Stranger Things | S5 E4 | "Sorcerer" Recap & Review | "Shock Jock" Vol. 2 Preview

*SPOILERS AHEAD

Season 5, Episode 4 plunges even deeper into the emotional and supernatural chaos unfolding across Hawkins and the Upside Down. The episode wastes no time, dropping us back into the ongoing struggle of El and Hopper as they continue to battle their way through the Upside Down. Their journey leads them to a massive metal door—one teased since last episode—but the truth behind it is held back for later in the article- keeping tension high and theories flowing.

Meanwhile, Max finds herself forming an unexpected bond with Holly. Max explains the nature of the caves, why she resides there, and how they connect to Henry’s memories, but Holly brings something Max hasn’t had in a long time: a new sense of hope. Through Holly’s perspective, Max realizes she may not be as trapped as she once believed. For a series known for its emotional core, this smaller, more vulnerable moment stands out.

Elsewhere, the group attempts a risky plan to get ahead of Vecna’s mission to capture the remaining kids. Their strategy involves sneaking the kids through the tunnels beneath Hawkins—but in true Stranger Things fashion, even the simplest plan spirals into chaos. A plumbing failure (the most Hawkins problem imaginable) sends everything sideways, adding tension and a touch of dark comedic timing amid the rising horror.

Then there’s Will Byers—quiet for much of Season 4—finally stepping forward into a real storyline. Will the Wise is no longer just a nickname; he’s becoming the group’s greatest chance against Vecna. His connection to the Upside Down, once a curse, now feels like it may be the key to stopping Henry once and for all.

Back in the Upside Down, El and Hopper eventually discover who waits behind the metal door: Number Eight. We haven’t seen her since Season 2, and the callback lands surprisingly well. How she got here and what role she’ll play remains a mystery for now—saved for Volume Two’s Christmas release—but the reveal alone sets the stage for something big.

The final act explodes into absolute chaos. As demogorgons swarm the kids, Vecna himself finally appears and obliterates the military forces standing in his way. His confrontation with Will explains why he has kept him alive: Will serves a purpose that only Vecna fully understands. But the moment turns on its head when Will unleashes a power eerily similar to Eleven’s—destroying the monsters and casually wiping the blood from his nose as if he’s been waiting for this his entire life.

With Eight back in the picture, Will awakening powers he never knew he had, Vecna drawing closer to his final form, and the group’s plans falling apart, Episode 5 is primed to pivot the season into full endgame mode. Expect answers about Will’s abilities, a deeper look at Eight’s connection to Henry and the lab kids, and the beginnings of the final confrontation that will decide the fate of both worlds. The board is set, the players are moving, and Episode 5 is gearing up to be the turning point before the explosive holiday finale.