Nat

A lot of people asking me what I think of #ConformityGate, the theory that there is a secret 9th episode to Stranger Things and that the 8th episode is a Vecna-induced vision emphasizing conformity. I don't believe it'll happen, AND I am in solidarity with people who promote it.

My thoughts:

1. Besides the logistics of shooting a 2nd finale, the main flaw with it is that it relies on the Duffer Brothers being genius writers. And I think their interviews about plot holes, etc. reveal that they aren't. I would LIKE ConformityGate to happen, as it could address many issues with the show, including Byler. But the logistical challenges of filming and producing a secret 9th episode and the problem of telling the audience that all the big emotional beats were NOT real in a two-hour extravaganza that they'd built up huge hype around, complete with movie screenings, make me doubt it.

2. It's an indictment of the show's ending that the theory has become so popular because people were so unsatisfied with the ending. The ending showed the Duffer Brothers' limitations as writers and how actually CONSERVATIVE the show's main messages are, despite its creators claiming to be "an anthem for the marginalized and the imperfect." (Shawn Levy, 2018) This is publicly embarrassing for the creators.

3. I join many of ConformityGate truthers' criticisms of Season 5. And I solidarize with them against calls that they are "delusional," having just gone through the experience of being a Byler fan and being told we were "delusional" and then getting queerbaited by the creators, who systematically had built up Byler to the extent that even many casual viewers were seeing it after Volume 1. If people disagree with ConformityGate truthers, they shouldn't attack or ridicule them, but go after the showrunners for having created this entire situation. Whichever side one takes here gives you a sense of one's preparedness to defend the rebels instead of side with the privileged.

4 (revised). It has been now made clear to me that the theory originated with the Byler community (particularly @67gate on Twitter)! To which KUDOS... as I said, this is embarrassing for the show creators, and it is getting mainstream attention to the many flaws of the season. Interestingly, the cutting-edge of queerness in this theory is being sanitized out of much of the broader mainstream coverage. But It's an initial victory and we should continue to speak out! It's only a matter of time, and we can only make MORE progress.

I would love to be proven wrong about ConformityGate! But I will not have FAITH in it, because that requires trusting the Duffer Brothers. Not doing that, ever again.

I'll add to this when I think of more

Show Don't Tell (Arguably Jancy Breakup, Mike acknowledging Will's 'Crush', Suzie)

Only Kill Characters When Necessary For Plot (What purpose did Kali and El's deaths serve really? Several other deaths could have had the same, if not more, impact)

Chekhov's Guns Should Be Fired (The Painting, Mike's phone calls, anything to do with Mike being Queer Coded, Snowball->Avalanche/Robin's Signals, Mileven not speaking at the end of S4, BECAUSE SURELY THEY WEREN'T ALL RED HERRINGS)

Repetitive Designation (Blue and yellow, Mike STILL being unable to say 'I Love You' even as El literally DIES, the Grandfather Clock, Mike's 'Fear', Mike calling Will a 'Sorcerer' constantly, Max comparing Holly to Mike)

Allegory (what was supposed to be "It's okay to be different" and "You can still survive even despite being different" became "Being different means you won't find TRUE happiness" and "The only way to end the cycle of abuse is through death)

mike wheeler, at gunpoint: but it’s destroyed, you guys destroyed it—