#chancegate

I don't know what race you imagine me to be, but I am Asian myself. Not like it really makes a difference.

This may have been careless wording on my part, I fully admit. But it's not the first time someone has theorized that background NPCs are supposed to resemble other, more important characters, despite not looking exactly like them.

Part 1 here.

Disclaimer: As always, this is all just theories and speculation.

Note: Tbh, I was debating even posting this. Nothing groundbreaking here, just a small jumbled collection of thoughts and observations. I'm not satisfied at all with it, so I most likely will do part 3 as I have way more to say. As you can see, taking actual screenshots was proving to be too much of a hassle for me, so for now you get these nice pictures of my screen (might edit this with actual screenshots if I ever get the time...). Also, to anyone who discussed the theory with me and provided encouragement - thank you. 🖤

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Going back to the pep rally scene, it is pure irony that as Mike puts on a performance of heteronormativity - bragging about his girlfriend in an almost blasé tone to Dustin - the object of his affections stands before him in the school gymnasium. Indeed, I think Mike has taken a liking to Hawkins High basketball player Chance Lawson, who wears the jersey number 22, in Will's absence.

Moreover, Chance's sudden and bizarre focus in the scene where Tammy Thompson sings makes it clear to me that we were supposed to make a certain connection. It was Chance whom Mike was glaring at at the pep rally; whom Mike was actually referring to when talking to Lucas about being "on the bench". Obviously, his mind was distracted by this new boy. 

And I have to emphasize again - yes, they wanted us to notice Chance here. Make no mistake, if Stranger Things is a show in which every frame means something, full of clues, this was not a throwaway shot - it was meant to be picked up on by eagle-eyed fans, not ignored. Why on earth is this boy seemingly even more in focus than Lucas? 

It is also no coincidence, in my opinion, that a Chance look-alike happen to appear in scenes where both Will and El are.

(I know some other students got focus during the scene where El gets laughed at during her class presentation, but of all the students they gave a reaction shot to... is this really a coincidence?)

The most blatant instance to me, however, was this scene in Rink-O-Mania.

Will stares dejectedly while watching Mike and El skate off, while a Chance look-alike (wearing an "I Love Contact Sports" shirt) skates behind him - perhaps a hint that the true threat to Byler's relationship still lurks in the background, undetected by both Will and the audience.

Something else stood out to me when rewatching. The infamous flirty bedroom scene. "Listen, the truth is, the last year has been weird, you know?" Mike says to Will, looking almost pensive. I had previously written about El’s line “I think there is someone he likes, because he has been acting…weird” hinting not only at Mike’s feelings for Will, but also his feelings for Chance. So was this another hint that he was flirting with Chance while Will was gone?  

Chance's physical presence eventually tapers off during season 4, not even being there to search Reefer Rick's house with the rest of the jocks or to help them go after the Party (absences that, once again, I believe theorists were meant to take note of).

But even when he is not onscreen, hints about his upcoming importance are scattered about:

(This is way too on the nose…)

(Dialogue about your love interest meeting someone else while you're miles apart? Interesting...)

(“Chance” and Mike mentioned directly in the same scene?)

(Again, interesting wording here… speaking of potential horndog brothers…)

"I think we're alone now"

Season 4 begins to hint at the Party's sexuality more openly. Dustin yells at his Mom to not come in his room because he's naked, the supposed mystery item under Lucas's bed, Max checking out Steve through binoculars... However, Mike and Will's sexuality, as always, requires a deeper look into subtext. 

There's been interesting posts about Will painting for the object of his affection with a paintbrush, a phallic object, how he motions for Mike to grab the painting in the car and of course... who could forget hosegate. Meanwhile, keen viewers noted the buff men on Mike's walls, his puppy crush on Eddie, and the POV shots of him checking out cute guys... But was Mike only admiring from afar this whole time?

As I said in the first part, I believe Mike and Chance's relationship is one that is frankly, very sexual. If we believe that Mike finally came to the conclusion that he likes guys near the end of s3... what would he do when faced with temptation, in secret?

There’s this clip from a season 5 interview that a brilliant mutual showed me that I cannot get out of my head - well, more specifically, something peculiar Finn says:

“There's just something about Steve that always drives Nancy wild", he says with a smirk that makes me almost 100% certain he is not actually talking about Stancy here (has he ever actually shown enthusiasm for Stancy, now that I think about it?).

And then there's the physical science textbook in the BTS photo of what we can assume to be Chance's locker. Maybe it’s a class Chance is taking, maybe he is even interested in the subject of physical science. However, I do believe that this is a callback to when Mike teased Nancy about Steve: "What was your test on? Human anatomy?"

In other words, Mike is now doing the same thing that he teased his sister about - spending his time making out with a cute boy when he is supposed to be studying. Well… I suppose you could say they were in fact studying some kind of physical science… 

Basically, I think Chance is Mike’s Steve. Well... kind of. While there is debate about how much Nancy was truly into Steve, and how much she was conforming, Wheelchance has a somewhat different dynamic, being two closeted teens trapped in a small town. If Finn’s comment about Stancy really was about Wheelchance, then I have no doubt that Mike was totally taken by Chance’s good looks, and if Chance's (true) personality was reminiscent of Will’s in any way… well, let's be real, Mike stood absolutely no chance of resisting.

Tl;dr - Chance most likely causes Mike's hormones to go absolutely haywire. And I don't think they're going to be shy about portraying this in potential upcoming content.

The show has a few scenes that I believe are hinting at the nature of Mike and Chance’s flirtations.

The scene where Chance is badgered to fix the TV antenna - being told to "just hit it" while the word "ASS" is highlighted right next to him - comes to mind. I mean, come on... this is obviously, at least partially, gay sex subtext. It's just strange that they would give this kind of scene/subtext to a random unimportant NPC.

Also interesting is the mention of Skull Rock, the makeout spot, at some point in season 4. Forgive me if I'm misremembering, but was there any mention of this place before this? What was the point of bringing it up, and pointing out that it's a makeout spot? It might be hinting towards what Mike and Chance did in secret.

Let's also take a look at this line from Murray:

"They play too much Nintendo, eat too much junk food, smoke some ganja, pound some beers, experiment sexually. I mean really, what's the worst that can happen?"

As much as this was theorized to be a Byler hint, and I did agree at the time… I now believe that this line (at least the last three activities) refers to Mike and Chance. To relieve themselves of their societal roles, they most likely smoked, drank, and fooled around. Yes, I do in fact believe that they would sometimes partake in all of this at Reefer Rick's abandoned lakeside house - one of the probable reasons why Chance doesn't investigate the place with the other jocks. Dude probably felt awkward as hell at the prospect. That blue and yellow bed? Yeah, let's just say I think that was being put to use...

Taking chances

Anyway, my most surface-level reading of the subtext is as follows: Mike meets Chance and immediately enters a situationship fuelled by both a physical attraction and mutual understanding. Mike and Chance break up/have a fight near the beginning of s4 (partially explaining Mike’s irritated attitude). Mike is soon renewed with a sense of hope from Will, but realizes they are not on the same page at all. Heartbroken, he runs back into Chance's arms after returning to Hawkins.

Okay - let's discuss MWTFDYDgate now. The Nancy-centric novelization One Way or Another takes place directly after the destruction of Hawkins at the end of season 4. And there was this passage that caught my eye:

So... I'm supposed to believe Will is helping Mike sneak out to see El? Uh-huh. Well, I believe that this is a hint that SOMEONE has been spending time with their boyfriend. Lying to Will like that? Michael, I can't defend you. And if Mike is willing to lie like this to Will in the first place... Will, sweetie. You've got some serious, actual competition this time around...

From Will's flirty attitude towards Mike in the field scene in season 5, and asking Robin for advice, I surmise that, while Will was living under his roof, Mike was sending "signals". Aka, flirting, consciously or subconsciously. For some reason, I'm reminded of certain lyrics from Tarzan Boy (which plays at Rink-O-Mania):

"Burning bright, a fire that blows the signal to the sky / I sit and wonder, does the message get to you?"

"Night to night / Give me the other, give me the other / Chance tonight / You won't play, yeah"

"Night to night, night to night / Give me the other, give me the other world"

Mike sends signals to Will, all the while, secretly "playing" with Chance - unable to let go of the chance to indulge in what he truly desires; perhaps even be his true, unrepressed self.

Romeo and... who, exactly?

Argyle refers to Mike as "Romeo" at some point, and that always seemed odd to me. Let's put aside the death implications. Yes, you could make the argument that it refers to how Mike and El are star-crossed; not meant to be. However, neither El, nor Will really fit the role of "Juliet" in my opinion. Chance, I believe, fits the role much better. Not only is he from a different social circle (jocks vs. nerds), the basketball team is an antagonistic force to the Party.

The fact that Mike seemingly has not yet broken up with Chance (from my read of the subtext at least) while Chance takes part in bullying his friends brings me to the following conclusions. 1) He may be a bit more morally grey than we thought. 2) Chance means enough to him that he is willing to look the other way unless Chance went after Will, that's probably a whole other story. Thus, I think Mike not only has a physical attraction to Chance, but an emotional bond that he is not willing to let go of. I mean, if there's anyone who would understand the pressures of conforming, it would be a closeted jock, right?

The show's use of I Think We're Alone Now hints towards a gay relationship - but... I don't think it's a Byler hint. Mike and Chance's relationship would not only be looked down upon in society, but by their friends as well:

"Look at the way / We gotta hide what we're doing / Cause what would they say / If they ever knew"

Also of note: during the scene in The Crawl where Andy calls Lucas a traitor, it almost seems as if Chance looks at the camera... or am I going completely insane?

Other "random" oddities

Another lovely mutual of mine showed me an article in which Finn, of course, said something sus.

Basically, the cast was thinking about which matching tattoos to get to commemorate the "end" of the show, and Finn was partial to... the Hawkins Tigers logo? I mean, yeah, I guess the school is an important location, tigers have multiple meanings in the show, and it's a cool-looking logo. But, looking at it through a meta lens, what could it symbolize about Mike himself? Could it be a hint towards something... or someone... who is of importance to Mike's arc? Someone we haven't been properly introduced to yet?

Anyway, I don't know how to end this post so I'll just leave this here:

I would like to say something and I will soo...walk with me.....

So I guess I'm a bit late to this but there is/was a theory going around called Chancegate so I read some posts and threads about it and I'm surprised more people haven't acknowledged this. I'm disappointed that I missed it. The evidence is really convincing. At my first read, I was skeptical until the scene I also found really weird was discussed. It was in S5E1 when Chance looked in Mike's direction for a considerable amount of time and Mike looked back and away. I wondered what was going on but couldn't explain it. Also, why did we see Chance in the epilogue and not Andy? The same subtle writing we are eager to figure out and dissect is being ignored and resented in this regard. Why? I assume it is because it gives you Byler doubt but aren't we supposed to support "crazy" theories especially when there is reasonable evidence to defend it? Isn't that what lovewinsgate is about? Nonconformity?

In Stranger Things, everyone is on a path of discovery either personally or romantically...

Joyce dated and married Lonnie, dated Bob before going back to Hopper.

Nancy dated Steve, dated Jonathan and will become independent or as many have theorised, be with Robin.

Jonathan and Steve dated Nancy and would end up together as many have theorised.

El dated Mike and would end up being independent as well. People also believe that Elmax is a possibility with proof.

People say they want complex characters. Is that performative because they always frown when they get what they have asked for. Walk with me for a second. Mike's experiences and feelings have been so intentionally blocked by the creators, it's mental! So basically, we believe Mike to be a repressed teenage homosexual in the 80's and in S4, it was after his girlfriend and his best friend we believe he has feelings for had left him for what they say is a year or some months. Is it far-fetched to think that he would get with another repressed homosexual? To be honest, it would be expected. Same for Will. They didn't confess their feelings to each other before they got separated so there is an emptiness there, one Mike would have hoped to fill having met Chance. It adds realism to the show. Saying Mike is "Willsexual" and vice versa, I believe is reductive to homosexuality. Mike is not gay for Will, Mike is gay AND loves Will. A puppy crush on Eddie was also very possible. We also find out Mike had been trying to call to no avail and that Will could have reached out more. People consider these teenagers infallible when they aren't. They are going to make mistakes. I wonder if Will would have an arc similar to this in Hawkins. Mike and Lucas seemed to be eager to comfort Will in S5 E1 when he felt dizzy. Also, in S1, it was Lucas who went alone to find Will by himself and he did also bike in the rain to apologise to Will and is the only one to actually apologise to him in S3 E4. Oh! There is also a theory that Lucas is bisexual here. Just saying, Lucas has been associated with Byler colours and is actively shipped with Will as Byclair so maybe there is something here. He may be the key to Byler endgame. It would also add to what I noticed in S5 E1 where I predict Mike and Lucas will have or have had an altercation in S5 here.

I know people engage in fanfiction but remember it is a form of fiction by fans, for fans. It is very different from canon. We need to face the reality that Stranger Things is a fictional show with unapologetic, realistic themes and I think Chancegate is realistic.

Concerning Will, how many times has Will expressed discomfort when people pamper him or dote on him? People act like it's one wrong move and he'll break but I don't believe that. He is stronger than you think. He loves Mike and Mike loves him but it's not that easy given the circumstances. Oh and did I mention it's the 80'S?!

I'm not shaken because I'm really confident that Byler will be endgame because it is undeniable that the whole show has been built around it. It is the core of the show. I think their victory depends on it but there are obstacles to overcome before that becomes reality.

Have you also considered that this is also what is keeping Mike trapped?! Did Vecna use it against him? He sees everything!!!! Is that part of the story he can never tell? The part that he regrets? So many possibilities!!!!!!

If Mike and Will were to get together out of the fact that they knew that the other was gay and were the only ones, it would be a bit underwhelming but if they CHOOSE to be together despite having other options available...now that's intentional and beautiful to me! It means they long not just for romantic satisfaction but each other's presence as well and everything that comes with it. Will needs to acknowledge the fact that he is loved by Mike and Mike needs to acknowledge that he can be/is loved by Will. That's how they win. It will be a bumpy ride but we will arrive at our destination.

We think there isn't a twist for us but wouldn't this be a twist for all? It's gutsy. It's real. It conveys the message of perseverance and conviction to act on what you believe in no matter the challenges you face to the LGBTQ+ community and the audience in general. It may be heartbreaking so you are advised to prepare your tissues. I know I have, lol (please laugh)

Reminder that Bobgate, Stonathan, Ronance and Byler endgame were all hear-me-outs. You never know who will have the last laugh.

For those who have watched Steven Universe, this reminds of the time people who theorised Rose was Pink diamond all along were mocked but they were right after all just like Joyce. Open your minds and you will see what's right in front of you.

"If you look for the light, you can often find it. But if you look for the dark, that is all you will ever see." Iroh, TLOK

If you're interested in knowing more about chancegate.... here by @smalltowngrey

Anon, stop putting words in my mouth - when did I say I think Mike forgot Will's birthday solely because he's hooking up with Chance. When did I say that it had nothing to do with the Mind Flayer etc.

And if he really is just "some broad" I have to question why they would even make Will say this line:

like... yeah I know he was talking about Vecna but if this is foreshadowing something else, it is way too on the nose. Seems to me like they are making Chance out to to be some kind of "threat" to the narrative/Byler as a whole?

Woah okay, that's a lot of assumptions about what I personally believe, especially post (fake?) finale. I don't necessarily believe EVERYTHING in the theory to a tee. What I am sure of right now is that Chance is the jock foil to Will, he has some kind of relationship with Mike, and it's all somehow connected to the supernatural plot. As for why Mike reacted the way he did and why he wasn't honest with Will - let's be real, we were never gonna get any sort of admission or honesty from him in those episodes leading up to the "bad"/conformity ending. Everything was “off” for a reason and they're saving any actual reveals for whatever we get next.

Also nowhere did I ever say that the stuff you listed can’t be subtext for those other things? 

…However, this boy's appearance in the same season where it becomes obvious to fans that Will is being forgotten, wearing Will’s birthday number on his jersey? The fact that Will suddenly becomes very heavily associated with tigers? The frequent usage of the word "chance" in some very memorable and suspicious lines? No doubt in my mind, he's important in some way and connected to birthdaygate/the supernatural storyline.

By the way, the fact that Chance did not investigate Reefer Rick's house with the other jocks is suspicious as hell. Like, on one hand maybe Hunter wasn't able to film that day, but on the other hand, the implications are wild.

The lack of screentime was a purposeful choice imo and yeah it’s gonna be jarring if they do go this route but hopefully they manage to give Chance enough screentime/focus to justify their decision.

Also, I am sorry, but how is it my problem that it bothers you? This entire plot twist is meant to be upsetting in the way that it disrupts even hardcore fans’/theorists’ vision of the show- that’s why almost no one is willing to look into it or even consider it. Because if I’m correct, Chance is the writers’ wild card and they are implying that he “replaced” Will in some way. And that means that Mike is not necessarily the knight in shining armour that so many fans envision him to be, but a very flawed, scared closeted teenager. I just think it is a bit naive to think that they would never go for this plot twist, especially after all of this conformitygate bullshit they have pulled.