‘Stranger Things’ Fans Declare Netflix the Villain as Will’s Sexuality Takes Spotlight in Season 5

It seems that the recently released episodes of Stranger Things haven't gone down well with fans, as they are roasting Season 5, Volume 2 with a mix of savage text rants, exaggerated plot breakdowns, and reaction memes/gifs that highlight their disappointment. The mockery often focuses on perceived bad writing, cringy moments (like Will's coming out scene), rushed pacing, poor acting, and illogical plot devices. 

A lot of fans on Twitter are piling on with over-the-top language to emphasize how "bad" it is, often laughing at its failures: Many posts roast the season as underwhelming or outright bad, often pairing harsh labels with humorous images or GIFs to amplify the mockery. For instance, one user described it as "straight up MID" with "filler episodes, forced monologues, and ZERO real payoffs. One bluntly called it "absolute garbage" due to "terrible pacing, acting, character development," using a meme of an elderly man raising his hands with the caption "ABYSMAL DOGSHIT." While another highlighted how it was "even worse than the first [volume]," illustrated by a sketch of a character munching popcorn while complaining "MAN THIS SUCKS SO BAD," portraying ironic enjoyment of the failure.

The clue to beating Vecna was there this whole time. We were just too bigoted to see it. #StrangerThings5pic.twitter.com/G17EtVJNQG

— Verbal Riot (@verbalriotshow) December 27, 2025

Many poke fun at specific elements that feel lazy or illogical, turning them into punchlines: Listing ridiculous moments like "Nancy turns John Wick with zero weight," "Demogorgons lose to a washing machine," Max surviving without music so "rules don’t matter," "magic goo hardens on cue," and Will's coming out as a mere "plot device"—all under "spectacle over logic." One user highlighted how it's "rushed, bad acting, and somehow every character turns into Einstein and comes up with a 200 IQ plan," or "wasted mad time on cringe" with too much filler and characters like Kali sucking. Some called it "so bad" they're hoping the Duffers will magically undo it. Overall, the vibe is one of shared frustration turned into comedy, with users bonding over how the volume prioritized quantity over logic and quality ahead of the finale.

In Stranger Things Season 5, Episode 7, Will Byers' coming out scene marks a pivotal moment in his character arc, confirming his sexuality after years of subtle hints and speculation. The scene occurs amid high stakes, as Will has just engaged in a mental battle with Vecna (Henry Creel), who torments him with visions of rejection from loved ones due to his identity. This builds on Will's history of internalized struggles, including homophobic bullying since Season 1, his father's slurs, and emotional pain from unrequited feelings toward Mike Wheeler, particularly evident in Seasons 3 and 4. Robin Buckley serves as a queer mentor figure, helping Will navigate his feelings through parallels like her own unreciprocated crush on "Tammy." The timing feels urgent: Vecna weaponizes Will's secret, so coming out preemptively disarms that manipulation, empowering Will to confront the villain.

The scene unfolds in a group setting at the Hawkins Lab or a similar safe house, with Will addressing a room full of key characters: his mother Joyce, brother Jonathan, friends Mike, Lucas, Dustin, Eleven (El), Robin, Murray, and Kali (from Season 2). Will starts by saying he has something important to share, explaining that Vecna has shown him visions of everyone leaving him because he's different. He references past comments about him being "different" and admits he shares interests like games, movies, and food with his friends but doesn't like girls." hile avoiding the word "gay," he implies it by confessing a crush on someone who won't reciprocate, likening it to Robin's "Tammy" (glancing at Mike during this part). The monologue is delivered as a vulnerable, ritualistic confession, emphasizing his fear of abandonment. Joyce reassures him he'll never lose her, while Jonathan, Lucas, Dustin, El, and Robin affirm their acceptance. Mike's response is subtle but key: he appears to "clock" Will's feelings for the first time, realizing the depth of Will's unrequited crush from years prior, having been "somewhat oblivious." Overall, the scene succeeds as an emotional capstone for Will, blending personal triumph with the series' themes, though its group execution and timing spark valid critiques about authenticity in queer storytelling.

Ahead of the series finale episode scheduled for December 31, the opinions are sharply divided, with a noticeable lean toward disappointment and criticism, especially regarding Volume 2 and the season's overall execution as the show's finale. Many feel it doesn't live up to the hype or previous seasons, while a smaller but vocal group praises its character focus and nostalgic elements. Some fans appreciate the season's adherence to its 1980s roots, emotional payoffs, and strong individual character moments, but criticism dominates, often focusing on pacing, writing, and a sense of underwhelm for a final season.