Stranger Things (TV Series) Chapter Six: The Dive (2022) User Reviews

Fantastic season

[guyberrick · 9/10 · 16 June 2022]

This season may just be the best one yet for me, as the show continuously proves that it knows its strengths and is able to execute its storylines in the best possible way. It also proves that it is capable of combining many different genres of film/tv in its storylines.

In this episode, the plotline in Hawkins shines the most in my opinion, and had me very tense, intrigued, and glued to my tv. I can't wait to watch the next one, but am so bummed that we'll have to wait a couple of weeks for the last two!

LEAVE STEVE ALONE

[Trey_Trebuchet · 9/10 · 16 July 2022]

One of the best episodes this season, maybe if the whole show. It was tense, emotional, tragic and funny.

The Enzo and Hopper relationship is awesome. I hope that lasts the rest of the season somehow.

Eleven's story somehow gets MORE tragic. She forgets that she was ever bullied, only to continue getting bullied years later in high school... Brown really sells it.

I've said it once before and I'll say it again; the acting in this show is really, really good. I love these characters and what the writers have this far done with the season.

Loved it.

This Can't Be Happening!

[SHU_Movies · 8/10 · 28 May 2022]

Another great episode with one hell of a cliffhanger ending! Not much leaves me lost for words, but I genuinely can't think straight right now. Not going to do a long review because I NEED to watch this next episode right now!

That ending...

[mattrabbi · 10/10 · 29 May 2022]

In this episode, every plotline approaches a certain climax.

Joyce and Murray form a plan to successfully break Hopper out of prison, meanwhile Hopper outsmarts the guards to avoid being killed by a demogorgon. Loved the heartwarming scene between Hop and "Enzo" once he reveals his plan to use fire to fight it, I can't wait to see it all play out.

Another great part is the tension rising in Hawkins due to satanic panic, which is accurate to the time period the show takes place in. Love details like this! And that ending is absolutely shocking, Steve BETTER make it out alive. Had my heart pumping.

The scenes that show us more of Eleven's backstory in Hawkins lab were fantastic as well. The aesthetic was on point, especially during the 1v1s scene. It's really disturbing stuff what they put those kids through, and makes for a thrilling watch.

Overall this episode had great character moments, great aesthetic, comedic scenes that worked well, time period accurate details, and a thrilling+shocking ending. 10/10.

I will do anything for you

[dannylee-78082 · 8/10 · 2 June 2022]

1. Susie has siblings 2. The gang boats 3. El finds out the truth

Great episode. Quality relentlessly remains top notch. NINA storyline has been amazing. Eleven finally found out about her past. Lots of things point that the supposed One guy is Vecna but if it is, I'm gonna have a fun time seeing them explain those two storylines merging.

Jason's been a true menace on the side of the real world. Him being the basketball captain and the initial scene of him leading a pep rally made the rationale for a lot of crowd moving efforts. But I feel like his reaction to the cult actually feels like the most rationale reaction you could have. His suspicions are just confirmed.

Steve touching the gate is just... AHH

Why would anyone even think of diving all the way down there. It was so risky and yeah he paid the price for it. I guess these kids are just fearless. And the Nancy-Steve arc is becoming a little promising but I feel like Steve is going to go in this season and all these death flags are just making things worse. Steve did become a different person over the years and Jonathan and Nancy's relationship in a sense grows from shared experience. Now they are going through a similar traumatic experience.

Really incredible season so far!

I was around back then and yes the Satanism panic was real

[bgaiv · 8/10 · 29 May 2022]

I'm rather unsure how to rate this.

It may well seem silly now to some reviewers, but the "satan panic" WAS a real thing in those days and I was about the age of the main characters.

Rubik's Cubes, New Coke and phenomenal movies were a lot more fun than this, but generally few remember or want to consider the darker pages of the time.

The Jason character is compelling and has a rather in-universe reason to believe in Satanism. I guess what really creeps me out is just how plausible and charismatic that kid is when I would quite easily be the target of his wrath.

But a panic hardly requires anything really to happen.

I just don't know yet what to think of this episode.

Though, I'm fairly sure they screwed up the whole notion of IP addresses and such. The precursors certainly existed but I'll have to check on the details in the morning.

Things are getting interesting

[Mesina02 · 8/10 · 14 July 2022]

The episode is pretty much closing in on the season's climax and you can feel it to with the sense of suspense and tension that it raises ever so slowly.

I like how episode by episode a new situation or problem emerges that the group(s) have to find a solution to get passed. Not only does make it interesting but it builds chemistry between the characters and this is the point in the season where they have the opportunity to do that before the end.

This is no different than the last episode and to be honest I can kind of think the nina project is slightly better than the dive but overall this is a solid episode.

Another great hour AND 20 mins of television

[raj-bhullar · 9/10 · 28 May 2022]

This season has been fantastic. You can feel the tension and mystery about Vecna and El's past rising in this episode. Episode 4 has been my favorite so far and I really hope the part 1 finale can top that. This episode was not that far off in terms of overall quality than episode 4. Not my favourite but still pretty close. I have been hooked every episode and this does the job as well. Like all episodes (except the first episode which was slow) this had a great opener, middle part and ending. Thoroughly entertaining. Not one moment I felt bored. The episode was very intriguing. I wanna watch the part 1 finale right away but I have been watching this all night and it's morning now. So saving the finale for tomorrow. The duffer brothers and Netflix went all out this season with an hour and twenty minute long episodes. Only episode 2 felt too long to me, the rest of the episodes I enjoyed this length. I have heard the final two episodes are movie length which is just amazing. How they can keep you hooked for this long is amazing. In many long episodes (for other series) sometimes get bored due to unnecessary scenes which do not progress the story forward or around it. In stranger things 4 I have not found these sort of scenes. Every scene revolves around the story or progresses it forward. Every episode has been consistent with top quality and storytelling. This season has been a masterclass so far. And I'm grateful that I'm watching such incredible television. So far the most entertaining Stranger Things season. I have never given these many 9's and 10's. May be Westworld season 1 and true detective season 1 lol. Another 9/10 from me.

Deep sea diving

[ethangeorgephillips · 9/10 · 29 May 2022]

"The Dive" is the penultimate episode of Vol 1 It does a spectacular job of setting up the mid season finale. Eleven has a lot of screen time in this episode. Eleven reliving her past is truly great to watch. This storyline also gets us to know and learn about the other subjects in the lab, and demonstrates the harsh and competitive environment that Eleven went through, giving us more empathy for her, because of what she has to go through. The lighting of the lab is a bit dark and grainy but the rainbow in the background should bring life into the room, but it's cleverly fits into the dark and dower atmosphere of the lab which mirrors the mindset of the subjects.

The Hawkins gang gets split in this episode which is interesting to see how they work together when they are separated. As a big fan of Steve it's great seeing him take a leadership role and take command. Again remaining is the superb character development he has had.

Hoppers character arc this episode flip flops from defeated to fighting multiple times. This shows the power of the soviets to break a man. As Hopper has never faced such a challenge. A new character called Enzo is surprisingly entertaining and becoming a good support character to Hopper.

This episode leaves us on a absolutely dramatic cliffhanger which makes it impossible to Not watch the finale straight away.

This episode is one of the best of the season so far, and sets up what should be a finale to remember.

ST just keeps getting better

[gedikreverdi · 10/10 · 2 June 2022]

The jock caused a satanic panic in town by saying that the murders are satanic rituals of the nerds while the nerds spotted the gate to the Upside Down by a compass which is at the bottom of a lake (I have thalassaphobia so it was truly scary for me to watch) and everyone in the boat entered the down under to save Steve who's being attacked by giant bats there. El is being bullied even in the simulation and she knows she killed them all in the past. Also, the hacker is hilarious and I loved how they found the address of the phone number with their computer. ST was already a good show but it's getting more and more thrilling and I seriously don't understand why some claim that it's become worse.

Tensions grow

[michaelfunk-46264 · 8/10 · 27 May 2022]

This whole episode was just a continuous ratcheting up of tensions until the absolutely bombastic finale. Episode 7 is about to be absolutely stellar.

Tonal Whiplash

[ariadnese · 7/10 · 1 June 2022]

Overall I think this season is pretty strong, but this episode and the last really suffered from being a tonal mess and characters making some questionable choices. It seems the more comedic the show goes the harder it is to watch.

The Great/Serious: Hopper's time in the Russian prison has been the most consistent part of the series. Beautifully shot, strong characters and I love the back and forth between him and Enzo, it's a good underdog/anti-hero combo. Everything feels so authentic.

You also have El's training, which is slowly starting to give us some hints about her past and some good mystery about the program and her father. There's a great eerie 'dreamlike' quality that just puts you on edge.

The satanic panic part is in the serious category as well, but it felt a bit forced. Maybe if it had taken place in a church it wouldn't be such a leap to have all the townspeople buy that DnD is a devil cult that helped Eddie to horrifically murder people.

The pretty good/adventure: I like the Hawkins 'scoobies', to barrow a phrase from Buffy. They generally have good chemistry/dialog and they're scenes are always fun to watch. They're clue hopping is a bit much, though. Each ending scene in this episode is 'Wait, now we need to go here!" It's a nice contrast to Hopper being stuck in one place but it leads to some very questionable decisions to rush off to their new adventure.

They think a gate, which they need El to close, is at the bottom of the lake and their plan is to...do what exactly? They have absolutely no idea whatsoever, and yet they go out onto the lake and let Steve swim down. Really, with a murderous demon loose, seeing the magnet would be more than enough to convince me. Why swim down and touch it, what did you think was going to happen??? Why bring Eddie with you back to the scene of the crime he's running from? I love the ending sequence but it's undercut by how freaking dumb that was just to get someone into the upside-down.

The questionable/comedic: Lets start with the FAR lesser of two evils; Joyce, Murry, and Yuri in a madcap comedy or errors. This plotline is a bit tainted from the last episode. There are some scenes I like here and I get what they're going for. It's just that Joyce and Murry are so far out of their wheelhouse it's just hard to believe anything that's happening to them. Hopper is ex-military/police, Joyce is ex-MLM mom and Murry is not much better (although I like his back and forth with Yuri here). You can have a funny show about fish out of water characters, Mr. Bean style. However when you juxtapose that with brutal torture and realistic imprisonment, it just takes me out of the show.

And the worst of the worst, does it really need to be said? The plotline with Mike and friends goes from a jaw-droppingly, deadly shootout, where they burry a dead body, to a whacky Disneyesque ''''comedy'''' that is so manic I don't even fully understand what is happening. It's like watching Goodfellas and someone spliced in scenes from The Garbage Pail Kids. It's is the most baffling writing/direction decision I've ever seen by someone that is clearly talented.

5 stars - The heart is gone

[jeff-holtorf · 5/10 · 12 June 2022]

The show as we knew it from S1,2, has gone away. This "Nightmare on Elm Street', 'Fright Night', 'Evil Dead' theme is old, boring and quite frankly is insulting. They have ruined good characters and the vibe of what ST made so much fun to watch. Now it's pure shock and awe.

An Episode so Full of Character

[TRIDENT1745 · 10/10 · 28 May 2022]

This is the most charismatic and fun episode in the whole season. LOVE the reintroduction of Susie (I was expecting to never see her again). The full revelation of Hopper's storyline with Antonov is so satisfying, and Murray absolutely carries the comic relief.

Another top notch episode again.

Nice

[gianmarcoronconi · 9/10 · 4 July 2022]

Crucial episode for the plot that makes us understand where and how the enemy passes and hits and begin to understand what he is doing while 11 continues to rediscover his past and his powers.

The Low reviews I don't get

[swadwolf1 · 9/10 · 31 May 2022]

Can't believe some are rating this episode 2 lol you wouldn't know good tv if it fell on your head,the story is getting better and much darker than earlier seasons the acting is great I'm not gonna include spoilers but seriously if you don't like it don't watch it.

crazy horrifying ending

[agentsofsword · 10/10 · 29 May 2022]

I am a fan of all the storylines but the russia one not so much.. it had potential but ended up being kind of boring but eventually it got better.

The visuals and the ending got me shaking and screaming for a character.

Great balance of comedy, horror, and nostalgia

[snoozejonc · 9/10 · 13 July 2022]

Eleven dives into her past as the Hawkins crew continue their adventures.

This is another very well made episode with numerous entertaining scenes.

The Hawkins investigations are the strongest moments for me, particularly the compelling moments as Justin, Steve and crew get closer and close to a key discovery. Some of the horror-suspense is excellent, not to mention the great visual storytelling.

I also enjoyed the portrayal of the character Jason in his speech to the community and their reactions. As another reviewer pointed out, paranoia relating to cultism was more prevalent in the past, but I actually think it also strikes a chord with the type of conspiracy driven paranoia that is still relevant now. Particularly the kind that drives individuals in positions of influence to stir up mob violence based on rumour and hearsay.

Eleven has some important character backstory revealed and these scenes are full of awesome visuals. I love the shots of her in the tank with the view screens reflecting in the water. It could be argued that this ongoing arc is dragging out a bit, but when the scenes are brilliantly shot, the sets are fantastically designed, and Millie Bobby Brown is on top form, who cares?

Some think the scenes in Utah are too lighthearted but I disagree. Stranger Things is first and foremost a love letter to the era and these scenes are full of outstanding period detail used in a very entertaining and humorous way. The children in that house absolutely crack me up!

I am neither here nor there about the sub-plot set in the Soviet Union in this episode, I think I need to see it's conclusion before passing judgement.

It's an 8.5/10 for me but I round upwards.

I guess a lot of people here weren't alive in the 80's

[myopiczeal · 8/10 · 19 July 2022]

So many people complaining about tonal issues. Like, not everything needs to be 100% grimdark, guys. This show has always been an homage to 70's and 80's horror, which, last time I checked, is full of stupid, corny humor, intentional or not. Get over it.

Stranger Things has always been this way, and if you don't like it, well, why are you watching?

How is this series so good....

[ha77y73ad97 · 9/10 · 12 July 2022]

This has been a series of growing anticipation for the mid season break and this penultimate episode of the mid season was just one way to push everyone to watch the next episode.

All story lines are just awesome, no series probably apart from Game of Thrones keeps the level of every story to such a high degree. Theres always a few that would fall by the way side but im invested with all of the characters across the stories. Hoppers struggles and realization of his demise is just pulling at every heart string.

With every series, everyone is loving Dustin and his adventures with Steve, this is no exception. With most of the Hawkings kids tagging along for the ride this time round its just a joy to watch all of them hunting clues to work out the end game!

Sat this each time, next episode... yes please!

Will Hopper Save the Day?

[Hitchcoc · 9/10 · 29 May 2022]

One thing that is always an issue is the ability of these kids to handle the force they are facing. They always seem to know where to go and what to do. Add another factor: That Bible thumping basketball player, inciting the crowd. The police are ridiculous and incompetent. I enjoyed the Russian subplot and with four episodes left, how does Hopper fit into the entire scheme? Can't wait.

Too thin

[gelasma-1 · 6/10 · 9 June 2022]

I do understand some of the low reviews and ratings. The point is that many story lines, or sub-plots, are stretched way too thin. The "Hopper rescue" sub-plot has ridiculous cartoon-like characters, and at this point the whole Hopper story is developped in complete isolation with the rest of the show. The "Eddie pursuit" sub-plot is getting boring (with a ludicrous Town Hall scene). And worst of all, even the El sub-plot does not seem to ever ends, stretched to the point where we almost lose interest, and unfortunately with Millie Bobby Brown acting talent being wasted. In other words, less is more...

What has happend to this show?

[alexisgpyates · 3/10 · 1 June 2022]

The seasons gradually get worse

Overacted, poor script, flat stories, cliche characters, exposition all over the place

The basketball jock and his friends. What a dead narrative

Max running to Kate Bush has been the only credible scene.

I'm in love with that show

[funnycommentor · 9/10 · 18 July 2022]

The plot of the 6th episode was very interesting and very intense, just like the previous episodes. The storyline was very well written and it keeps getting interesting and better, all the time! The characters are very well-developed and most of them are really likeable. By the way, that episode wasn't violent than the previous episodes. However, the ending scene was kinda shocking, totally unexpected and very intense. Last but not least, I hope Hopper's storyline is gonna end soon, because it's kinda boring and pointless..

I'm loving the season but...

[richardbrucejulien · 8/10 · 29 May 2022]

The whole Russia sub plot seems so forced and unnecessary. Busy work for characters untill they are needed... I'd rather have less info about this plot thread to be honest ... But hey ... opinions are like buttholes 🙂