17 Stranger Things quotes die-hard fans should know by heart

8. “Science is neat, but it’s not exactly forgiving.”

Episode: 5

Context: The boys aren’t exactly acting normal at Will’s funeral. Mike’s parents expect him to be grieving but the boys aren’t exactly acting normal at Will’s funeral. Mike’s parents expect him to be grieving, but instead, he’s leading his gang on a science expedition to find the real Will Byers.

The boys’ science teacher, Mr. Clarke, is there, too, and the kids see this as an opportunity to learn about possible ways to enter the Upside Down. Mr. Clarke is basically the awesome teacher we all wish we had in elementary school, so of course, he accepts their weird behavior and generously takes the time to explain the theory of the flea and the acrobat.

Basically, the theory describes a way to rip a hole in space and time. The boys are totally into it, but Mr. Clarke—seriously, this guy’s character is so underrated—gently cautions them, “Science is neat, but it’s not exactly forgiving.” He punches a hole through the model he’s been showing them to demonstrate exactly how violent some exploits can be.

Commentary: This quote sums up one powerful theme of the show: science draws in both adults and children, but it is a force to be reckoned with.

Like something straight out of a Stephen King novel, ultimately only pint-sized Eleven is able to stop the Demogorgon and, after that, seemingly nothing has yet to put an end to the entire Upside Down. Will coughing up slugs in episode eight is pretty dang discouraging.

Stranger Things seems to be telling us to be careful with science. The show itself teased their second season with the line “Some doors can’t be closed.”