The leaking pipe innuendo is extremely distasteful towards Will (and Noah) if Mike is straight. Do they not realize that once again, Will is the butt of the joke?
We all saw what happened: two boys caught in a bathroom in a compromising position, a leaking pipe that won’t stop, and a washroom called Dick..... We are expected to laugh at the implications of being “caught in a bathroom,” suggesting that something improper is occurring. If the story were leading towards them ending up together, this could be interpreted as a chaotic romcom moment. However, since Will’s love remains unacknowledged and disrespected, the writers are simply adding another moment to laugh at Will’s unresolved desire, turning it into a gag.
For Will, the implications of this scene are not abstract; they reflect the very real fears, shame, and dangers associated with being queer in that era. Say what you want, but this scene does echo the experiences of queer people who were caught and exposed in private spaces during the 1980s.
Thus, the humor relies on the visual language of queer danger and intimacy, while the overall story fails to provide proper closure and resolution for Will’s longing and pain over multiple seasons. Since Mike does not reciprocate Will’s feelings, the use of this innuendo feels distasteful towards both Will and Noah. I hope Duffers never write queer characters again.
emeriart