9 Things to Remember Ahead of Stranger Things 3

Even though the show's only had 17 episodes to date, there's a lot to know and remember when it comes to Stranger Things. The Netflix series manages to pack a lot into every episode, and as we head into the third season of the show, you might not have time to look back and review everything. Or maybe you're one of those people who just want to jump in on the hype and you have seen nothing and can't tell the difference between the Demogorgon and the Mind Flayer.

Whatever level of obsession you're at with the kids and monsters in Hawkins, Indiana, here are nine important things to remember ahead of Season 3, which arrives on Netflix on Thursday, July 4.

1. Eleven is living with Hopper
At the beginning of Season 2, we learn that Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) has secretly been living with Hopper (David Harbour) for some time (and she's also forbidden from going outside, leaving whatsoever, or contacting any of her friends, including Mike [Finn Wolfhard]). The two very much have a father/daughter relationship, and eventually, Hopper makes it official by adopting Eleven -- with a birth certificate reading Jane Hopper.

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2. Eleven has a sister
Love it or hate it, Episode 7 of Season 2 introduced us to Kali (Linnea Berthelsen), aka 008 to Eleven's 011. It was... weird! But it at least established that Eleven's world is bigger than she thinks. Will Kali -- or any other "sisters" or "brothers" make an appearance in Season 3?

3. Bob Newby, Superhero, is dead
Sean Astin played maybe the best almost step-dad ever to Will (Noah Schnapp) and Jonathan (Charlie Heaton) after he started dating Joyce (Winona Ryder) in Season 2. He loved them and cared so much about them, so we all knew he wasn't going to survive the season. He was killed by a pack of Demodogs fleeing the Hawkins lab, while Joyce watched. There was nothing anyone could do, and Bob is gone. Will later drew a picture of "Bob Newby, Superhero," and henceforth that's how he'll be known.

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4. Erica is the best
Erica (Priah Ferguson) is Lucas's (Caleb McLaughlin) younger sister, and she's amazing! She was only briefly featured in Season 2, but considering that audiences loved her, she'll be back for more in Season 3.

5. The award for best couple goes to Dustin and Steve
Who would have ever thought Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo) would pair off with Steve (Joe Keery)? We didn't! But considering these two both have a deep love of hair products, it kinda makes sense. During Season 2 Steve accidentally becomes a babysitter to all the kids and a sort of father figure for Dustin.

6. Nancy is now with Jonathan
The first season saw Nancy (Natalia Dyer) paired off with Steve (and his hair). However, over the first batch of episodes, the two slowly start to drift apart as Nancy looks deeper into the disappearance of Barb (Shannon Purser) and also what the heck is happening in Hawkins. This leads her to Jonathan, Will's older brother. Eventually, the two start a relationship and it's actually a great partnership as they try to uncover the truth about is going on.

7. Billy is Max's older (and meaner) brother
The two new kids in town are Billy (Dacre Montgomery) and Max (Sadie Sink). While Max eventually joins up with Mike, Dustin, Will, and Lucas (she also has a crush on Lucas), Billy is on his own because, for a lack of a better term, he's a bad boy. He drives a fast car and wears deep V-neck shirts and has an earring! Crazy for the '80s.

... He's also horrible. Billy is actually violent at times, coming after Max before she stabs him with a sedative. Also, Billy has an ongoing flirtation with Mike and Nancy's mom, Mrs. Wheeler (Cara Buono). It's hot and steamy and totally inappropriate!

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8. Will will never be OK
Will spent the entire first season of Stranger Things trapped in the Upside Down and it's -- for worse -- changed him. He still feels a deep connection to the things going on down there (the first season ended with him coughing up one of the monsters), and Season 2 see the Mind Flayer actually possessing him. Though he's able to rid himself of the beast, the threat is still always there.

9. The Mind Flayer's not gone
What is it and what does it want? No one's sure yet, but it is apparently banished back to the Upside Down by the end of Season 2. However, just because it's gone doesn't mean it's still not a constant threat. The season ends with a peek into the Upside Down, which shows us the Mind Flayer is still looming.

Stranger Things Season 3 premieres Thursday, July 4 on Netflix.