SPOILER ALERT
Stranger Things Season 5 Volume 2: One of the most popular shows on Netflix, Stranger Things, is on its way to its finale. Finally closing the decade-long franchise, the finale will release on January 1. However, the three-episode dose of Stranger Things Season 5 Volume 2 dropped on December 26 has the Internet divided. While some loyal watchers praise the plot, others call out a defining scene for the series featuring Will Byers, played by Noah Schnapp.
Calling it ‘woke’, the scene features Will Byers opening up about his homosexuality. While it has been an upcoming moment in the series, as fans on social media predicted in Stranger Things Season 4 itself, netizens feared the repetitive use of the theme. “Netflix decided to ruin their most popular show of all time,” claimed a netizen on X (formerly Twitter), calling out the makers for making the moment a turning point in the plot. As per the story, it is only after Will Byers is forced to open up by Vecna, the series villain, that he gains his superpowers, which eventually save his friends.
‘Vecna and Will – The new power couple of Hawkins’
The Internet took the opinion with a bit of salt and added humour to it. Given that Stranger Things is a show made largely for teens, several adults in the mix have labelled the ‘I don’t like girls’ scene ‘propaganda.’ However, users on the Internet called Vecna and Will Byers “the new power couple in Hawkins,” as a way to ease the tension.
But several loyal fans did not find the scene impactful, as some “yawned at it with zero surprise.” But at the same time, they remarked on the less common portrayal of heterosexuality in shows. Will Byers also joined Robin in the club, who had already revealed in early seasons about her preferences. Defending this trajectory, a user countered the ‘woke ruins everything’ comment and wrote, “It’s intellectually disingenuous to say it ruined the show when it just set a streaming record.”
‘Unnecessary’ or crucial to the plot? Netizens divided
A large section on the Internet, however, agreed with the argument and called the revelation ‘unnecessary’. While it may not stem from homophobia, netizens found it bizarre that “Will’s superpowers are because he’s ’embraced his sexuality’ and the villain telling Will that his friends won’t like him if they find out.” This claim was countered by a user who opined, “This is untrue. It is not because he ’embraced his sexuality’ but instead that he was no longer hiding and fearful. It’s subtle but distinct.” This comes as a callback to Stranger Things villains using the children’s fears against them.
Reiterating the poor reviews for Stranger Things Season 5 Volume 2, a user wrote, “I can’t even see how that would be a big deal. It’s really lame to have that right at the end; just bad writing.” It only led to further fan theories that Will Byers’ superpowers will eventually save the day at the end of Stranger Things Season 5 finale.