Stranger Things’ Lowest-Rated Episode Ever Defended by Creators After Review Bombing

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The final season of Stranger Things brought a remarkable nine-year story to a close, but it was a complicated and often painful watch. The ending raised a lot of questions, and it wasn’t ideal that the show’s creators had to explain their choices after the episodes aired – that’s what the show itself should have done! Despite its flaws, the finale was visually impressive and emotionally resonant, offering something for everyone to connect with.

Some viewers reacted negatively to an episode of Stranger Things when a main character came out as gay, even going so far as to leave overwhelmingly negative reviews. This episode, titled “The Bridge,” currently has the lowest rating of the entire series. It focuses on Will Byers confronting his feelings and realizing he needs to be honest about who he is, both to his family and friends, in order to face the bigger threat of Vecna. While the way Will came out could have been handled with more sensitivity and depth, the negative reaction seemed to stem from the fact that he came out at all, rather than how it was portrayed.

A Review Bomb Attack Is The Lamest Way To Get A Point Across (Especially A Hateful One)

In a recent interview with Variety, Ross Duffer addressed the negative reviews the latest episode received, calling them a coordinated attack. He explained that the coming-out scene had been carefully developed over nine seasons and was crucial both thematically and for Noah’s character. Duffer emphasized that the show is fundamentally about characters facing and defeating adversity, and Vecna embodies the negativity and societal pressures they must overcome. He believes that true victory comes from self-acceptance and unity among the characters.

Matt Duffer agreed, adding, “Right. It was the final step in Will’s journey. And Will is, in so many ways, the key to defeating Vecna. Volume 1 is really about self-acceptance, right? I mean, that’s sort of step one. And then step two as Will is talking to Robin—it’s something that he wants to do. He’s trying to figure out how to come out, and he knows that he needs to do that, and that that’s the final step for him. And he finds the courage to be able to do it. And it’s really the ultimate f*ck you to Vecna. That was the intention.”

The Duffer brothers were surprised by the negative reaction to the episode, especially the homophobic attacks. Matt Duffer admitted they didn’t anticipate such a strong response, explaining that the storyline had been carefully developed over a long period. He jokingly added that they aren’t known for being subtle. While acknowledging the episode wasn’t perfect and could have been improved, they emphasized its importance in Will’s character development and how it resonated with viewers who have dealt with similar feelings of shame, potentially helping them process their own experiences.

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2026-01-03 22:14