As a film enthusiast with over three decades of queer eyes on the silver screen, I must admit that I’ve seen more than my fair share of heart-wrenching goodbyes and tragic endings for LGBTQ+ characters. It’s a trope that has haunted our community since the dawn of cinema, and it’s one that I fear may reappear in the final season of Stranger Things.
The Duffer Brothers have demonstrated a knack for incorporating classic tropes into their narrative, often with a twist of horror that leaves us on the edge of our seats. However, when it comes to the ‘bury your gays’ trope, I hope they choose a different path. Not only would it be a disservice to the characters and their development, but it would also be a missed opportunity for the show to set a new standard in representation and storytelling.
I’ve seen too many Will Byers and Robin Buckleys bite the dust, only to leave behind empty spaces where their vibrant personalities once thrived. It’s time for a change, and I have faith that the Duffer Brothers can deliver it. After all, they’ve already proven themselves masters of the unexpected, so why not surprise us with a refreshing twist on an old trope?
To lighten the mood, let me leave you with this: If Will and Robin do meet their demise in Season 5, I hope it’s not due to another Demogorgon attack or a tragic love triangle. No, instead, I hope they meet their end while saving the entire town of Hawkins from some otherworldly threat… while holding hands and singing show tunes. Now that would be a fitting farewell for these beloved characters!
As a devoted fan of “Stranger Things,” I eagerly anticipate the release of its fifth and final season. Having grown up watching the show since its debut, it has been a significant part of my life, shaping my understanding of friendship, bravery, and the supernatural. Given that filming wrapped up in December 2024, I am now looking forward to the post-production phase, where the final episodes will undoubtedly bring the story to a satisfying conclusion.
The behind-the-scenes glimpses shared by the Duffer Brothers and others have fueled my excitement, as they hint at a potentially groundbreaking ending for this beloved Netflix series. However, I must admit that I am slightly apprehensive about one potential pitfall: the “bury your gays” trope. As someone who values representation and diversity in media, it would be heartbreaking to see this storyline unfold in such a way. But, I remain hopeful that the creators of Stranger Things will deliver an ending that does justice to the characters and the fans alike.
The term ‘bury your gays’ refers to a long-standing literary device where one partner in a same-sex relationship meets an untimely death, frequently immediately after expressing their feelings. This convention emerged historically as a means for LGBTQ+ authors to share stories without encountering opposition for violating laws against the “advocacy” of homosexuality. Despite such laws being abolished in many places, including the U.S., this trope persists, particularly when it involves lesbian and bisexual characters, often serving as a sensationalistic element.
It’s well-known that the Duffers Brothers often use horror genre tropes throughout each season of their series, and they have a pattern of making viewers care about characters deeply, only to have them meet untimely, brutal deaths when they seem to be on the brink of success – cases like Bob in Season 2, Alexie in Season 3, and Eddie in Season 4 are just examples. As such, it’s not unreasonable for one to speculate if the Duffer Brothers might employ the ‘bury your gays’ narrative trope in their work.
It’s worth noting that the Netflix series “Stranger Things” does include two characters who identify as LGBTQ+, Will and Robin. Regrettably, they may be susceptible to a common stereotype or trope in media portrayal.
For example, consider Will: it’s well-known that he’s had feelings for his best friend Mike since day one. A scenario in which he declares his love for him, only to be dragged back into the Upside Down by Demogorgons permanently, essentially scripts itself.
As a dedicated film enthusiast, let me share my thoughts on Robin. Despite winning hearts through her poignant coming-out moment, she hasn’t been classified as a primary character, given her absence in the initial seasons. This could potentially put her at risk since the Duffer Brothers have a tendency to write off secondary characters. To add fuel to the fire, by the end of Season 4, it seems Robin is on the verge of pursuing her crush, Vickie. With one misstep, she could join the ranks of unnecessary casualties in media portraying lesbian relationships.
Wait, Is Stranger Things’ Eddie Munson Really Dead?
In a series from the 1980s where characters often meet their end, it’s remarkable that the only two openly LGBTQ+ characters have made it this far. This fact is worth praise for the Duffer Brothers and their writing team, as they’ve skillfully avoided the ‘kill off LGBTQ+ characters’ cliché. Yet, with Season 5 being the final season, and fans eagerly demanding major character deaths, my concern over Robin and Will’s survival has peaked to its maximum level.
From my perspective, it seems unfair and counterproductive to undo all the good development they’ve achieved by eliminating Robin and Will. This is particularly problematic if their demise occurs swiftly following a moment where they finally reveal their true identities to those they care about. There are numerous other characters who could serve as dramatic pawns, such as Steve, whose fate some viewers anticipate may not be a happy one, given that many believe he won’t survive Hawkins.
Additionally, preserving the lives of Will and Robin serves as a groundbreaking step to eradicate the harmful “bury your LGBT characters” pattern permanently. Isn’t it true that the core essence of Stranger Things lies in the battle against evil for a noble cause?
It looks like it’s going to take a while before Season 5 comes out, and I’ll have to deal with this anxiety in the meantime. To pass the time, I plan on watching all four seasons of Stranger Things using my Netflix account, hoping for any updates about Season 5 and keeping track of the two main characters’ fates.
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2025-01-03 01:37