As Stranger Things heads toward its highly anticipated fifth season debut this November, fans are eagerly speculating on the fate of various character dynamics, particularly the potential relationship between Mike Wheeler and Will Byers - affectionately known online as "Byler." While the series has steadily deepened our understanding of these beloved characters, the question lingers: will Byler actually happen?
The Complexity of Love and Friendship
The biggest hurdle facing the Byler fandom is the narrative complexity surrounding Mike's relationship with Eleven. In the earlier seasons, viewers witnessed Mike declare his love for El, leaving many to wonder how the show's creators plan to untangle this love story while adequately addressing Will's deep-seated feelings for his best friend. As it stands, Mike's journey has consistently revolved around his connection with El, and changing that dynamic in Season 5 would require nuanced storytelling to avoid making Will seem like a second prize.
Fans argue that the opportunity for Mike to explore his feelings for Will could have emerged during pivotal moments in the previous seasons. For instance, Season 3 marked a critical juncture when Mike and El briefly broke up, while Season 4 showcased Mike's struggle to articulate his love. Showrunners would need to weave substantial narrative threads to ensure that any shift toward a romantic connection between Mike and Will doesn’t undermine the already established relationships. If the creators intend to pivot toward a romantic angle, fans deserve emotional depth rather than a hasty conclusion.
Will's Secret Crush and His Personal Growth
For many, Will's character represents a poignant exploration of self-acceptance and growth against a backdrop of supernatural horror. In Season 4, a powerful moment in the Surfer Boy Pizza scene encapsulated Will's internal struggle as he contemplates his feelings while supporting Mike's quest for El.
“He’s still finding himself... and he’s afraid to fully express all his feelings to the people he really cares about. First and foremost being Mike,” Ross Duffer explained.
Will’s predicament is made more complex by the trauma he endured in the Upside Down, grappling with the implications of his identity, his connection to Vecna and harboring a crush on Mike.
"By describing how Eleven feels for Mike, he is describing his own feelings"
This commentary by Ross Duffer suggests that Will's emotional arc will be pivotal in the final season as he navigates the complicated landscape of friendship, loyalty, and love.
The Future of Will and Mike's Friendship
Given the emotional stakes, many believe that by season's end, Will may not find a romantic partner, whether that be Mike or someone else, but could instead come to terms with his feelings and find solace in other relationships. After all, the emotional weight of Will's traumas - including his time in the Upside Down - is not something to be easily resolved with a quick romantic substitute.
"Getting a boyfriend would cheapen all that by just shrugging off everything that's happened,” a Reddit fan insightfully suggested, echoing concerns about the narrative integrity.
As the final season draws near, fans can expect a continued focus on Will's journey of self-discovery. Rather than forcing a romantic relationship, the creators may opt to explore Will’s friendship with Mike while showcasing his gradual acceptance of his identity. Perhaps Will will find another connection, potentially hinting at romance with a new character or fututre character - a narrative choice that could mirror the complexities of young love and friendship without compromising the existing relationships that fans have come to cherish.
As Stranger Things enters its final chapter, the fate of Byler remains uncertain. However, the stakes are higher than ever, and as we close the book on one of the most impactful series of our time, it’s the emotional journeys of characters like Will and Mike that will resonate long after the lights dim on Hawkins.
