Well, Well, Well

A big deal is made about Troy's bucket. Which, first of all, is totally unfair. Did Troy pay for this bucket? Does anyone see his name on it? Does his family own this wishing well?

Actually, they probably do.

Of course, the bucket isn't just a bucket. It's the gateway to freedom. It's relief from terrifying booby traps, bad guys with guns, bats…all of it.

But it's also an admission of defeat. It's acceptance of the idea that they're never going to find the treasure they seek, and that all hope is lost, and Astoria will no longer be their home. It's the point of no return.

Which is why, in the end, Mikey is able to talk everyone out of the very tempting prospect of escaping to safety in favor of sending the bucket back up—empty—and carrying forward on their quest.

Bonus: they don't have to look at Troy's smug, smarmy face when they reach the top. That's probably worth it even if they hadn't saved their homes.