It is time to look at the worst Stranger Things episodes, decided by the user ratings on IMDb. Of course, nowadays, the series is considered one of the best on Netflix, but that doesn’t mean it does not have any flaws or missteps. There will be a few episodes in this list that will not surprise you at all, but there will also be a few that will make you realize how hypercritic Stranger Things fans are. Without further ado, let’s get into the list of worst Stranger Things episodes with the general comments from the viewers.
1. The Lost Sister
Stranger Things 2 Episode 7: The Lost Sister
The Lost Sister, beyond question, is the worst episode of Stranger Things. The episode has the lowest IMDb ranking, 6.1, and user comments explain why this is so. Most viewers call attention to the pointlessness of the story and argue that it was just a filler episode, maybe an attempt to open up possibilities for a spin-off in the future. All characters seem cliche and fit significantly into stereotypes, especially number Eight, who lacks the presence of the other young actors of the series. The episode makes you think we’re going to be seeing the sister in the following episodes but nope! Overall, everyone agrees that The Lost Sister was unnecessary and dull.
2. Suzie, Do You Copie?
Stranger Things 3 Episode 1: Suzie, Do You Copy?
Although not as bad as The Lost Sister, Suzie, Do You Copy? is also one of the worst Stranger Things episodes. Having a 7.8 rating on IMDb, the 1st episode of Season 3 is entertaining, yet not much is going on plot-wise. Different sub-plots are overplayed, such as Billy at the pool and Dustin and his supposed girlfriend, Suzie. Yes, the series always had moments filled with comedy, but those moments usually worked well with the action and horror elements. This episode lacks everything that makes it an action horror sci-fi series, and it is a weak start to an otherwise promising season.
3. The Mall Rats
Stranger Things 3 Episode 2: The Mall Rats
We think the overall problem with the 1st 2 episodes of Stranger Things 3 is that the plot moves so slowly. Of course, The Mall Rats is better than the 1st episode of Season 3 because the plot begins to improve, although at a slow pace. While some viewers at IMDb, giving the episode a score of 7.9, point out how this episode feels like a setup for what comes in the following episodes, the others complain about how the show feels more like a teen drama rather than a fantasy horror drama.
This couldn’t be more true. Stranger Things, at certain times, has the problem of balancing comedic or coming-of-age elements with the horror and sci-fi elements, and The Mall Rats is the best example.
Look at also 5 Best Stranger Things Episodes of All Time According to IMDb
4. The Hellfire Club
Stranger Things 4 Episode 1: The Hellfire Club
Most probably, including The Hellfire Club in this list will shock you since most people liked this episode since we are introduced to new characters like Eddie and Argyle, and it has the Vecna surprise at the end. But still, the 1st episode of Stranger Things 4 has a lower rating (8.1) than most series episodes. Even though this rating is pretty good, there were still some moments that caused complaints on the fans’ side.
Well, 1st thing most users complained about this episode is the episode length, which is 1 hour and 18 minutes. Most users felt like the episode could have been shorter though some also felt the length was necessary to get used to the new characters and storylines introduced. Also, a few viewers thought that some sequences needed to be shortened, such as the basketball and the D&D scenes.
5. MADMAX
Stranger Things 2 Episode 1: MADMAX
The last episode on our list is MADMAX, which has an 8.2 rating on IMDb, which is, once again, not bad but low among other episodes of the series. It is reasonable to conclude that most 1st episodes of Stranger Things seasons are scene setters and slow in pace, which usually explains the viewer complaints. The fact that the 3 episodes in this list are all the 1st episodes of their respective seasons tells you a lot about the series and its fans. If you are watching the series primarily for its horror elements, then you will be disappointed by this episode. But if you like to see the 80s references with the leading kids at the center of the story, then MADMAX is excellent for you.
Also read: All Stranger Things Seasons Ranked – Is Stranger Things Season 4 the Best?
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