...supposed to be gay lovers? It kind of came off that way in some spots.
It’s extremely obvious that Richie was a closeted gay man and in love with Eddie. Whereas Eddie was married to a woman and gave no indication that he was gay.
I like the backstory they gave Richie it enriched the character more than just constantly being a joker.
It seems that is what the writers wanted people to think. It's not in the book though.