Finally got to watch Episode 9 after a week of traveling. Will try to not repeat what has been often said.
Big hits for us -
Dustin embracing Will when they reunite in the end; basically the 100% opposite reaction that Mike had to seeing Will when he visited California. Great viewpoint of Dustin being a really great friend.
Sadie Sink's acting - a kid who looked like a shoehorned in supporting character 2 years ago breaks out as a star in the making with her scenes talking about her brother.
Vecna's early days in the Upside Down flashback - really awesome. Especially him in front of the Mind Flayer. Great artistic VFX
Murray with the flamethrower.
Hopper and El's reunion - You knew he was behind the door at the mobile home, but even still, those two actors' genuine affection for each other is phenomenal.
Head scratchers
There is functional electricity in the Upside Down for drills and electric guitars? Who is paying the bill? Is there a central hub somewhere featuring a demogorgon CEO of a power company?
The only thing Mike did the entire year was be Trinity from the Matrix telling Neo she loves him so he has to keep fighting.
Episode 9 felt about 30 minutes too long. Lots of stuff could have been deleted scenes or cutting room floor. Felt like they were going extreme largesse because of the huge gap between seasons.
Why the hell does Will wait a few hours after they get back to mention that oh by the way, Vecna is totes alive?
Please, no more extreme closeups of Jonathan and Mike, those two dudes are not aging well.
Missed opportunities
Argyle coming out of the woods in the final scene, clearly blasted on mushrooms, and believing the dead vegetation and multiple fires are all just a trip he's on.
The dude from the other pizza place who let them use the kitchen getting his paycheck the next week with $55,000 deducted from it for damages to the workplace.
Big hits for us -
Dustin embracing Will when they reunite in the end; basically the 100% opposite reaction that Mike had to seeing Will when he visited California. Great viewpoint of Dustin being a really great friend.
Sadie Sink's acting - a kid who looked like a shoehorned in supporting character 2 years ago breaks out as a star in the making with her scenes talking about her brother.
Vecna's early days in the Upside Down flashback - really awesome. Especially him in front of the Mind Flayer. Great artistic VFX
Murray with the flamethrower.
Hopper and El's reunion - You knew he was behind the door at the mobile home, but even still, those two actors' genuine affection for each other is phenomenal.
Head scratchers
There is functional electricity in the Upside Down for drills and electric guitars? Who is paying the bill? Is there a central hub somewhere featuring a demogorgon CEO of a power company?
The only thing Mike did the entire year was be Trinity from the Matrix telling Neo she loves him so he has to keep fighting.
Episode 9 felt about 30 minutes too long. Lots of stuff could have been deleted scenes or cutting room floor. Felt like they were going extreme largesse because of the huge gap between seasons.
Why the hell does Will wait a few hours after they get back to mention that oh by the way, Vecna is totes alive?
Please, no more extreme closeups of Jonathan and Mike, those two dudes are not aging well.
Missed opportunities
Argyle coming out of the woods in the final scene, clearly blasted on mushrooms, and believing the dead vegetation and multiple fires are all just a trip he's on.
The dude from the other pizza place who let them use the kitchen getting his paycheck the next week with $55,000 deducted from it for damages to the workplace.

