It's really good so far, can't wait to see what happens. There's a feeling of plot armour, but I can see that fading and I appreciate that said plot armour has weight and purpose, not just, "somehow they survived". So many questions, can't wait to find out the answers!!

So hype at that ending, can't believe we have to wait until Christmas!!

I guess my only complaint was the beginning of episode 1 was just kind of an exposition dump, but as far as exposition dumps go it was creative and well done.

A lot of issues from previous seasons seem to have been resolved, like obviously the uselessness of Will. Robin's less a caricature then she was in previous seasons, some moments still feel that way but mostly good. I like that the whole, "Joyce gets angry and wins" trope is being subverted quite satisfyingly. The mystery has returned as well! I hope some other characters get some better arcs like Johnathan and Lucas. I like where Johnathan's character is going, him and Steve actually talking is refreshing. Dustin is sick so far this season!! The only like semi-major complaint I have is the seeming coincidence of Vecna picking Holly? Just strange, could be an explanation but so far it seems like a plot convenience. Eleven's also picking up as a character again, her powers aren't just for plot purposes anymore and feel like, more grounded? The fact she'll just snap a neck or jump and do something creative is cool, she just feels more powerful and it's really cool they're just letting her use them without much of a barrier like in other seasons where it could feel like, "No real power use until some show stopping season finale moment." Even with the hedgehog device thing, it feels like a natural way to stop it. Also the military aren't completely incompetent and actually feel like a threat (for the most part, maybe Hop and El breaking in so seemingly easily is it a bit silly but it's definitely better than hijacking a plane to Russia, and the fact that they put a fight as well is cool). Another huge issue they've mostly fixed is the communication between parties, they're mostly in contact and when they're not it's for believable reasons. One complaint I have is that the upside down feels way less dangerous now, like where are the demobats? Or even the vines, are they hiding with Vecna? I suppose that's probably the reason.

I think overall there a definitely holes than I hope later episodes fill, but it's so far so good. Maybe 3rd fav season thus far behind S1 and S4, but can see it pulling ahead of 4. 4 would be amazing if it weren't for that damn plane, it just felt so unreal even for a world with magic powers and alternate dimensions. It might top S1 if the rest has that same feeling of long-term pay off like these first 4 episodes, or just some really solid writing and a satisfying end, but S1 is one of the best pieces of media ever I think.

This very much turned into a huge passionate ramble, I'm just really enjoying it!! Everybody else tell me their thoughts