S4E4: Chapter Four: Dear Billy

In "Stranger Things" Season 4, Episode 4, things get tense as Max is still haunted by her visions of Vecna. Meanwhile, Joyce and Murray are trying to get to Alaska to rescue Hopper, who's stuck dealing with the harsh conditions in a Russian prison. Hopper makes a daring escape attempt, which involves fighting off guards and running through the snow, but let's just say it doesn't go as planned and he's recaptured. Back in Hawkins, Nancy and Robin are on a mission of their own. They manage to track down a former mental institution patient named Victor Creel, who might hold some clues about Vecna. They sneak into the asylum and have a chat with the man himself, who tells them his haunting story involving mysterious deaths and a creepy house. It's all very chilling but doesn't provide an immediate solution. The real emotional punch comes with Max's storyline. She writes letters to her friends and family, fearing the worst. As she visits Billy's grave, Vecna's curse tightens its grip on her. Just when things look bleakest for Max, with Vecna ready to claim her as his next victim, her friends manage to save her at the last moment by playing her favorite song. The music breaks Vecna's hold, and Max escapes his clutches—barely. So we end on a note of temporary relief, but with plenty of danger still looming.