Warning! Full SPOILERS follow for our review of Stranger Things Season 3, Episode 6, titled “E Pluribus Unum.” For a refresher, be sure to check out our review of “The Flayed.”
Stranger Things’ third season really picks up steam here, with some significant OMG reveals that point to a climactic finale. But before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s start with Eleven’s mind-bending trip into Billy’s memories. This particular moment is one of the series’ most impactful scenes, with its stunning use of visuals, and exceptional performances from Millie Bobbie Brown and Dacre Montgomery.
Without relying on chunks of exposition to get their narrative points across, the Duffer brothers are able to convey Billy’s bleak childhood in a heartbreaking, yet beautiful montage. The way the scene follows Eleven from a peaceful shoreline during the happier days to a roaring storm filled with hate and torment after Billy’s mom leaves him behind, is an effective way to present Billy as a more sympathetic character. The part when Eleven looks back at Billy’s dad with her “I’m going to mess you up” stare is marvelous. It would have been cool if she could have punched Billy’s dad through time, but apparently her powers don’t quite extend to time travel (yet). Hopefully, Billy will get a chance to free himself from the Mind Flayer’s influence and gain redemption.
Source: IGN.com Stranger Things Season 3, Episode 6 – 'E Pluribus Unum' Review