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

'Vladimir' follows a professor whose world changes after her obsession with her charismatic colleague
5 hours ago
Bailey Nune’s unexpected job offer leaves fans wondering about her future on 'The Rookie'
6 hours ago
Aldis Hodge drops a cryptic warning ahead of ‘Cross’ S2E4, hinting at chaos, escalating tension, and fallout no one is ready for.
7 hours ago
‘High Potential’ boss Todd Harthan teases messy love triangle as a ‘This Is Us’ star joins Season 2 drama.
8 hours ago
Robert Irwin drops thoughts on his participation in ‘The Bachelor’ as DWTS gears up for a star-studded fan convention.
12 hours ago
Jeff Daniels joins ‘Shrinking’ Season 3 as Randy’s estranged father, bringing shocking family secrets and intense drama to the new season.
13 hours ago
Apple International’s espionage thriller 'Safe Houses' eyes Ana de Armas & Jennifer Connelly, with Gideon Raff adapting Fesperman’s novel.
13 hours ago
The future of ‘Doctor Who’ remains uncertain after Disney’s exit, but BBC voices signal the Time Lord isn’t done yet.
14 hours ago
The show will welcome back a fan-favorite character who departed from the team for a DEA assignment in San Diego
15 hours ago
‘High Potential’ Season 2 Episode 12 ended with an emotional Morgan and Karadec moment, leaving viewers eager for Episode 13
15 hours ago