Stranger Things season 5, volume 1 features more of Will Byers (Noah Schnapp), but refuses to answer a pointed question that fans of the show have been looking for. Throughout Stranger Things season 5’s first stretch of episodes, Will is a larger part of the ensemble. Despite always having been part of the show’s massively spanning mythology, Will’s development has been slower.

Will’s connection to the Upside Down has always been integral to the show’s mythology, but his personal development has been tougher to break through. With Will’s appearances inconsistent on the series, it’s often taken more time to learn about him and see him progress. Becoming more expressive and involved, Will is shown as a more grounded, understandable character during Stranger Things season 5, volume 1.

While Will’s increased presence is a great piece of Stranger Things season 5, volume 1, his being available to the audience makes one piece of the puzzle surrounding his character far more noticeable. For a character who spent years reaching for his own agency, seeing him gaining it without providing viewers all of the details they hoped for is a tough blow.

Stranger Things Still Won’t Directly Confirm That Will Is Gay In Season 5

His Sexuality Isn’t An Integral Piece Of The Story

Image via Netflix

Despite years of buildup surrounding the reveal, Stranger Things season 5, volume 1 doesn’t directly confirm anything about Will’s sexuality. While the show has been heavily implying that Will is gay for seasons, especially through his emotional attachment to Finn Wolfhard’s Mike Wheeler, the story has consistently relied on subtle gestures to communicate his true feelings. Viewers, however, are looking for something more outright.

While fans of Stranger Things have long noted that the show’s reluctance to name Will’s sexuality likely has something to do with his age and the time period the show takes place in, the fact that it’s been alluded to consistently and not resolved has been difficult to see. The teasing of the story keeps audiences invested, but Stranger Things fans want more direct confirmation.

Will’s New Bond With Robin Means He Has Someone To Talk To About His Sexuality

Having Someone To Open Up To Will Help

Image via Netflix

Although Will’s sexuality hasn’t been addressed directly in Stranger Things season 5, volume 1, there’s still hope for the second half of the show’s final season. Will’s connection with Robin Buckley (Maya Hawke) feels natural and lived in, and with Robin comfortable in her own sexuality, Will could find the courage to open up about his own.

Stranger Things season 5, volume 1 was heavy-handed about mirroring the pair’s experiences throughout the first stretch of episodes, which is definitely a step in the right direction. Trusting Robin with his truth has allowed the pair to connect, and the subtext of Will’s conversations with her appear to be reinforcing an impending confession.

Will Being Gay Is Still Important To His Stranger Things Arc

Even If He Doesn’t Come Out

Although most Stranger Things fans have, at this point, accepted that Will’s sexuality is clear without having to hear it aloud, getting direct confirmation is still important to his story. Stranger Things season 5, volume 2 has the opportunity to finally bring closure and specificity to the storyline that’s been prolonged all season. Finally putting a name to Will’s sexuality will contextualize his entire Stranger Things arc.