Netflix 'Stranger Things' Season 4 Episode 5: How does Eleven get her powers back?

It took its time, but 'The Nina Project' finally sees Eleven reacquire her powers, even if only a little
PUBLISHED MAY 27, 2022
Millie Bobby Brown as Eleven in 'Stranger Things' Season 4 (Netflix)
Millie Bobby Brown as Eleven in 'Stranger Things' Season 4 (Netflix)

Contains spoilers for 'Stranger Things' Season 4 Episode 5 'The Nina Project'

Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) being powerless without her abilities has been one of the key storylines in 'Stranger Things' Season 4. With Vecna killing his victims grotesquely one at a time, the gang at Hawkins somehow manages to save Max (Sadie Sink) in the previous episode. 'The Nina Project' shuttles between three storylines — Eleven getting her powers back, Will (Noah Schnapp), Mike (Finn Wolfhard), and Jonathan (Charlie Heaton) planning to find Suzie (Gabriella Pizzolo) to find out where Eleven is, and the gang at Hawkins finding out more about Vecna.

The reintroduction of Dr Brenner (Matthew Modine) adds a massive twist to the series. Although it was confirmed that he was alive and kicking well before the show's premiere, he plays a vital role in establishing the father and daughter connection with Eleven. While Dr Owens takes her back to the special facility where the children are being experimented upon, she struggles to adapt and let her past fears kick in.

RELATED ARTICLES

'Stranger Things' Season 4: First 8 minutes leaves fans with 'goosebumps and mixed emotions'

'Stranger Things' season 3 ending explained: What happens to Eleven and the Mind Flayer?

Brenner puts Eleven in stasis and has her in an environment that plays with her mind. The teen sees visions of her younger, uncontrollable self, while also struggling to come to terms with what made her powerless. While Owens suggests that they go easy on her, Brenner pushes her by putting them through scenarios where Eleven goes through trauma eventually awakening her power. One of the sequences sees her have an arrest, only to be revealed that she faked it. She manages to overpower the guards by using her abilities, even only for a few minutes.

Much of Brenner's move revolved around reconnecting Eleven with her past as the trauma greatly heightened her abilities. The grief that eventually turned to rage made her special over the other children in the lab, and the devious scientist manages to get the breakthrough again. But is it enough to slay Vecna and save Hawkins again?

'Stranger Things' Season 4 is streaming on Netflix.

RELATED TOPICS STRANGER THINGS (2016) NETFLIX NEWS

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

Ben Kingsley opens up on his acting journey and reflects on gratitude while promoting ‘Wonder Man’ on GMA.
8 hours ago
'Industry' Season 4, Episode 2, starring Kit Harrington and Marisa Abela, featured some wild and ruthless moments as it veers entirely off the rails
9 hours ago
Several binge-worthy shows are releasing this January—our list of unmissable shows, including the 'GoT' prequel and a delectable crime caper.
13 hours ago
From Ashford’s tourney grounds to whispered legends, 'A Knight of Seven Kingdoms' Episode 1 showed us plenty of 'Game of Thrones' Easter eggs.
14 hours ago
Everything you need to know about ‘nursing home OG’ Judy Ann Prachyl as ‘Landman’ Season 2 comes to an end
15 hours ago
Created by Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, and Don Heck, the eight-episode series is scheduled to premiere on Tuesday, January 27
16 hours ago
'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms,' adapted from 'Tales of Dunk and Egg,' takes place between the events of 'House of the Dragon' and 'Game of Thrones.'
17 hours ago
Taylor Sheridan is leaving Paramount and joining NBCUniversal, starting an eight-year movie deal in March 2026
19 hours ago
After the season 2 finale, season 3 looms as 'Landman' locks in its return and familiar faces line up for another round of power shifts
20 hours ago
Finn Wolfhard's latest hosting gig on 'SNL' also featured his 'Stranger Things' co-stars Caleb McLaughlin and Gaten Matarazzo
21 hours ago