Chapter One: The Vanishing of Will Byers (2016) User Reviews (53)

An intriguing and solid start to the show

[gavin-thelordofthefu-48-460297 · 9/10 · 25 February 2018]

My older sister saw the show during the summer of 2016 and she convinced me to watch it because it reminds me of the classic 80s movies and TV shows that I watched when I was growing up. So, I checked it out and to my surprise, it turned out to be very intriguing. I'll review the episodes of the first season starting with Chapter One: The Vanishing of Will Byers.

The episode takes place in Indiana in the year 1983 where four kids named Mike, Dustin, Lucas, and Will are playing Dungeons and Dragons. Later, after they finished the game, Will encounters a creature that escaped from the U.S. Department of Energy and after running towards his home, he mysteriously vanishes. The next day, as the adults of Indiana try to find him, a young girl in a hospital gown steals food from a local diner and Benny, the owner of the diner, finds out that her name is Eleven. Suddenly, a bunch of armed men find her before she quickly escapes. Later, while Will's mother Joyce Byers hears his voice on a phone call, Mike Dustin and Lucas try to find Will only to find Eleven.

This pilot episode to the show is with no doubt a intriguing and solid start. Not only is the writing strong, but the characters are well introduced. Will Byers and his friendship with Mike, Dustin, and Lucas is very unique it reminds me of The Goonies, a movie that also has a strong friendship between Mike, Mouth, Chunk and Data. Needless to say, that's a great way to pay homage to the 1980s media. Also, the opening and closing sequences are really great from the disappearance of Will Byers to the his friends' encounter with Eleven with competent directing and beautiful atmosphere. The music score represents the 1980s synthesizers it respects the year and decade the episode takes place and compliments it really well.

The acting is also great. The adult actors David Harbour and Winona Ryder (who starred as Lydia Deetz in Beetlejuice (1988)) did respectable jobs as Chief Hopper and Joyce Byers, the young adult actors Charlie Heaton, Natalia Dyer and Joe Keery also did respectable jobs as Steve Harrington, the bully, Nancy Wheeler, the older sister of Mike, and Jonathan Byers, the older bother of Will, and the kid actors who played Will, Mike, Dustin and Lucas, including Finn Wolfhard, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb Mclaughlin, and Noah Schnapp filled their respective roles perfectly as did Millie Bobby Brown as Eleven (El), a mysterious young girl with telekinetic powers.

Overall, Chapter One: The Vanishing of Will Byers is not only a solid start to the show, but a great reminder of presenting a story that takes place in the 1980s with horror and science fiction which is blended seamlessly well. It leaves you wanting more and there are a lot of other things to come in the first season. This deserves a thumbs up from me. :)

Nostalgia Trip into the '80s

[SendiTolver · 8/10 · 3 July 2018]

I'm not very quick on picking up new shows even when there is quite much hype about it. I guess I'm the kind of guy who likes to stay with his old favorites, and I'm not very persistent viewer of TV-shows (I still haven't seen farther than 6th season of my all time favorite 'The X-Files'). 'Stranger Things' was recommended to my by one of my colleagues who knew my interest in supernatural, 1980s, Stephen King and 'The X-Files'. I have to say I wasn't disappointed after watching the first two episodes and now I'm hooked.

The start is quite slow, but the characters are likeable, the atmosphere and tension are present to keep the viewer interested. The show is taking place in 1980s and it has the nice authentic feel of classic '80s horror movies (that authentic feel is something that most nostalgia driven movies fail to capture), so the shot of nostalgia is another strong reason to give 'Stranger Things' a shot. Wonderful synth score has a lot to do with adding more eeriness to the autumn forests surrounding the small town Hawkins.

Acting is great altogether, but besides Millie Bobby Brown's marvelous portrayal of Eleven, Winona Ryder's outstanding job as Joyce Byers definitely needs mentioning.

After first episode I was hooked and after second, I think, I might be an addict.

An exciting start

[ahmadmobeenqazi · 9/10 · 21 July 2016]

So this is where it all starts. I'll be giving a spoiler free review of every episode, covering stuff as briefly as I can.

Okay, so Netflix outs another series with lofty expectations to match. This time, it's the 80s and a small town, Hawkins, gets to be the centre of suspense and drama. We see the world from the eyes of four junior school kids, who are the best of friends with curious minds. One of them gets involved in an intricated plot and the rest have to up their courage and suspend their disbelief to help him survive.

The first thing that you all will notice (and instantly love) is the score. It can be sensed that they put in a lot of effort to capture the 80s horror circuit synth track feel and drama hooks. The cinematography meanwhile, knocks it out of the park with brilliant camera-work and angle photography. I must say that the Duffer brothers (the makers of the show and directors of the entire season) deserve all the praise they get for igniting the perfect mix of nostalgia and entertainment.

All the child actors are phenomenal (you have to see it to believe it), and among adults, Winona Ryder and Cara Buono give very dedicated and convincing performances. The highlight overall though, is the youngling Millie Brown. Her act requires more work with facial expressions and body gestures than dialogues, and throughout, she nails this difficult task with bravado and flawlessness.

Overall, I'd say that the pilot episode definitely succeeds in its task of getting the audiences hooked. Verdict: 9/10.

Force once, the hype is justified

[Fluke_Skywalker · 8/10 · 29 September 2016]

Plot; In a small Indiana town, a young boy's disappearance and the mysterious events at a nearby laboratory set in motion two very different kinds of searches.

The almost deafening buzz surrounding this mid summer Netflix original series had sent my expectations soaring. So much so that I decided to let things cool off before starting it. Set in the 80s (1983 in fact) and looking for all the world like a hybrid of Steven Spielberg and Stephen King, it was as much in my wheelhouse as you could get. But did it live up to that insanely rabid hype? Against the odds it did. Mostly.

The line between inspired homage and cheap swindle is often razor thin, and Stranger Things never once dances close to the edge. Sure it evokes a sense of nostalgia in those, like my self, who were kids of the 80s, but it never ever feels like it's overtly mugging for the audience. There are nods and Easter eggs (like the four principles playing AD&D at the start ala E.T.--the movie the pilot episode most evokes), but it feels organic.

The adult actors, lead by a resurgent Wynona Ryder and a potential star making turn by David Harbour, are wonderful, but it's the young cast who truly shine. Never once feeling like anything but authentic kids and not adults in kids bodies parroting too-polished dialog, it's on their small shoulders that Stranger Things rests and they are more than up to the task.

I was aching for this to be as good as the hype, and I'm thrilled to say that for the most part, it is.

Indiana was eerie, even in the early '80s.

[BA_Harrison · 3 August 2016]

Writer/directors The Duffer Brothers pay homage to the fantasy series and films they (and I) enjoyed while growing up, with a particular leaning towards the work of Steven Spielberg. Set in the '80s, Stranger Things takes place in small town America (Indiana, renowned for all things eerie), where a group of teenage nerds find themselves involved in the search for missing friend Will, who has had the misfortune of encountering an escaped experiment from a local scientific research centre. While hunting for their pal, the kids encounter Eleven, a strange girl who is on the run, pursued by 'bad people'.

With children as their protagonists, the Duffers immediately set the '80s Spielbergian tone, and they continue the retro-vibe with parallels to Poltergeist (the missing child only able to communicate via technology) and similarities to ET (dysfunctional family, kids on BMX bikes), as well as numerous references to other genre classics (most noticeably, posters glimpsed on bedroom walls) and a wonderful synthesizer score. All of this will prove a lot of fun for fans of '80s pop culture, but with strong performances all round (even Winona Ryder isn't as annoying as usual), engaging characters, and a neat mystery, Stranger Things should appeal to viewers of all ages.

An amazing start

[landryhpritchett · 10/10 · 25 March 2018]

When I first started this show, I knew it was gonna be a good one. It has a thrilling intro with smol Will suddenly vanishing into thin air, leaving a desperate mother practically going crazy. They clearly state the three boys place as they are bullied some and obsess over a little toy that looks like a giant walkie-talkie. The sheriff guy looks like he's off to a bad start but I'm sure he'll get there. The teenagers, however, are harder to read. There's the depressed brother who forgets to check on little Will after getting home from a late shift. There's Nancy who seems smart and has smart friends, but is just making dumb decisions with her jock boyfriend, Steve. And who is this bald girl who can kill two men on the spot when escaping a restaurant? (Poor Benny made a sacrifice far too big) those lab people better not lay a finger on those kids after they find the mystery girl in the rain that night. While looking for one friend, they may have just found another.

As crazy as it is this all happened in one day. It's gonna be a fun ride on the train of sci-fi and mystery. Where will the train stop next?

The boy vanishes

[TheLittleSongbird · 9/10 · 26 January 2021]

It is always hard to not expect a lot when the hype is so great, having heard nothing but good things about it from trusted friends. Also if the concept is so appetising and if the genre appeals (it did me). 'Stranger Things' in particularly its first season was a truly excellent show at its very best, and while it is not as good now as it was there is still enough to make it one of Netflix's better shows along with 'The Crown' and prime-'House of Cards' (Seasons 1-4).

"Chapter 1: The Vanishing of Will Byers" is a captivating start, and not only is it hugely effective setting things up and introducing all the chess pieces but it is clear what kind of show and tone that 'Stranger Things' was aiming for. Almost everything works here in "Chapter 1: The Vanishing of Will Byers" and it already feels remarkably well settled, not always the case for shows this early on where it can take time to find its groove. Already the groove here feels found.

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 a poignancy (without being too sentimental) and tension. The story sets things, both in events and tone, up and does this incredibly well, while always being intriguing. With suspenseful mystery, darkly creepy horror, inventive sci-fi and 'Stand By Me'/'The Goonies'-like nostalgia, without being tonally muddled.

Characters are already very well written and even better in the acting stakes. While most of the adult cast do wonderfully, it's the younger cast that are even better. The standouts being Finn Wolfhard and particularly Millie Bobby Brown (such an expressive actress in a beyond-her-years subtle way), if they continue to act this way and be wise with their career choices they are very likely to have big careers.

Although some have praised Winona Ryder, for my tastes however she was a little too melodramatic here.

Overall, excellent start. 9/10

Off and Running

[Hitchcoc · 9/10 · 29 December 2016]

There is a little E. T. In the relationship among a group of 1980's junior high age boys. One night they go off to goof around and one of them disappears. The sheriff is worthless and won't help the worried mom, no matter how much she pleads. When he finally does get off his butt, he makes half an effort to do something. Soon, of course, the kids are going to get involved, checking on their own. Also, there is something going on at a plant of some kind. A young girl is involved. She is strange and a diner manager feeds her and calls the authorities, but she runs away. There's some shenanigans going on. This is certainly dark and engaging. The kid seem to be good actors and suspense is building.

Something Is Afoot in Hawkins.

[mmoon-23763 · 10/10 · 14 August 2019]

The episode that begun it all! I heard about Stranger Things from my brother, I had not idea it existed before that. I massively enjoyed the first season and sub-sequentially binged seasons 2 and 3.

This episode it where it all began. I really enjoyed it. It sets the stage for the overall arc of the first season. The Duffer brothers do a great job creating the atmosphere.

The actors and actresses are all amazing. We meet David Harbour as Chief Hopper, who seems like he's going to be completely unhelpful and over his head. We see Winona Ryder as Joyce Byers. Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, Joe Kerry and Shannon Purser make up out teenage group. Then in my opinion, we meet the amazing talented children, Noah Schnapp, Finn Wolfhard, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin and especially Millie Bobby Brown, who is just amazing with the emotion she can show without words, with just her face. The chemistry between the boys is just amazing. Also, we (briefly) meet one of my favorite characters on Stranger Things, Benny Hammond played by Chris Sullivan.

The music is also very amazing. A almost perfect start to an almost perfect show!

Coffee and Contemplation

[raven8000-794-597613 · 9/10 · 9 September 2016]

Mornings are for coffee and contemplation says Chief Hopper (Harbour). And the debut episode of Netflix'd latest offering certainly leaves a lot to contemplate.

The setting is 80's Indiana as the show opens with an ominous scene and notable presence which sets the tone nicely leading to the vanishing of Will Byers (Schnapp).

The stars are 3 three dungeons and dragons loving kids embroiled in their own quest to find their missing friend. The three boys Mike, Dustin and Lucas (Wolfhard, Matarazzo, McLaughlin) are at the centre of the show and fill their roles brilliantly. The chatacters are the usuall high school nerds seen many times before, but it's their combined comradeship that is their strength. The bounce off each other seamlessly and they really out shine the adults of the show at times, often showing more eagetness to find their friend. Mike especially has a breakout scene before the boys initiate their search.

The adult cast compliments the kids nicely. Joyce (Ryder) plays the panicked single mother. She spends much of the episode almost not facing the gravity of the situation, but following a mysterious phone call she breaks out her shell and the hysteric mom comes flooding out, in an emotional scene with her elder son Jonathan (Heaton). Chief Hopper is reluctant early on to get involved the story but this grows greatly after a revelation to his back story. He is a lot more subtle against Joyce's panic driven mum but no less valuable to the cast and has a lot of room to grow in the story.

The final notable cast member is Elle/11 (Brown) and my pick for the most exciting entity of the show. Shows up (not alone) as Will goes missing, very little to say but it's her actions that build intrigue into the character.

There is a minor teenage love story here with Steve and Nancy (Keery and Dyer) which I am sure will connect to the main plot soon enough.

From the Poltergeist-esque opening to the Goonies style friendship. This is a direct throw back to the 80's. Even down to the music and credit font's. Some may say it is outdated in 2016. But giant walkie talkies and biking adventures will always be cool.

The opening and closing minutes were faultless and with about 10 minutes combined outline the entire show leaving this writer eager for more. I can't fault any of the cast who each gave us a good idea of what their character is about. The Chief remains the adult with the most potential with Elle clearly being positioned at the centre of all these Things which by design promise to get even Stranger from here.

There is definitely a lot more contemplation to come...i'll grab the coffee.

And it begins . . .

[Mr-Fusion · 7/10 · 26 October 2016]

I had no idea what to expect with "Stranger Things", aside from Marvel-levels of hype. But 'The Vanishing of Will Byers' starts things off on just the right foot. It starts unloading the hat-tips from minute one; Stephen King, John Carpenter, a heaping spoonful of Spielberg. The show's logo and opening theme give you a crystal clear picture of what you're dealing with. Usually, the problem with references is that they can add up, taking over the actual show ("Community", for example), so I'm hoping this isn't the case here, and it's cautious optimism going forward.

But when you get right down to it, this is all about atmosphere, something the Duffer brothers lay on in spades. And it feels like you're seeing something that's actually of the period, not just '80s set dressing. It's not just the hanging of a poster for "The Thing" on the wall, or showing "Knight Rider" on TV. These days, that's saying something. Bottom line, this is an assured debut and has me looking forward to wherever they plan on taking this.

7/10

An Infectious pilot that leaves you wanting more!

[and_mikkelsen · 9/10 · 1 June 2022]

So i finally decided to watch this show, and.after this first episode, i am hooked! The premise is ingaging and it is very much about the mysteries! You know something is going on, but you don't know what! The child actors are also doing a great job! If you, like me, haven't watched this show yet, i suggest you do it now!

Of hobbits and elevens

[tenshi_ippikiookami · 6/10 · 11 December 2016]

The first episode of "Stranger Things" does a good job of introducing the 'mystery' and the characters, but the direction, acting, pace and dialogue is just average.

Will is playing role games with his friends at Mike's house. But it is too late and he is sent home. On his way home he seems to see something strange, gets scared and runs away. But the 'creature' captures him and Will disappears. At the same time, in a secret-but-very-secret facility something kills a very scared scientist and runs away. It all seems to point to a runaway child numbered '11'. Is the child really human? What has happened to Will? Why so many references to Tolkien?

As said above, the introduction is not flashy, but interesting enough, trying to copy old-style direction and the atmosphere of the 80s. It doesn't do a flawless job, but it's quite good. The direction, acting and production is good too. Sadly, the story is marred by the, right now, not especially interesting story. There is '11', the child with apparent mental powers, Will's disappearance and Matthew Modine's Dr. Brenner super-white hair, but it is all quite simple and straightforward, a little bit too much, and instead of 45 minutes, it could had been cut to around half of it.

For a first episode, though, it does a good enough job.

Absolutely Dreadful; One of the worst acted/directed shows I've ever witnessed

[nlytnd_1 · 1/10 · 26 June 2017]

The episode was god-awful. Haven't seen the rest of the show and I'm definitely not compelled too after watching one of the greatest disasters in the history of cinema. I could almost see there being a cult following in the so bad it's good category for admiring how laughably bad it is. There's nothing wrong with the general storyline, however it's nearly every conversation within that storyline and the acting is painfully bad unanimously (Winona Ryder easily wins the worst acting award). I could turn a blind eye on the kids acting to a certain degree, but everyone else on the show....oye vey!

In most circumstances I would say to give a show a chance before writing it off after only one episode, however this is so bad, that it's a problem in the directing. It feels like it was directed by Tommy Wiseau. A problem like that doesn't just go away after the first episode. This feels like a highschool movie project. Back to Winona Ryder... her character is in identically one character mode in every scene. And the character mode that she's in is hard to compare to anything I've seen before. She's in this perpetual frantic mode, but she doesn't seem genuinely frantic/panicked/stressed out. There are no words to express how ridiculously bad her acting is. I may just fast forward to the parts that she's in in the next episode, just so I could have a good laugh, which I'm sure will get old quick unless she transitions into another bad acted expression, but so far it's been just one expression in every scene. This show is rated well so my only rationale to that is, people are so desperate for anything science fiction related that they will embrace anything that falls into that realm. If this isn't a sign for how much demand there is for anything science fiction related than I don't what is.

Update - I watched the whole series. I don't take back how ridiculously bad the first episode is, but the show is decent after the 1st episode... not great, but decent. If that was the pilot episode I don't know how the show got picked up. The acting improves a lot after the first episode. Winona's is still bad, but it improves from laugh out loud bad. Why aren't there warnings telling people how bad the first episode is? Anyways, consider this a warning!

Just a funny note - In the 3rd episode there's an ex machina within an ex machina within an ex machina. I don't think I've ever witnessed a show have the balls to do that before. Thankfully it's not a pattern. I'll let a show slide on the occasional ex machina, because even the best of shows have them. In case you're curious what it was; Mild spoiler alert - it entails, a dude stumbling upon a coincidental house of a chick he knows that he just happened to have a random moment with earlier that day. Then proceeds to secretively take pics of them. In the process captures an astronomically coincidental picture, and the furthest fetched of them all. The next day the dude already has blown up prints of the pics and while walking around at school the same people who he took pics of decide to randomly grab the dudes school bag and see what he has inside only to find out that he took pics of them the night before. Oye Vey!!! The compounding odds are about several billion to one.

Terrific

[Abdulxoxo · 8/10 · 17 September 2020]

This is good pilot episode as it set out everything we are to expect from the rest of the season. well casted. good acting. love the 80s music and sets/costumes as well. I'll definitely watch the rest as it got me hooked.

Good

[tewaridevansh-97052 · 9/10 · 30 September 2018]

A good start of the best series ever. Loved the performances

"Well, The Hobbit"

[juanmaffeo · 9/10 · 3 September 2016]

What a great way to start a series. This episode has everything that will be prevalent in the rest of the season: 80's vibe, friendship, "romance", mystery and horror. Although the horror element is pretty restrained compared to the rest of the season, it is a great way to introduce the menace that's taking place in Hawkins.

On this very first episode we get to know almost every character that will appear on the season and all of the performances are on point. Except maybe for Winona Ryder's. I mean, I get that's she should be freaked out, but her performance is so over the top that the contrast with everyone else is insane.

Also, the tone of this episode is gold. From the fun moments with the kids to the creepy appearance of the monster and the awesome Alien-esque montages in the laboratory, is great filmmaking.

But it's not perfect. Apart from the ridiculous amount of stereotypes (bullies, jocks, nerds, cops) it does fall in familiar places. I know it is an homage to 80's movies but this series is airing in 2016 and the audience has changed. They don't expect bullies anymore or the nerd going out with the popular kid.

Apart from that, I think this is a fantastic way to set up a show.

Amazing start

[RAMALAX · 9/10 · 23 November 2019]

The first time I saw this episode I already knew I was gonna binge the whole thing in one sitting.

Don't be a stranger! Check this show out! Why!? The first episode explain why! It's pretty damn good.

[ivyleague929 · 9/10 · 18 March 2017]

For those, who're unfamiliar, with the show created by Matt & Ross Duffer; the series tells the story of several members of a small Indiana community, where disappearance of a young boy, Will Byers (Noah Schnapp) would bring the end of the town, when it's discovered, that something more sinister is afoot. Without spoiling the episode, too much, I like how very authentic to the 1980s vibe that it was going for. It will certainly strikes a chord with all of nostalgia film lovers out there with all the references, it cram into one episode. After all, 'Stranger Things', episode 1 is one part, Steven Spielbergean coming-of-age dark fantasy, another part, Stephen Kingism psychological thriller, and even has a taste of John Hughes style, romantic and comedy. Because of this, it will certainly draw a fan base, as, it's a wonderful Netflix series to binge-watch. There is no way, you can stop yourself, from finishing it, after the flood gates open, with 'Chapter I: The Vanishing of Will Byers'. You will find yourself, listening to great synth-heavy theme song, influences by John Carpenter's flicks, every time, and not get sick of it. The use of the Clash 'Should I stay, should I go' was also great. It speaks of the troubles of the 1980s were to families with broken homes & absentee parents, becoming more and more. Like any series opener, there's a lot of expository setup and character introductions necessary for viewers. The Duffer Brothers do a good enough job to keep the dialogue, entertaining, but not too boring. There is also enough action to keep, the audience invested. The scenes at the diner & the lab, were intense. "Stranger Things' has the right amount of action, imagery and clever dialogue to keep me glued to the television. It was incredible. However, it's without a few faults. Some of the tropes that the series used, throughout its season can be seem as cheap unoriginal copycat rather than homage to certain audiences. There is a few examples of that, here, throughout this episode. For starters, I really couldn't get into the high school drama, stuff. Maybe, it's just me, but I found the love triangle between not so innocent, Nancy Wheeler (Natalia Dyer) heart-throb Steve Harrington (Joe Keery) and trouble brooding Jonathan Byers (Charlie Heaton) to be so clichés and somewhat boring. Any of the shots of them, here in this episode felt like time-wasting filler, since much of their storyline was somewhat, bland, compare to the main missing child, plot line. Plus, the love drama connected between them, without be, explain, until further episodes in the series. So, pretty much, they could had been cut from this episode to save time. Despite that, I like how the episode had great use of foreshadowing. The Dungeons & Dragons opening was great, as it does a good job of introducing the 'mystery' and the main characters of the show: Mike Wheeler (Finn Wolfhard), Lucas Sinclair (Caleb McLaughlin) & Dustin Henderson (Gaten Matarazzo); with each of the characters, acting like their D&D avatars. The whole idea of exploring 'Mirkwood' was also brilliant, as in 'the Lord of the Ring' books by J. R.R. Tolkiens, it was inhabited by magical elves: something similar to what Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) would represented if in the Dungeons & Dragons game. Another great use of foreshadowing is the number tattoo on her arm. Not only, does it remind us of the Holocaust, but the experiments, the secret government agency did with her, mirrors what the evil Dr. Josef Mengele use to do with twins, during WWII. It's a scary thought. A role, so hard to pull off, even for a seasoned kid actor, but somehow, Millie was able to perform her role in the series meaningfully. They asked her to study 1982's 'E.T" to understand the role of a scare, non-verbal protagonist. In addition, Millie brought to the table a variation of reactions to different characters, due to perceived trust level. This combination brought a further vulnerability to the character that, in many other ways, was both terrifying and otherworldly. In the end, these child actors would be, much of the charm on the series. Another great use of foreshadowing was the use of author Ernest Hemingway's novel 'The Old Man and the Sea' sitting on the table in front of Sheriff Jim Hooper (David Harbour). It's represents the Sheriff, so well, as the aging unlucky old man trying to redeem himself, for losing his daughter in rescuing another person's missing son. David Harbour was great as the character in the first episode. Not only that, but I had to give mad props for the actress that played Will's mother, Joyce Wheeler (Winona Ryder). I have to say, this is a career resurrection for Winona Ryder after years of being mostly out of the spotlight. She was really good in this episode, however, it would be, also be later episodes, where she would really shined. Also, mad props to the actor, playing Benny Hammond (Chris Sullivan). I really thought, he should had a bigger role in the series. I understand the love for Barbara Holland (Shannon Purser), but where is the love for him? His role was cut, short, too. Overall: This episode has hardly any faults. I really like it but I completely understand why people don't. The first episode can seem that it trying to too hard to fit everything in, so it can feel a bit convoluted & some characters do fall flat in their first appearance. However, I think if you stick to watching the other episodes, after this. You would find this episode, just as good, as the others. It really is a binge watch, type of an episode, worthy of the praise, it has been getting.

Great pilot!

[thebloonclashers · 9/10 · 7 July 2020]

This episode introduces us to all of the characters very well, especially the relationship between the boys. I was enthralled by the supernatural plot. Iconic, nostalgic, classic.

Interesting

[mparmparousis23 · 7/10 · 4 December 2020]

Eleven is the most promising prospect on this series. Interesting enough to see the next episode.

Almost Perfect Pilot

[braysdabest · 9/10 · 20 February 2022]

Explores the world and town thoroughly for 45 minutes and leaves a mysterious trail to follow and theorise.

Particular good scenes include the abduction of Will and the scenes between the main kids at school.

While not showcased fully in this episode Winona Ryder gives a great performance of a panicked mother in light of her child's disappearance.

A few tiny issues, great characters, great setting, interesting premise and a great score 9/10 Pilot.

Intriguing Beginning

[claudio_carvalho · 6/10 · 28 December 2017]

"Chapter One: The Vanishing of Will Byers" is an intriguing beginning for the series "Stranger Things". Who the mysterious girl that escaped from the government lab is and what happened to the boy Will Byers so far are the greatest mysteries. Why the laboratory personal needs to kill the man that fed the girl is another question. There is a nostalgic return to the 80´s and a shallow teenage romance. The rest is the expectation that "Stranger Things" improve and live up to the IMDb User Rating. My vote is six.

Title (Brazil): "Chapter One: The Vanishing of Will Byers"

On 181220, after finishing season 1 the shield, i am here

[CursedChico · 8/10 · 18 December 2020]

On 181220, after finishing season 1 the shield, i am here.

I watch series season by season. So, i will stay here for one season.

I was watching sitcoms and police series for a long time so i wanted to break it. I need some mystery and fantastic things.

I copied this from series season 1 review.

Normally, i try to watch old series. Like 1993-2010 years but i wanted to see that. I hope i enjoy it.

Episode was nice. It reminded me twin peaks series also. And a little x-files :)

I think will did not die.

Seeing mirkwood from LOTR was nice.

Good start. setting up the direction of the serie.

[ououzaza · 8/10 · 9 September 2019]

Everything seems to be fine here. the dialogue is good, direction is good, and i feel like there are a lot of hints in this first episode. hint that will be resolve at the end of season.