S2E2 · Chapter Two: Trick or Treat, Freak

Complete story — includes the ending

Flashbacks reveal that after killing the Demogorgon, Eleven awoke in the Upside Down. She escaped back into the real world, but hides in the woods after seeing government officials interrogate Mike at his home. In present time, it is Halloween and Eleven asks Hopper if she can go trick-or-treating. Hopper insists that she remain hidden until he and Owens come up with an arrangement that would allow her to live a normal life, which frustrates the homebound Eleven. More pumpkin fields rot across town and Hopper discovers an organic substance in the fields. Nancy wants to tell Barb's parents the truth about her death, but Steve fears that Hawkins Lab could come after them if they tell anyone the truth. They attend a Halloween party where Nancy gets drunk and berates Steve for his lack of empathy for Barb's parents. Before leaving, Steve requests Jonathan to take Nancy home. The boys go trick-or-treating and are later joined by Max. Will has another episode and tells Mike about his visions, leading Mike to admit that he is trying to contact Eleven. Dustin returns home after trick-or-treating and finds a strange creature in his trash can.