Stranger Things | S5 E3 | "The Turnbow Trap" Recap & Review

*SPOILERS AHEAD

El’s journey takes center stage as she finally crosses paths with Hopper within the twisted landscape of the Upside Down. Their reunion is emotional but short-lived, as the pair soon confront a massive, looming barrier—something straight out of Game of Thrones, a towering living wall made of some sort of pulsating lifeform. The disturbing structure hints that Holly may be trapped somewhere beyond it, raising the urgency of their mission. But danger escalates even further when the expanded military force occupying the Upside Down reveals a new device capable of completely shutting down El’s powers. It doesn’t just weaken her—it shuts her down entirely, leaving her frightened, exposed, and devastated at just how vulnerable they truly are.

We also see more of Linda Hamilton’s mysterious new character in this episode. Introduced as a doctor, she carries an eerie authority that far exceeds medical expertise. Soldiers report to her directly, and she navigates the operation with a cool, commanding confidence. Her fixation on El is clear, but her motives are anything but. The show is deliberately teasing that her involvement runs deeper than research—perhaps something tied to the original MKUltra fallout or a personal history yet to be revealed.

Above ground, the character interactions shift in surprising and refreshing ways. Robin and Will—who astonishingly have never had a real conversation before—spark a genuinely interesting dynamic as they team up. Robin blends her anxious humor with Will’s introspective quietness, creating exchanges that feel both new and instantly natural. She also starts mixing more with the rest of the guys, giving the group a renewed energy. Meanwhile, Dustin remains distracted and noticeably distant. He’s present, but mentally somewhere else, and the episode keeps planting seeds that something deeper is going on with him.

Two familiar faces also return this episode: Erica and Mr. Clark. Their reintroductions are brief but welcome, grounding the Hawkins side of the story and hinting that they may both be pulled into the growing chaos sooner rather than later.

As for Henry, his endgame is beginning to form in unsettling ways. He’s back to capturing kids—but this time, instead of hiding them or using them strictly for power, he’s bringing them to his childhood home. It’s symbolic, creepy, and clearly intentional. The house itself becomes a character again, its presence looming in every cutaway like an echo of trauma Henry is determined to rewrite or weaponize.

And then comes the moment fans will be talking about: the group’s risky plan finally moves into action, culminating in an epic Demogorgon fight. As the creature erupts from the shadows, violently thrashing and screeching, the team executes their strategy with desperate precision. For a moment—just a moment—it feels like they might actually be getting ahead of the Upside Down for once. The fight is brutal, cinematic, and wildly chaotic, showcasing what the show does best: blending horror, motion, and emotional stakes in one breathless sequence.

Meanwhile, Holly’s storyline continues to grow more mysterious. After receiving a strange letter and map claiming Henry needs help, she wanders into the woods with a Little Red Riding Hood vibe—cloak-like jacket, basket-like bag, and all. Her journey ends in shock as she encounters an old friend. Max. The shock isn’t just that Max is there—it’s how she’s there, and what her presence means for Henry’s growing influence.