Stranger things season 4 episode 3 - mike and eleven (but you don’t love me anymore) scene

[@Riannslastbraincell]

“I don’t belong anywhere” I felt that

[@vgg31]

And then I'm just going 😭😭😭 the entire time watching this, like, "No, El! Don't say that!" 😭😢😢

[@moonmoon2479]

She most certainly doesn’t if she crumbles without her powers.

[@vgg31]

@@moonmoon2479 I'd say that's about 100% accurate. Without her powers, El doesn't know who she is or if she belongs anywhere, much less Hawkins with her friends. She was raised in Hawkins Lab her entire life. No one has actually TOLD El that they love her so it's only fair that she has to hear it from Mike more than anyone else. I mean, yeah, he blurted out unintentionally last season that he loves El in Hop's Cabin and she heard him the whole time, but she has to hear it from him. Mike showing El how much she means to him without actually saying "I LOVE YOU" as he has been doing since the start isn't enough anymore. HE HAS TO SAY IT and he will

[@justjaein]

ain’t no way u got powers like she does

[@tubular1042]

i’m so sorry

[@LostGirl2112]

millie’s acting breaks my heart. she’s so good

[@vgg31]

"so good" isn't even the phrase I would use here, to be honest. It's so hard to see Millie cry off camera when she's expressing her concerns over what she's experiencing from the media and from the fans in her personal time, but when it's on camera in a scene like this, it's on a whole different level. Getting into character the way Millie does is just amazing, you want to go in a corner and cry with her

[@r.g6170]

she is still the best actor among the kids

[@Liveasme]

same

[@sunnyomori8635]

@@vgg31 thats kinda dramatic

[@14ktriade69]

@@sunnyomori8635 hahah true

[@carmenniola8702]

Finn and Millie were so perfect in this scene. Their characters grew up as individuals and I can say their relationship is very mature for their age. Also, Mike may have had difficulties in expressing his feelings, but all I've ever seen in his acts of caring towards El, since season one, is love. The purest form of love towards one person among any other in the show.

[@hoseinmz645]

Finn in season 1 and 2 I agree...but wtf happened to him in season 3 and 4?...like, what the hell is this acting?...he talks as if he's a robot or something...and his facial expressions has changed...I loved him more in 1 and 2

[@fart63]

@@hoseinmz645 I’m not sure what you’re talking about. Finn is a great actor. And he did nothing wrong to anyone in season 3 or 4. People hated him in season 3 for no reason, and praised hopper for threatening him despite hopper being actually disgusting and a terrible father in season 3, and max even though she was irresponsible and using risking els life by using her power as a toy. Season 3 was a trainwreck, and Finn had some of the more realistic acting compared to everybody else.

[@hoseinmz645]

@@fart63 thanks for the lecture but I wasn't talking about the characters I was talking about finn's acting.

[@m3l1n3]

@@hoseinmz645 I don't understand why people say that Mike's character in season 3 and 4 to change. I mean, I think it's normal, he has a hard time admitting his feelings. It's hard to tell someone you love them. Especially when you admire the person. He admires Eleven. Like he said, "she's her hero. “ And Mike is always there for his friends. He was there when Lucas needed his help, he spent days looking for Will. And he was super close to Dustin. I think his character is evolving, I loved that character.

[@jamiethomas3768]

@@fart63Hopper’s a selfish child👦👧endangering and heartless manipulative demon. And he finally saw that in himself in S4.

[@CA-oq6bq]

Imagine being a teenager who spent most of her life as a lab experiment and is now having to adapt to a "normal life". She's still learning the ropes and to top it all up compile all the stress of the long-distance relationship (i've been in one and omg it is not easy) + bullying + insecurity + Hopper's death + attached her identity to her powers (e.g. no powers = no identity) + low grades in school. She's a complete mess and will take some time for her to find herself and figure things out.

[@t0biiii]

hopper is alive ?

[@INFP-Turd]

@@t0biiii We as an audience know Hops alive but El at this moment until the end of the season still believes Hop is dead but still keeps the promise of 3 inches Edit: Typi

[@S3RIK]

@@INFP-Turd 3 inches

[@jakoreijohnson9668]

@@INFP-Turd 3 inches actually

[@luvahadowsdolls]

For real, from season 2 onwards I was thinking, "Honey you need to SLOW DOWN"

[@yournobody6487]

The amount of emotion in her face when she says "You cant even write it mike" was like wow unreal how good that was

[@BenBanjo87]

Mike likely has trouble expressing his feelings because he didn't grow up hearing his parents do so to each other.

[@TheMarvelKids]

This^ I feel like people overlook it, but it’s also the reason Nancy has trouble with Johnathan this season as well.

[@marie.naturallysims2179]

Also because he's terrified of losing Eleven. He loves her, but he was afraid to say it out loud though because he fears she'll "find someone better than him"

[@kairoward7738]

in that part i just though mike you are a FOOL is that really hard???

[@ronjakirves1500]

Yeah i totally understand mike and why he has trouble saying it cause i also have trouble saying "i love you" to basically anyone

[@blondeboyworld]

It's his sexuality.

[@lesleechristie5870]

I think it’s pretty clear that this couple needs Murray to settle this argument since he already did for Nancy & Jonathan and Hopper & Joyce. Murray is basically a couple therapist

[@luvkaitlynn]

I WOULD LOVE TO SEE THAT

[@Splitgamer74]

Don't forget Max and Lucas they're gonna help from the love doctor

[@RoJoFeli]

Murray would be like “Why me” but proceed with it anyways

[@purpledragon374]

Yes he is

[@colt2274]

@@Splitgamer74 this comment didn’t age well 💀

[@mayacaldwell2464]

When he said "care" instead of love, I was like oof

[@vgg31]

And then when she said "You don't... You don't love me anymore?" that's where I started to really lose it 😭😭😭

[@jaxsontuttle4932]

I really don’t see them getting back together honestly at least for long term. It seems like Jonathan is falling out in love with Nancy and same with Mike he just doesn’t have the same feelings towards her as when they were younger. I can see them still being friends but not lovers.

[@MajesticJoey]

@@jaxsontuttle4932 they might get back together. Mike might get his shit together and tell El he loves her

[@sillymango_]

*chough* Byler *chough*

[@jaxsontuttle4932]

@@MajesticJoey ya exactly it’s a 50/50. The dhow could change the characters and how they feel about others you never know.

[@sharinganwolf2784]

"You never say it." "I say it." The resolve in Mike's eyes gives me chills here. Maybe he doesn't say the words, but he says it in every other way possible 💖💖💖💖

[@ateriontoremourne1869]

But El cannot feel it.

[@Jamie_Jewel]

I thought it was cute he used the phrase “mouth breathers.” Brought me back to season one.

[@scoobydisney]

It's El-Mike slang. It's one of her favourite words and she learned it from him.

[@Jamie_Jewel]

@@scoobydisney Yes I kno

[@hxneybee2]

the “not anymore” at the end gave me the chills! mill’s acting is so good

[@smexydad7350]

This scene really broke me. Not just the fact el feels like this and is having trouble adapting to her new life with a long distance relationship. But I feel bad bc Mike has been bullied and had risked his life for his friends too bc of his bully, and the fact el said he doesn’t know how it feels. Like as if she didn’t rescue him from Troy and his friends. Mike should learn how to say ‘I love you’ but his parents never loved eachother. They both have trauma and hope in season 5 they get better

[@hannahparker385]

Now this. This is what I was looking for in the comments cause this is accurate like literally how do u expect him to tell her every romantic stuff he never heard from his parents ?

[@fart63]

@@hannahparker385 people just want to hate mike for no reason.

[@jamiethomas3768]

And neither did Karen EVER truly love❤️Mike!

[@RhettMueller864]

@@fart63ong bro like Mike’s not that bad

[@SasukeUchiha-jj1yv]

When Mike says "And you're a superhero", my eyes start watering up 🤧

[@mialia15104]

It's sad that Mike barely has any screentime. The focus completely turned away from him, now he's more of a side character than Nancy or Steve etc.

[@speedy3702]

I think that the California-storyline is a slow-burn and that Mike is going to have much more scenes in the last couple of episodes.

[@mialia15104]

@@speedy3702 i think there's only 2 episodes left? But tbf I think it's pretty long episodes so there's plenty of chances. If not, I understand why they direct the focus away from Mike, but still unfortunate 'cause I always loved him in the series.

[@speedy3702]

@@mialia15104 Yeah, I also think that the California-storyline is essentially the big "victim" of the season split after Episode 7. Because in Episode 6 they were whole time in Suzie's house, while they were completely absent from Episode 7. So this creates the lasting impression that they are doing "nothing". But I strongly believe that everything so far was just a build up for that storyline to become really action packed when they try to save El and Mike is surely going to act as the leader of the operation.

[@caolanmcflynn8042]

Yes i have been notified that for some time now

[@mialia15104]

@@speedy3702 I hope so, and yeah I have some faith in that too! :) Even if it didn't fully pay off, I do love the season a lot.

[@mattgerrish908]

"I do not belong." "You mean in Lenora?" "Anywhere." That broke my heart because I was bullied a lot when I was in school, so I can relate. I just wanted to give El the biggest hug and tell her she's not a monster but a sweetheart with a heart of gold. Basically an angel that Society tried to rip the Wings off of.

[@Zero-uv1ch]

😢 if you gonna give El a hug Then I 😮 will give you a hug 2 Intentionally brother

[@malaysiaedits34789]

I can relate too 😢

[@savinakaytazova-kozlovska4594]

I wanna hug her too. She doesn't deserve this.😢

[@yerintaem]

I feel for Eleven. Their acting is incredible

[@MikeDennis6]

😊🦈🦓🦓🦈🦈🦈🦈🦈🦈🦈🦈🦈🦈🦈🦈🦈🦈🦓🦈🦓🦓🦈🦓🦓🦓🦈🦈🦈🦈🦈🦈🦈🦈🦈🦈🦓🦓🦓🦓🦓🦓🦈🦈🦈🦈🦈🦓🦓

[@homosexualamityblight]

Why did I read it as “I feel bad for Eleven, There acting is terrible” 💀

[@MichelleLohde-uv2rx]

@@homosexualamityblight he need break up with her he not in love with her anymore ?.

[@m3l1n3]

I don't understand why people say that Mike's character in season three and four to change. I mean, I think it's normal, he has a hard time admitting his feelings. It's hard to tell someone you love them. Especially when you admire the person. He admires Eleven. Like he said, "she's his hero” And Mike is always there for his friends. He was there when Lucas needed his help, he spent days looking for Will. And he was super close to Dustin. I think his character is evolving, I loved that character.💕

[@lesleechristie5870]

I think El didn’t tell Mike about how she’s is having a hard time & getting bullied at school was because she doesn’t want Mike to think she’s a weak person or a loser that the bullies called her. (But Mike WOULD NEVER SAY THAT) I think Mike has a hard time saying ‘I love you’ is probably because he doesn’t usually hear his parents says it while growing up which is hard and it’s probably hard to express his feelings to his first love. He DID SAID IT ONCE last season in S3 when he was arguing with Max and explaining to everyone how he is just worried about her because he LOVE her and doesn’t want to lose her again. I think Mike was just surprised & scared that his own girlfriend literally hit someone really hard in the face during that moment but compared to what she did the past seasons,hitting someone in the face was nothing compared to what she did with the upside down monsters & the Hawkins Lab people. But El just lost her temper and it WENT WRONG that’s all that happened. She didn’t mean to injure Angela that bad,she just wanted to show her & her bullies that she couldn’t be bullied NO MORE. Plus they made fun of her of her not being able to see Hopper anymore which is VERY MEAN making her lose her temper,so they pretty much had it coming (You say or do mean things it’s out,YOU CAN’T TAKE IT BACK). This one mistake of hitting someone in the face making them have a bad injury DOESN’T HAVE TO DEFINE HER or AFFECT HER LIFE because of it. The least the police could do was to HELP HER INSTEAD to let her learn how to do something differently the next time and give her a warning of how dangerous it could be then arrest her like how is arresting a young person going to help her? By the way her guardian/caretaker (Joyce) wasn’t there so how does the police have the right to ARREST HER & put her IN JAIL? I felt bad that El has to experience getting handcuffs on her because she’s been through so much worst over the past few seasons and now she dealing with this?. Can’t El get a break? During the humiliating act that El’s bullies did at the roller rink,when they poured the drink on El making her fall on her butt was ABSOLUTELY DANGEROUS,El could of really hurt herself but the bullies didn’t give a crap so why can’t El do the same? Don’t forget they are 2 (Angela & El’s side) or 3 sides (El,Angela & THE TRUTH of what REALLY HAPPENED) to the story. So at least the bullies got a message to know not to mess with El anymore even if what she did was dangerous. During the humiliating act at the roller rink. I hated that everyone except Will & Mike was in on it by laughing,calling El mean nicknames (Even the DJ),forming a circle around her and finally dumping a milkshake on her was NOT FUNNY (How is it funny that a girl is getting bullied and you just stand there and laugh?). But those mean people DON’T KNOW EL or DON’T KNOW WHAT SHE’S BEEN THROUGH,so pretty much the mean nicknames they were calling her like ‘Loser’ ‘Freak’ was just ASSUMPTIONS their MEANINGLESS & NOT TRUE. Even if El did something wrong to Angela it DOESN’T DEFINE HER,she still the GIRL who SAVED HER FRIENDS & FAMILY’S LIVES SO MANY TIMES even it would mean putting herself in danger and that a super hero NO MATTER WHAT, even if they put her in jail. Young people like El CAN’T CONTROL THEIR ANGER/TEMPER so the least they could of done was help her instead. Maybe a part of El DID REGRET the hit (The reaction after she hit Angela looked like she was terrified for what she done) but the other half part probably DOESN’T since she been bullied everyday by these people,she just want them to get their taste of their own medicine (Something that Max taught her last season) or to see what they feel if they the one in pain since the bullies caused her pain everyday and what they did to her at the roller rink was REALLY CRUEL making her reach her breaking point. Since during when the cops were interrogating her I think the reason why El’s only answer was ‘I don’t know’ was because she doesn’t know what she felt about it after she did it. I hate that people at the roller rink was looking at El as if she’s a monster after El struck Angela with a roller skate but they literally was being the monster when they were JUST LAUGHING AT HER a while ago. Maybe El could of done something differently than hitting someone HARD but I understood why she did it because her anger got the best of her.

[@kittendoll1315]

Go write season 5 someone has to do it

[@Xaedist666]

That’s a lot of funny words

[@Solomoncaesar]

You truly understand everything.

[@mallorypotter.4234]

Best explanation i’ve seen

[@juju.roadto3028]

Damn she made a whole season 5 script

[@prabhatbiswas5996]

I felt deep pain "you can't even write it Mike 💔

[@julielikesunicorns348]

I mean if you look at Mike's family, you can sorta see why he struggles with the word love so much. But i think people tend to forget how to tried to contact her everydat for an entire year even tho everyone thought she was dead. Mans loves her, but hes too scared to say it.

[@Tanjiroslays-t5j]

When tears came out of Eleven’s eyes, that broke my heart.

[@urlocalbylershipper]

"I don't belong anywhere" literally cried bc same

[@safcjoe7062]

Same as well. I feel like everyone has to act like the same as everyone else and it drives me nuts sometimes. Like my old friends used to laugh at me for watching this show whilst they do drugs and sit around laughing about other ppl, now I'm all alone but at least there's other people in the world that I can relate to.

[@urlocalbylershipper]

@@safcjoe7062 yeah

[@KennM12]

I feel like Mike is the perfect example of a typical emotionally immature teenage boy. I really hope he’s able to grow up and vocalize his feelings for El in volume 2

[@tayladunn7490]

I think he tries his best !! He had a right to be upset about El lying but I understood why she did it. And he’s still a kid figuring out everything just like her

[@THE202]

Seems your wish was the Duffer brothers' command

[@Solomoncaesar]

He should definitely say I love you to her. But we know he loves her. He confessed it to everyone but her in that argument scene. In season 3.

[@4leftclovers]

He's just like one of those teens who find it difficult to talk about emotions. Mike's in one of those ages where he would make mistakes but when he's an adult he would feel sorry for his actions. Happens to everyone at some point of their lives.

[@friedfrog5447]

How is he emotionallt immature? Their whole relationship is more mature than real teens

[@wiwi6617]

Milli is such an good actor 😢❤️ btw i Need more mileven scenes!!! 😣

[@vgg31]

The last 2 episodes should have some more, especially that huge monologue for El Mike is supposed to say

[@spl_0]

We got enough mileven scenes bro, now we need Mike epic scenes like in s1 and 2

[@ogluqqychess4452]

Dude that head shake when she said “but you don’t love me” I felt that. I wish El was real so I could give her a hug

[@justanotherstrangerthingsf2712]

“Not anymore” breaks my heart every time

[@michaelleary9233]

Ikr, it's like she lost the one thing that made being different okay, now she's just a loser like Angela said.

[@gianoturs]

“Everyone thinks that I’m a monster” I really felt that👍

[@sydneylynnvangastel3124]

Mike's face when el gets the letters en said "from Mike from Mike..." he knows that he is hurting her by riding that but he can't change it even if he wanted to 🥺😭💔

[@boldnerd-n6f]

"You are the most incredible person in the world for me. You can't let this mouthbreathers ruin you. Ruin us. They are nobodies and you are a superhero

[@Shqdowwww]

I love how even thought eleven is in tears, she still controls her emotions so that her voice is clear and isn’t broken down from the crying

[@Idkwhattowriteanymore]

Some people don’t understand how hard it is to say simple things like “ I love you” it’s not as easy as it seams

[@malaysiaedits34789]

hiiiiii Mike

[@fart63]

‘Specially cause mikes parents never loved each other

[@Gabbyy_Gabriella]

@@fart63That’s honestly so true

[@Jessebonnie]

When Mike said he was bullied by his entire life, it's kinda true because in S1-2 he was bullied by Troy, El made him pee himself, Troy told Mike to jump and tried to kill him but El came and broke Troy's arm.

[@lukespare]

Dude when Eleven says "but you don't love me anymore", was heartbreaking. Millie nailed this

[@kamryng509]

Turns out he was just scared that saying it would make losing her hurt more which is a pretty popular take for movies/tv shows. I knew that’s why he couldn’t say it, but a lot of other people were digging a little too deep into things.

[@kamryng509]

@@meryl17 what more does he have to say to make you guys believe him?

[@PenguinsAreColdish]

sadly their relationship is dry now. bring back s2 mike please

[@kamryng509]

@@PenguinsAreColdish that’s just a matter of opinion, and that’s totally okay. I respect yours! I, and a bunch of other milevens, think their relationship has progressed beautifully.

[@PenguinsAreColdish]

​@@kamryng509 if you can tolerate terrible writing and character assassination yeah i can see why you'd think that

[@fart63]

@@PenguinsAreColdish if you want to talk about terrible writing and character assassination we should talk about hopper from season 3 instead

[@SingersDream]

"From Mike. From Mike. From Mike. From Mike. From,from,from!" Beautifully done,Mille. 😢😢❤❤

[@megansummermx]

Mike isn’t used to using the word love his parents never said it to each other that’s where I think he got it

[@vgg31]

I could NOT keep it together watching this scene. It's just SO SAD beyond words 😭😭😭 Millie delivered her lines so beautifully, I was like, "This is SO HARD! I can't! Next episode dammit! GET AWAY FROM ME!!!" 😭😭 and then how Mike just threw El's note for him in the trash? If he only held on to it... 😭😭😭

[@SpongeBobSquarePantsNickJr]

Mike feels it but isn’t ready to say it. She fears Mike only loves her because he idolizes her abilities and power. She believes she’s a monster and that their relationship is based on her playing the hero. He loves her either way but her doubts can’t at this moment accept how his love isn’t conditional but unconditional. He thinks she’s a someone regardless of her abilities but her loneliness and being a misfit isn’t really how Mike views his social unpopularity.

[@keepgoing335]

I thought it was a blessing in disguise when El lost her powers. it might have pushed her to develop her strengths in other areas and become more well-rounded. I didn't like it when Mike told her that she "is a superhero" when he was trying to show his support for her after all the bullying she had endured. I thought what El really wanted to hear from Mike was that she is special to him and that he loves her whether she has her powers or not.

[@Kyl3_08]

Steve:you don't love me anymore? El:you don't love me anymore? Steve:then say it,say that you love me El:you can't even write it mike

[@devoncox1808]

El is not the monster and she is never is. She is brave and strong and I know what she’s been through a lot I really love her so much. ❤️😢

[@Sjp977]

It’s honestly amazing how he manages to say literally all of the wrong things until she fights vecna

[@josephf1555]

The scenes between the kids before all the sci-fi stuff kicks in are so well done!! From Mike, from Mike, from Mike, from Mike...

[@TryStrike_Panda]

Ok nah but eleven was kinda tripping in this scene taking her sadness out on Mike. Bro was trying his best to make her feel better but she was making it harder for him so I feel bad for both of them.

[@applejuice7663]

When Elle said “no you don’t” and then the way mike said “okay🫤”

[@thisismegan5744]

It’s not Elle is El. Short for Eleven. Sorry if this sounds rude btw

[@banelemkhabela3229]

@@thisismegan5744 nah ro to me it doesn't sound rude

[@jacobpearson3294]

I love British actors. I love how they do most realistic American accents. Most people who probably thought actors were American, but they're actually British 🇬🇧🇺🇸

[@jacobsimpson2802]

when she said "i am different.... i do not belong" is how i feel when im left behind by someone :

[@conormcgregorsbrokenleg9847]

I watched this with my girl and when she started throwing the letters with FROM MIKE FROM MIKE FROM MIKE, we just stared at each other wide eyed. So loud 💀💀💀

[@skittlez-u8j]

my goodie god her acting 💀🤣💗💗

[@saddany3254]

Really nice detail that I just found, right before this talk happened, when Mike was going inside the room, El left her door open slightly, maybe not exactly three inches but she left it open just what Hopper wished. She also left it open at the first scene "dear Mike" at the beginning of episode 1. Another thing is, El went back to her old look in S2 or at the beginning of s3 (before Max gave her a total make over), when her look was heavily influenced by Hopper. Her dad's death has been really hard for her, can't wait to see them reunite.

[@b3nt079]

I also think it's because of the fact Joyce just, doesn't make enough to give Eleven the newer trendier clothes that she had in season three, which was definitely paid for by Max. You can actually see that a lot of her clothes look like hand-me-downs. she has a shirt that's reminiscent to one of Lucas's shirts, she has a hair tie from Max (and the one from Hoppers daughter), and she has a lot of flannels that likely came from Wills closet. I like to think it's both because Joyce can't afford to clothe all three of the kids in more expensive outfits, and it's Elevens way to have her friends close to her despite her move, so she wears clothes that they once wore.

[@scoobydisney]

El never liked closed doors from the very beginning, because it reminded her of her days of captivity and solitary confinement. Mike's first promise was to come back for her after he had to lock her in a closet to hide her from his mum. And she started to freak out when he tried to close the bathroom door so she could change into dry clothes in the second episode of season 1. Not a Hopper thing.

[@Omen_Rocks123]

Honestly I love season 4 and all but we needed to see more of Jonathan Mike and will cause they felt very sidelined. Hopefully they get more screen time next season

[@andrewkruger7519]

Someone PLEASE give Millie that Emmy!!!!!

[@kylielinn4558]

Man, both Mike and El were good in this scene. El feels so lost without her powers because they make her feel whole, causing her to believe she does not feel loved or fit in anywhere. Mike tries to comfort El to remind her that he's been bullied too and that she shouldn't let bullies get to her while trying to reassure her he does love her despite being too afraid to say it due to his parents not loving each other and never being taught how to express his feelings.

[@chloe_london]

Millie is such a great actress

[@blossomlxve6597]

It’s not mikes fault he grew up with parents who didnt even show affection in front of the kids he loves her so much but just doesn’t know how to express it!! Same thing with Nancy!! She couldnt tell steve she loved him either because she couldnt she doesnt know how to. HIS. AND. HER. PARENTS. NEVER. SHOWED. THEY. LOVED. EACH-OTHER. The kids saw that and now they cant express it. Not. Their. Fault.

[@beebees9957]

I’d agree but Mike said he loved El in season 3, and Nancy only couldn’t tell Steve she loved him because she didn’t love him. She loved Jonathan, and says the she loves him out loud (conversation with Robin I believe). I think this is coming from somewhere else- and Im excited to see them hopefully address it next season since they’ve been keeping Mikes mind and thoughts very hidden from the audience

[@jakelyn985]

thank you widowdusk for sampling this 💋

[@justpeachybaby5929]

I have a few, and I'm just pointing out why mileven is endgame based on Mike's behaviour alone. Byler is apparently based on hints and small details, well, apart from Mike telling El he loves her. I have so many small subtle details to prove Mike has always loved her. - In season 1, Mike initiates the first kiss, he kisses Eleven first, eleven doesn't even know what a kiss is. - He calls her pretty when he puts makeup on her. If you notice, Dustin and Lucas are standing behind Mike. Mike quietly blurts it out, but enough to the others hear. This absolutely isn't a lie or platonic because Mike is totally obsessed with her image there and that he accidently tells what he's feeling out loud and is later embarrassed when others hear. When he invites El to live with his family, he makes it very clear that he wouldn't be considered her "brother" because he's clearly starting to fall for her. If this were platonic, he would agree to being her brother. Again, it's just Mike and El, I can't stress enough that if it were platonic, Mike would absolutely make sure others know this, but he doesn't because it's just them and not platonic. - In season 2, Mike calls Eleven every day for a year 353 days, every night on the radio hoping she'll pick up. He does this when no one is around. Season 2 can be called the "byler" season and yes that's true, however this isn't defending Mike's behaviour but he doesn't acknowledge Will when El is around and if he knew she was alive in 2 I think it would be a different story. He breaks down to Hopper when he realises she's always been there and Hop kept them apart for safety. He's the most emotional he's ever been, and this is just for El. -Season 3 as the group is in the field early on, it is, in fact, Mike, who tells the group we need to leave "curfew." it isn't Eleven. Mike left to spend alone time with El. Him alone completely prompted him to leave. Not el. Also, he attempts to tell Eleven he loves her but can't find the words, that is also when they're alone together. If that were platonic, I'm sure Mike wouldn't make an effort to leave with her and as well as an attempt to say I love you. When el at the end tells Mike I love you too, before she does he downplays it "oh what did I say again that was so long ago" he's saying this as to not be embarrassed El hasn't told him she loves him yet. -Season 4, El had mentioned in her letter, "I miss all the spring flowers" back in Hawkins. Mike arrived at the airport, had picked her the wild flowers because she said so in the letter, again, why do this platoncially? Just don't bother if that were the case. He bring her eggos as they're getting cold. He chases El when she's taken away. He explains to El the reasons he could never say I love, and then tells her he loves her. Finally, another small detail to add is that when Mike is reunited with the group and hugs Hopper, he tells him he shrunk. This is probably the only time we see Mike somewhat happy and relaxed. As he's finally told El, he loves her. He's calm and at ease. But before all of that, he's a nervous wreck and on edge until he locates her. But the second he finds her, he's completely at ease. I have no problem fans shipping byler but Mike's behaviour alone should show the logical sense that he absolutely loves El. Not even the evidence the duffers have shown with them, but the small behaviour that is initiated by Mike alone. Everything I've pointed out is all Mike's behaviour, not El.

[@evie723]

“You’re a hero” Okay that’s just her powers. He’d not saying I love you but he is saying how her powers are amazing. He idolisers her and is astonished by her powers but she just wants to be normal

[@luvkaitlynn]

and notice how he’s acting different after she lost her powers

[@kamryng509]

Not according to Vol. 2. It explains everything.

[@Solomoncaesar]

He said he loves her in season 3.

[@boldnerd-n6f]

She is a superhero for him because he considered her as Superman to even when she has no powers that is what shows that Mike sees no difference between El without power or El with power

[@freakazoid908]

So Vecna is a hero too? I mean he has powers...

[@ddirtylarry]

Came here from a widowdusk song. "I don't belong anywhere" Damn too relatable

[@janehopperfan011]

She is such a great actress

[@kenstu]

- Warning for potential spoilers. If you haven’t watched Season 4 in its entirety, don't read any further. I can see why Mike (not self consciously) was beginning to self sabotage the situation between him and El. With her being who she is, why would she need him? What makes this tension so realistic is how Mike knows he'll never be an equal for El, albeit she never thought in such terms. El clung to Mike ever since he, Dustin, and Lucas found her in the woods while looking for Will. Nevertheless, Mike was afraid that his confession of love for El would be in vain should she not need him anymore. That's why he couldn't say it when she wanted him to. In the end, he said "I love you" when he needed to. More to the point of them ultimately needing each other. Brilliant storytelling! 👏🏽

[@A.A10099]

HE SAID IN SEASON 3 “I LOVE HER AND I CANT LOSE HER” HE DOES LOVE HER

[@xzurse5641]

Maybe this is the source of why Mike can't say it directly.

[@kamryng509]

@@xzurse5641 exactly. He was just scared that if he said he loves her it would make the day she realizes she doesn’t need him anymore hurt more.

[@christiandenault7606]

In part 2 he finally confessed his love to El 9 times!!! ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@cutie957]

This is ,but in ep9 Mike-I love u,if you have power or not U ARE MY SUPER HERO The line which touched my heart is when mike said- I think my is started that day we found you in the wood ,and i loved you since that day.❤

[@kalpanapre0464]

The kids grew up too damn fast!! I loved These 2 in season 1. Both are on a journey of self discovery now as they get older. I would love to see these 2 stay together and work at their relationship but Mike's character, I don't know I'm not liking him in season 4!

[@gene1735]

why not? have you seen Vol 2?

[@lesleechristie5870]

I hated the fact that Mike & El had a big fight before she was taken away by the police bad situation to leave behind. Knowing you didn’t end up on good terms with your boyfriend before you get arrested. So they are just going to let the bullies get away with their bullying and let El get targeted? but when the victim (El) fights back & defend herself. She’s the one that get’s in trouble? Like how oblivious is the people at the roller rink (When El hit Angela everyone was looking at her as if she’s a monster but didn’t you see what Angela & the bullies did to her on the roller rink not long ago? and all you did was laugh at El,so El was just mad at Angela for bullying her everyday even though El DID ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to them) & the police officers? (There are more sides to the story maybe talking to El’s friends/family also since Mike & Will were there and saw what happened and could explain why El did what she did,have you ever thought of talking to other people who was there at the roller rink before arresting her? And maybe try thinking of some ways to help her instead to control her anger then punish her for the rest of her life because of this accident that went wrong when she’s still young and doesn’t need to affect her the rest of her life) Angela & the bullies were LUCKY that El didn’t have her powers at the time or they would of been REALLY HURT. More worse than getting hit in the face hard. The fact that no one stepped in during the roller rink humiliating act made me feel very bad for El,I was wondering if ANYONE WAS GOING TO HELP OR STOP IT but all that the people did except Will & Mike was laugh at El (I don’t think that act was funny,I think it was awful,terrible & dangerous (El could of hit her head REAL BAD WHEN SHE FELL)how cruel can a person be?) but Mike DID TRY to help her by telling the DJ to STOP but here’s the thing you can’t expect people to do what they supposed to do and how is turning the music off going to help El? Like the bullies obviously going to still bully her but Mike & Will SHOULD of done something to help El like maybe going into the rink and tried to get El out of there? Even if there are people forming a circle around her,why not push them out of the way? Since there the one that is bullying her in the first place? After El has been through so much pain in the past seasons,now she getting arrested? In the past season she tries her best to protect & save her friends & family by killing the upside down monsters even it would mean RISKING HER OWN LIFE. That’s a hero NO MATTER WHAT The way that the police was arresting El made me SO ANGRY because first of all she got bullied by the girl (Angela) she hit,not her fault she didn’t know how to handle bullies but young people can’t control their temper but the police was arresting her as if she’s TROUBLED and she’s NOT because all that she did was lose her temper,yes it did give Angela a very bad injury but at least El didn’t kill her like if El did kill her I would understand why they need to arrest her but hitting someone in the face giving them a concussion & bad injury could of been solved instead of punishing her for it,if you tried helping El yourself to make sure it never happens again so that this accident doesn’t have to ruin her life by arresting her. First El got abuse & experiment on by the Hawkins Lab but was able to escape & get found by the boys who took care of her but had to go when she killed the demogorden almost DIEING (She didn’t care,she wanted to save her friends) back in S1. Then when El made it back from the upside down,El had to went into hiding from the bad men but got found by Hopper,raising El by himself in a cabin hiding her to keep her safe while forming a father-daughter relationship. Then she’s found out her mother was not only alive but has a problem with her brain founding out that her mother tried & get her but couldn’t since the bad men grab her & strap her to a machine making her get a brain injury when El saw her mom’s memories/flashbacks. When she founds out she needed to close the gate,she uses all of her strength to close the gate even it was dangerous because of the demodogs & the gate in S2. Then when she got adopted by Hopper,she was living a normal childhood/teen hood life with her friends & family and a father (Hopper) who treats her MUCH BETTER but then when the mind flayer is back & attached to Billy,she had to experience a lot of NEAR DEATH SITUATIONS & visions/Billy’s terrible flashbacks in S3 and finally now adjusting to a new place since she moved with the Byers,she is getting bullied & humiliated by a group of teenagers that DON’T KNOW HER OR DOESN’T KNOW WHAT SHE’S BEEN THROUGH being tormented everyday by these people and when she finally had enough and defended herself by hitting Angela in the face with a roller skate but got in trouble for it by getting arrested. Here’s the thing if they put El in juvie/jail,it would probably make El feel like she’s back in the Hawkins lab since she has trauma & flashbacks from it and obviously doesn’t want to get mistreated like that again. How does the police have the right to arrest El if her guardian (Joyce) WASN’T THERE?

[@Moonlightwolf008]

Exactly

[@bredandmonke914]

Bro wrote a fucking essay 💀

[@macirodriguezz]

he really said "i say it." when i believe he only said it once in season 3 and it wasn't even directly towards here.

[@scoobydisney]

He means he says it with his actions, I'm pretty sure.

[@3peasinpod176]

She obviously didn’t feel loved he needed to fix that.

[@tjlowe1604]

Mike actually does he has been bullied, how can el say he doesn’t know how it feels

[@Kenz1313]

Millie and Mike did great but I’m pretty sure Mike really did love her in the show

[@sheerida]

AAA I LUV MILLIES ACTING!! 😭😭😭😭

[@tashansetford8188]

When she picked up the papers and said from from from from from 😔😔

[@vgg31]

😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@xoxorevanta]

OMG DEJA VU remember when something similar happened with Nancy and Steve when Nancy got drunk at the party then Steve was like "You don't love me?"

[@beebees9957]

I definitely don’t think those parallels are coincidental! I noticed the same thing

[@fart63]

Ok but Nancy doesn’t actually love Steve. Mike loves el 💀

[@Karlebow571]

At least Mike isn’t drunk and kept shouting bullshit

[@cinemidomidusunsel]

I honestly think that the relationship between the Byers and the Wheelers is the core of the show. They hinted Stancy and Mileven again, but in the last season, we will see the importance of Byler and Jancy.

[@no7240]

Yesssss there are these couples like Byler and Jancy that even if they don’t end up together, could be incredibly crucial to the show

[@cinemidomidusunsel]

@@no7240 that's the point! I mean I ship both so much but it wouldn't bother me if they don't end up together. However, they should be touched upon properly in the last season.

[@hennegivensunday]

Hinted at mileven?😂😂 they’re the main couple in the show!!!

[@RhettMueller864]

Byler is definitely not happening so don’t get your hopes up

[@OceanMetTheSky]

Uh Jancy and Mileven were the main "obviously in love but not official yet" couples of season 1. Byler isn't happening.

[@plant8624]

0:30 first off she said you don’t know but didn’t he jump off a cliff for his friend Dustin in season one because of bullies 1:48 she said you don’t love me anymore clearly he does he just has a hard time saying it

[@mrdr0161]

How do you know he loves her

[@WAyuso34]

@@mrdr0161 Because he legit is risking his life to save her

[@mrdr0161]

@@WAyuso34 so? Mike, Lucas and Dustin risked their lives to save Will. Are they in love with him? Mike was prepared to jump off a cliff for Dustin. Is he in love with Dustin? Nancy risked her life for Will, Lucas and Max. Is she in love with them? Steve risked his life for Dustin, Lucas, Max and Mike. Is he in love with them? Hopper has risked his life for every single character, is he in love with everyone? Billy literally sacrificed himself to protect El. Was he in love with her? Risking your life for someone doesn't mean you're in love with them

[@speedy3702]

@@mrdr0161 Because Mike said it himself in S3 when he accidentally let it slip during his argument with Max. As for why he has never said it directly to El, that's a good question. But I think Mike is in general someone who doesn't feel comfortable expressing his deepest feelings. So I guess he never had the courage to say or has this whole time been waiting for right time to say it, instead of mentioning it casually in a letter.

[@billievanderpol]

he’s literally always had trouble expressing his true feelings for el since season 1, but he feels them because he tries to tell her but he struggles

[@Official_applesoup]

I feel bad because u can see that mike does not know how to help her and even so he tries to help😭

[@ow_oso]

Man.. I can’t help but relate to Mike’s entire obliviousness this entire arc and the previous season when they “broke up.” Having someone who loves you so much but you’re genuinely unaware and confused by the whole thing because of the way you were raised. Unintentionally hurting someone who cared so much about you when all you wanted was the best for them. Sometimes I wish I could go back and tell 16-19 year old me to figure it tf out.

[@justinboss6587]

Mike had a great point Angela and her friends are nobodies 11 saved the world 3 times what have Angela and her friends accomplish nothing

[@thatsnotjade]

“I dont think mike would like the fact that you’re lying to him, and when he finds out hes gonna be mad” - will byers also mike: you’re the most incredible person in the world and you cant let these mouth breathers ruin you, ruin us, they’re nobodies.” ❤

[@ChrisC11291980]

Volume Two drops tomorrow. I’m depending on Mike to tell her to her face, “I love you.”

[@optimusbee1274]

Well gladly it came to fruition

[@ChrisC11291980]

@@optimusbee1274 yes because he was about a season and a half overdue to tell her that.

[@ChrisC11291980]

@@Drlong1 I saw it. I’m so proud of that kid.

[@kamryng509]

@@ChrisC11291980 same, I clapped for him

[@Solomoncaesar]

@@ChrisC11291980 He said he loved her in season 3 during that argument scene. He didn’t say it directly to her. But she admitted in the last episode that she heard him say it when she said I love you back.

[@huuuuzuuuuushhh]

It feels weird now without the loud music in the background

[@Dreamer4Judas]

Don’t forget, she broke up with him in season 3 cuz he lied to her once, she was lying to him for 6 months, and it looks like it his fault in this sense, but… she didn’t even want to discuss it, and after six months of lies, he should confess his love to her during a quarrel. When she accuses him, although the cause of the quarrel is herself and her lies.

[@justpeachybaby5929]

Have you been watching it correctly? Hop made him lie because he was spending too much time with El. He never wanted to lie. She wanted to impress Mike and not have him worry so she lied and said she wasn't bullied. This type of lying isn't deceitful its usually to protect rhe other persons feelings, let's not forget they're kids.

[@Dreamer4Judas]

@@justpeachybaby5929 Yep, I looked correctly, and I don’t deny what you write. This is exactly what I'm talking about. All the negativity that poured out on Mike... I feel sorry for him. I brought this parallel precisely to emphasize this. Eleven broke up with Mike over one single lie. One single lie, and they didn’t make up so easy, despite the fact that he explained to her at the hospital what the matter was and it could have been understood. Here she lied to him for six months, a whole six months about many things, but no one thinks about it. Everyone says why didn't he say he loved her in that scene? Forgetting that she lied to him and this must also be accepted and experienced. I mean, Mike's demand is huge. He lied to her once, and then under special circumstances - everyone understands this, and they also understand that he had to apologize, come to peace with her, and so on. Here Eleven has been lying to him for six months - and everyone is only worried about why he didn’t immediately confess his love to her? This makes me sad.

[@justpeachybaby5929]

@@Dreamer4Judas I see what you're saying. But el was heavily influenced by Max this season, she doesn't understand alone, not really until season 4. And even then it's questionable due to her time in the lab. It was bad for el to lie to him for 6 months but I understand her reasoning for doing so. It shouldn't be excused because Mike lied once, however El is easily influenced and she was. I very much doubt eleven was even aware she could break up with Mike if it wasn't for Max and she listens to the core values from the boys very much "friends don't lie" like emphasises that to her all the time. She uses this as a foundation for her behaviour. I love Mike but I can see flaws with him in 4, he doesn't ever need to say I love you in any argument. But I'm glad he explained it to her why and goes on to say I love you. I think in season 5 they'll definitely have less relationship drama, more so for jancy and stancy whoever is the endgame. And less on mileven. They seem very much endgame and let's go the do them a great service relationship wise.

[@Dreamer4Judas]

@@justpeachybaby5929 Yes, I agree with what you write, thank you for your adequate reasoning. I enjoy reading this and responding to this. I don't blame any of them, not Mike or Eleven. On the contrary, I want to understand them as much as possible and I hope that I succeed. They are still growing up and everything that happened between them was normal given the situation. I want to believe that they will stay together and indeed there will be less drama in their relationship, but more stability and wisdom. I'm worried that at the end of Season 4, Eleven barely talks to Mike. Mike tells Will that the fact is that she has never lost like that and plus the situation with Max. But I'm worried that the writers won't use this as an excuse to keep creating drama between Mike and Eleven. Also, I see a huge number of people who want Byler and I worry about it too. What if the writers just want to satisfy fan requests and make Byler the endgame? I don't want that at all, because Mike and El deserve a happy ending together, they go through everything, but they stay close, they stay together. I believe in them. Mileven is my and only endgame 🥺❤️

[@justpeachybaby5929]

@@Dreamer4Judas I agree with you! Yeah I totally see why people are confused by El and Mike at the end of season 4. But I do think it doesn't mean much or will be explained. Don't worry I like byler too, but I really don't think the Duffers will do this to please byler fans. I think mileven is very much the endgame from rhe start. I think people are getting confused with what they'd like to see and what they want to see with byler. It's very clear will loves mike however I really don't think mike feels the same and I think that's where the confusion is lying for some fans. Have hope, I'm soo 100% positive mileven endgame! :)

[@jasminepaige4183]

I think she just needed hug and told she wasn't alone

[@shahlaalhasani9091]

When el hurts mike’s bully he was happy but when el hurts her own bully he didnt do anything he just stood there,even when el was being bullied he didn’t defend her AT ALL she was just looking at her and at the final second he went to go see her and it didn’t help one bit

[@mrdr0161]

Because Els bully never tried to kill her and hold anyone at knifepoint like Mike's bullies did

[@BB_6w6]

@@mrdr0161 exactly

[@michaelleary9233]

Yeah, I never realized at his age how bad girls got bullied, because they never got in physical fights. That's why people couldn't believe El striking Angela, even after they all witnessed the rink incident. Glad things like this are being recognized more now.

[@user-xt3nq4wj2u]

El’s bullies weren’t threatening her friends at knife point. On top of that El lied to Mike about it and said they were her friends, they’re just joking etc. What was he supposed to do when your girlfriend just assaulted her friend with a skate?

[@xzurse5641]

He didn't know she was being bullied until the last minute. She been lying to him for almost a year.

[@paavani5337]

AHHHH I feel so bad for eleven- she has been bullied so much first the lab kids bullied her and then these dipshits of high school did that too, the whole Hawkins lab situation is so traumatic for her and also hopper's assumed death, she had to cope so much to the new life after lab, I feel so sorry and sad for her ( ik its just a fictional character but ahh-) I hope she has a peaceful life after defeating vecna

[@Defonot_k1mb3rl3y]

When u want to watch the rest of it but your fam don't have Netflix 💀

[@SnowDreamFlake]

"You"re a superhero" is exactly what a woman wants to hear from her boyfriend lol Mike is being sooo awkward in this scene. Poor El.

[@RoriSmith]

And then Mike proceeds to call Eleven a superhero AGAIN during his love confession in the last episode

[@jbjigga7045]

I tell my girlfriend that if I had one

[@jeremiahscott2032]

I mean she right, but so is he. He did say it, but not directly to her (season 3) Also shady how she gets mad at everyone lies, but does it also😂😂😂 classic

[@sjs3469]

You know women will be women lol

[@lucy-haigh]

Are we gonna talk about how El completely ignored Mike's bullying and how he nearly JUMPED off of a cliff because of his BULLY FORCING him too, and she just got a milkshake thrown at her and broke her nose, like El take a chill pill

[@magicmel3515]

El and Mike shirts kinda match

[@desmondmashups]

1:56 WHY IS THIS SO FUNNY

[@Spinelsofficalwife]

Mike gaslighting eleven to not say how he feels about her but then when she was getting taken later he had the time to tell wills how he felt like he had lost him and be all smiley, wow. Eleven deserves way better and their relationship has always been toxic, Mike seems to only use her and eleven needs to figure out her identity, they’re just kids but I feel like after he got with eleven that he’s not a good person anymore and eleven also literally was lying to him like they obviously both don’t trust each other

[@ZAiN.Aman69]

I don't think he really doesn't love her but he's somehow worried about her That's what Will said I hope they answer the questions in this scene ❤️😭

[@EligoneWILDDDDDD]

Eleven was crying when she Said from mike

[@Theoriginalvivyi]

Just say I love you mike!!

[@desmondmashups]

WHY DOES IT SOUND LIKE HE'S ABOUT TO LAUGH

[@simplecharl917]

People are so rude to mike during this scene and for what? He’s not being immature or rude and he definitely not overreacting. He got bullied almost his whole life and el even knew that in the first season when she asked where he got his scar at the bottom of his chin from and told him not to lie. And to be told at his age that you don’t know what it’s like to be bullied is so stupid (sorry I couldn’t think of a better word sorry). And she never told him about the bullying that is on HER not mike. I get she wanted to keep secrets and make everything seems happy but that’s not how the world works. I get she was in a lab for how many years of her life? And was experimented on. But I mean if she was going be like that then she could have at least not gotten her self involved with relationships. It’s also very very weird that she wanted him to love her. May we bring back all those times she broke up with him? She broke up with him more times than Sakura cried! I just don’t think that she should accept him to be a-okay with the whole situation. And when she got arrested and hit Angela with the roller skate. For someone like mike who had no info on the situation he has right to be shocked like everything was going okay. People also get mad at him for will. But it’s not his fault they also were supposed to change the dates on the birthday so yeaaaa. Chill out I’m not done. Out of time that both of them spent apart and how they both got roped into stuff so young and bullied it’s obvious they would potentially lose the spark of love they once had it’s natural. Which is why people like Byler better than mileven. Also kids grow up form the culture there parents teach and social environment and nancy and mike both struggle with “I love you” probably from there parents. I mean they don’t seem like a loving couple. Karen was willing to potentially ruin her relationship for a teenage boy. And the father is well…just there. I believe they both deserve better in the end. And with the whole “byler “ I really think will should come out with this feeling and stop blaming mike. Y’all also need to remember this is a FICTIONAL show like it’s no real life so chill out 🗿. Mileven also isn’t a good ship it’s toxic both ways

[@withamboy6771]

This really makes me worried about the end of Season 5

[@brysonfreeman7226]

Well, why is that

[@lesleechristie5870]

By the way the police is dumb enough to arrest El because young people like her CAN’T CONTROL their temper and their anger get the best of them sometimes,it shouldn’t have to affect their life because of it. Young people do bad things (Unless they actually kill someone,then I would understand why they need to arrest them but hitting someone in the face making them get a bad injury is nothing compared to killing someone) when their anger get the best of them but you know what they can do is LEARN FROM THEIR MISTAKES and know what to do differently the next time but El can’t if she’s arrested. How does the police think they arrest a young teenager without notifying the guardian or arrest El when El’s guardian (Joyce) wasn’t there? Don’t you need to have their guardian to be there if you are arresting her kid? And by the way isn’t El’s brothers (Will & Jonathan) enough to see and check out El? since they are family relatives even if she their adopted sister and their mother/guardian wasn’t there? Isn’t at least a family member enough? El has been through SO MUCH PAIN in the past seasons and now she is getting arrested for a incident because some people bullied her making El lose her temper Have the police ever thought about talking to Will & Mike since they were there at the roller rink and saw what happened before and the police could of talked to them to understand what El did what she did because they always a reason why people do bad stuff. Have they ever thought of talking to El’s friends & family before arresting their kid because the police need to know that because of some accident,it can be solved if you tried helping the person rather than punishing them because you could be taking away an innocent kid who can’t control their temper away from their family,have the police ever thought about this.

[@TheMarvelKids]

Millie acting her ass off in every scene she’s in.

[@dancemom_ziegler_rumfallo6064]

she sounds so much like joyce. and looks.