I still think byler will get together at the last second but I can’t lie I’m pissed off they’re putting it off and I’ve lost trust that it will actually feel as fulfilling and have the payoff we’ve wanted.
We still don’t know how Mike feels which has always been the crucial missing puzzle piece here. They’ve once again reiterated the same thing, that Will believes his love is unrequited, so there is still nowhere to go besides reversing that expectation, unless they plan on treading the same ground AGAIN all finale.
But the show has once again emphasized that love is the key that saves all, like Lucas being the path back for Max (she didn’t need Kate Bush, she just needed him) and I still think the climactic moment of the finale and the whole show will have to do with byler and Mike’s feelings.
The most romantic scenes we’ve had this season have been between couples in high tension life or death situations. Jonathan and Nancy finally talk and are honest with each other, confirming their love for one another without the pressure and pretension—while the world is literally dissolving around them. Vickie and Robin have a sweet moment where they reaffirm their vows to go to Enzo’s while hiding from demogorgons. They are able to be vulnerable and honest in these life or death moments. I do think that in a similar high stakes moment—THE high stakes finale climax moment—that is going to be when and where we see Mike’s feelings.
I don’t think we’re going to get as much Mike insight as we want and deserve and I’m disappointed they really are leaving byler for a last minute korrasami esque plot twist but it’s kind of not unexpected, all things considered. I’m still confident in a byler endgame I’m just less confident that it will be as good as it could and should have been.
