Really conflicted on this one. Some of the episodes here rank up there with the best Stranger Things ever (Dear Billy) and the clear influences from 80s horror make the scarier scenes genuinely tense and thrilling. But it’s also far too long, with tedious pacing and a subplot involving Joyce and Hopper that doesn’t go anywhere and is a waste of Ryder and Harbour, perhaps the two finest actors in the show. Standout characters this season are Max (give Sadie Sink her Emmy NOW) and the new arrival Eddie, who’s arc this season was wonderful. There’s flashes of absolute brilliance here, but so much fat that needed trimming.