willthewiz

[willthewiz]

Season 5: The Truth | Mike's Arc

Season 4 focused on lies, season 5 will focus on the truth.

Mike and Hopper both care about:

Their Friends

Their Town

The Truth

Honesty

Eleven — A daughter to Hopper and a partner to Mike

Finn: "I think they weirdly have a lot of things in common. They really care about their friends and their town and they care about the truth and honesty and both very much care about Eleven. They both found a kind of love in this character, Hopper has found a daughter and I found a kind of partner."

Interesting. Mike found "A kind of partner"? Not Mike found a girlfriend. Not Mike found the love of his life. Instead, Mike found a partner.

Referring to someone as your partner means you have a close relationship with them. This can be taken in a romantic or platonic way.

In the video, Finn also mentions Byler first. "I know Byler's been very popular."

Then says, "At the beginning, I guess I would say mileven."

Similarities between Mike and Finn: They both…

Care about their friends

Want to remain loyal with their friends

Like to be a part of a team/leader of a team

Search for the truth

Make sure that their friends feel empowered (to make someone feel stronger and more confident--- Will to Mike: "You make me feel like I’m not a mistake at all. Like I’m better for being different. And that gives me the courage to fight on.")

It seems like season 5 will mainly focus on friendship, team work, and truth/honesty.

Finn: "I think we both really care about our friends, our friendships and want to remain loyal with our friends. And I think they like really being a part of a team and the leader of the team and I think searching for the truth and making sure that their friends are as empowered as they can be."

Mike is the heart<3

Differences between Mike and Finn:

Mike is more brave

Mike is more intense (concentrates very hard on everything he does and feels emotions very strongly)

Mike will be put in situations that showcase his bravery. He will obviously have to be brave to face Vecna and other threats, but Mike's also searching for the truth. Finn said that Mike cares about honesty.

We also know Mike is going on his own journey in season 5 (self discovery aka the truth).

Mike will have to be brave on his journey in searching for the truth.

Mike cares about honesty. Will lied about the painting. Will is not honest about his feelings. Mike is going to find out how both himself and Will feels.

Mike is searching for the truth. He will be brave by being honest with his feelings.

Don't worry, Will.

Mike will like the truth.

[willthewiz]

I just saw a comment on YouTube about ai and they said, "It's so awesome that art, writing, music, etc can be generated with a click instead of spending years learning it. Everyone can be an artist now."

WHAT?? NO. NO. NO. YOU ARE NOT AN ARTIST IF YOU USE AI. YOU DIDN'T PUT IN ANY TIME, EFFORT, AND CREATIVITY INTO ANYTHING!

ARTISTS CREATE. AI REPLICATES.

Telling an ai what to create doesn't make you an artist. Art is about showing what YOU see. Art is YOUR interpretation. Art is YOUR own. Art comes from YOU.

A machine steals, copies, and replicates. Ai is NOT YOU. Ai is not original or unique.

LEARN and create art YOURSELF.

[willthewiz]

Will making Mike Smile :')

[willthewiz]

Happy Birthday Byers💫

[willthewiz]

OMG!!

Am I going crazy or does the lightning bolt above them look like half a heart? 😭

Mike is Will's other half. Mike completes the heart.

"That's what holds this whole party together—heart. Because without heart, we'd all fall apart. Even El (me). Especially El (me)."

"You're the heart! Remember that! You're the heart!"

<3

BYLER’S ELECTRIC LOVE

A quick analysis

In this shot we have mostly the colors Blue and Yellow (Mike’s and Will’s colors ofc) Then the green lightning bolt literally pointing at Mike and Will. 💙+💛=💚

Another lightning bolt in between Will and Mike

And yet another lightning bolt in between Mike in Will. Plus the sky has all the colors of the rainbow on Mike’s and Will’s side of the poster. Crazy.

Another thing pointing to Byers’s electric love is this song on Finn Wolfhard’s STurn playlist.

[willthewiz]

THE WORLD COLLAPSED

[willthewiz]

At the end of season 4:

Will: "We have to kill him." (Vecna)

Mike: "And we will. We will."

I can’t believe it took me this long to see this:

They are in the middle of the game.

They have been playing for 10 hours.

They needed 20 more minutes.

We know now it takes 20 to defeat Vecna. It also would have taken 20 more minutes to change the future.

The ”middle” (meaning half) of 20 is 10. 10 wasn’t enough but two 10s is makes 20 and that is enough.

And we ofc know who those two 10s are…

(If you haven’t seen this before, look at the shoe sizes. Both Mike and Will are a size 10)

It’s just so crazy to me that they actually told us those numbers in the first minutes of the entire show!

Also there is the ”15 after” which tells us something about eightfifteengate…

[willthewiz]

One day, I told my dad that Will and Mike might be together in season five. He hated the possibility and was annoyed, but then he said,

"I knew it!"

I was like... you... knew it? What do you mean?

He said they were looking at each other all lovey-dovey IN THIS SCENE:

My dad likes mileven too, so for him to notice that byler has a real possibility of being endgame speaks volumes. Especially when this scene stuck out to him the most as Byler proof.

It just goes to show that the reason why milevens hate on byler so much is because they see that there's an actual possibility of it happening.

Byler Endgame<3

everyone please keep sharing your stories of convincing people or just knowing people, that are not obsessed and slightly crazy invested like us, that byler will happen. It gives me such insane hope when I hear someone pull up with the my cishet homophobic dad picked up on it or believes in it, like crazy hope

I mean I don’t need it because I’ll believe in it anyways but hearing those stories just gives me like such a nice feeling of validation and relief and it’s great makes me really happy so thanks for sharing and please keep sharing convert everyone you can<3

[willthewiz]

Mike's Speech to El | Romantic Version

“Meeting you was the best thing that I’ve ever done. El, you make me feel like I matter. Like I’m needed. Your bravery to stand up to the bullies, the demogorgon, the mindflayer, to Brenner, it made me feel like I could be brave too. When I’m with you, it feels like I can fly and move mountains. I know that’s impossible, but you make me believe in the impossible. El, you make me feel like I’m a superhero! I used to feel like some random nerd, but ever since I met you, I feel like I can do anything. That’s why I know you can do this, because if anyone can do the impossible, it’s you. You can defeat him. Fight El! Fight!”

(Don't take this seriously lol. This is obviously a badly written speech made for jokes; I'm just bored.)

______________________________________________________________

“I love you with your powers, without your powers.”

I didn't have Mike say that he loved her and I didn't mention El's powers at all because his words in this speech would already show that he loves her with and without her powers. He's talking about how her bravery made him feel brave too. This shows that Mike loves El for who she is as a person and how this has impacted his life.

“You can do anything. You can fly. You can move mountains. I believe that. I really do.”

Change it to: "When I’m with you, it feels like I can fly and move mountains." and "I used to feel like some random nerd, but ever since I met you, I feel like I can do anything."

This makes more sense if you want the audience to believe that Mike is in love with El.

“I love you for exactly who you are. You’re my superhero.”

Change it to: "El, you make me feel like I’m a superhero!"

This wording makes a BIG difference. Instead of Mike saying El is his superhero, Mike saying El makes him feel like a superhero, is much more meaningful. Mike just feels like some random nerd and that El is this incredible, special person. A superhero.

“And one day she's gonna realize I'm just some random nerd that got lucky that Superman landed on his doorstep.”

If El makes him feel like a superhero and not some random nerd, this will show that El makes him feel incredible and special.

Mike saying El is his superhero makes it sound like he still feels like some random nerd, someone useless, compared to El who's always saving the day.

The point of the scene was to prove that Mike is in love with El. Mike just saying, "I love you!" multiple times and mentioning her powers doesn't convince the audience. However, Mike talking about things he actually likes about her as a person without mentioning her powers at all and talking about how she makes him feel does.

[willthewiz]

The way Mike looks at Will during the van scene...

"This is amazing! Did you paint this?"

And this...

Mike glancing at Will's lips...

The face Mike makes after glancing at Will's lips...

this.

And this last look...

💙💛

[willthewiz]

What did Jonathan really see that night?

[willthewiz]

“what do i say to convince you that i need you too?”

[willthewiz]

Mike's Truth

Mike: “I didn't… I didn't know what to say.”

Will: "Sometimes I think it's just scary to open up like that. To say how you really feel. Especially to people you care about the most. Because, what if… what if they don't like the truth?”

Mike: "I… I care for you… so much.”

El: "Care." But you don't… you don't love me anymore?

Mike: “What… Who… Who said that I didn't?”

El: “You never say it.”

Mike: “I say it.”

El: “You can't even write it, Mike. "From Mike." "From Mike." "From Mike." "From Mike." "From."

Mike: “Okay, okay. Eleven, you're being ridiculous. What, like… What is this? You know what I think of you. You're the most incredible person in the world. And you can't let these mouth breathers ruin you. Ruin us. I mean, they're nobodies. They're nobodies. And you're a superhero.”

El: “Not anymore.”

Mike didn't know what to say. He knew El wanted him to tell her he loved her but he didn't. Instead, he told her that he cared about her. And because he cares about El, he scared to say how he really feels. Because what if El doesn't like the truth?

Mike didn't know whether to say the truth about how he feels or to lie about how he feels. Telling El the truth about his feelings, opening up, is scary because he doesn't know if she will be okay with the truth.

But she already knows the truth. She knows Mike cares about her, but she also knows he won't say or write about how much he loves her. As Mike said, "You know what I think of you."

Mike: “I am scared that one day you’ll realize you don’t need me anymore.”

Mike: “But the truth is, El, I don’t know how to live without you.”

Mike: “And… I can’t lose you. Okay? Do you hear me? I can’t lose you.”

Mike is scared that he will lose El if she knew the truth. He's scared she wouldn't need him anymore once she found out. It's not that he can't live without her, but that he doesn't know how to live without her. He's kept the truth about his feelings hidden for so long that he doesn't know how to stop hiding because of that fear of losing her.

El: “I saw what I did. I am a monster.”

Papa: “You speak of monsters, superheroes. That’s the stuff of myth and fairy tales. Reality, truth, is rarely so simple. People are not so easily defined. Only by facing all of ourselves, the good and the bad, can we become whole.”

People are not just monsters or superheroes. They are not just bad or good. Because there is more to them than just being totally good or totally bad because we all have a reason for being those things and we all have a little good and a little bad in us. This doesn't mean we're all bad people. It just means that we aren't perfect because we have flaws. And we should embrace that. By facing not just the good things about us, but the bad things (the things that make us imperfect) too, we’ll understand ourselves on a much deeper level. A half, becoming whole. By facing all of ourselves, we become whole. We become whole by finding the other half of ourselves that we ignore and hide from.

“A half cannot truly hate that which makes it whole.”

El: “What if I don’t wanna become whole?”

Papa: “Then that is a choice. Your choice. The door is always open. This place is not a prison. This is. You chose to trust me once. I’m asking you to trust me again. Journey with me into the past one last time. Stop hiding, Eleven.”

In order for Eleven to get her powers back, to face all the good and the "bad" parts of herself to become whole, she must journey into the past. Step out from hiding in the shadows and step into the light. But no one can do this for her. She must be the one to make her choice to open the door to the past, come out from her hiding spot, and face all parts of herself that she has ignored and hid from.

I believe other characters will also have to stop hiding and journey into the past. For them to grow, they must become whole. There is another character who still chooses to hide and ignore the other half of themselves. And that is…

Mike.

Mike will need to say how he really feels. The truth needs to come out. Will a journey to the past help Mike face himself, all the good and the bad, and become whole?

[willthewiz]

Will's Arc Ties the Whole Series Together

"Will really takes center stage again in [season] 5," Ross Duffer told Variety. "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."

So in other words...

Will Byers will receive more attention in season 5 due to his importance in the story. His goals, motivations, conflicts, and decisions will make Will’s story an emotional arc. Instead of Will keeping his thoughts and feelings to himself, he’ll become more open and honest not just to others but also himself. Instead of needing protection and being treated like a child, he will stand up to fight to protect others and make his own decisions instead of doing what others want him to do. To come into his own, Will must face challenges such as going against numerous enemies and trials along the way (internal and external conflicts), and emerge stronger and wiser at the end. Once Will overcomes these challenges, he’ll be able to:

Utilize his strengths and unique qualities to his fullest extent.

Become more self-assured and comfortable in his own skin, no longer needing to defer to others or hold himself back.

Establish a strong, independent sense of self, rather than relying on others' perceptions or definitions of who he is.

Fully showcase his talents, skills, and perspectives, without feeling the need to conform or blend in.

Reach new heights in his career, personal life, or other endeavors where his true abilities can shine.

Will’s story is about self-discovery and growth. He will grow into the fullest expression of his authentic self and potential. His emotional arc will tie the whole series together because in order to defeat Vecna and save Hawkins, Will must stop clinging to his childhood and use that support from others as a stepping stone toward finally growing up and becoming a young man.

And we know Will will always need Mike. Mike is part of the key to Will's self-discovery. Mike makes Will feel like he's not a mistake. He feels better for being different because of Mike. He can be himself because of Mike. And that gives him the courage to fight on. The courage to finally defeat Vecna once and for all. That support from others will play a part in Will growing as a person, thus leading to Will becoming a young man and facing against Vecna.

As I said before, Will’s arc is about self-discovery and growth. He has that acceptance from others such as Jonathan and Mike, and that support will help him grow as a person and become fully comfortable in his own skin. However, Mike isn’t the key because of his acceptance, but rather part of the key to Will coming into his own. Becoming his own person. Will having support is important, but that’s not his story. After coming back from the upside down, Will has been clinging to his childhood. Will’s arc is not about acceptance from others, it’s about him growing up and finding out who he is as a young man. That acceptance and support will lead Will in the right direction toward self-discovery and growth.

"I think Mike is trying to be as normal as possible and try to keep on a normal path." —Finn Wolfhard

"How is he (Mike) this clueless right now? With the Will scene in the car, I remember asking the Duffers, why would he not know this? And they're like, don't worry it'll pay off in the end." —Finn Wolfhard

"I can just tell you that I'm very very excited for what's to come. I think they did a great job with Will's character this season, and beautifully addressed everything they needed to. The way they closed the show is just perfect – the story started with Will, and it’ll end with Will."

—Noah Schnapp

"Our show is an anthem for the marginalized and imperfect, precisely because the Duffer brothers know from experience that the popular and easy road is rarely the most interesting one, and that character, grit, connection, and soul are bred in the same moments that challenge us the most." —Shawn Levy

With Mike and Will becoming a team in season 5 and Will taking center stage, it could only mean one thing...

Byler Endgame

[willthewiz]

El: "I love you too."

Mike's reaction:

Mike: "I love you."

El's reaction:

This is supposed to be romantic...?

[willthewiz]

How gay love is going to save the world: Byler Analysis Masterlist

🧟‍♂️ = Character study; 🌈 = Queer themes in ST; 🎲 = Symbolism; ⚔️ = S5 predictions (pre-TFS); ⏰ = S5 predictions (post-TFS)

Will, Henry, and queer villainy

🎲 Vecna as a metaphor for Will’s struggle with homophobia

🎲 Vecna & the Mind Flayer: who is the true Big Bad of ST?

⚔️ Will has superpowers and they’re super gay (⏰or not)

🧟‍♂️ Good vs. evil: Henry and Will as narrative foils

🧟‍♂ Be gay do crime: Will and Henry and breaking the rules

🌈 Crazy together: Byler, Cthulhu, and cosmic horror

🧟‍♂ In defense of queer interpretations of Henry

The Strangest Things were the lessons we learned

🌈 How the mothers of ST raise their queer children

🎲 How ST depicts Mike’s struggle with being in the closet

🌈 Why I stopped being anti-Byler

🌈 But it was the 80s: is Will destined for a bleak ending?

🌈 A cynical gay Millennial’s thoughts on queer rep

Be gay do time travel

⚔️ A primer on extra-dimensional travel

⚔️ The origin of the Mind Flayer (& ⏰post-TFS thoughts)

⏰ Will’s time-travelling coming-of-age

⏰ On the potential influence of The Terminator on S5

Miscellaneous other essays

🧟‍♂ Musings on Will’s trust issues

🎲 Rod motifs in Will’s character arc

🌈 Why the themes of ST make Byler endgame inevitable

⚔️ Does Mike think Will is in love with El? (part 1)

⚔️ Does Mike think Will is in love with El? (part 2)

Bite-sized Byler bits

🎲 Very serious grave-digging tool analysis

🎲 How Suzie’s siblings foreshadow the S4 finale

🧟‍♂️ The symmetry of Byler and the van scene

🎲 Edgar Allan Poe analyzes the scrapyard heart-to-heart

⚔️ S4 parallels that foreshadow Will’s importance in S5

⚔️ Will’s missing rainbow

⚔️ The pizzeria heart-to-heart as a Byler proof

⚔️ Does Jonathan suspect Mike is queer?

🎲 The Upside Down as a metaphor for Will’s immaturity

🎲 Monsters as a metaphor for 80s attitudes towards sex

[willthewiz]

A couple of things I’ve only just noticed….

During the championship game after Jason misses the basket Lucas takes the ball and wins the game for the team. But just before Lucas throws the ball we get a close up of the digital clock saying 001 and afterwards we get a close up of Lucas lifting off of the ground!!

Either this was simply foreshadowing for Chrissy dying shortly after the game and every other death that followed, or my boy Lucas is in danger in s5……

—

During the basketball/hellfire sequence we get a lot of close up character shots and amongst those close ups we also get Steve and the girl he took to the game who is actually wearing triangle earrings and we know that triangles were used this season to symbolize queerness. Another girl that is standing behind them is also wearing a rainbow heart necklace:

Now, his could of course simply apply to the girl but I think it’s rather interesting that the next character we get a close up of is actually Mike:

There is a dice roll in between those shots though which features cans of Mountain Dew which is a brand by Pepsi and there’s also generally a lot of rainbow lighting stuff going on in the hellfire room:

—

In the airport scene when they’re walking out of the airport and El talks about her plans for the day, there‘s actually a guy wearing a shirt with rainbows on it in the background:

I‘m pretty sure I‘ve found the shirt on the internet though even though it might not be an exact match it is still very obvious that the shirt in the show does feature rainbows.

The guy also stands by the telephones which is…. interesting (phonegate).

—

These scenes are parallels:

It’s their first and their last heart-to-heart of the season.

the scenes have the same color scheme and every color appears almost in the exact same spot [the green dresser and the green curtains on the left, the green chair and the green trees peaking through the hole on the right. The yellow light and the yellow bits of the tapestry in the middle, Will with his yellow shirt on the right. The blue picture on top of the dresser and the blue kit/tank whatever that is on the left, Mike with his blue shirt on the left as well].

In their first heart-to-heart they’re divided by the vertical line on the tapestry and in their last heart-to-heart there’s a big stream of light between them.

In both scenes Mike’s arrow pocket points at Will.

In the bedroom we have the upside down tapestry and in the cabin we have the upside down sofa.

Will is talking about second chances: Mike getting a second chance to tell El what he didn’t tell her and El getting a second chance to win against Vecna [funny enough Mike’s reaction to the former is a fake smile, reluctantly accepting the advice he doesn’t wanna take, and his reaction to the latter is: “let’s hope not”….. interesting].

They’re talking about how it’s up to them to defeat Vecna in both scenes.

In the bedroom scene they’re talking about Owens and in the cabin scene they’re talking about Brenner.