Stranger Things season 2, episode 7: The Lost Sister, recap: the worst episode ever?

Warning: this recap contains spoilers!

Are you excited to be finally leaving Hawkins, Indiana? In the run-up to Stranger Things 2, executive producers the Duffer Brothers had teased us with the possibility of opening up the story to the wider world. Well they are finally making true on that promise as Eleven goes to Chicago in search of her long lost “sister” from the Laboratory (whom she found going through her mother’s file of newspaper clippings pertaining to Eleven’s disappearance). 

We’ve learned nothing about Kali since that opening chase scene in episode one (which obviously feels like aaaages ago). Unfortunately the character isn’t quite interesting enough to justify the protracted build-up. She turns out to be on the worthy-but-preachy side – while her accompanying gang of street “toughs” are hilariously unconvincing (we’re not laughing with you Stranger Things, we’re laughing at you). 

It’s encouraging that Stranger Things is prepared to step outside its “bad-things-happening-in- small-towns” milieu. Nonetheless, this was flat-out the most absurd hour of the season. Not even the big reveal that wicked Doctor Brenner lives could justify the silliness – especially with the Demogorgons v Hopper-and-the-gang cliff-hanger still dangling back in Hawkins. 

1. Was Kali worth the build up? 

Danish actress Linnea Berthelsen makes her official entrance, complete with wobbly accent (the character is allegedly from London). She and Eleven bond immediately – no matter that the younger girl has walked in on Kali and her gang in their allegedly secret hideaway (a vast neon-lit warehouse with more square footage than a mid-size department store). "We'll always be monsters to them – do you understand?" says Eleven's new-found big sister. It’s a deeply contrived first meeting – from which the episode never truly recovers. 

2. How do we feel about the “Brenner is alive” bombshell? 

Ray, the sadistic orderly from the Laboratory, reveals that Brenner – assumed to be dead since last season  – lives. This probably isn't as big a shock the Duffers have hoped as Matthew Modine had teased on social media that his character would return. Moreover, is Brenner really that big a deal? The antagonist we all remember from 2016 is the Demogorgon. "Papa" was really just a creep a lab-coat. All of this of course assuming Ray is telling the truth. 

3. Is this the least convincing street “gang” ever seen on screen? 

Kali's unruly mob resemble refugees from a Mad Max-themed Halloween party. Gang leader "Axe” (James Landry Hébert) has a laugh-out-loud “punk” mohawk (it’s really more a no-hawk) ; sidekick Dottie is a cosplay Cyndi Lauper. One of the crew is actually named "Funshine”. Nobody watches Stranger Things for gritty realism. Nevertheless, these vengeful outcasts – who "pay back" those who have wronged them – are an toe-curling misfire from the outset. 

Stranger Things | Season 2 recaps

4. How does Kali’s gift compare to Eleven’s?

Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) can manipulate objects with her mind – whereas Kali's ability allows her plant illusions in people's heads (such as when she convinces Eleven that a neon butterfly is fluttering in her hands). Which is most useful? We're calling it a draw. 

5. Is Kali a good influence – or could she have led to Eleven’s downfall?

"Find something from your life, the thing that angers you – now channel it," says Kali, as she encourages Eleven to move a railway container with her psychic powers. Soon, they're plotting revenge mission against Ray and Eleven, with slicked-back hair and rolled-up jacket sleeves, is strutting in slow motion towards the camera with her new friends, while Dead End Justice by The Runaways blazes – and it's all incredibly annoying for some reason. 

6. Was it a mistake to take the action out of Hawkins? 

With their silly hair, affected swagger and irritating banter, Kali's chums grow more ludicrous the longer they are on screen (their supposedly grotty hideaway, for its part, resembles the open plan HQ of an edgy start-up). To be fair, Kali is at least convincingly drawn – and there is genuine tension as Eleven spares the life of loathsome Ray when Kali wants to kill him. She is a clearly intended as a cautionary example for Eleven as to what can happen when you are consumed by anger and hate. Thus there is never any question but that Eleven is doing the correct thing as she finally leaves the gang and returns to Hawkins to save Mike and the rest from the encroaching Demogorgons. 

7. Was the music a little too on the nose this time?

"Oooh she's a little runaway," whines Jon Bon Jovi  as Eleven – a runway! – arrives in Chicago in search of Kali. Thank you Stranger Things for explaining exactly what's happening. 

8. Was this the worst episode of Stranger Things yet? 

It’s good to see the Duffers taking risks – but, outside of the very specific setting of Hawkins the show seems all at sea. Kali and her gang are far too cartoonish and, aside from the Brenner reveal, it’s unclear what purpose the episode is intended to serve. It certainly doesn’t deepen our understanding of Eleven or her attempt to make peace with her horrific upbringing. Back to the Demogorgons please!