Who knew that in a small town like Hawkins, Indiana, we’d get lesbian lovers among the Demogorgons and doom? Certainly not Will Byers. Let’s break down that first episode of Volume 1.
SPOILERS AHEAD!
The Scene Heard ’Round the Upside Down
In Episode 1 Season 5 — the final season — the gang is scattered across Hawkins trying to keep the town somewhat in tact. As a refresher, the last season ended with Vecna opening a huge gate to the Upside Down, killing multiple residents in the process before he seemingly disappeared.
Robin (Maya Hawke) and Steve (Joe Keery) traded in their job at the video store to work at the local radio station (honestly, I love how these two reinvent their résumés every season). Will (Noah Schnapp), Mike (Finn Wolfhard), Lucas (Caleb McLaughlin), and Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo) are clinging to academic survival. Hopper (David Harbour) and Joyce (Winona Ryder) are helping El (Millie Bobby Brown) prep for another battle, after they track down Vecna’s hideout.
But the real jaw-dropper? A little detour into queer romance.
The First Queer Kiss of the Series — Finally
While hosting her radio show, Robin casually drops that she has a date that night. She doesn’t say who, but we all knew who we were manifesting from Season 4.
Later, she has to cancel (because Hawkins literally can’t give anyone a break), but she promises to make it up to her date — revealed to be Vickie (Amybeth McNulty). The gays stay winning!
And then? The kiss. But not just any lip-lock. A hot one!
Will happens to catch the two sneaking a steamy little smooch at Vickie’s workplace while he’s visiting Max in the hospital. The sight has him stumbling and dropping his soda pop. But more on that revelation later.
A Quick Refresher on Will Byers’ Journey
Schnapp has long acknowledged the subtext fans picked up on from the beginning: Will’s quiet, aching crush on Mike Wheeler. After years of speculation, the actor confirmed what many already felt.
“It’s pretty clear this season that Will has feelings for Mike,” he told Variety. “They’ve been intentionally pulling that out over the past few seasons.”
Schnapp added that Will’s loneliness — watching his friends pair up, fit in, and move on while he hangs behind — speaks to so many queer kids trying to figure themselves out. It’s why Will remains one of the show’s most relatable characters.
We Love Robin Buckley
Stranger Things may love introducing new characters, but Robin Buckley? A necessary addition who flipped the show’s DNA for the better. Fans spent all of Season 3 expecting a Steve-and-Robin romance… until that bathroom confession in Starcourt Mall changed everything.
After Steve’s crush confession, Robin admits her jealousy wasn’t about Steve’s popularity — it was because her crush, Tammy Thompson, wouldn’t stop staring at him. Steve, in true himbo fashion, takes a beat before landing on the now-iconic line:
“But Tammy Thompson’s a girl.”
We love a casual, cool coming out story, especially one in a mainstream juggernaut like Stranger Things. And yes — last season, we saw sparks flying between Robin and Vickie. Sparks that, apparently, have turned into a full flame.
What Happens Next?
If there’s one thing Stranger Things loves, it’s making us wait. And scream. And wait some more. But one thing’s for sure: queer love has officially made its way to Hawkins, and it feels so good. To see how queer the cast said this season is, check out our interviews here.
