Stranger Things star Maya Hawke shares how season 3's poignant coming out scene inspired a fan in real life. Hawke joined the Netflix series in its third season as Robin, Steve Harrington's (Joe Keery) sarcastic co-worker at Scoops Ahoy. A near-instant fan favorite, Robin proved to be an excellent addition to Stranger Things' young cast and made a great partner for Steve. Throughout parts of season 3, it even looked like the two would form a romantic connection. Stranger Things season 3, episode 7 even has Steve confessing feelings for Robin, but the scene goes in a vastly different direction.
Both Robin and Steve are operating under the effects of truth serum given to them by some Russian thugs, though it's gradually wearing off. While waiting for the last of the side effects to fade in a mall bathroom, Robin admits she's actually a lesbian and has a crush on a girl who frequently hangs around Steve. Even though he has his own feelings for Robin, Steve wisely takes the moment in stride and accepts Robin without question. It's easily one of the best moments in Stranger Things season 3, and it's one that has some sweet relevance in the real world.
Speaking to The Guardian while promoting her film Mainstream, Hawke briefly touched upon the impact her coming out scene in Stranger Things had on fans. She was asked specifically if the moment got a good response from viewers, and she revealed that it actually inspired a fan to do the same thing as Robin. Hawke said:
Recently someone told me they watched that season with their daughter. During that episode they both started crying, then the daughter came out to the mother. I credit the Duffer brothers [Stranger Things creators] for writing such a great character.
What's special about Stranger Things' coming out scene is that it wasn't presented as some kind of grand reveal, or even a major twist. That could be because the original plan for Robin and Steve didn't involve the former being gay, as that decision came later on in the season. Regardless, Stranger Things gave Robin an honest and touching coming out, and that it has even inspired fans in real life just makes it even more special.
Robin will stick around for the long-awaited Stranger Things season 4, which is expected to finally premiere sometime in 2022. Early teasers and set photos have confirmed Robin and Steve will remain a bickering duo, which is likely just what audiences want to hear. Whether or not Robin's sexuality will continue to be explored on Stranger Things remains to be seen, but she's already helped fans in more ways than the Duffer brothers might've expected when they created her. At the end of the day, that's all a content creator can really ask for, right?
Stranger Things season 4 will premiere on Netflix in 2022.
Source: The Guardian