Stranger Things Season 3 Episode 4 Recap: Mind Flayer's Control Over Billy Exposed in Sauna Showdown

A still from the show (Image via Apple TV)
A still from the show (Image via Apple TV)

Stranger Things Season 3 delivers another chaotic and shocking episode. The fourth episode takes the mystery to new levels. The gang finally confirms their worst fears about Billy. Meanwhile, the other gang members uncover hidden secrets beneath Hawkins. This episode balances different storylines with accuracy. Every plot threat moves forward with purpose. The sauna confrontation becomes central to the episode.

It reveals the true extent of the Mind Flayer's reach. Audiences watch as El and her friends encounter a terrifying reality. Billy is no longer his true self. Something dark has taken over him. The episode opens with EL sharing her concerns about Max and Billy. She knows something is amiss.

Also, Mrs Driscoll's condition worsens dramatically. Black veins cover her body as she screams. The horror is spreading through Hawkins. Nobody realizes the direness of the situation.


Billy's dark secret revealed in Stranger Things Season 3 Episode 4

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The factory sequences display Billy and Heather with captives. Her parents are tied up and helpless. A creature appears with tentacles emerging from its face. The Mind Flayer is building an army out of humans. Nancy and Jonathan face workplace conflicts. Their boss, who also appears to be off, fires them for pursuing a story without consent.

Mike reaches out to Max with urgent news. The boys and girls finally come together. Will explains the strange feelings he has been experiencing. He senses the Mind Flayer nearby. A part of it might still be present in Hawkins. It could now be attached to someone else.

Hopper recognizes his attacker from the Mayor's office. He confronts the Mayor violently to extract information. The Mayor reveals the man works for Starcourt Mall. He is purchasing land adjacent to the building. Something huge is happening behind the scenes.


Underground mysteries unfold in Stranger Things Season 3, Episode 4

Robin gathers mall blueprints for investigation. Robin, Steven, and Dustin plan to use air ducts to pass through and reach a secret room. The delivery company building holds answers. Erica agrees to help them in exchange for ice cream. Her small size makes her perfect for the mission.

The gang forms a scheme at the pool. They will trap Billy in the sauna. Heat is the Mind Flayer's weakness. This test will prove their theory. Joyce connects the dots about power outages. The machine could be at properties bought by Starcourt associates. She and Hopper decide to investigate together.

Erica successfully crawls through the ventilation system. She reaches the secret room and opens the door. Strange canisters and green lights fill the boxes. They try to leave but accidentally press the wrong button. The room is actually an elevator. It plunges downward into darkness.


The Sauna Showdown in Stranger Things Season 3 Episode 4

Stranger Things Season 3 reaches its most intense moment at the pool space. The gang successfully traps Billy inside the sauna. He initially begs and screams for them to open the door. Billy admits to doing terrible things. He claims the creature made him do it. Will suddenly feels the Mind Flayer activate. Mrs Driscoll experiences a similar thing in the hospital bed, and both scream as black veins spread across their body.

Billy breaks free from the sauna with supernatural force. El uses her powers to trap him against the wall. He pushes back and starts strangling her. Will rescues El from Billy's grip. Billy turns his attentions to Will next. El levitates Billy with her mind. She throws him through a brick wall. Billy escapes and rushes back to the factory. Several Hawkins citizens stand motionless there. The creature roars in the darkness above them.


Strong performances and production

The fourth episode displays excellent teamwork between Robin, Steve, and Dustin. Their dynamic adds humor to the tension. Erica brings slyness and sass to the group. Her dialogue with Erica about spelling America becomes unforgettable. The cast delivers compelling performances throughout. Special effects enhance the elements of horror. The background score additionally builds tension.

Stranger Things Season 3 continues building its central mystery around the Mind Flayer. The creature's plan becomes clearer and more dangerous. Stranger Things Season 3 blends character development with action in this episode.

Every subplot serves a bigger story that connects with previous plots. The suana confrontations confirm everyone's fears. Billy is possessed and has become extremely dangerous to the group. The underground facility suggests something massive. Stranger Things Season 3 sets up the exciting plot

Billy is possessed and dangerous. The underground facility suggests something massive. Stranger Things Season 3 sets up exciting developments ahead.

The fourth episode deepens the mystery while delivering explosive action sequences and confirming the Mind Flayer's terror as it returns to Hawkins with full force.

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Edited by Tanisha Aggarwal