within the established narrative. The pacing slowed considerably, and the focus shifted away from the pressing concerns in Hawkins. Secondly, Kali and her group were perceived by some as poorly developed and uninteresting, lacking the charm and depth of the core Hawkins characters. Finally, the episode’s darker tone and themes of revenge clashed with the overall Spielbergian aesthetic of Stranger Things.
However, these criticisms shouldn’t overshadow the episode’s underlying significance. It’s a crucial exploration of Eleven’s identity, her potential for good and evil, and the complexities of her past. While its execution might not have resonated with all viewers, its narrative purpose is undeniable. It offers a glimpse into a wider world of individuals with extraordinary abilities and suggests that Eleven is not alone.
Ultimately, the importance of “The Lost Sister” lies in its character development rather than its plot progression. It’s a necessary detour that allows Eleven to confront her past, grapple with her inner demons, and emerge as a stronger, more determined hero. It serves as a powerful reminder that even those with extraordinary abilities are still susceptible to the temptations of darkness and that true strength lies in choosing the path of righteousness.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into Season 2 Episode 7
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the importance and impact of Stranger Things Season 2 Episode 7:
Is Kali’s group ever mentioned again in subsequent seasons?
While Kali herself doesn’t reappear in a significant role, the implications of her existence and the potential for other individuals with powers are subtly explored in later seasons. The Hawkins Lab experiments and the search for other subjects remain a recurring theme, suggesting the possibility of more “lost siblings” in the future.
Did the Duffer Brothers regret making “The Lost Sister” episode?
While the Duffer Brothers have acknowledged the mixed reception of the episode, they haven’t explicitly expressed regret. They have stated that they understand the criticisms but stand by their decision to explore Eleven’s backstory and expand the world of Stranger Things. They view it as a necessary step in her character arc.
How did “The Lost Sister” influence Eleven’s powers and abilities?
The episode doesn’t necessarily unlock new powers for Eleven, but it does offer her a deeper understanding and control over her existing abilities. She learns to focus her anger and use it to amplify her powers, although she ultimately chooses not to embrace this method permanently.
What would have happened if Eleven hadn’t gone to Chicago in episode 7?
If Eleven had remained in Hawkins, it’s likely that she would have been less prepared to confront the Mind Flayer. The episode provided her with valuable lessons about her identity, her capabilities, and the importance of choosing the right path. Without this experience, she might have succumbed to her darker impulses or lacked the necessary resolve to save Hawkins.
Why was the episode so tonally different from the rest of the season?
The tonal shift was likely a deliberate choice by the creators to highlight Eleven’s isolation and her journey into a different world. By separating her from the familiar setting of Hawkins, they emphasized her vulnerability and her struggle to find her place.
Does “The Lost Sister” offer any clues about the origins of the Upside Down?
While the episode doesn’t directly explain the origins of the Upside Down, it does suggest that the lab experiments and the children’s powers might be connected to its creation or manifestation. The episode hints at a deeper mystery surrounding the Upside Down and its relationship to human experimentation.
How did Hopper react to Eleven leaving Hawkins in episode 7?
Hopper’s reaction is implied through his increasing anxiety and frantic search for her upon her return. He clearly feared for her safety and disapproved of her leaving without his knowledge. This strengthens their bond and reinforces his protective role.
What were the specific powers of the other members of Kali’s group?
Kali possessed the power of creating illusions, while other members exhibited abilities such as super strength and accelerated aging. The diversity of their powers highlights the unpredictable nature of the Hawkins Lab experiments.
Is “The Lost Sister” essential viewing for understanding the main plot of Stranger Things?
While you can technically follow the main plot without watching “The Lost Sister,” it significantly enhances your understanding of Eleven’s character development and motivations. It provides crucial context for her actions in the later episodes and adds depth to her overall arc.
Could Kali return in future seasons of Stranger Things?
It’s certainly possible. The Duffer Brothers have left the door open for Kali’s return, and her storyline remains unresolved. Her character could reappear as an ally or an antagonist, depending on the direction of the story.
Why did Eleven ultimately decide to return to Hawkins?
Eleven’s decision to return to Hawkins was driven by a combination of factors, including her loyalty to her friends, her newfound sense of purpose, and her realization that she couldn’t escape her past. The episode helped her understand that her powers could be used for good and that she had a responsibility to protect those she cared about.
What is the overall message or theme of “The Lost Sister” episode?
The overarching theme of “The Lost Sister” is the importance of choosing the right path and embracing one’s true identity. It explores the themes of revenge, forgiveness, and the power of human connection. It serves as a reminder that even those who have suffered great trauma can find redemption and use their abilities for good.