Just a couple of weeks ago, the doors were closed to TV’s favorite Serial killer as Showtime’s Dexter aired its series finale. Following suit, AMC’s Breaking Bad took it’s final bow this past week, leaving a gaping hole of emptiness in the hearts of die-hard Heisenberg fans.
Ultimately, that’s what it’s about. Television, movies, or any work of fiction wants to create a connection between their character and the audience to keep us emotionally invested. Once that level of connection is made, some viewers become so passionate about their shows and the characters that live in them that live and breathe for the next episode.
Although Dexter and Breaking Bad have ended, there are still many people who haven’t seen the finale or are even seasons behind what was just aired. Hearing anything about the current events within the series can cause an outrage to someone who hasn’t seen it.
Regardless of whether you consider yourself a hardcore fan of something like Harry Potter or just a casual one, there’s an a single word that chills both parties to the bone: Spoilers. It can be seen as the ultimate insult for fans. So, how did spoilers come to be? Are there rules for them? How and why are they used? Let’s look into what turns the nicest nerd into a raging Hulk.
Spoiler Origins
You don’t know what a spoiler is? Really? Well, SPOILER ALERT! According to Webster’s Dictionary a spoiler is, “information about the plot of a motion picture or TV program that can spoil a viewer’s sense of surprise or suspense; also : a person who discloses such information”.
That’s right, not only can a spoiler be exploited information, but you can be a considered a spoiler for exploiting that information!
Although people are more exposed to spoilers or have an easier means to spoil via the internet, the term spoilers was coined in the 1971 April issue of National Lampoon, in which Doug Kenney wrote an article titled (drum roll please), “Spoilers”, which depicted important plot points about famous movies and TV shows. As you can tell, the idea of what a spoiler is still holds true today.
Wait, so are there rules for spoilers?
Actually, no. There are no written rules as to what is considered a spoiler and what’s not. When you boil it down though, it’s quite simple:
Be very general with your descriptions. If you want to talk about it to someone who hasn’t seen it yet, just remember, the devil is in the details.
You need to be very respectful of your surroundings; although you and your buddy have seen it and are talking about it, you don’t know whether the stranger beside you watches the same show and is behind. Keep your voice low!
And ultimately: If you think it’s a spoiler, it probably is.
For more “rules” Check out this comedic take on them by College Humor:
Accidental Spoilers and the Spoiler Abusers
Majority of people who actually spoil things don’t intend to, yet it still has a powerful affect on others. There are unspoken rules as to what can be spoiled and what can’t be. Some people abide by these rules while others go out of their way to break it.
For example, let’s look at the worlds favorite boy wizard, Harry Potter. Upon the release of the final book in the series, The Deathly Hallows, many fans gathered in swarms to line up for the release. Some took advantage of the gatherings for their own twisted (and somewhat hilarious) pleasures. Take a look (or not, if you haven’t read the books or watched the movies. SPOILERS!):
So, what’s your stand on spoilers? Are you an avid avoider of spoilers, or perhaps an abuser of it to get a rise out of others?
Pass Me the Popcorn 