Stranger Things Season 5 Finally Begins Fixing Its Mistake With Will’s Sexuality

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Ever since news of the final season of Stranger Things was announced last year, fans have been eagerly anticipating its release. The cast and creators, the Duffer Brothers, have done many interviews, and questions about the season’s plot were common. While hints and fan theories spread online, one topic generated particularly intense discussion: Will Byers (Noah Schnapp). Viewers began to question Will’s sexuality after Season 3, and Season 4 made his feelings for Mike (Finn Wolfhard) more apparent. For a long time, many assumed this aspect of his character would be a side story, separate from the main plot.

When the first part of the final season was released, fans discovered the surprising reason why the show’s creators began exploring Will’s sexuality earlier in the series. (Please be aware that this contains spoilers for Season 5 of Stranger Things.)

Stranger Things Fixed Part of Will’s Arc at the Perfect Moment

For a long time, Will has been an important part of the story in Stranger Things, though it wasn’t always clear. Early on, the show was full of mystery, but gradually hinted that Will was just as vital to saving Hawkins from the Upside Down and Vecna as Eleven. More recently, the show began to explore Will’s sexuality, but in a subtle way – through brief moments and lines of dialogue meant for attentive viewers. This theme reappears in the first part of the latest season, for example, when Will observes Robin and Vickie at the hospital, and in his quieter conversations with Robin.

Throughout the show’s first few seasons, Will Byers was defined by difficult experiences – trauma, loneliness, and feeling like he didn’t belong – essentially missing out on a normal teenage life. However, the show avoided directly addressing these issues, especially his sexuality, seemingly worried it would ruin the character’s enigmatic nature. Many viewers pointed this out, criticizing the lack of clarity and even accusing the creators of misleading fans. This left Will burdened with unspoken emotions while other characters were able to grow and move on. It was definitely frustrating to watch, and because the showrunners never clarified their intentions, fans were left to guess. But everything they do is deliberate – and now, viewers understand that.

Man, the ending of Volume 1 was insane! In the last episode, “Sorcerer,” everything just went crazy with all those Demogorgons attacking the base. Then Vecna showed up and started messing with Will, reminding him that he was the very first person Vecna targeted – basically telling him he was weak and broken. It seriously felt like all hope was lost, especially when a Demogorgon almost got Mike! But then something amazing happened with Will. Seeing his friends in danger, he started focusing on all the good stuff – his friends, his family, happy memories from when we were kids – and it was like that gave him strength. And then, out of nowhere, he used powers we’d never seen before! Because of his connection to Vecna, he actually turned Vecna’s own abilities against him and wiped out all the Demogorgons. It was such a powerful moment – Will saving everyone using the very thing that had hurt him the most.

The resolution isn’t a shocking twist, but a fitting outcome of Will’s long and difficult journey. The show finally focuses on Will as an individual, rather than a symbol, and that’s a key reason why Stranger Things resonated with so many viewers. Ultimately, the show delivers on its promises with genuine emotional impact: Will embraces his true self, overcomes his trauma, and transforms what was once seen as weakness into a powerful strength.

How Will’s Sexuality Shapes the Narrative of Stranger Things

After a four-season journey, Will’s story comes to a powerful conclusion, showing that his biggest struggle was actually a fear of accepting himself. The show handles his sexuality with sensitivity, making it a core part of his journey of self-discovery rather than a dramatic reveal. This connection between his inner and outer struggles adds a much-needed layer of realism and emotional depth to his character.

One of the biggest strengths of the show is how Will’s personal growth ties into the overall supernatural storyline. Throughout the series, Will has always been the character most linked to the Upside Down, and the final season uses this connection to delve into his true self. It’s not just about his romantic relationships; it’s about everything he feels he needs to keep secret to stay safe, whether in Hawkins or in the frightening worlds he’s constantly thrown into. The show effectively parallels his external struggles with his internal journey: for the first time, Will is taking control of his own emotional limits, after years of being manipulated by outside forces. This metaphor feels natural because it’s deeply rooted in his character.

This change isn’t just about Will’s individual journey; it also affects his relationships with the whole group. Previously, many viewers felt Will’s friends were somewhat detached and kept him at a distance. This season is working to address that. Mike is key to this shift, but instead of creating more conflict, he’s learning to see Will as he is now, rather than how he used to be. The show is handling these changes in a more open and grown-up way, avoiding overly dramatic conversations.

The season also smartly avoids making Will a tragic figure. For years, his character was limited by his past trauma. Now, the show finally allows him to respond to events, pursue his own desires, and truly participate in the story. It’s the first time in a long time that Will seems to have a hopeful future, rather than being stuck in the past. Even earlier scenes showing him struggling with difficult emotions feel more impactful now because they feel more realistic and connected to his journey. Perhaps most interestingly, the scene where he gains power shows a sense of delayed realization – it’s as if he’s finally expressing feelings he should have voiced years ago.

The show Stranger Things openly admits it took too long to develop a particular storyline, but it quickly addresses this and moves forward. The creators have even said this wasn’t a spontaneous decision. This change works because allowing a character to truly come alive strengthens the story – he starts actively influencing events instead of just reacting to them. This naturally makes the show more captivating for viewers, which is why it was a perfect moment to end the first part of the season on a cliffhanger.

It’s really rewarding to see Stranger Things finally address Will’s sexuality in a meaningful way – not just for dramatic effect, but as a natural part of his growth and the overall story. The new season started with a more mature feel, and this decision takes it even further. It’s a welcome change that comes at just the right moment, and it shows that the Duffer Brothers have created a story that’s been genuinely worthwhile over the past decade, beyond just strong character development.

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2025-11-28 19:43