‘Stranger Things 5’ Gets Review Bombed Over Will’s Coming Out Episode
“Stranger Things” Season 5 Vol. 2 Faces Backlash and Review Bombing
The highly anticipated release of “Stranger Things” Season 5 Vol. 2 on December 25 has been met with mixed reactions, leading to a significant drop in the show’s fan-driven Rotten Tomatoes score from the 70s to a disappointing 56%. This decline is stark compared to the previous seasons’ ratings, with Season 4 at 89%, Season 3 at 86%, Season 2 at 90%, and Season 1 at 96%.
The backlash against the latest episodes seems to have intensified after the penultimate episode titled “The Bridge,” where a pivotal scene unfolds with Will Byers (Noah Schnapp) coming out as gay to his friends. This emotional moment occurs as the Hawkins gang prepares to confront Vecna, the main antagonist from the Upside Down. “The Bridge” now holds the dubious title of being the lowest-rated episode of “Stranger Things” on IMDb, with a score of 5.4 out of 10. Surprisingly, more than 96,000 users reviewed this particular episode on IMDb, while most others this season received feedback from fewer than 50,000 viewers.
Tech mogul Elon Musk, known for his outspoken opinions on various topics, weighed in on the controversy by commenting on the changing cultural landscape in response to criticism over Will’s coming out scene in the show. Musk expressed his view that such themes were unnecessary and forced upon audiences who simply wanted to enjoy a classic sci-fi series.
The phenomenon of review bombing by so-called “toxic fandom” is not new in the entertainment industry. Actors in major franchises like “Star Wars,” “Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power,” and “Bridgerton” have often faced torrents of negativity on social media platforms, including racism, sexism, and homophobia. To combat this trend, Hollywood studios have implemented specialized focus group testing and social media training for their talent to handle such situations proactively.
While some viewers clarified that they had no issue with Will’s sexuality, the criticism directed at the show focused on its clunky exposition, slow-paced plot development, and underwhelming writing. Critics, including Variety’s chief TV critic Alison Herman, pointed out that the series had failed to evolve its characters as they aged, relying heavily on clichéd archetypes and pop culture references for impact.
Despite the divisive reception, Noah Schnapp’s portrayal of Will’s coming out journey struck an emotional chord with audiences, reflecting the actor’s personal experiences. In an interview, Schnapp revealed that filming the scene was a poignant and challenging process that left him in tears. The support and respect shown by his castmates during the filming were memorable and heartwarming for him.
As fans eagerly await the final episode of “Stranger Things,” set to premiere on Netflix and in theaters on December 31, the debate surrounding the show’s direction and handling of sensitive themes continues to spark discussions online and in the entertainment industry.
