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

7. “Did you ever stop to think that maybe she’s the monster?”

Episode: 5

Context: The boys head out with compasses on their search for the gate to the Upside Down. Since they know from Mr. Clarke that only something really powerful could throw off a compass’ natural magnetism, they follow the path through woods and backroads as part of their quest.

As the sun is setting, they realize something has been screwing with the magnets, but it’s not the power emanating from the gate. Doubting Lucas is quick to put two and two together: Eleven doesn’t want the boys to find the gate.

When he calls her out, Mike gets defensive and the two start to fight. They yell at each other, and Lucas finally delivers the line that pushes Mike over the edge. “We’re looking for some stupid monster!” he says. “But did you ever stop to think that maybe she’s the monster?”

Commentary: Ask anyone and they’ll quickly tell you that the villain of season one is the Demogorgon. But where does this leave Eleven? She’s no villain, but she certainly has something in common with the beast. In fact, she is seemingly the only one who can defeat it.

Her powers are extraordinary and Lucas (although I definitely suspect he is not the only one out there) does not seem to fully understand them here. While she scampers around with the boys, we get a pretty good look at all she can do.

It’s interesting to note: when she uses her powers, there is often bloodshed. Some may argue that she can’t control this. Does that matter though? She kills large numbers of people. Even if they have wronged her, is killing the work of the hero or the monster?