Realism in Stranger Things
I would like to say something and I will soo...walk with me.....
So I guess I'm a bit late to this but there is/was a theory going around called Chancegate so I read some posts and threads about it and I'm surprised more people haven't acknowledged this. I'm disappointed that I missed it. The evidence is really convincing. At my first read, I was skeptical until the scene I also found really weird was discussed. It was in S5E1 when Chance looked in Mike's direction for a considerable amount of time and Mike looked back and away. I wondered what was going on but couldn't explain it. Also, why did we see Chance in the epilogue and not Andy? The same subtle writing we are eager to figure out and dissect is being ignored and resented in this regard. Why? I assume it is because it gives you Byler doubt but aren't we supposed to support "crazy" theories especially when there is reasonable evidence to defend it? Isn't that what lovewinsgate is about? Nonconformity?
In Stranger Things, everyone is on a path of discovery either personally or romantically...
Joyce dated and married Lonnie, dated Bob before going back to Hopper.
Nancy dated Steve, dated Jonathan and will become independent or as many have theorised, be with Robin.
Jonathan and Steve dated Nancy and would end up together as many have theorised.
El dated Mike and would end up being independent as well. People also believe that Elmax is a possibility with proof.
People say they want complex characters. Is that performative because they always frown when they get what they have asked for. Walk with me for a second. Mike's experiences and feelings have been so intentionally blocked by the creators, it's mental! So basically, we believe Mike to be a repressed teenage homosexual in the 80's and in S4, it was after his girlfriend and his best friend we believe he has feelings for had left him for what they say is a year or some months. Is it far-fetched to think that he would get with another repressed homosexual? To be honest, it would be expected. Same for Will. They didn't confess their feelings to each other before they got separated so there is an emptiness there, one Mike would have hoped to fill having met Chance. It adds realism to the show. Saying Mike is "Willsexual" and vice versa, I believe is reductive to homosexuality. Mike is not gay for Will, Mike is gay AND loves Will. A puppy crush on Eddie was also very possible. We also find out Mike had been trying to call to no avail and that Will could have reached out more. People consider these teenagers infallible when they aren't. They are going to make mistakes. I wonder if Will would have an arc similar to this in Hawkins. Mike and Lucas seemed to be eager to comfort Will in S5 E1 when he felt dizzy. Also, in S1, it was Lucas who went alone to find Will by himself and he did also bike in the rain to apologise to Will and is the only one to actually apologise to him in S3 E4. Oh! There is also a theory that Lucas is bisexual here. Just saying, Lucas has been associated with Byler colours and is actively shipped with Will as Byclair so maybe there is something here. He may be the key to Byler endgame. It would also add to what I noticed in S5 E1 where I predict Mike and Lucas will have or have had an altercation in S5 here.
I know people engage in fanfiction but remember it is a form of fiction by fans, for fans. It is very different from canon. We need to face the reality that Stranger Things is a fictional show with unapologetic, realistic themes and I think Chancegate is realistic.
Concerning Will, how many times has Will expressed discomfort when people pamper him or dote on him? People act like it's one wrong move and he'll break but I don't believe that. He is stronger than you think. He loves Mike and Mike loves him but it's not that easy given the circumstances. Oh and did I mention it's the 80'S?!
I'm not shaken because I'm really confident that Byler will be endgame because it is undeniable that the whole show has been built around it. It is the core of the show. I think their victory depends on it but there are obstacles to overcome before that becomes reality.
Have you also considered that this is also what is keeping Mike trapped?! Did Vecna use it against him? He sees everything!!!! Is that part of the story he can never tell? The part that he regrets? So many possibilities!!!!!!
If Mike and Will were to get together out of the fact that they knew that the other was gay and were the only ones, it would be a bit underwhelming but if they CHOOSE to be together despite having other options available...now that's intentional and beautiful to me! It means they long not just for romantic satisfaction but each other's presence as well and everything that comes with it. Will needs to acknowledge the fact that he is loved by Mike and Mike needs to acknowledge that he can be/is loved by Will. That's how they win. It will be a bumpy ride but we will arrive at our destination.
We think there isn't a twist for us but wouldn't this be a twist for all? It's gutsy. It's real. It conveys the message of perseverance and conviction to act on what you believe in no matter the challenges you face to the LGBTQ+ community and the audience in general. It may be heartbreaking so you are advised to prepare your tissues. I know I have, lol (please laugh)
Reminder that Bobgate, Stonathan, Ronance and Byler endgame were all hear-me-outs. You never know who will have the last laugh.
For those who have watched Steven Universe, this reminds of the time people who theorised Rose was Pink diamond all along were mocked but they were right after all just like Joyce. Open your minds and you will see what's right in front of you.
"If you look for the light, you can often find it. But if you look for the dark, that is all you will ever see." Iroh, TLOK
If you're interested in knowing more about chancegate.... here by @smalltowngrey
Thanks for reading. Hope this makes sense :)
