The Duffer Brothers, creators of Stranger Things, have defended the controversial coming-out scene for the character Will Byers in the show's fifth season. While some viewers and figures like Elon Musk criticized the scene as unnecessary or forced, others praised it as emotionally resonant. The episode received a low rating on IMDb, with critics citing it as rushed and misplaced. The Duffers stated the scene was a nine-year narrative build-up, crucial for Will's journey and the show's theme of embracing oneself to overcome darkness.