“Stranger Things” Season 5 Sparks Fan Debate Over Continuity Error Involving Will
It’s a tough job being a writer on a show as massive and beloved as “Stranger Things.” With a sprawling cast, multiple dimensions, and a timeline that hops across years, keeping every single detail straight is a Herculean task. But for a fanbase as dedicated and eagle-eyed as the one for “Stranger Things,” no inconsistency goes unnoticed.
What are the ‘Stranger Things’ Season 5 Continuity Errors?
Less than a week after the first volume of Season 5 dropped, fans have already taken to social media to point out a couple of head-scratching continuity errors, and frankly, they have a point. These aren’t just minor background details; they revolve around Will Byers, a character who has been the emotional core of the series since his terrifying disappearance in Season 1.
The primary source of fan frustration comes from two specific moments in the newly released episodes. The first involves a cherished memory, and the second rewrites a foundational detail about the show’s inciting incident.
The discrepancies fans noticed in “Stranger Things” Season 5 concern formative moments in his life, which makes the mistakes feel all the more jarring for viewers who have meticulously tracked his journey. It’s a testament to how deeply fans have connected with these characters that they can recall details from seasons past with more accuracy than the show’s own creators.
This high level of engagement with “Stranger Things” fans highlights the profound connection that fans have developed with the characters. The commitment illustrates the passion that fans have held for the show since it aired. There’s no doubt that the fierce passion would arise following the series’s long-awaited fifth season.
The Castle Byers Conundrum
In a powerful scene in Season 5, Episode 4, “Sorcerer,” Will delves into his memories to tap into his powers. One of the flashbacks shows him and his brother Jonathan building their iconic fort, Castle Byers, on a clear, sunny day. It’s presented as a happy, almost idyllic memory. However, die-hard fans of “Stranger Things” immediately cried foul.
They remember a poignant, emotionally charged scene from Season 2, Episode 8, “The Mind Flayer.” In that episode, Jonathan tries to reach a Mind Flayer-possessed Will by reliving the same memory. But his version is drastically different. “Stranger Things” fans quickly noticed the discrepancy.
Jonathan said to Will, “We stayed up all night building Castle Byers…just the way you drew it. And it took so long because you were so bad at hammering. You’d miss the nail every time. And then it started raining, but we stayed out there anyway. We were both sick for like a week after that.”
This isn’t just a weather discrepancy; it’s a complete tonal shift. Jonathan’s memory frames the moment as one of resilience and brotherly bonding in the face of hardship—it was a dark, rainy night, but they persevered. The Season 5 flashback paints it as a simple, sunny day of construction. For loyal “Stranger Things” fans, this change strips the memory of its emotional weight.
Fan Reactions To The Character Discrepancy
Fans vented their frustrations on the “Stranger Things” continuity errors on X. One user named @353soapney wrote, “Inconsistencies are kinda driving me crazy ngl. first joyce saying will was 11 when he was taken when he was actually 12, and him remembering the building of castle byers with Jonathan during a clear day when in s2 Jonathan said they built it through the night in the rain.”
In Season 5, Episode 3, a guilt-ridden Joyce reflects on her son’s disappearance, asking, “What kind of mother doesn’t check on their 11-year-old son?” It’s a throwaway line that many might miss, but not this fanbase. Viewers quickly pointed out that it was established in Season 1 that Will was 12 years old when he was taken into the Upside Down. The “missing” posters plastered all over Hawkins in the first season clearly state his age.
This isn’t the first time the Duffer brothers have stumbled over Will’s age and birthday. A similar oversight occurred in Season 4, where an episode took place on Will’s birthday (March 22), but no character acknowledged it. At the time, the showrunners admitted their mistake. Matt Duffer told Variety, “The honest response is, clearly like the characters in the show, we also forgot about Will’s birthday. So the debate now is whether we adjust Will’s birthday or we just let it be really sad.” It seems the forgetfulness has struck again.
Final Thoughts
The passion is real, and the disappointment is palpable. Despite the errors, the emotional core of “Stranger Things” is clearly resonating, and the viewership numbers prove the world is still watching the series, but as we head toward the finale on December 31, fans will likely be watching with an even sharper eye, hoping the Duffer Brothers can stick the landing without rewriting any more of Hawkins’ history.
