In Chapter Five: The Nina Project, the fifth episode of the fourth season, the action and intensity in Hawkins continues to ratchet up as the mystery of the Vecna curse deepens.

As the episode opens, the kids start investigating a secret Russian facility in the woods outside of town. They discover that the Russians are collecting and experimenting with children with psychic abilities like Eleven. They call it the Nina Project.

Meanwhile, Mike helps Will and the Byers family come to terms with their grief and move forward. This emotional storyline is beautifully handled and adds another layer to the already complex relationships of the characters.

Back at the underground Russian base below Hawkins, Dustin, and the rest of the group plan to tear out the facility’s wiring to shut down the power to the equipment. They encounter a new character, named Yale who is also held captive and who has been experimented on by the Russians.

The episode features a flashback sequence involving Hopper, who is seen working with a group of Russian scientists for unknown purposes. It’s clear from the expression on Hopper’s face in this scene that he realizes he is involved in something deeply dangerous and troubling.

As the episode progresses, the characters work together to try to save the children in the Nina Project from their captors, with the help of the troublesome Yale. With the intense action that follows, and the introduction of new threats, the stakes are higher than ever.

Chapter Five: The Nina Project is a well-paced and emotionally stirring episode that highlights the expertise behind the show’s writing, cinematography, and performance. The narrative offers intriguing contours to the overall story of the season, and the introduction of new characters offers both fresh perspectives and more questions to explore. As the season continues the Hawkins story will likely become even more challenging and mysterious.