Summary
After four seasons of focusing on the bourgeoning romance between Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) and Mike (Finn Wolfhard),Stranger Thingsseason 5 will finally give a core character the respect he deserves.
Creating a found family story with an ensemble cast – especially one predominantly full of kids – is not easy. Even whenStranger Things' storylines attempted to include all the cast of characters equally, some were inevitably pushed to the side. Favoring some characters over others left one in particular out in the figurative and literal cold. Even though Will (Noah Schnapp) was the catalyst for the entire series, he never seemed like a main character. His journey of quiet pain continued for four seasons, in deference for more flashy love stories. Finally, he will get astoryline fans want to see inStranger Thingsseason 5.
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InVariety’s profile on Schnapp,Stranger Thingscreators released some tidbits on what to expect from Will in the upcoming season. He will no longer suffer in silence while watching his two best friends’ dramatic romance. Or at least not only that.
“Will really takes center stage again in 5,” Ross Duffer explained. “This emotional arc for him is what we feel is going to hopefully tie the whole series together. Will is used to being the young one, the introverted one, the one that’s being protected. So part of his journey, it’s not just sexuality — it’s Will coming into his own as a young man.”
The most surprising thing about this admission is why thisStranger Thingsstoryline is only happening now. Of all the characters, Will is arguably the most interesting one with the highest emotional stakes. After the first season oflanguishing in the Upside Down, Will returned with significant trauma.Stranger Thingsseason 2 seemed like the best time to explore what he had been through and how he could relate to his friends. But apart from a grisly possession arc, Will didn’t feature prominently. The introduction of Max (Sadie Sink) overshadowed him as the boys started fighting over her.
Stranger Thingsseason 4 was one of the most disappointing revelations inthe Will Byers timeline. In a typical story revolving around a character coming to terms with their sexuality, he pined after Mike, who – let’s be honest – does not deserve someone as sensitive and heartfelt as Will. If the Duffers are trustworthy and Will really will be a primary focus of the season, they need to commit to it. He can’t be the victim he has been for all this time. He is the most emotionally mature character who needs an arc befitting of the bestStranger Thingscharacter after being pushed aside for so long.
