Season 3, Episode 5 of Stranger Things, titled “The Flayed,” intensifies the threat looming over Hawkins as the Mind Flayer’s influence spreads rapidly through the town’s residents, culminating in the desperate attempt to confirm Billy Hargrove’s possession through the iconic sauna test. This episode is a pivotal turning point, revealing the full extent of the enemy’s plan and forcing the main characters into difficult decisions and dangerous confrontations.
The Sauna Showdown: Confirming the Flaying
Episode 5 is arguably defined by the escalating tension surrounding Billy Hargrove’s increasingly erratic behavior. Suspicions reach a fever pitch, fueled by Nancy and Jonathan’s investigation into the rats consuming fertilizer, and Eleven’s own terrifying vision of Billy. Desperate to confirm their fears, the group – Mike, Eleven, Lucas, Max, Nancy, Jonathan, and Will – devise a daring plan: to trap Billy in the Hawkins Community Pool sauna and force him to reveal his true nature.
The scene is expertly crafted, building suspense with each rising degree of heat. Billy, initially defiant and seemingly normal, gradually succumbs to the Mind Flayer’s influence. As the temperature rises, his demeanor shifts. Veins darken and pulse on his neck, and he unleashes a torrent of threats and information, confirming that he is indeed “flayed”, a puppet controlled by the Mind Flayer. He reveals the Mind Flayer’s plan to destroy Eleven and hints at the growing army of flayed individuals. The sauna test is a brutal, effective confirmation, marking a crucial moment of understanding and panic for the group.
The Expanding Threat: Hawkins Under Siege
Beyond the central sauna sequence, the episode also reveals the increasing scope of the Mind Flayer’s influence. We see further instances of people being flayed, adding to the growing horde. This includes Doris Driscoll, the elderly woman initially reported by Nancy and Jonathan. Her transformation emphasizes the Mind Flayer’s indiscriminate targeting and the lack of safety within Hawkins.
The episode highlights the vulnerability of Hawkins itself. The Mind Flayer’s presence is no longer confined to the Upside Down; it is actively corrupting the town from within. This creates a pervasive sense of unease and foreshadows the inevitable showdown between the children and the monstrous entity.
Cracks in the Code: Decoding the Russian Conspiracy
Meanwhile, Dustin, Steve, Robin, and Erica continue their investigation into the mysterious Russian transmission. They successfully translate part of the code, revealing references to “Starcourt,” “silver cat,” and “the week is long.” Though the full meaning remains elusive, this information provides crucial clues that lead them closer to uncovering the Russian conspiracy hidden beneath Starcourt Mall.
This subplot, while seemingly separate from the main action, is integral to the overall narrative. It introduces a new layer of complexity to the threat facing Hawkins and demonstrates that the Mind Flayer is not the only danger lurking in the shadows. The combination of science fiction horror and Cold War espionage creates a uniquely compelling blend.
The Aftermath: Fear and Uncertainty
The episode concludes with the immediate aftermath of the sauna test. The group is shaken by the confirmation of Billy’s possession and the revelations he unleashes. The weight of responsibility, particularly for Eleven, is palpable. They understand the immense danger they face and the urgent need to protect themselves and the town.
The episode ends on a note of fear and uncertainty. The Mind Flayer’s plan is unfolding, and the children are left grappling with the knowledge that they are facing an enemy far more powerful and cunning than anything they have encountered before. The stakes have been raised dramatically, setting the stage for the intense conflicts that follow.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why did the group decide to use the sauna on Billy?
The group used the sauna because they needed a way to confirm their suspicions about Billy being flayed without putting themselves in immediate danger. The extreme heat was designed to weaken the Mind Flayer’s control, forcing Billy to reveal the truth about his possession.
What exactly does it mean to be “flayed”?
To be “flayed” in Stranger Things means that a person is completely under the control of the Mind Flayer. Their free will is suppressed, and they act solely in accordance with the Mind Flayer’s will. They are essentially puppets, used to carry out the Mind Flayer’s plans.
How did Eleven know Billy was possessed in the first place?
Eleven used her powers to enter Billy’s mind. Through this process, she witnessed fragmented memories and visions that confirmed Billy’s connection to the Mind Flayer and the monstrous entity’s plans for Hawkins.
What was the significance of Doris Driscoll’s transformation?
Doris Driscoll’s transformation into a flayed being demonstrated that anyone could be targeted by the Mind Flayer, regardless of age or background. It highlighted the widespread nature of the threat and the lack of safety within Hawkins.
What clues did Dustin, Steve, Robin, and Erica decipher from the Russian transmission?
They deciphered references to “Starcourt,” “silver cat,” and “the week is long.” These seemingly random phrases proved to be crucial pieces of the puzzle, leading them closer to uncovering the Russian operations beneath Starcourt Mall.
How did the Mind Flayer choose its victims?
While the exact mechanism isn’t explicitly stated, it seems the Mind Flayer uses physical proximity and vulnerability as factors. Individuals near the source of the infection, or those already weakened or susceptible, are more likely to be flayed.
Why was the sauna test considered dangerous?
The sauna test was dangerous because it risked provoking the Mind Flayer and potentially allowing it to strengthen its control over Billy. Furthermore, Billy, even while possessed, remained a physically imposing threat, making direct confrontation extremely risky.
What did Billy reveal about the Mind Flayer’s plans during the sauna test?
Billy revealed that the Mind Flayer’s ultimate goal was to destroy Eleven. He also alluded to the growing number of flayed individuals and the impending attack on Hawkins. This provided crucial insight into the Mind Flayer’s motives and strategies.
How did the sauna impact Billy’s physical appearance during the test?
As the heat intensified, Billy’s veins darkened and pulsed, indicating the Mind Flayer’s struggle to maintain control. This visual cue served as a clear indicator of the escalating tension and the effectiveness of the sauna in weakening the Mind Flayer’s influence.
How did the events of Episode 5 affect the relationships between the characters?
Episode 5 further solidified the bonds between the characters, forcing them to rely on each other’s strengths and support each other through a harrowing experience. It also created tension and conflict, particularly between those who felt responsible for the situation and those who felt powerless to stop it.
What is the significance of the title “The Flayed”?
The title “The Flayed” directly refers to the victims of the Mind Flayer, highlighting the pervasive nature of its control and the growing number of individuals whose bodies and minds have been commandeered by the creature. It emphasizes the dehumanizing aspect of the Mind Flayer’s influence.
How does Episode 5 set the stage for the rest of Season 3?
Episode 5 serves as a pivotal turning point in the season, solidifying the threat posed by the Mind Flayer and establishing the key conflicts and challenges that the characters must overcome. It raises the stakes dramatically and creates a sense of urgency that drives the narrative forward, leading to the explosive confrontations in the episodes that follow.