S2E3 · Chapter Three: The Pollywog

Complete story — includes the ending

Flashbacks reveal that Hopper found Eleven in the woods and agreed to take care of her in his grandfather's old hunting cabin if she agreed not to leave the cabin. In the present, Bob encourages Will to face his fears, not understanding the nature of Will's episodes. Nancy persuades Jonathan to help her tell Barb's parents the truth. They arrange a meeting with Barb's mother in a public park the following day, fearing that Owens may be tapping the phone lines. The creature Dustin found in his trash can is a small, slug-like animal that he names D'Artagnan ("Dart"). He shows Dart to the other kids, and Will concludes that it is from the Upside Down, as it makes a noise similar to one Will heard in his visions. Hopper accuses Owens of failing to keep the gate contained, becoming increasingly concerned about the pumpkin fields. Frustrated with being stuck in the cabin, Eleven leaves to look for Mike; at the school, she sees him arguing with Max but thinks they are flirting. Will suffers another episode and follows Bob's advice to confront the shadow monster, but it latches to him.