I have a lot of things to say about stranger things but one thing I've been seeing a lot, is people saying "mike wheeler is going to be just like ted wheeler" and it makes me *so* mad. if you wanna hear me out, continue on lol
mike wheeler has experienced loss. but it's a loss that seemingly invigorates him. he's writing. he's motivated to tell people about these magical adventures he and his friends went on.
and maybe he does stay in hawkins. maybe he doesn't truly ever move on from el.
but mike is not like ted. at all. ted settled down and completely disregarded his family. talked down to them occasionally. didn't fully divulge in the emotional depth of his marriage. never got close to his children and appreciated them like he should've.
and that's not in mike's nature. sure, he's a bit hardened by his experiences, but i truthfully cannot believe he's bitter or resentful. mike has always been soft and sensitive, with a side of sass. in the end, he cannot help but bring some comfort to his friends because he knows they are still grieving.
he sees holly with her friends and that look!! it's sentimental. it's recognition. it's peace within.
i will not believe mike's story ends with him settling for some random woman and popping out a bunch of kids before he's 30. mike takes his time and publishes a few books. he moves to the countryside and meets a girl who loves to hear his stories and doesn't mind having a quiet life with him. every so often, he goes to the city to do book signings and meet up with his friends and their families.
he chose the path that hopper told him about. the moving forward.
and like eleven said. he understood her the best. he will eventually come to understand why she did what she did.
stop saying the ruined his narrative or characterization. there's nuance and it's opened ended for a reason. if you choose to make him miserable, that's on you. but as a mike wheeler lover since day 1, i refuse to believe any of that bullshit.
