Spoilers Ahead for Stranger Things Season 5!
Fans of Stranger Things are buzzing about some surprising mistakes in Season 5. The release of Volume 1 on November 26 sparked discussions online as viewers noticed inconsistencies, especially involving Will’s flashbacks.
In the fourth episode, “Sorcerer,” Will reflects on his childhood, recalling moments like showing his mom, Joyce, his artwork and building Castle Byers with his brother, Jonathan. However, fans quickly pointed out that these memories don’t match earlier seasons. For instance, back in Season 2, Jonathan described their Castle Byers building day as a rainy one that left them sick for a week. This contradicts the sunny day depicted in Season 5.
One fan tweeted, “Jonathan said they built Castle Byers in the pouring rain and got sick afterward. It doesn’t make sense for them to be so cheerful on the actual day their dad left.” Another posted, “The plothole here is pretty big. The weather just doesn’t add up!”
As discussions continued, fans also raised questions about Will’s age when he entered the Upside Down. In a scene from “The Turnbow Trap,” Joyce says Will was 11, but a missing persons poster confirms he was actually 12 at the time. One fan’s comment summarized the confusion: “Joyce says Will is 11, but wasn’t he really 12 when he disappeared?”
This mix-up, known as “Birthdaygate,” began in Season 4 when Will’s birthday, March 22, was mentioned but never celebrated. The showrunners acknowledged these errors, with Matt Duffer stating, “Like the characters, we also forgot about Will’s birthday.” To make things right, they considered changing it to May 22 to spare Will from the sadness of being forgotten.
Mistakes in storytelling can feel frustrating for fans who are deeply invested in the characters and their journeys. These inconsistencies spark interesting conversations about continuity and character development.
Some showrunners argue that a few mistakes can actually enhance the storytelling experience by promoting fan engagement and discussions. As an example, research shows audiences are more likely to bond over shared frustrations, ultimately strengthening the community around a show.
For anyone interested, you can read more about “Birthdaygate” and its impact on fan interactions here.
In the end, Stranger Things fans have a lot to say, and while continuity errors can be seen as a setback, they also serve as a reminder of the show’s passionate following and the strong bond fans have with the story.
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