The penultimate episode of Netflix's global phenomenon, Stranger Things, has sparked a powerful reaction online, with fans praising actor Noah Schnapp for a deeply emotional scene in which his character, Will Byers, comes out as gay.
A Scene of Personal Significance
Episode seven of the fifth and final season, titled 'The Bridge', aired this week ahead of the series finale on January 1. In a pivotal moment, Will delivers a heartfelt monologue to his friends and family, revealing that he 'doesn't like girls'. The scene has resonated profoundly with many viewers, who have taken to social media to express their gratitude.
One parent, writing on X as @yasg82, shared a moving story about their 13-year-old daughter. 'She was able to accept herself and say it out loud at 13,' they wrote. The user explained that hearing Will's words helped their daughter articulate her own feelings, adding that the portrayal could 'give strength to those who need it'.
Another fan, @earth.to.ev, commended Schnapp's personal connection to the material, while @jeffersonlimma777, a gay man, thanked the actor for making him feel 'powerful and seen'.
Backlash and Review Bombing
Despite the positive fan response, the episode and the broader final season have not been without controversy. Following the airing of 'The Bridge', the show's audience score on Rotten Tomatoes plummeted to a series-low of 57%, a tactic often associated with 'review bombing' by disgruntled viewers.
Some criticism has focused on the show's writing, with claims that certain storylines feel rushed. The coming out scene itself drew ire from figures like Elon Musk, who posted on X that it was 'completely unnecessary and forced'.
This backlash occurs amidst wider fan anxiety about the series conclusion. Earlier this week, over 300,000 people signed a petition demanding the release of alleged deleted scenes, with many expressing fears the ending could be 'underwhelming'.
Noah Schnapp and The Duffer Brothers' Delicate Approach
In a recent Instagram video, Noah Schnapp opened up about the significance of the scene, revealing he had 'lost so much sleep' over its execution. He described reading the Duffer brothers' script as a 'beautiful' experience that moved him to tears.
Schnapp emphasised that the character's journey had been a long time coming, with hints throughout the series that Will was 'different'. He expressed satisfaction that the pivotal moment was 'not rushed or shoved in your face', but rather a natural culmination of his character's five-season arc. The show's creators, Matt and Ross Duffer, reportedly spent longer writing this scene than any other in the series.
The final episode of Stranger Things arrives on Netflix on New Year's Day, marking the end of an era for the hit sci-fi series and its beloved characters.
