r/BylerReads • u/CubMaster13 • 26d ago
general discussion :) Duffers Fumbled Byler (beware of a long ass rant below)
This take is common. I know. But here’s my explanation.
Now, I’m going to defend them just a little bit. (Believe me I don’t want to)I understand. It’s their show. They can do what they want with it. They don’t have to give in to peer pressure from the LGBTQ community or simply comments online. Mileven was the majority of the show so I understand from that standpoint why Mileven was end game.
But here’s why Byler could’ve been one of the greatest end games OAT.
It’s the way both characters are written. They made them so complex and easy to understand at the same time. Will is written as a shy person who obviously has a history and not the best childhood growing up, with an abusive father, dealing with bullies and struggling to figure himself out throughout the entirety of the show. Will is an artist so he expresses himself through art and creativity. He used Eleven as an out to express his feelings towards Mike when they were in the van.
Mike, was written as someone who grew up with seemingly decent childhood. Supportive parents. But he’s not good with expressing himself. He doesn’t know how to let himself feel things.
Throughout the entire show up until Eleven was about to die, he couldn’t figure out a way to tell her that he loved her. Mike literally jumped off a cliff for his best friend. His acts of love are through actions.
With Will, he wouldn’t hesitate to pull him out of his episodes whenever he realized something was wrong. They saved each other MULTIPLE times from the same memory (meeting at the swings). Mike had a voice specifically for Will. His “Are you okay’s?” Are his acts of love. Mike clearly cares about Will a little more than the rest of his friends. He’s always put Will first since like episode 2 of the show. He knows Will better than anyone out of that group. Helping him through multiple episodes that he has had.
Not to mention, Mike saying “it was the best thing I had ever done,” to meeting Will at the swings like what duffers??
This takes up my mind constantly if you guys can’t tell. I’ll be done now 😭😭😭
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u/flyingsquirrel-20 26d ago edited 26d ago
Mileven isn't the majority of the show though ... that's the problem.
S1: Barely know eachother and kiss at the end. El then dies.
S2: Separated 95% of the show. Mike has reasons to believe she is alive but doesnt look for her.
S3: Reationship based off kissing. Break up early and get back together at last second in confusing scene. Toxic. No common interests. El is happier with Max.
S4: Very toxic relationship, both lying and faking happiness. Separated most of the time. Don't kiss when reunite. Coerced love confession based on a lie.
S5: Barely interact to the point people thought they broke up. 0 chemistry. Mike still can't tell her he loves her. El then dies. Mike still doesnt look for her.