Stranger Things Season 3 Episode 1 Recap

Netflix’s Stranger Things is back for a long-awaited third season, and we’re recapping all eight episodes. The second season ended with Eleven closing the gate to stop the Mindflayer. Stranger Things Season 3 Episode 1 started as Dustin arrived home from science camp.

Suzie

Dustin came home from science camp disappointed that his friends weren’t there to greet him. What he didn’t know was that they were there to surprise him. After the shock wore off, Dustin showed off his new, powerful ham radio. He wanted to use it to contact his girlfriend from camp, Suzie. Supposedly, she was Mormon and he couldn’t call her.

The kids hiked far up a hill for hours to set up the antenna. Mike and Eleven left before they got there. Dustin called for Suzie repeatedly, but he didn’t get a response. When it was dark, Max and Lucas left, shortly followed by Will. Dustin stayed, and while he didn’t reach Suzie, he caught some Russian chatter. Russian scientists were working to open the gate to the Upside Down.

Heart to Heart

Mike and Eleven were in a blissful state of young love. They would make out in Eleven’s room, but when Hopper saw them, she telepathically shut the door. Hopper went to Joyce for advice on how to deal with them together. Joyce advised him to talk to them on their level and helped him figure out what to say. When it came time to talk, Hopper instead insisted on driving Mike home. He would talk, and Mike would listen. Everything Joyce had coached him on went out the window.

The Real World

Stranger Things Season 3 Episode 1 Recap

Jonathan and Nancy worked together at the Hawkins Post but were having different experiences. Because Nancy was a woman, her responsibilities were centered around getting food and coffee for everyone. When she offered a story idea about the mall’s effect on downtown businesses, they didn’t take her seriously.

Steve was stuck working at the Starcourt Mall’s nautical-themed ice cream. His father was teaching him a lesson, so he took a gap year.

Rats

We saw a horde of rats run into a barn. As they gathered, they spontaneously exploded. Nancy received a call at the Post with a tip about rats. What’s more, a swirl of shadow reminiscent of the Mindflayer formed.

Billy was a lifeguard at the community pool. He arranged to meet Mrs. Wheeler at a motel. She changed her mind, and he got into an accident as something goopy hit his windshield. Billy wandered into the barn, where he was grabbed and dragged down.

What did you think of this episode of Stranger Things? Let us know in the comment section below!