Stranger Things – Season 4, Episode 3

Episode Title: “The Monster and the Superhero”

Full Story Explained

Episode 3 tightens the pressure on every storyline at once. The danger grows clearer, the timelines split further apart, and the characters realize they are racing against something they barely understand.

Eddie on the Run

In Hawkins, Eddie Munson is now the most wanted person in town. After Chrissy’s death, fear has turned the community against him. Jason, Chrissy’s boyfriend, leads a group of angry basketball players who believe Eddie is part of a satanic cult.

Eddie hides out at the boathouse, terrified and confused. He knows a monster killed Chrissy, but the more he tries to explain it, the more impossible it sounds.

To everyone else, Eddie looks guilty.

This sets up a dangerous situation. Eddie isn’t just being hunted by the police—he’s being hunted by people who want revenge.

Max’s Countdown Begins

Max’s visions worsen rapidly. She sees the grandfather clock again and hears Vecna’s voice calling to her.

She realizes something horrifying: the curse works on a timer.

Chrissy died only a few days after her visions began.

That means Max may have only hours left.

She finally opens up to Lucas and admits she feels responsible for Billy’s death. She’s been punishing herself emotionally, believing she deserves pain.

Vecna feeds on that guilt, using it to pull her closer.

The group realizes that emotional isolation is part of the curse.

Vecna doesn’t just attack victims.

He separates them first.

Dustin’s Theory Deepens

Dustin becomes convinced that Vecna is not just a random monster. Unlike the Demogorgon or the Mind Flayer, Vecna thinks, plans, and targets specific people.

He believes Vecna may be controlling the Upside Down rather than serving it.

This changes everything.

If Vecna is acting independently, then killing him may require a completely different approach.

The mystery is no longer just “what is it?”

It’s “who is it?”

Hopper’s Survival Plan

In Russia, Hopper continues to endure brutal imprisonment. He learns that the guards are feeding prisoners to a Demogorgon kept inside the prison.

This is proof that the Upside Down’s influence exists far beyond Hawkins.

Hopper begins forming a plan to survive, even if escape seems impossible. He studies the guards, their routines, and their weaknesses.

He’s not waiting to be saved.

He’s preparing for war.

Joyce Gets a Message

Back in California, Joyce receives a mysterious package containing a Russian doll. Inside it is a note—written in Hopper’s handwriting.

The message confirms the impossible.

Hopper is alive.

Joyce is overwhelmed but immediately determined. With help from Murray, she begins planning a dangerous rescue mission to Russia.

The season’s emotional core shifts.

Hope returns—but so does risk.

Eleven Is Taken

Eleven’s life reaches another breaking point. Dr. Owens arrives and reveals the truth: a new supernatural threat is killing people in Hawkins, and Eleven may be the only one who can stop it.

But she has no powers.

Owens offers her a choice. Come with him and attempt to restore her abilities, or remain powerless while people die.

Eleven chooses to go.

She leaves behind Mike, Will, and her fragile new life, stepping back into a world of experiments and danger.

Ending Explained

Episode 3 connects the season’s main themes.

• Vecna targets emotional trauma and isolation.
• Max is running out of time.
• Eddie is innocent but in extreme danger.
• Hopper is alive and planning to survive Russia.
• Eleven chooses to risk everything to regain her powers.

This episode clarifies that Season 4 isn’t just about monsters.

It’s about facing pain instead of hiding from it.

By the end of “The Monster and the Superhero”, the paths are set.

Max is marked.
Eleven is gone.
And the monster is getting closer.

The next move will decide who lives long enough to fight back.