This is the best episode of season one! I was on the edge of my seat throughout the show, but this episode took it to the next level! This is so tense, so scary, so thrilling. I wish there were more shows like this, that have such smart storytelling. This is the best thriller series I've ever seen, I can't think of a better horror show. The way this episode unfolds is masterful. The best part of this episode is the performances, though. Especially from Millie Bobby Brown, David Harbour, Winona Ryder, and Charlie Heaton. This episode contains the most frightening image of the show, and the most character building. This is a prime example of a great TV episode. The direction, the writing, the performances, even the cinematography and editing! Great episode in a wonderful show! Love it! Highly recommend it for fans of thrillers, and everyone in general!
26 Reviews
The Deprivation Tank
claudio_carvalho1 January 2018
Lucas warns his friends that the bad men from the Hawkins Laboratory are coming and they must flee. They are pursued by Brenner and his agents and El uses her power to flip a van and stop the others. They hide in a junkyard and meet Lucas. At the police station, Jonathan is released by Hopper and Joyce and he and Nancy tells about the monster. Troy arrives at the station with his mother and tells about El´s abilities. Hopper, Joyce, Nancy and Jonathan seek out Mike, Dustin and Lucas and they use Will's walkie-talkie to contact them. They meet the boys and El at the junkyard and head to Nancy´s house, where Dustin calls Mr. Clarke to learn how to make the deprivation tank.
In "Chapter Seven: The Bathtub", El finds the fate of Barb and Will using a deprivation tank. Now the team that knows that there is a monster and the Upside Down. Will they succeed in rescuing Will? My vote is nine.
Title (Brazil): "Chapter Seven: The Bathtub"
In "Chapter Seven: The Bathtub", El finds the fate of Barb and Will using a deprivation tank. Now the team that knows that there is a monster and the Upside Down. Will they succeed in rescuing Will? My vote is nine.
Title (Brazil): "Chapter Seven: The Bathtub"
Everything Is in Place
Hitchcoc1 January 2017
This episode has everything. The two forces at work are facing off. All significant parties are now in play. The boys are fugitives, but fugitives, not from the government or law enforcement, but people who are posing as such. They have one intent; they want to kill the boys and take back Eleven. The Chief is fully involved and has some ideas, but most of what is going to happen will probably depend on Nancy and Jonathan. Steve has had an epiphany and made a turn in his life. The Tub is the means to get Will back, using a sensory deprivation tank. People are now heading toward the center and Episode Eight should answer things. I hope this is the case because I see that a second season is in the works. Please don't cheat us. By the way, I see this episode is rated a nine or higher. Could someone else beside the people who are writing talk about something other than how slow this is. It's the typical commentary with anything that requires a little patience.
Strange or not, things are amping right up
Mr-Fusion12 November 2016
I'll say this: of the several cliffhanger endings so far this season, 'Chapter 7' has the infuriating one. You know the kind, when you're mad at seeing the end credits. And that's because of all the converging plot lines and ratcheting stakes going on here. The "E.T." homage is strongest with the opening bicycle chase, and that scene's forward movement never really lets up until the very end. Somewhere in all of this, Steve has time to lay the seeds of redemption, and I can't be the only one to hope Carol gets slapped in her hateful mouth.
Nor can I be the only one chomping at the bit for the finale. Man, with this show! 9/10
Nor can I be the only one chomping at the bit for the finale. Man, with this show! 9/10
Avengers Assemble
hellraiser718 February 2018
Warning: Spoilers
Warning do not read unless seen episode.
This is another favorate episode of mine where everything at this point is finally coming together, finally all three teams of the Strange Avengers assemble.
I really like the chase at the beginning which was a unique one as it's bikes against vans. We see them all taking evasives manuvers cutting through short cuts and secret paths to outrun them, but it's not quite enough as the vans gang up on them, but then Eleven provides an obsticale to slow the scum patrol down by flipping a van over which was really cool and all get away. Really like afterward how Mike, Lucas and Eleven made up which was a touching moment and shows team 1 is back in business.
In fact their all in business as we see each of the teams coming together and comparing notes in their findings. I just like seeing how each of them are working together and this is a group that consists of all different ages which I think is cool and shows you can do more with the group dynamic element.
We then see everyone making a synthetic sensory depervation tank which is interesting almost like those sequences you would see in "MacGyver" (original version mind you). And once again Eleven goes into "Altered States" mode, I'll admit the astral zone Eleven ventures to creeps me out it's not something I'd want to do it's too disorienting for my taste. As it just consists of nothing but black voidless space, your alone, and there is nothing to see except whatever images pop up, it's like a really bad nightmare. But though this we are able to confirm the fate of Barb which we all already knew but now it's proof positive, it's sad in Nancy's case but there really wasn't anything they could do. But the good news is they find Will, he's still alive and has taken shelter in an alternate version of his club house but as we see he's been evading the Demigorgon monsters and surviving in Upside Down for a long time but now he just about out of gas and worst of all out of time as the Demigorgons have picked up his trail.
So now everyone knows what they must do and they must act quickly because time is running out.
Rating: 4 stars
This is another favorate episode of mine where everything at this point is finally coming together, finally all three teams of the Strange Avengers assemble.
I really like the chase at the beginning which was a unique one as it's bikes against vans. We see them all taking evasives manuvers cutting through short cuts and secret paths to outrun them, but it's not quite enough as the vans gang up on them, but then Eleven provides an obsticale to slow the scum patrol down by flipping a van over which was really cool and all get away. Really like afterward how Mike, Lucas and Eleven made up which was a touching moment and shows team 1 is back in business.
In fact their all in business as we see each of the teams coming together and comparing notes in their findings. I just like seeing how each of them are working together and this is a group that consists of all different ages which I think is cool and shows you can do more with the group dynamic element.
We then see everyone making a synthetic sensory depervation tank which is interesting almost like those sequences you would see in "MacGyver" (original version mind you). And once again Eleven goes into "Altered States" mode, I'll admit the astral zone Eleven ventures to creeps me out it's not something I'd want to do it's too disorienting for my taste. As it just consists of nothing but black voidless space, your alone, and there is nothing to see except whatever images pop up, it's like a really bad nightmare. But though this we are able to confirm the fate of Barb which we all already knew but now it's proof positive, it's sad in Nancy's case but there really wasn't anything they could do. But the good news is they find Will, he's still alive and has taken shelter in an alternate version of his club house but as we see he's been evading the Demigorgon monsters and surviving in Upside Down for a long time but now he just about out of gas and worst of all out of time as the Demigorgons have picked up his trail.
So now everyone knows what they must do and they must act quickly because time is running out.
Rating: 4 stars
Chapter Six: The Monster (#1.7)
ComedyFan201018 May 2019
Warning: Spoilers
A nice episode before the last one. It has a great ending that lets us know that the finale should be very exciting. Besides that everyone finally united their forces and went on searching together. This is sure good since this way they could solve some things they didn't understand better. Although now they are back to work in their previous groups. It seems even better now that Jonathan punched Steve, seems to suddenly make him a total opposite to what he was before.
(Van) flipping good fun.
BA_Harrison8 August 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Chapter 7 of Stranger Things opens with its most obvious homage to ET so far, with the show's young protagonists escaping from the baddies on their BMX bikes, El using her powers to ensure that they make it to safety (thankfully, the show's creators The Duffer Brothers stop short of having the kids take to the skies on their bikes). With the AV gang all friends once more, they set about trying to find some answers about missing schoolboy Will, building a sensory deprivation tank to tap into Eleven's subconscious. Meanwhile, Nancy and Jonathan decide to trap and kill the demogorgon...
The penultimate episode of Season One, The Bathtub slowly starts to wrap up loose threads, and it's not good news for Barbara, who is shown to be dead. Will, however, is still hanging on in there, and so the scene is set for a desperate rescue mission in the final chapter.
The penultimate episode of Season One, The Bathtub slowly starts to wrap up loose threads, and it's not good news for Barbara, who is shown to be dead. Will, however, is still hanging on in there, and so the scene is set for a desperate rescue mission in the final chapter.
Another perfect episode which shows that the 1st season gets better
gavin-thelordofthefu-48-46029713 May 2020
The Bathtub continues the first season in an even greater fashion. The story continues to be well-written gets a lot more suspenseful as Eleven and the others form a plan to defeat the DemoGorgon and get Will back. The production design and sets still compliment the 1980s setting respectfully and also provides some really good editing and directing. The music score continues to be very good and the pacing is still great. And the acting continues to be great too with everyone including Millie Bobby Brown providing some great chemistry. Which is exactly why this is one of the three best episodes of the entire first season. This receives a gold medal from me. Recommended! :)
I enjoyed watching this, really do
ououzaza15 September 2019
Chess pieces assembled
TheLittleSongbird1 June 2021
Found the previous six episodes of the first season of 'Stranger Things' of extremely high quality, with the weakest episodes (the second and sixth chapters still being good) and chapters 3 and 4 being especially brilliant. It is hard to not expect a lot from any penultimate episode for a season for any show, especially with the standard of what came before being so high. Season 1 could not have been a more promising start for 'Stranger Things', which at its best turned out to be one of the surprising winners on Netflix.
One of the best episodes of Season 1, and perhaps even of 'Stranger Things', is this one, "Chapter Seven: The Bathtub". The show started off beautifully setting things up and "Chapter 3: Holly Jolly" and "Chapter Four: The Body" did equally beautifully at starting to putting the introduced chess pieces into place and expanding upon what was seen before. "Chapter Seven: The Bathtub" sees these pieces put into place and couldn't have been done so more wonderfully.
"Chapter Seven: The Bathtub" is a winner in every area and at its best it's quite masterful. The production values are superb. Very stylish and atmospheric, with some truly beautiful images that one can't believe such high quality comes from a Netflix show. Not to mention the highly impressive special effects that put a good deal of big budget films in recent years to shame. The music has a wonderful 80s nostalgic vibe while also being quite haunting, enhancing the atmosphere beautifully.
Writing is thought-probing and has a lot of brains and heart. The humour is gentle but very subtly witty and funny, while there is non-over sentimental poignancy and suspenseful tension. The story always intrigues, is never too obvious, is tightly paced while still having breathing space and has a great tense and nostalgic atmosphere. The season has not lost its suspense yet and its nostalgic element is done affectionately and reminds one of Stephen King's childhood friendship depictions in 'Stand By Me' and 'IT'.
The characters have not lost what made them interesting and are actually more so from how much they've grown, Eleven is especially well written. All the acting is dead on, Millie Bobby Brown's is beyond her years and she has great chemistry with the other child actors.
In summary, masterful. 10/10.
One of the best episodes of Season 1, and perhaps even of 'Stranger Things', is this one, "Chapter Seven: The Bathtub". The show started off beautifully setting things up and "Chapter 3: Holly Jolly" and "Chapter Four: The Body" did equally beautifully at starting to putting the introduced chess pieces into place and expanding upon what was seen before. "Chapter Seven: The Bathtub" sees these pieces put into place and couldn't have been done so more wonderfully.
"Chapter Seven: The Bathtub" is a winner in every area and at its best it's quite masterful. The production values are superb. Very stylish and atmospheric, with some truly beautiful images that one can't believe such high quality comes from a Netflix show. Not to mention the highly impressive special effects that put a good deal of big budget films in recent years to shame. The music has a wonderful 80s nostalgic vibe while also being quite haunting, enhancing the atmosphere beautifully.
Writing is thought-probing and has a lot of brains and heart. The humour is gentle but very subtly witty and funny, while there is non-over sentimental poignancy and suspenseful tension. The story always intrigues, is never too obvious, is tightly paced while still having breathing space and has a great tense and nostalgic atmosphere. The season has not lost its suspense yet and its nostalgic element is done affectionately and reminds one of Stephen King's childhood friendship depictions in 'Stand By Me' and 'IT'.
The characters have not lost what made them interesting and are actually more so from how much they've grown, Eleven is especially well written. All the acting is dead on, Millie Bobby Brown's is beyond her years and she has great chemistry with the other child actors.
In summary, masterful. 10/10.
Water, lots of water
tenshi_ippikiookami14 December 2016
The seventh episode says it all in the title: "The Bathtub" revolves around a bathtub. Again, it does for forty minutes of fun, but not very deep or original.
The story becomes reduced to two story-lines: Dr. Brenner trying to catch Eleven and Eleven and the rest trying to find Will and Barb, wherever they are. The atmosphere keeps 'cheaply' replicating the 80s shows and movies. It makes for some fun moments, because we have gotten so used to characters using their smartphones at the first problem they have (and the silly no coverage trick) that we are confronted with 'old style' problem resolution.
However, the story is plain and too simple. It just keeps the nostalgia card at hand constantly, which makes for not very engaging storytelling. On top of that, even if the acting is good, the direction is not so much, quite simple and uninvolving.
To summarize, "The Bathtub" is a clear example of the series strengths and weaknesses. Lack of rhythm and originality, against good acting and acceptable atmosphere.
The story becomes reduced to two story-lines: Dr. Brenner trying to catch Eleven and Eleven and the rest trying to find Will and Barb, wherever they are. The atmosphere keeps 'cheaply' replicating the 80s shows and movies. It makes for some fun moments, because we have gotten so used to characters using their smartphones at the first problem they have (and the silly no coverage trick) that we are confronted with 'old style' problem resolution.
However, the story is plain and too simple. It just keeps the nostalgia card at hand constantly, which makes for not very engaging storytelling. On top of that, even if the acting is good, the direction is not so much, quite simple and uninvolving.
To summarize, "The Bathtub" is a clear example of the series strengths and weaknesses. Lack of rhythm and originality, against good acting and acceptable atmosphere.
Plot Holes and Unbelievables
kinofan117 August 2022
Warning: Spoilers
This is a rather fun show, but this episode took the cake for NOT suspending my disbelief.
There's a guy spying on the kid, and they surely know where ALL of them live, AND, they've already caught the Chief on the property. All those men and guns and vans, and you expect me to buy in that they aren't following all the kids/families/chief? Nah.
Then the "visual" of the swimming pool smack dab in the middle of the gym, when she could have done it in the bathtub at home was another "really, folks?" moment. Sure, the process took longer and it was more visual, but if they're running against time, why would you drive to the school and set up a pool when you only needed the salt for the home bath? Same depth.
There's a guy spying on the kid, and they surely know where ALL of them live, AND, they've already caught the Chief on the property. All those men and guns and vans, and you expect me to buy in that they aren't following all the kids/families/chief? Nah.
Then the "visual" of the swimming pool smack dab in the middle of the gym, when she could have done it in the bathtub at home was another "really, folks?" moment. Sure, the process took longer and it was more visual, but if they're running against time, why would you drive to the school and set up a pool when you only needed the salt for the home bath? Same depth.
Best episode I have watched yet! Chapter Seven: "The Bathtub" - Stranger Things - Grade A
blackballoonsreprise9 July 2019
From what I have seen thus far, regarding the phenomenon Stranger Things, I arrive on Chapter Seven - The Bathtub. Needless to say, this is by far my favourite episode yet! The pacing, suspense, build up, acting and writing of this episode- they're all fantastic, it's incredible... to me, it is very intriguing and it keeps you right at the edge of your seat. El's abilities are so cool, especially for a completely non-superhero based show. I was completely evoked as I watched this episode, and it just gets better and better as it goes on. This is the kind of episode that will ultimately keep me hooked and watching all the way until Season Three's finale... Regardless whether or not it declines in quality. The junkyard parts are even very well-written, and it's almost like an episode version of Stand By Me, haha. It's just really cool, and I love the fact that more things are becoming known as it goes on. I didn't expect to enjoy this series as much as I am currently, it isn't anywhere near the best, but I do enjoy it. It's so well-balanced and consistent and fun while dark, dramatic, ominous and mysterious all the same. You learn more as it progresses, and certainly have a good time in doing so. Props to this episode, a definite 10/10 for me. I won't say more than this, just make sure you give it a watch!
Gone
amongpixels11 June 2022
Warning: Spoilers
All of the characters collide and piece everything together in such a satisfying and natural manner, the pacing is near perfect in its swiftness and excitement, the synth score is outstanding, the action is mesmerising (the van flip moment is unforgettable), the SFX are solid, Steve gets another well-deserved redemptive sequence (it was just great seeing him and the show acknowledge how awful Tommy and Carol are), the beats of humour are nice (Scott continues to be great), Joyce really proves how loving of a mother she can be with Eleven, the direction is strong, the sound design is on-point, the kids making-up in the opening is incredibly sweet (and it's good to see Lucas apologising for his mistakes, it's a solid first step for him to become a more likeable character), and overall it is an emotional, engaging and plain fantastic episode of television. The ending in which Nancy and Jonathan sneak into the police station is a little easy, and it's silly how Hopper thinks they can just break into the Hawkins laboratory again but I can excuse those hiccups given just how excellent the rest of the episode is.
The penultimate
Fluke_Skywalker25 April 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Screaming down the final stretch we get our most overt E.T. homage yet, and it's a doozy. We've also got three potential will they or won't theys, a possible redemption. Oh, and then there's the increasingly desperate race between our heroes and the baddies to find the season's McGuffin.
Can't wait for the big finale
funnycommentor6 July 2022
Warning: Spoilers
The plot of the 7th episode, was nice. It was a very intense episode, especially the ending scene. I think the last episode, is gonna be epic. Also, can't wait to see what's gonna happen with Will. I'm so sad about Barb, because she was found dead by Eleven.. The creature's appearance was so scary and creepy. I have to admit that it was very well edited and the effects are cool! Last but not least, I hope Steve will change his behavior and turn to a better person! By the way, Nancy and Jonathan should be endgame.
Satisfying and suspensful
Jakeybennett-00724 November 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Score: 100%
Its so satisfying when all the characters come together in the penultimate episode which kicks off action packed from the get go with the classic chase from the bad men scene, everyone's information colliding makes for excellent writing and a great build up of stakes for the finale. Some characters arcs begin to come through, Jonathan's moment with Joyce is quite touching. Dustin's iconic curiosity door moment is still very funny and the slow suspense of the final scene is very effective.
A perfect penultimate episode that brings all the pieces in the place for the next whilst not just feeling like set up and actually being an important episode by itself.
Its so satisfying when all the characters come together in the penultimate episode which kicks off action packed from the get go with the classic chase from the bad men scene, everyone's information colliding makes for excellent writing and a great build up of stakes for the finale. Some characters arcs begin to come through, Jonathan's moment with Joyce is quite touching. Dustin's iconic curiosity door moment is still very funny and the slow suspense of the final scene is very effective.
A perfect penultimate episode that brings all the pieces in the place for the next whilst not just feeling like set up and actually being an important episode by itself.
Eleven, a fugitive?
AvionPrince1618 February 2022
Eleven escape with her friends hopper try to find Eleven before the governement. Terrible news for Barabara. We know more about Will. Still good to see and i appreciate a lot about the relationship between them. An interesting journey and love the mysteries arround the characters and more particularly about Eleven.
Best episode of the first season
dwhi-091856 April 2024
Warning: Spoilers
There is a reason Joyce is the best character of the season, and this episode is when you find that out completely, and it doesn't disappoint! Eleven must create a salt bathtub to look for Will and Barb in the upside down, even though the bad men are coming for them! And for Eleven! This is the shortest episode, but it's one of the best in the entire show. Lucas and Mike apologize for their rude behavior and make up for it by shaking hands, also forced to by Dustin! Nancy and Jonathan help the crew and Joyce continues to be loved by all fans alike In every single way! Love it and it couldn't get better!
7
Edvis-199710 May 2019
Kids Hide Eleven, Adults + Kids Unite
vivianla26 August 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Mike and Eleven are together and Eleven is looki at her reflection in the mirror. She touches her hair and Mike tells her she doesn't need it. She asks if she still is pretty and he says she is definitely still pretty. Eleven and Mike slowly move together in together but then the boy opens the door interrupting their intimate moment.
The staties go to Mike's home and tell his parents that they suspect he has a girl sleeping in their home. Their parents scoff at the idea that Mike has a female sleeping in their home.
The kids go to a dump to escape the staties as they search Mike's home. Mike's parents are in danger but blindly complying with government. These staties would kill them if needed. The four kids hide in a bus.
Steve and his group are in front of a convenience store. A female and male joke around about imagining how Nancy would sound having sex with Jonathan. Steve gets angry at them.
Jonathan's mom goes to the police station with Hop as her son is arrested. She asks to speak with him outside - he apologizes and she says it's not good enough!
Hop pieces things together and now him, Will's mom, Nancy, and Jonathan have a bond. They go to Will's home to see if the kids will answer with the walkie-talkie. They do and Hop goes to find them.
Helicopter, staties' cars - the kids hide in the bus. Hop comes and takes them.
Now the kids and adults are united. Nancy and Mike talk together. Nancy says now no more secrets between them, okay? Mike asks if she likes Jonathan and she replies it is not like that. Nancy asks if he likes El and he says ew no! Lol.
The curly haired boy calls their teacher at 10 PM to ask about a science method using water. His teacher wants to leave it for Monday as he is spending time with an asian woman. The boy uses his words against him saying why are you blocking the door to curiosity - so funny.
At Hawkins High School the group uses a kiddie pool, water, salt - El floats on the water and is able to enter the other dimension.
The staties go to Mike's home and tell his parents that they suspect he has a girl sleeping in their home. Their parents scoff at the idea that Mike has a female sleeping in their home.
The kids go to a dump to escape the staties as they search Mike's home. Mike's parents are in danger but blindly complying with government. These staties would kill them if needed. The four kids hide in a bus.
Steve and his group are in front of a convenience store. A female and male joke around about imagining how Nancy would sound having sex with Jonathan. Steve gets angry at them.
Jonathan's mom goes to the police station with Hop as her son is arrested. She asks to speak with him outside - he apologizes and she says it's not good enough!
Hop pieces things together and now him, Will's mom, Nancy, and Jonathan have a bond. They go to Will's home to see if the kids will answer with the walkie-talkie. They do and Hop goes to find them.
Helicopter, staties' cars - the kids hide in the bus. Hop comes and takes them.
Now the kids and adults are united. Nancy and Mike talk together. Nancy says now no more secrets between them, okay? Mike asks if she likes Jonathan and she replies it is not like that. Nancy asks if he likes El and he says ew no! Lol.
The curly haired boy calls their teacher at 10 PM to ask about a science method using water. His teacher wants to leave it for Monday as he is spending time with an asian woman. The boy uses his words against him saying why are you blocking the door to curiosity - so funny.
At Hawkins High School the group uses a kiddie pool, water, salt - El floats on the water and is able to enter the other dimension.
Slowwww
danajs2414 September 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Wow I really think they're trying to slow us down. The only thing that has really changed is that the three groups are now working together. This whole episode seemed like it could have been done in about 20 minutes or less rather than the 45 it took to tell the story. All they have left is infiltrating the gate and closing it, which I think they could have gotten to at least the gate itself and then had the whole last episode be about what happens inside the gate and how they evade the monster. Now they've left the second expedition to figure out how to get to the gate, go in the gate, evade/defeat the monster, and rescue Will. And man Barb was destroyed. Gross.
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