An in-depth discussion of Chapter Nine: The Gate, the ninth episode of Season 2 of Stranger Things. This final episode of our season 2 re-watch is also the final episode of the second season of our podcast! We are so excited to finally bring you the thrilling conclusion to the most slept-on season of Stranger Things. After a quick update on the lead-up to new Djo music from Joe Keery, we pick up right where we left off last time. The emotional reunion between El and Mike is short-lived as they realize they need El to be their superhero and close the gate. Mike Wheeler once again comes through for Will as he realizes that they can’t close the gate while his friend is still connected to the Mind Flayer’s hive mind. Joyce realizes that they need to burn the virus out of her son’s body, so the group splits ways once again. El and Hopper head to the lab and the Byers family drives to the cabin with Joyce’s stockpile of electric heaters in tow. Steve is an absolute saint, telling Nancy that she should go with Jonathan and staying behind on babysitting duty. When an unexpected visitor turns up, Steve and the kids have to fight him off together before the kids get their way and drag him along to join the fight in the tunnels. The epic battle rages on as the whole party fights the monster from different angles, and Meghan and Stacy discuss their thoughts about the shadow monster, whether demo-dogs are inherently evil (RIP Dart), and the connections to season 4 in this episode. Don’t forget you can support our show, access bonus content, and be eligible for fun monthly giveaways over at https://www.patreon.com/skullrockbroadcast