Chapter Six: The Monster (2016) User Reviews (28)

Missing El

[claudio_carvalho · 9/10 · 1 January 2018]

Nancy flees from the Upside Down following Jonathan's voice and cross the gate. Jonathan stays with the scared Nancy in her bedroom and Steve sees them together and believes Nancy is betraying him. Mike misses El that steals Eggo waffles from a supermarket. Hopper and Joyce visit Terry Ives that is catatonic. Her sister explains that she participated in a government project using drugs and had a miscarriage of her baby. However she claims that she delivered the baby that was alive. Jonathan and Nancy purchase weapons to hunt down the monster. However Jonathan meets Steve writing with spray bad things about Nancy; they fight and Jonathan is arrested by the police. Lucas follows his compass and stumbles upon the Hawkins Laboratory.

In "Chapter Six: The Monster", Nancy succeeds in going to and returning from the Upside Down, what people from the Hawkins Laboratory apparently did not succeed. The return of El saving her friends is the best moment of the show. The troubled relationship of Nancy, Jonathan and Steve is a silly entertainment. My vote is nine.

Title (Brazil): "Chapter Six: The Monster"

Chapter Six: The Monster (#1.6)

[ComedyFan2010 · 8/10 · 18 May 2019]

I don't think that the confrontation with bullies were unnecessary. It gives the development to character's relationships and also has an influence on how they are looking for the monster. I must say I really enjoyed watching Jonathan punch Steve, he deserved it. Mike jumping of the cliff was incredibly stupid, he would sure die. Luckily it gave us a great scene of 11 coming and telepathically catch him in the air as well as put the bullies once again in their place. Joyce and Copper also had a good investigation finding a woman who likely is the mother of 11. We find more and more about the lab. I just wonder why don't we see anyone in town besides Nancy looking for Barb? Did nobody like her?

Meet Your Monster.

[SendiTolver · 8/10 · 8 July 2018]

'The Monster' is action packed thrilling episode that starts to draw the ring close. The episode is faster in pace, much more is going on, as for now we have very clear picture about all the important characters and their motives, what drives them. Some very important questions get the answers while some new mysteries open up. 'The Monster' uses may classic story development devices that some might find cliche, but these are crucially important to move the story forward. Also the first real experience of melodramatic human relationship triangle forms out between Nancy, Steve and Jonathan. Again, the seeming cliches that were used to move the story forward had nice and quite unexpected outcomes. Not the strongest episode, but it had one very unnerving cliffhanger that leaves every viewer expect more.

Another addictive episode to the entire first season

[gavin-thelordofthefu-48-460297 · 9/10 · 17 November 2018]

Chapter Six: The Monster continues the first season perfectly. Yes, it's not in the same complexity as the third and fourth episodes, but it's still addictive and shows that the execution of the concept can be done perfectly.

The story continues to be well written and retains the intensity of the previous episodes while advancing the characters in the situations they're still in right now. The continuous search for Will Byers while the scientists are trying to recapture El to use their experiment. Also, the scene where Mike and Dustin run from the bullies who held Dustin in knife point and forcing Mike to jump off the cliff until El shows up and saves them is well done. The writing is still superb, the pacing never drags, the performances are still great, and the music score is still respectful to the 1980s setting.

Overall, another addictive episode to the first season and shows that things are getting better so far. :)

One of the best Stranger Things episodes ever made.

[TheFirst01 · 9/10 · 2 August 2019]

Probably one of the best ST episodes ever, because of all the iconic moments in this episode.

OK.. The Last Scene is so satisfied.

[ououzaza · 8/10 · 15 September 2019]

This episode again did a good job. not really good but ok. some questions are answered. and story seems unexpected. i don't really know how this will continue. but the soundtrack in this episode did a good job.

The leisurely supernatural fun continues.

[BA_Harrison · 8 August 2016]

Chapter 6 of 8, The Monster, begins with Nancy lost in the upside-down, hiding from the demogorgon, before Jonathan pulls her to safety. Meanwhile, the bad guys are hunting for the AV nerds, and Hopper and Joyce are looking for El's mother. With both Steve and Jonathan vying for Nancy's attention, the young men get into a fist fight, and Mike faces trouble as the school bullies trap him at the edge of the quarry, forcing him to jump.

As Season One of Stranger Things slowly approaches its conclusion, the pace shows little sign of picking up, and yet the leisurely approach does little to spoil one's enjoyment. Once again, the success of this chapter is down to great characters, fine performances and a carefully observed '80s atmosphere.

Ready to explode

[Fluke_Skywalker · 8/10 · 21 April 2017]

Ironically the grip of tension grows tighter as the mystery unravels. All the while, as these larger stories begin to come to a head, we see broken people begin to fit together like pieces of a puzzle. Good stuff.

With only two episodes left I have no idea where this is going, but I can't wait to find out.

Superbb writing

[deepakdst · 10/10 · 12 June 2019]

Eleven's origin is just sensible and it looks real because she get her powers due to experiments performed on her mother when she was pregnant. It is real that a pregnant woman give much of her nutrition to her her child. So Eleven's origin is wonderfully written. The most interesting thing in this episode is Eleven's entry when she saves Mike. It looks like Captain Marvel's entry in Endgame.

Starting now

[CursedChico · 8/10 · 20 December 2020]

Starting now

Until now, the series was going depressive and hopeless. In this episode, seeing strong groups was nice. Chief-will's mother and will's brother-nancy.

But still i cant get why they choose to be alone. Chief is alone. nancy-will's brother dont tell anyone.

I remembered where I remember officer powell from. Rob Morgan from daredevil. Also he was in other marvel series like iron fist, jessica jones, the defenders, luke cage abd punisher as turk.

The Monster

[jdank37 · 10/10 · 23 June 2019]

Brilliant episode and definitely my favorite of the season up to this point

Monsters, monsters everywhere

[tenshi_ippikiookami · 7/10 · 13 December 2016]

Just one, but its scary enough, at least for Nancy, who is in a very dark place, Jonathan frantically searching for her. Also, the boys try to find Eleven, and Hopper and Joyce try to find the truth behind the organization directed by Dr. Brenner.

This is another strong episode for this first season of "Stranger Things". It still gets a zero for originality, and some plot developments (bullies, bullies) could have been just left out, because they just add a strange layer of angst that the show could do without, on top of just answering violence with humiliation and more violence.

Nevertheless, the episode is a strong one. The relationships have been well developed and the dynamics between the characters are good, or, in some instances, great. The production values and the direction are also good, and the atmosphere is pervasive, with a feeling of dread that keeps the viewer's attention during the whole running time (not very scary, but atmospheric enough).

And so close to the end, the pace is gaining some rhythm, which is something that gives energy to the proceedings, helping the episode to end in a high note.

Kids Are So Cute

[vivianla · 25 August 2020]

Nancy and Will's brother come back to her bedroom. Steve climbs up to her window to see them together and assumes Nancy is cheating on him. Nancy takes a shower. She comes back to her room to find the brother has set up a sleeping bag and pillow for himself. He says he figured she wouldn't want to be alone. She climbs into her very cozy-looking bed and finally asks the boy to join her. He slips under the covers next to her.

In the morning Nancy's mom rattles the locked doorknob and tells her she has pancakes. Nancy says she is getting dressed. The brother asks your mom doesn't knock first? Mom goes back to Nancy's bedroom and uses a pin in her hair to unlock the door. She sees the sleeping bag and an open window.

Hopper and Will's mom has gone to the home of a woman with a missing daughter. Her sister speaks for her as the woman is ill. The sister says the labs made her go underwater and stripped her naked. She miscarried in her third trimester.

Eleven wanders around the forest alone carrying her wig. She looks at her reflection in the water. She goes into a grocery store looking dirty and gets stared at. A worker asks if she needs help looking for a parent and El calls him a mouthbreather. She takes some egg waffles and leaves. The male worker asks what they should do and the female worker suggests calling the police. Using powers she makes the cart go in front of the man and breaks the sliding doors.

Nancy and Will's brother goes to a store where they grab items for their hunt for the monster. At cash the cashier looks at the items and asks what are you kids going to do with all this stuff? Nancy replies monster hunting. Outside they carry back their purchases.

Nancy tells Will's brother how just a few days ago she was shopping with Barb for a top Steve would like. It took hours. Now she is buying bear traps with Jonathan Byers.

A boy passing by in a car tells Nancy he can't wait for her movie. Nancy looks up at the theatre titles and sees her name has been spray painted saying she is a prostitute. Nancy follows the sound of the spraying to find Steve's group. Jonathan fights Steve and gets arrested.

The black boy has separated from the group and has decided to go hunting on his own. Mike and the other boy go on their bikes but the two bullies appear. They run off to the cliff. One bully has a switchblade and grasps the boy, threatening Mike that if he does not jump into the lake his friend will be hurt. Mike jumps but stops midair and is pulled back to safety. El appears and hurts the bullies. El says sorry to Mike and Mike pulls her into a cute hug, awww. The kids are so cute.

8

[Edvis-1997 · 8/10 · 10 May 2019]

Very nice episode. From the first episode TV series looked poor and not very interesting but now I'm 100% in this series.

Awesome episode

[Lythas_85 · 10/10 · 16 August 2021]

More character development and at the end we find out what really happened with 11 and how the thing came to existence.. and we also got to know how she was born.

I know im late to the party watching this 5 years after it was aired but I can't wait for every arc to collide.. winona and hopper thing.. the boys.. and will and nancy's search

Right on.

Eleven is an icon

[funnycommentor · 9/10 · 6 July 2022]

The plot of the 6th episode was nice. It was very intense and mysterious, just like every other episode of season 1, so far. Eleven, was the highlight of that episode, she was a badass. Especially, the ending scene was epic and very sweet. Eleven, Mike and Dustin are amazing. Overall, I have to admit that it's not very scary. However, if you aren't a fan of horror movies and you are getting scared easily, then you may be scared by the monster's appearance. In my opinion, Lucas is the most annoying character of the friend group. Moreover, can't wait to see more of Will!

Very good

[Joshumms · 10/10 · 29 March 2022]

Just as good as the previous episode, it's ramping up even more and the characters are absolutely outstanding. This is definitely one of my favorite shows.

Eleven's story

[AvionPrince16 · 8/10 · 18 February 2022]

Hopper know more aBout Eleven past and her family. Eleven becoming more and more friends with the heroes and make some revelation about the portal and Dr Brenner. At the end, something terrible happen. Still interesting to follow: the mysteries becoming more and more interesting with a lot of questions.

The Gate

[amongpixels · 8/10 · 10 June 2022]

Eleven's flashbacks finally revealing how the gate opened is satisfying, Jonathan and Steve's fight is solid, the climax at the quarry is enjoyable (especially when Eleven, Mike and Dustin all embrace), and the closing hook for the next episode is gripping. Again, some of the editing is a little choppy at times, the repeated flashbacks to Eleven when she was revealed to be Ives' daughter were totally unnecessary, some of the VFX were great (the Demogorgon), and some were rather poor (Eleven's reflection in the water, Mike floating in the air, etc.), and some of the dialogue was just...incorrect? The episode claims Mike drew "first blood' against Lucas in the previous episode but it was actually Lucas who pushed him first (the show acting like everyone else was just as much at fault as him was total nonsense), and the idea that Jonathan beat up Steve because of his "love" for Nancy was a bit silly considering we know he attacked him because Steve insulted his family and Will. I still don't quite buy their romance, their chemistry continues to be rather thin. Overall, 'The Monster' is a solid episode and better than the last, but still stumbles with a few issues.

Continues to develop.

[Jakeybennett-007 · 10/10 · 24 November 2022]

Score: 96%

This episode features some great moments for the show, moments which are taken from other things, however have more effect because of the brilliant build up and more compelling characters. Eleven off on her own for a bit is very entertaining and epic, Mike's pure friendship is shown at full capacity and Jonathan and Nancy's trauma brings them closer in teen horror drama that is actually well written. Hopper and Joyce's teem up provide some needed exposition which is a slower point of this episode but still very necessary. It very nicely explains and ties up things, whilst elements of the mystery remain ambiguous. Definitely a stand out of the season.

Solid television

[Mr-Fusion · 7/10 · 11 November 2016]

'The Monster' is almost pure plot development, from start to finish; some of it feels contrived, but also bookended by exhilaration. The Nancy-Jonathan-Steve triangle plays like a melodrama, but I was happy to see Steve get his clock cleaned - I just wish Jonathan didn't get a raw deal in the process. And having Mike and Dustin wander the woods only to run into the pee-stained bullies is a little cheesy, it's in the service of Eleven as Deus Ex Machina. Worth it.

Ultimately, what's promised here is both hope and fear. The opening sees Nancy coming back from the upside down, which means so can Will and Barb. And that cliffhanger ending has Eleven and the boys leading the lab guys right to the Wheeler house. Why the hell are there only two more episodes left?

7/10

Weakest episode so far, but still good

[john3-2 · 6/10 · 11 November 2017]

Others have pointed out the coincidence of the bullies running into Mike and Dustin in the canyon, and the uncomfortable fight between Jonathan and Steve. Both bothered me, too contrived and I think the bully story line should have died after the school assembly.

But the thing that bothered me most was "dumbing down" the episode by showing flashbacks of Elle using her powers during the scene in the bedroom of Terry's home. Was there anyone watching this episode that didn't make the connection between Terry's "miscarriage" and Elle? The writers showed a lack of trust in the intelligence of viewers....what's next, voice-over? But even with those three complaints still a high quality, well acted and produced episode, and a necessary exposition episode to set up the final two chapters.

The monster

[TheLittleSongbird · 7/10 · 11 May 2021]

Season 1 was a very good, and at its best excellent, start to one of Netflix's better shows, was not expecting 'Stranger Things' to be a hit but it did turn out to be that. Although a couple of episodes weren't as strong as the others, none of the eight episodes that made the season up were less than decent and the best of them were outstanding. "Chapter Six: The Monster" does sound very interesting from the plot synopsis despite risking the possible danger of being over-stuffed and melodramatic.

Everybody is undoubtedly going to have their pick for their least favourite episode of Season 1. "Chapter Six: The Monster", while still liking it and finding a lot great about it, is my pick. Of the previous five episodes, it would have been "Chapter Two: The Weirdo on Maple Street", also still good. Will reiterate that saying that is not because "Chapter Six: The Monster" is bad, it's only because four of the previous five episodes are so great.

Those episodes, as did "Chapter Two: The Weirdo on Maple Street", fared better at progressing events and introducing other plot strands. "Chapter Six: The Monster" has been described by some as a filler episode and it is not hard to see why. It did progress the characters and their relationships, especially Nancy and Jonathan, but the momentum is not always there due to that there are distractions that get in the way too much. Not an awful lot here that is much different to what has already been covered.

Did feel that some of "Chapter Six: The Monster" was at times on the melodramatic and contrived side. Do completely agree with everyone that found everything with the bullies particularly forced and too shoehorned, plus with too much over-reliance on coincidence. This aspect could have been left out completely and it would have not harmed the episode at all, and it would have meant that the episode could spend more time with the main plot.

However, despite saying all of that (which does seem to indicate that it is bad when it has already been said twice that it's not), a lot in "Chapter Six: The Monster" is done very well. The production values are typically very stylish and atmospheric, with some beautiful and unsettling images. The music is suitably haunting and nostalgic and the direction does well in creating enough tension when needed and also some breathing space also when needed.

Despite some melodramatic and forced moments, the usual brains and heart quality is present in the writing with some welcome levity when needed. The story is at least coherent and while a long way from perfect it is not a tonal muddle, has intrigue and some tension towards the end. The character writing advances a good deal all round and the characters don't bore or frustrate. The acting is very good, with the younger cast faring better than the older ones (found this in a lot of episodes of 'Stranger Things').

Overall, good but not great. 7/10.

Some Distractions

[Hitchcoc · 7/10 · 30 December 2016]

I have to agree that the two confrontations with the bullies are distractions. The only plot element that is really necessary is the trip to see the woman who gave birth to El. The sister supplies information that is necessary to verify what the two suspect. Things do heat up at the electric plant. Jonathan and Nancy are waylaid because he struck a police officer. We do have all the elements in place to get us to the conclusion. The big boys are out in force. But what are they going to do with this thing when they finally get to it? That's the serious question. Three is a reunion at the end of the episode. The fight are satisfying, I must admit, but they really do nothing.

Boring

[danajs24 · 7/10 · 14 September 2016]

Not a lot of new stuff happened in this one. We find out that El opened the gate, John beats up Steve, sheriff and psycho track down El's fried mother. Pretty boring all around. Almost feels like a filler episode to set you up for the showdown to come, and I feel very strongly that El isn't gonna survive for them to retrieve Will. She's gonna sacrifice herself by pushing too far with her abilities it seems, and hopefully she takes "papa" along with her. I was hoping the sheriff would find El before the government does, but that looks extremely doubtful at this point, as the government has found her and has people everywhere now. Hopefully this ends better than just a showdown with the monster, but it feels as if that's all that's going to happen.