Note- I have tried to make this post as neutral as possible without picking sides. As you might infer from my username, I am a Byler shipper however I have taken some help from some of my Mileven friends in order to gather evidence for their ship. Please do not start a fight and be kind. This is purely my opinion and it’s ok if you have others.
1.In favour of a Mileven endgame-
Why would the Duffers make a traumatised boy like his best friend for 2 seasons only for a Mileven endgame?
Here are my points-
I) The Duffers have emphasised on the fact that Will is going to be a major part of season 5 (finally). Going along with the path that they have chosen for the last few seasons, it would be plausible for Will’s storyline to consist of lot of angst and drama this season.
With many suspecting the connection between Vecna and Will might be greater for the finale, it would make sense for him to torment Will about his insecurities about Mike. This will probably be made greater given the fact that Eleven and Mike date again.
This might also release some inner anger from Will and give way to a possible villain arc. Will could team up with Vecna, since it had been hinted in Season 4 that Will and Vecna had a lot of similarities as a child. Mileven happening could be an awakening to a villain arc and unleash a lot of possible character development.
As for Mike, we might see him in the final season trying to figure out his feelings for Eleven. While he couldn’t say ‘love’ in the majority of season 4 to Eleven, it could be interesting for him to figure out himself and find the inner meaning of the word.
Also, the Duffers have said that they would focus on the plot this season. They said that they wanted to reduce screen time and really focus on the original aspects of stranger things. This could mean that they can’t give enough screen time to two love triangles (Stancy, Jancy and Byler,Mileven). So they just might go with the easier route and make Mileven endgame in order to cut screen time.
However, even if Mileven is made to be endgame, I do think that Will will have a sort of confession scene to Mike. Mike can either choose to accept the feelings or he could reject the feelings for Will to grow depressed again.
Do I think that Mileven could be endgame? Maybe? If set right by the Duffers, it could be a satisfying ending to the series. Even though I do prefer Byler, I am going to be alright if Mileven is made endgame.
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This is in favour of a Byler endgame-
Why would the Duffers make Mileven a canon ship for 4 seasons only for Byler to be endgame?
Here are my points-
One of the main reasons why fans love the show so much is because we get to see characters grow and develop into mature human beings. For example, in season 4, we saw Max trying to cope up with the fact that Billy is dead.
With that in mind, it would make sense for the final season to conclude with Eleven figuring out who she really is as a person.
In season 3, Eleven didn’t know that she could have her own preferences and like whatever she wants to. She didn’t know that she could choose and like her own clothes, nevertheless that she could like the boy that she wanted.
Max was the person who showed Eleven how to live a life without boys. She also looked a little bit free and happier with her surroundings after she broke up with Mike in season 3. Mike also doesn’t seem to treat Eleven the way that she wants him too.
As for Mike, it’s evident that he doesn’t really know how to reciprocate his feelings for Eleven. After seeing his parents, he knows the impact of the word ‘love’ and he doesn’t really know if he’s ready to tell Eleven that yet. With the whole show being set in the 80’s, it would be interesting to see how Mike would react to his feelings (if he has any) towards Will. Maybe an ally (Robin or Vickie) could help Mike figure out his feelings.
While I’m not saying that Mileven is toxic, it’s definitely good for both Mike and Eleven if they take a break from dating. Eleven definitely needs some time on her own to understand the world and find her independence before getting into a relationship. Mike needs some time to define his relationship towards Eleven and Will.
And I’m not saying that Byler is going to be any better. Will already has a broken heart due to seeing his best friend/crush replace him with a girl that he had known for one week. While his broken heart might be fixed if Byler happens, I kind of get the toxicity vibes from Mike( in a way ig?). But Mike definitely needs a person who he could depend on and that person could be Will.
I don’t think that Byler is going to be a full-blown relationship due to the restrictions in the 1980’s and screen time in Season 5. We probably would have a coming out scene where Will tells about his sexuality to few close people like Jonathan, Joyce and Hopper.
Do I think that Byler is going to be endgame? As much as I hate to admit it as a Byler shipper, the chances are pretty slim( 15%?). And then again I don’t think that Mileven is going to be endgame either. I think that the Duffers are going to make neither endgame.
Whatever the Duffers do though, I hope that they give a satisfactory ending to this wonderful series!
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What are your opinions on what ship is going to be endgame?
