S4E1

S4E1 is the first episode of the fourth season of the television series "Stranger Things." It premiered on May 27, 2022, as part of the season's first volume. The episode was written by the Duffer Brothers and directed by Shawn Levy.

The story picks up several months after the events of the third season. The group of friends are now separated. Eleven is living in California with the Byers family and struggling to adjust to a new life and school, facing bullying. Meanwhile, in Hawkins, Indiana, the remaining friends are dealing with the aftermath of the Battle of Starcourt and trying to maintain some semblance of normalcy. Mike, Dustin, Lucas, and Will are in high school and dealing with the social challenges that come with it. Max is still grieving Billy's death and has become withdrawn.

A new threat begins to emerge in Hawkins, connected to a gruesome murder at the Creel house. This event marks the beginning of the season's overarching mystery and the reintroduction of supernatural elements. The episode also introduces Dr. Martin Brenner, who is alive and overseeing a facility where Eleven is being subjected to experiments. The narrative effectively sets up the season's central conflicts, re-establishing the characters' individual struggles and the looming danger that will eventually bring them back together. The tone of the episode is a blend of coming-of-age drama, horror, and mystery.