In the latest episode of Stranger Things, the character Will, played by Noah Schnapp, has revealed his sexuality in an emotional way during a speech in front of his family and friends. This moment, praised by some as a significant milestone in LGBTQ+ representation in the media, has generated mixed reactions among fans and critics of the series.
Stranger Ratings
Episode 5×07 has received the lowest rating of the entire series on IMDb, with a surprising 5.4, a notable drop from the usual average, where most episodes exceed 7. This situation has led many to question whether the episode was subject to review bombing, a phenomenon already seen in The Last of Us, where an episode featuring a gay couple also received negative reviews. In that context, actor Nick Offerman felt compelled to make a defense at the Spirit Awards, suggesting a pattern in the reception of LGBTQ+ content on television.
Critics have pointed out that Will’s speech pace is excessively long and affects the tension of the episode, especially at a moment when danger is imminent. However, some argue that this criticism may be reductive, considering the context of the 1980s, when being gay was less normalized. This particularity adds complexity to Will’s revelation, highlighting the different ways people can deal with their sexuality.
Although the moment was not received unanimously, even those who support it acknowledge that it is not perfect. Still, the magnitude of the criticism raises questions about whether the discontent is really due to issues of pacing or a deeper bias in the reception of stories that address sexual diversity in television narrative.
