so Will has this vision™, right? he sees all these kids Vecna’s Demo-creepazoids have already snatched, arranged in like… twelve neat little horror cupcakes. but THEN there’s this ONE EMPTY SPOT in the middle. the VIP square. the Beyoncé circle. the “special boy goes HERE” plaque.
and my brain immediately went: oh that’s for Will.
because tell me why after the vision he goes full art-kid mode, paints this giant Mind Flayer-looking mural with all the little child storage units AND a big dramatic “CENTER OF TRAUMA” section??? tell me that’s not suspicious.
Especially this shot:
plus we STILL haven’t seen that trailer shot:
Vecna literally called him the prototype. PROTOTYPE!! as in “beta-tested supernatural boy who already has powers, thanks for participating in our early access program.”
so yeah I’m 97% convinced the Upside Down has a Will-shaped assigned seat, and Vecna’s plan is just him holding a clipboard like,
“okay children, alphabetized by trauma… and Will goes right in the center so the vibes are symmetrical.”
Vecna did not just use Will to find Max’s room. He could’ve found the room number in any number of ways. Will was in a trance for hours.
Vecna needed to break him.
Because Will was being empowered. He found inner strength in his love for Mike and had hope that Mike felt the same (ie “how obvious?”). He finally had some level of autonomy over himself. He had control for once.
So Vecna had to destroy both of those for Will.
Take away his autonomy. Make him feel like he belongs to Vecna, like he only has his powers because of him. Like any strength and resistance he had was only within the constraints of Vecna’s abuse. Make him feel like no matter what, he will never escape.
Make him give up on love. Because love is stronger than fear. The only way the Mindflayer was able to take Henry? By manipulating him to give up on his love Patty. He needs Will to give up on his love for Mike. To believe it could never be reciprocated. To believe that he must move on from it in order to find strength. To believe Mike is just his Tammy.
Will was getting too powerful. Vecna needed to get rid of Will’s source of power: love.
And Vecna succeeded. Will internalized what Vecna showed him. He believes he is still under his control. His agency was taken from him again.
He believes Mike is his Tammy. That’s why he says that during his coming out when it goes against everything we’ve seen so far.
Will has unknowingly walked right into Vecna’s trap. And I believe he has fully accepted what he’s been told. He has given up hope. He has lost his sense of self. This is also why I think Will is going to attempt to sacrifice himself.
He thinks he has to die for this to fully end. That’s why he’s no longer afraid. He has accepted his fate.
And in his moment of weakness, Vecna will try to take control of Will.
And he will be so close to succumbing. But Mike is going to be there. He will finally, truly become Mike the Brave by being honest about his feelings. And he’s going to have to do something drastic to reach Will in this state.
I really hope that we’ll find out to some extent what Will was shown because this is heartbreaking. I believe there was a lot missing from vol2. We were seeing Will’s unreliable perspective.
let’s break down mike wheeler’s arc a bit more now that we have volume 1 context — and why i am even more convinced byler is endgame.
mike wheeler was the first person to theorize that will byers might be a sorcerer.
and he was right.
that reveal retroactively reframes so much of s2 — especially every moment mike comforts will by reasoning with him. mike doesn’t pity him, doesn’t patronize him. he meets will exactly where he is, explaining things in ways that are grounding and rational. he treats will’s experiences as real and solvable.
and that’s why will trusts him. the freak and van scenes outright confirm it — will loves that quality in mike, that ability to encourage him to fight even when he feels like a mistake. honestly? that’s probably why will fell for him in the first place.
but here’s the twist:
i think mike felt their connection first. he just denied it for even longer.
the handholding scene, the “you’re a superspy,” all of it reads completely different to me after volume 1. if we can now understand the romantic aspect of will saving mike because of mike’s faith in him… then we can’t ignore the question: does mike’s faith always meant something more?
maybe mike was trying to save will already. with every tool he thought he had.
and it didn’t work.
vecna took over will’s mind anyway. will “broke so easily,” according to volume 1. and then after those words we immediately get flashbacks to will in s2.
maybe mike blamed himself for that failure.
I already mentioned this in a previous post, but people seem to forget: the first thing mike does after will opens up to him about the mindflayer (the crazy together scene) is panic and try to contact el.
not romantically — but because he’s desperate. out of ideas. terrified. he says “it’s been a bad day” into the walkie like he’s begging the universe for a fix he can’t find on his own.
and mike doesn’t leave will’s side. the other boys float in and out of plot threads — but mike stays glued to will. worrying, strategizing, hovering, reading will’s face like it’s life or death.
then will starts forgetting people.
mike blushes when will still remembers him — because he was already nervous about that, because that’s his biggest fear:
losing will, literally and emotionally.
but then will betrays them. not by choice, but still. the demodogs chase them out of the lab.
mike has to confront the fact that he failed will. that bob died partly because mike didn’t connect the dots sooner. the guilt is enormous.
and still — mike tries again.
he refuses to give up on will. he insists will is still in there. he believes will can fight. he tries to reach the boy on the swings because he believes in will’s strength.
and he’s right… and wrong.
will gives them the message (“CLOSEGATE”), but then the phone rings and the hive mind takes him back.
mike is the first to realize (once again) that will is fully prepared to die if that’s what it takes to save everyone. he watches hope slip out of his hands a second time.
meanwhile, the adults trust him — but he’s still just a scared kid trying to be brave (mike the brave), holding a candlestick while a pack of demogorgons could burst in at any moment.
he’s seen the lab workers’ bodies. he knows exactly what’s coming.
but then el arrives. like a literal angel. a miracle. a fix. a lifeline.
he’s elated.
mike’s relief isn’t romantic — it’s pure survival. if she could save them once, maybe she could save them again, save will again.
his outburst at hopper afterwards takes a whole new meaning once you realize that mike is angry over the fact that they could have used el before. he calls hopper a “liar”, because hopper knew what was going on with will and still kept el away.
and if el can fix the monsters, maybe she can fix other things too.
maybe even mike’s heart.
because that’s the real tragedy of his arc: every time he follows his heart, someone he loves gets hurt.
so he tries to choose “normal.” he tries to choose the “right” feelings. he tries to force himself into the safe lie.
that’s why the sorcerer reveal hits so hard: mike wasn’t just a supportive, smart friend in s2. he was a scared kid who tried to rationalize everything that was scary and unfamiliar.
he was trying to save the boy he loved in the only way he knew how.
and when that plan went to hell, he shut down. he chose denial. he ignored a truth that volume 1 is now shoving directly in his face.
and that’s why the payoff in volume 2 is going to absolutely emotionally destroy us.
Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind theory: BYLER
Pls read this yall I think I really did something here.
Before you read my theory keep in mind the “eternal sunshine of a spotless mind” is one of the movies the Duffer brothers told us to watch before season 5 AND Noah and Finn started crying 20 minutes into reading the final script, just them first. Which ties into my theory of them seeing the past memories of Mike and Will.
X marks the spot.
We’ve seen this with Bob&Mike in season2, Max with Holly & The Map, finding the X AWAY FROM VENCA mind you. Will is ditching Mike like Max ditched Kate bush, expect Venca is making Will ditch him bc Venca knows Mike is Will’s music per say. Also goes into what Max was telling Holly and Lucas himself that she didn’t actually need music she needed Lucas, also the thing with touching her hand and why Mike can’t touch Will’s hand in many parts of the show
Mike is the heart for Will, (again bringing up the X over Will’s heart showing the wormhole) In order to save Will he has to get to Will’s heart. They are both their each others everything’s, the whole show revolves around them idc argue with the wall.
———
This is the plot of the movie if you’re unfamiliar.
So,
Either Mike is going to go through the labyrinth of memories in order to save Will Like how in the movie “eternal sunshine of the spotless mind” The main character Joel has to go through with losing memories with his gf and seeing all their past, seeing when they were most happy and when they were most sad all the ups and downs. And since we haven’t got Mike’s pov yet I think that’s when we’re going to see it. Is Mike walking through each of his memories seeing himself with Will and that also ties into to how they will show the GA that Mike has always has feelings for Will. Bc instead of a flashback I think it will be this. Mike has to go through the memories like Max went through her own and Henry’s to find herself a way out, MIKE WILL HAVE TO DO THE SAME TO SAVE WILL AND HIMSELF.
Also the duffer brothers orginal wanted to call stranger things “MONTAUK” which is literally from the “ESOTSM” The duffers pulled so much from this movie it’s insane. Also celmentine tells Joel to meet him in Montauk. Also in the movie so they don’t forget they make a tape of their lives BEFORE THEY ERASED THIER MEMORIES so they can possibly remember what thier life was before. This also makes sense with Will’s tape that has a X over it and so does the broadcast the stranger writes posted (I CANT FIND THE PIC WITH X ON THE TAPE BUT I KNOW WE HAVE SEE IT BEFORE)
Also another theory is in the end Venca does erases wills mind completely Of Mike and that’s what the tape is for to try to make him remember. Callback to the movie again. Also in the promo pic is with the word “bar” over it and we know we have seen leaks of them filming at a bar soooo take that with what you will.
Guys I’m actually shaking bc it makes sense right…. Also shoutout the all the spaces on twitter that made my brain fit the puzzle pieces of this together i couldn’t have done this alone
I noticed something in episode 2 that I found interesting. I don't know if this has been pointed out yet.
While Will and Robin are in the woods, they stumble upon a mandala. This was based on my research on mandalas so if anyone who is knowledgeable on the subject notices any inconsistencies or something that is not accurate, don't hesitate to point it out :D
Mandala in Sanskrit (ancient Indian language) means "circle". It represents the universe and how all beings are interconnected. The shape of the mandala can also represent wholeness, unity, integration. The bindu (dot in Sanskrit and the center of the mandala) is considered to be the self, the heart and also the center of the universe. It is considered to be the point where everything, including universal consciousness begins and where everything eventually returns to. In both Buddhism and Hinduism the mandala is used for meditation as well as healing and sacred practices.
I also found it interesting the rock at the center (representing the self, the heart) is blue (Mike's colour) and I think I see some yellow, green and white on it too.
Robin explains how she made one in 5th grade and asked Will if he had done the same. I noticed the colours so I looked up what they could represent based on the colours this mandala has (mandalas are not always made with colourful rocks).
When blue and yellow are blended, the green can represent harmony and equilibrium.
Some of the rocks in this mandala also have hearts (like the one at the top) and I think there is one next to that which has a rainbow on it. Mike is the heart.
"Without heart we'll all fall apart."
The way the mandala moves inward toward the center represents self-discovery, transformation and personal growth, a personal journey. Looking inward to achieve a state of wholeness. The movement outward illustrates the connection of the self with the universe. The mandala itself is also used to convey the cultivation of self-love, self-exploration, liberation and bringing that in the subconscious towards the conscious mind and accessing deep emotions, becoming more self-aware.
I think the rainbow puzzle, which can be a visual representation of what is going on inside Mike's head (internalised homophobia, repressing his feelings for Will, trying to figure himself out and struggling with self-acceptance) being shown right above and before the A Wrinkle in Time book appears in frame is significant regarding Holly and the role Mike could play in saving her.
The fact one of the meanings of the mandala is to find oneself and to look inward for introspection in the search for self-reflection to find harmony within reminded me of both Mike and Will.
Mike's speech to El led to the fourth gate to the Upside Down opening and to Max almost dying and left in a coma.
A metal band-aid is mentioned in the beginning of episode 1 by Robin (metal used to cover the tear that opened through Hawkins after the outcomes of season 4 opened the fourth gate), paralleling Will's own mention of a band-aid in the van scene, which could represent Mike's own band-aid after his speech to El (given he seems oblivious that Will reciprocates his feelings in season 4 and only said the words "I love you" to El after Will encouraged him reminding him he was the heart and with Will in frame for most of that scene, making Will's words what led to the speech and not something that Mike wanted to do or felt and under pressure when seeing El be in danger). He is also trying to repress his feelings for Will and little by little those feelings are becoming an avalanche. In season 5 Mike also seems to suspect Will and Robin are growing closer in a romantic way.
The mandala scene transitions to the playground at Holly's school as she was on the merry-go-round. Will realizes later in the episode that he was seeing through Vecna's next victim: Holly.
The merry-go-round is yellow and blue. And it once again made me think of the Byler colour theory. The mandala transitioning to the playground and the merry-go-round and both being circular in shape too made me feel very curious.
Just like Mike's belief in him, Robin's speech and the subsequent flashback with Mike, Joyce and Jonathan at the end of episode 4 gave Will the strength to fight and protect those he loves as he embraced his queerness and all aspects of himself...
Mike's own inner self-discovery and as he learns to embrace being queer and all of himself can be vital to saving Hawkins too.
Next to the Wheeler's front door, on either side, there are two framed paintings of what looks like a field and it reminded me of this shot we got in one of the promotional videos for season 5.
There was a temporary gate left behind by a demogorgon on the Wheeler's house and it made me think of how El could end up looking inside Mike's mind in season 5 or Will's, Mike getting vecna'd (and Vecna using his memories, insecurities, his feelings for Will, internalised homophobia and all his traumas against him) and how he could be the key, alongside Will, to save Hawkins. The field also reminded me of the many field parallels in the show like Mike and El in season 3 leaving the party to go hang out and right after that as Will looked in their direction, he touches the back of his neck...
And also the scene in season 5 with Will and Mike.
Mike has been referenced to as the key once by Hopper too, in reference to how getting to him was the key to keep him away from El in season 3 because of their relationship.
In season 2, we also see this bulletin board behind El as she walks down the school's hallway. The colours on the board are blue, yellow and white, with a key and a lock. The lock is blue which could also represent Mike's POV and unlocking everything he has been hiding for so long, keeping his emotions and feelings locked for a long time. His own self-discovery and self-acceptance, his own journey toward healing as he allows himself to feel, freely. There are also 8 keys on the bulletin board. And this interpretation as for the number of keys could be a reach but it made me think of how 7 has always being a significant number in Mike and Will's story and how key number 8 could represent their own journey of self-acceptance as they embrace being queer and their own personal self-exploration, coming to terms with all the struggles they have faced so far, the traumas, feeling inadequate etc.
Mike along with Will could be the key. Their love and bond alongside their self-acceptance and own inner journeys so powerful it can save Hawkins once and for all. The mandala represents how everything is interconnected. Mike's speech to El led to the fourth gate opening and countless deaths (because he was trying to say he loved her romantically, which isn't true. He loves El and she is very important to him in a platonic way).
"It's forced comformity. That's what's killing the kids! That's the real monster."
Mike and Will's love could, in contrast to this, do the opposite... because this time it is Mike being honest with himself and others. It is him rejecting forced comformity, embracing who he is, all of it.
Reading about the mandala in the context of Byler reminded me how it all starts from within. Will looked inward first and accepted himself and it was then that his powers were unleashed. He looked inward and found the answers that had always been there. It was a healthy representation of loving yourself and others and once you start within, that love can then spread outward in a balanced and powerful way and I feel Mike is the piece of the puzzle, the last key that can help Will and everyone save Hawkins. Will and Mike can do it together, finally rejecting forced comformity and saving everyone with the power of self-acceptance and gay love. And that is such a powerful message to send. Accepting yourself, your queerness, can be so powerful that it can defeat the monsters and save the day.
Murray is handing out tools to Lucas, Mike, Joyce, and Will. (Robin doesn’t get a tool as maybe because she’s going to be with Murray?) Murray hands out all the tools one by one, then proceeds to the back of the truck. He explains it’s “Santa’s sleigh” prepped & ready for “his reindeer”. It’s equipped with: built-in benches, seatbelts, & (yellow) foam padding. “Everything a kidnapped child could desire” with Murray’s grin 😁 lol. Then it pans to Joyce speaking to Derek on the walkie- & when she says the line, “remember, you’re not dipshit Derek. You’re..” & right at this part- if you pause, Mike looks back at Will & Mike has a glowing yellow circle on his crown. Something something about Will’s mom being accepting & open, standing up for the underdogs..
Lucas: Breaking Bar(power bar)-They are used to break loose very tight fasteners; prevents damage to the ratcheting mechanism of a socket wrench. Core themes revolve around interruption, protection, leverage, and breaking through resistance or established conditions.
Mike: Shovel-necessary labor, perseverance, and the pragmatism of building a future through hard work; represent the act of unearthing hidden truths; tool of both creation and destruction, representing ambition, betrayal, or the inescapable nature of fate.
Mike will be uncovering his & Will’s feelings for each other.. he will realize it is fate & they both want the same things.
Joyce: 5 Safety Goggles- protection from harm, representing caution, a commitment to safety, and the prevention of injury; symbolic protection against negative influences-where the eyes are considered conduits for spiritual energy.
Will: Surveyors Wheel(waywiser)-This term reflects its historical use for measuring long distances, such as between towns; representation of precision, progress, and boundary-setting; the act of marking a path or a new beginning; similar to a "winged wheel" used in heraldry to represent speed and progress; journey or the process of marking a new path.
And Will was handed a Wheel….WHEELER…
Sooo.. closing the distance between him & Mike, making progress, new beginning…
season 5|volume 1|episode 4|The Sorcerer
Approximately at 30:30
**I’d love to hear theories/thoughts on why each character was given the tools they were!**
specially bc I was thinking about this scene from the trailer
and why Vecna would use demodogs here and not demogorgons, despite him having at least 5 living demogorgons left after Sorcerer
and I think I know why
Demogorgons are more humanoid and they’re bipedal, which means they can grab and pick up things. So Vecna uses demogorgons when he wants to take.
Demodogs are quadrupedal and can’t pick things up like adult demos can. But they’re small and fast and vicious. Vecna uses demodogs when he wants to kill.
The demodogs aren’t in the hospital to take anyone; they’re there to kill. And I think they’re there to kill Max. I think she’s being too much of a menace in the mindscape, still hiding in the cave where Vecna can’t reach her, and so he’s sending his dogs after her to get rid of this thorn in his side.
