• More
Back to PopWatch Main
Complete Archive
Get Latest Headlines

Another great spoiler debate

Jun 2, 2008, 06:59 PM | by Mandi Bierly

Categories: Film, Reality TV, Television

24_l Just wanted to make sure you'd all read Ken Tucker's essay on why, as a critic, he thinks it's within his rights to reveal crucial plot points: "Whether I'm writing a review or reading one, I don't want any held-back information to prevent that review from being the most interesting, thought-provoking one possible," he says. "If that means a movie critic reveals a crucial plot point in order to lay out an argument for a film's greatness or its hideousness, so be it. As a TV critic, I am going to tell you who got killed on, say, last night's 24, because an event like that immediately becomes part of the pop culture conversation — you bouncing your opinion off mine, critic and reader relishing the opportunity to speculate together on what this means for a show we care about."

I think we can all agree on that, right? A critic has a job to do, and the reader can choose whether to read the review, just look at the letter grade, or live in a bubble. What I find more interesting/debate-worthy is what Ken says at the end of his essay: "I admit that if someone tells me who won The Amazing Race before I've seen it, I may gnash my teeth a little. But chances are, it will make me want to see how those people scored their victories and how the producers edited the game even more. Knowing the way something turns out shouldn't ruin anyone's pleasure."

Knowing the way something turns out shouldn't ruin anyone's pleasure. What do you think? For me, it depends. I can see enjoying The Bachelor just as much if I already knew which woman he picked, because it'd be fun to study their chemistry and the way the show was edited. But then I think of something like the Angel Season 4 episode "Awakening." Someone told me about the twist before I finally caught it in repeats (five years after it originally aired), and while my pleasure wasn't anywhere near "ruined," it was definitely altered. I still appreciated the show's ability to hurt so good, but my emotions weren't the roller coaster they should have been. They were more like a Tilt-A-Whirl.

Salamander Wed, Jul 2, 2008 at 04:01 PM EST

The review is a more important piece of entertainment – than the entertainment itself? That’s failed logic, mate. The review does not exist if not for the entertainment itself. Your logic and motivation are flawed. Take a back seat.

The facts of ‘what actually happens’ in Cinema or TV, are not NEARLY as relevant to whether it’s good or not as the manner in which they wish to expose the art to us? The rhythm, structure, presentation, and general handling of the characters involved is what makes something entertaining (or compelling). If your goal is to command my interest to your material as much as what inspired it? You’re shooting yourself in the foot. I’m not paying attention – because I don’t trust your ability to recognize what’s in it for me. It’s not about Who Got Killed. It’s about how. And the How, is the color around the event. Not the event itself. Consider style and approach. Don’t pander to the simplicity of A, B, C. That’s kindergarten crap.

Folly, you fool…

Gabriel Burgess Mon, Jun 9, 2008 at 09:56 PM EST

I'll just take this essay as a blanket spoiler alert.

Thanks for the warning, Ken. Now I know to never read a review with your name on it ever again.

Jackass.

Suzan Fri, Jun 6, 2008 at 07:13 PM EST

I don't want to know. I'm a huge fan of Lost and what makes the show special are the surprise plot turns. If you knew Locke was in a wheelchair pre-Island, would the "Walkabout" episode (early Season 1) have been as powerful? Thankfully EW.com for the most part is respectful to its readers (I know better than to read Doc Jensen's columns until Friday). By comparison, I can't even go over to TV Guide.com because their home page would announce up front that someone is going to die on Lost. I don't want to be watching, see Sawyer stub his toe, and think, "Is Sawyer the one who's going to die?!?"

REV Fri, Jun 6, 2008 at 12:50 PM EST

Like others have already said, it's certainly Ken Tucker's prerogative to include spoilers in his reviews if he feels he must, just as it's EW's prerogative to publish (or not publish) Tucker's spoilerish reviews.

He appears to feel that he'd be compromising his journalistic integrity (such as it is, on matters of pop culture) to post a review that holds back on key revelations. I can understand that position, but nonetheless disagree with it. Schwarzbaum and Gleiberman seem to do just fine getting their points across without "skipping to the last page," so to speak. At the very least, they wave people off when they feel they must divulge key information.

I'm one of those folks who prefers to experience a story in the way the creator(s) intended it to unfold. As such, after having read Tucker's position on spoilers, I'm far more prone to skip over his articles in the future.

Ken Thu, Jun 5, 2008 at 11:52 PM EST

From a review of SATC from the Chicago Tribune - Ken Tucker, take note:
'I would have been extremely annoyed if anyone had tarnished the not-inconsiderable joy of watching the (jealously guarded) story line unfold, so I'll just sit on my hands for a moment until the urge to reveal spoilers has passed.'

Susan Thu, Jun 5, 2008 at 02:02 AM EST

Not only is Tucker presumptuous and pretentious in his assertions, he is also the same in calling his self-serving, little tirade an 'essay'. Please.

Crane Thu, Jun 5, 2008 at 01:59 AM EST

It's really great to know that Ken Tucker is fine with spoiling shows and movies for everyone, and that he is able to get a good night's sleep having done so... 'cause it's all about you, Ken. I have officially stopped reading anything KT writes - his is an opinion I can do without.

Wed, Jun 4, 2008 at 09:08 PM EST

How pompus and presumptious to tell someone "how" they should experience any form of entertainment. If you don't want to be "spoiled" steer clear. And "spoiler alerts" are good manners. But refusing to put out a spoiler because YOU think YOU know better how somoene should get to experience a movie is arrogant beyond belief!!!!!!!

Veronica Wed, Jun 4, 2008 at 07:05 PM EST

I will accept small minor tidbits. Lost is my show. If something shows up saying "X was signed onto the show as a character with a legal history" I am perfectly fine with that. Sometimes even the characters name. Or something saying "So and So was spotted on a Hawaiin beach" or "Darlton said keep an eye on this person"

I am not find with finding out who the Oceanic Six were before the season aired. Or who is killed in a certain episode. Big, plot point relevant info should be kept out of public knowledge.

And I wish these paparizzi (or ameteur photographers) could keep their camera's to themselves. The Iron Man tidbit is just unbelievable. The Producers, Writers, Actors, Directors, and Set Crew deserve a little respect. Like letting them release the first photographs.

Eli Wed, Jun 4, 2008 at 02:29 PM EST

I don't care either way. If something is spoiled for me I just considered it watched, and skip over it, if not, then I enjoy it. I don't spend my time looking for information about tv shows or on the internet. i just imagine the people who go spoiler happy and people who make their pop culture and going from site to site looking and posting spoilers are definetely a type... probably obese, wasting too much time on the computers posting, spoiling and over sharing their pov's on the internet. Unlike them, I have a life.

Mary in TX Wed, Jun 4, 2008 at 01:51 PM EST

If a writer is going to put a spoiler in his or her article, THEY SHOULD PUT A SPOILER ALERT IN BIG CAPITAL LETTERS, JUST LIKE THIS. I'm tired to reading spoilers that I didn't know were coming. True to the name, it "spoils" some of the pleasure of watching a show or movie.

FunkyRedrum Wed, Jun 4, 2008 at 12:20 PM EST

I no longer look for spoilers. Once I found out about a significant death on Lost before the episode even aired and definitely took something out of it.

I do believe episodes/movies on DVD are fair game. I do not have cable or satellite (gasp!) so I watch a lot of the cable shows on DVD. With that said, I definitely avoid the boards for those shows like the plague. At this point, if I stumble upon a spoiler, it's my own fault.

Alyx Morgan Wed, Jun 4, 2008 at 12:07 PM EST

This article & Ken Tucker's blurb about being "proud" of putting out spoilers is part of what's wrong with our instant gratification nation. The journey in a movie (or book) is just as important as the ending - sometimes even more so to those of us who truly empathize with the characters we watch or read about. When E.T. was captured by the "bad guys" I wouldn't have been as emotional if I'd already known that he would escape. Also, how much less dramatic would it have been to know in advance the answer to the question "Who is Keyser Soze?"

Wed, Jun 4, 2008 at 09:52 AM EST

This story is BS. The studios can't buy the hype that can be generated by supposed fan photo's and paparazzi pix in the popular celebrity weeklies.

Most amateur photo's are staged in some way and the tips come from the studios. And do you actually think that the 'Fan Reviews" posted on the web are from fans ... they're generated by the studios people!

EmilyB Wed, Jun 4, 2008 at 09:48 AM EST

I think that it all boils down to respect. We're not respecting the art form anymore. We are so infused with spoilers, photos from closed sets, plot secrets, that we are no longer surprised by anything we see. I remember as a kid that movies and tv used to truly surprise & awe me. But now in our spoiler nation, we're not letting the industry entertain and wow us with their magic.

I just wish people would respect the work in progress and respect boundaries. And respect your fellow viewers. It's one thing if a review discusses what happened in last night's episode of Lost - that's fair game because the show has already aired. But let the rest of us have a chance at an "unspoiled" experience with up and coming projects. The only "spoilers" I want for The Dark Knight are the ones in the trailers. That's the point of a trailer, right?

So can't we just let Hollywood do what they've been doing for 100 years and entertain us? Pure and simple, bring back the magic of the movies.

Erin Wed, Jun 4, 2008 at 09:07 AM EST

Some shows I don't care that get spoiled but some I do. Lost is a big one for me. A few months ago before the episode "Eggtown" aired, someone left a comment on Doc Jensen's column spoiling the whole episode! It ruined the show for me that night.

Wed, Jun 4, 2008 at 08:42 AM EST

I totally understand the anti-spoiler position. A lot of people like surprises, and DON'T want spoilers to -- you know -- spoil their fun. But sometimes, spoilers actually perform a public service -- for me, at least. If a spoiler promises something I definitely want to watch, you bet I'll be there. On the other hand, if I do NOT want to see it, the spoiler has alerted me, and saved me from having a miserable time having to watch something I'll hate. I do believe that sometimes spoilers have a valuable use.

April Wed, Jun 4, 2008 at 08:20 AM EST

I'm a huge fan of Lost and I LOVE Lost Spoilers. My rationale for looking at Lost spoilers is really sad but I just need to know. To me it doesn't really matter because I still loved the episode. (I am thinking about making Season 5 spoiler-free as a New Year's resolution.)

On the flip-side I avoid all movie spoilers. I didn't see The Sixth Sense until a year after it came out and I saw it unspoiled. I remember reading an article about it that warned about the big surprise and I immediately closed the magazine and put it back on the rack.

Rod Batschelet Wed, Jun 4, 2008 at 08:06 AM EST

I don't care if I hear a spoiler or not. I am one of those who simply doesn't let it get to me.I had a friend who actually would put his fingers in his ears and repeat la la la whilst someone was talking about a flick. It looked rather silly and provided much entertainment for the rest of us.
That said, Ken Tucker is incorrect in his feeble attempts to rationalize what he simply wants to do anyway. Just because people like myself exist does not mean that everyone else who are not like me should "grow up" (an absolutely brilliantly oxymoronic statement in it's own glaringly obvious immaturity).
I am the very person that Ken Tucker says that he is catering his columns to serve.
Ken, don't bother doing me any favors...and especially do not hold me up as a reason for ruining other peoples enjoyment. You reveal spoilers because you want to do it....period. End of story.
Like Josh Brolin's wife says to the assassin in No Country For Old Men, "it's not the coin...it's just you."

Shari Wed, Jun 4, 2008 at 07:37 AM EST

A friend told me how The Sixth Sense ended before I got to see it. Once I got around to it, I still really enjoyed the movie, but I ended up picking it apart way too much.

I think sometimes, knowing does take away from it. Some TV shows/movies I don't care if I'm spoiled - i WANT to be spoiled - but other TV shows/movies (esp. Lost) I avoid spoilers like the plague. Diff strokes for diff folks

Renna Wed, Jun 4, 2008 at 12:27 AM EST

What a pretentious, arrogant jerk Ken Tucker is. He somehow knows what is best for everyone else? And let's not overstate the case, Ken - you write reviews of tv shows in a pop culture entertainment magazine.

allie181 Tue, Jun 3, 2008 at 11:38 PM EST

I LOVE SPOILERS! There are 2 reasons I love spoilers; (1) I am impatient and (2) I hate surprises, particularly bad ones. At least if I know a bad twist is coming (e.g. a death) I can prepare myself before having to watch it on screen, while if a good twist is coming (e.g. Sara back on Prison Break) I can get excited. If I really don't want to be spoiled (e.g. I like to watch The Bachelor finale unspoiled) then I simply keep off the internet until I watch the show; it isn't rocket science!

anonymous Tue, Jun 3, 2008 at 09:16 PM EST

Spoiler victims should "grow up"? That was a fabulous retort in, say, middle school. Besides, the issue is less maturity than it is courtesy (though they do go hand in hand.) I have no problems with people seeking out spoilers and depending on the show/book/movie, even do it myself sometimes. But the courteous thing to do is to keep it to yourself or only discuss it with others who enjoy it.

One thing that I've only seen touched upon: sometimes people seek it to be knowledgeable about something they never intend to see, anyway. I read the entire plot of the Sex and the City movie after it came out, but neither before nor after I read it did I have any interest in seeing it. I do, however, feel more in tune with pop culture now, which was my purpose.

(And occasionally, yes, the spoiler has sparked my interest in something and I've watched something I may not have otherwise planned to see.)

Sean Teague Tue, Jun 3, 2008 at 08:25 PM EST

No one has the right to ruin a television or film experience for other viewers for one simple reason; Movies are meant to be viewed en mass, but digested by the individual. To say that knowing how a plotpoint will turn out in advance does not ruin the experience of a film or TV show is asenine. Yes, I'm looking at you, Ken Tucker. Stop being lazy and find a way to make your point without destroying the story for those of us who prefer to get the facts on a film the old fashioned way-from the filmmakers while watching the film. Moreover, it is clear to me that Ken relishes the moments he can spill the beans because it gives him a bit of "Look at me, I know something you don't" power. Well, good luck, Ken. I will never read any critique penned by you ever again.

whit Tue, Jun 3, 2008 at 07:26 PM EST

I have to agree with the vast majority who have posted and disagree with you there Ken. Huge difference between discussing and dissecting a TV show that was already shown, to that of say, a movie critic revealing crucial plot spoilers of movies to as you say "just to lay out a discussion." I would never want to read a review of say The Sixth Sense with the surprise end revealed (which I won't here just in case there is someone in this world who has not seen it), or the emotional end to Pan's Labrynth, or the clincher end of Sweeny Todd..... do you get it?

DS9Sisko Tue, Jun 3, 2008 at 07:07 PM EST

"Knowing the way something turns out shouldn't ruin anyone's pleasure" is the most fatuous, self-serving, ridiculous and, dare I say it, immature argument that one can possibly make about spoilers, including the esteemed Mr. Tucker. The fact is that the reason why so many people hate/detest spoilers is that the very act of spoiling ruins the one facet of the entertainment experience that can never be replicated once undone: SURPRISE. There are many of us who get it that there are people who love spoilers and actually respect their desire to know whatever it is they want to know. What is most galling is that there is a significant majority of the Spoiler Nation - fanboy or critic, blogger or basic a**hole -- who do not only does not respect our desire to avoid spoilers, but actively try to ruin our own enjoyment. It is a junior high school mentality at work, that disrespects fellow fans and also the work of creators who do not wish their own work to be exposed before its intended time.

Meredith44 Tue, Jun 3, 2008 at 07:03 PM EST

Usually I read the little spoilers from such sources as Ausiello. It's enough to pique my interest without wrecking my enjoyment. Every once in awhile for certain shows I'll seek out more spoilers. (Such as once I knew that on NCIS someone was dying, I did my best to find out who, because I felt the need to get all of the suspense out of the way.)

The operative words above are "seek out". I want spoiler information to be in my control. If I want to be spoiled, I know where to find that information. As the majority of the time I do not want to be spoiled, I would hate to just stumble across the information. I know enough not to go anywhere BSG related until I finish watching the 3rd and 4th seasons, but if a headline tells me who has been outed as a cylon, there is not much I can do to avoid that.

Thus, I think spoilers are fine if they are in the appropriate place and/or warned for, but not just out in the open where they could be accidentally stumbled upon.

AlanBreck Tue, Jun 3, 2008 at 05:39 PM EST

The argument that 'knowing shouldn't ruin it' is completely ridiculous. Sure, I'm just as interested in seeing the performances of actors and all the other details as I am in finding out the plot, but the greatest pleasure comes from experiencing these things all at once! Perhaps Mr. Tucker has been a critic so long that nothing surprises him anymore. I feel sorry for him but thats his problem, don't make it mine. I'll avoid his reviews. Too bad EW is getting more and more spoilery about everything.

Keisha Tue, Jun 3, 2008 at 04:04 PM EST

Who is Ken Tucker to make a definitive statement about what should or should not spoil something for other people? Just because that might be true for him does not mean it is true for everyone else. This is precisely why I have stopped reading reviews of movies I know I want to see.

Carl Tue, Jun 3, 2008 at 04:01 PM EST

Ken Tucker is wrong. A good critic can say a lot about a movie/tv show/play/book/whatever, without giving away major plot points that many readers would not want to have spoiled by a lazy, arrogant critic.

Carl Tue, Jun 3, 2008 at 03:56 PM EST

Ken Tucker is wrong. A good critic can say a lot about a movie/tv show/play/whatever, without giving away major plot points that many readers would not want to have spoiled by a lazy, arrogant critic.

strickens_girl Tue, Jun 3, 2008 at 03:32 PM EST

If I don't really care about the project, I'll check out the spoilers but for anything I really care about I make I stay spoiler-free. I put an embargo on all things Iron Man before seeing the movie and enjoyed myself thoroughly. I'm doing the same thing with The Dark Knight. I want to experience the thrill for myself. Like with BSG. I'm watching the first season right now and avoiding all discussions of the show. Spoiler warnings are my friends.

R-Bro Tue, Jun 3, 2008 at 03:29 PM EST

Let's look at the word "spoilers," shall we? It says "spoil" right up front. Ergo, to reveal any key plot point(s) is to spoil the movie. Ken Tucker thinks he's entitled to do so -- I disagree. And as a result, I won't be reading any more of his reviews!

wg Tue, Jun 3, 2008 at 01:18 PM EST

Someone I worked with at the time deliberately spoilered The Sixth Sense after I'd told him that I wanted to be surprised and did NOT want to hear about it. He proceeded to tell me anyway and then offhandedly said I would have figured it out anyway. I still haven't gotten over how that ruined the movie for me.

Ames Tue, Jun 3, 2008 at 01:09 PM EST

What makes it hard is that things have changed so much from 10-20 years ago. It used to be on Friday morning, everyone had watched Cheers the night before and you could discuss what happened. Now it is hard to find people who like the same show you did. And even when you do, you can't even talk about it with them b/c they are still 3 years behind and don't want anything ruined. It's kind of depressing.

There are so few things we can discuss openly anymore. Now even TV and movies are off the table. And don't even get me started on people who tape sports and so you can't tell them who won the game. That's just not right.

Rae Tue, Jun 3, 2008 at 12:43 PM EST

You know, as I read the article I didn't agree with everything Ken was saying but I did try to look at it from his point of view and I could see why he feels the way he does (in regards to revealing things in his reviews/critiques). Then I got to the end and he told me to "grow up" if I didn't agree him that knowing things in advance doesn't spoil things for me. Ken can't be mature enough to respect that not everyone agrees with his point of view and yet it's us he's telling to grow up. Nice.

As for spoilers themselves, I've been on both sides of the fence. It can be addictive knowing as much as you can about your favorite show/movie/book. But, in the end, I find that I truly enjoy things more when I experience them as they happen. I can't say my preference is better than anyone else's but that doesn't mean I should be ok with being spoiled either.

Dinosaur Tue, Jun 3, 2008 at 12:41 PM EST

I still remember that magic moment in 1980 (I was 8) when Darth Vader told Luke "I am your father". It was like the whole theater stopped breathing for a moment. I barely remember the rest of the movie, my 8 year old mind just couldn't fathom what Vader had said.

There is no way something like that manages to go unspoiled today. If spoilers were around in 1980, I doubt I'd remember how I felt at that moment. So, I guess I'm trying to say that spoilers suck.

minderbinder Tue, Jun 3, 2008 at 12:27 PM EST

There's a huge difference between "spoilers" contained in a TV review after the show airs, and big surprises being revealed *before* the public has seen it. The former is completely acceptable, especially if there are spoiler warnings in movie reviews.

But I find the latter pretty reprehensible. Things like the finale of LOST, or major plot points about the Harry Potter books getting posted online are a genuine problem, particularly when you have cretins intentionally spamming them as widely as possible in an effort to ruin the show/book for as many people as possible.

I have to wonder if it will reach a point where content owners will need more protection, even legal protection, for the secrets in their unreleased material. I don't know what the alternative is, and I don't want to have everything ruined for me.

For the record, I had the recent lost finale ruined by one of those jerks. And it's a bummer, once you read something, there's no way to forget it.

JMC Tue, Jun 3, 2008 at 12:23 PM EST

I seem to be in the minority, but I love spoilers, mostly because I hate watching things twice and I'm impatient. I can read a book halfway through before I flip to the back to find out how it ends. Then I can enjoy the book more because I can spot all the clever things the author does to set up the end. It's the same thing with movies. In a show like Lost, there's enough interesting things going on that it doesn't matter that there are spoilers.

Little Lamb Tue, Jun 3, 2008 at 12:18 PM EST

Melinda65 - Awesome - I love the comment on spit-enhanced Cheerios :)

I don't care for spoilers for most things, and I absolutely hate them for things like Survivor and The Amazing Race. I don't want to know who won ahead of time. Like a number of people here, I was spoiled on "The Sixth Sense" before I had the chance to watch it, and I sure would have liked to have seen it without knowing the twist. This magazine actually spoiled me on Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire when it revealed the character who died, and I think EW was actually who spoiled me on "The Sixth Sense," too. I've learned to be more careful about reading reviews in the magazine and on the website because of those two experiences. If I really want to go into something unspoiled, I avoid EW's articles and reviews on it until after I've had a chance to view or read it myself.

Rich Tue, Jun 3, 2008 at 12:17 PM EST

Ken Tucker's essay about spoilers is just one of the many reasons why movie and TV critics are being laid off by the truckload. And one of the main reasons why most people (including me) won't miss them at all.

Micah Tue, Jun 3, 2008 at 12:11 PM EST

I like what was said before - there is a difference between reviewing a tv show or movie and critiquing a movie or tv show. Think of spoilers in the realm of sports. There is no way to know who will win each game before it happens (although I could have told you that the Celtics and the Lakers would somehow end up in the finals (sorry, disgruntled Jazz fan)), so watching the game unfold brings a lot of fun and excitement. Think of Oklahoma vs. Boise State - that game was amazing and it would have ruined it to know that Boise State won the game before watching it the first time. Yet, once that excitement of the unknown is gone, I still enjoy seeing that game because of the sheer unbelievable excitement of the finish. The same goes for movies (think Sixth Sense) and TV (LOST season 3 finale) they are enjoyable to watch over again, but knowing the twist would have spoiled it while watching the unknown.

Leah Tue, Jun 3, 2008 at 11:49 AM EST

I think spoilers can ruin the experience of watching shows and movies and reading books. I work for a Harry Potter website (LeakyNews.com) and we have a strict no-spoiler policy. Last July every staff member was up to their eyes in spoilers as we tried to keep them off our boards and away from our members. And then the New York Times decided to post a review a day early with spoilers. It was one of the most disappointing things I have ever read- I read it unfortunately not knowing what it contained- and while the book was still amazing, I was a bit turned off. I can't even begin to imagine knowing about Lost's Season 3 ending ahead of time and getting the same reaction. When I watched that, unspoiled til the last second, I gasped louder than I could ever scream. Sure the episode may still have been good if I had been spoiled, but it would not have the same effect, plus you'd be watching it the whole time from a different point of view than what was intended.

Elizabeth Tue, Jun 3, 2008 at 11:38 AM EST

Thanks for the Kiefer sighting.. just redeemed my day :)

Tue, Jun 3, 2008 at 11:34 AM EST

I was all about spoilers...until someone told me the ending of The Sixth Sense the day before I saw it.
FARK!
Now I avoid them like the plague. There's nothing better in the world than watching a movie and having the last five minutes leaving you in stunned silence because you JUST DID NOT SEE THAT COMING!

Melinda65 Tue, Jun 3, 2008 at 11:26 AM EST

(continued from previous post)
I know people who read the last page of a book before they read the rest of it, but publishers don't place it first, or reveal information like, "The detective investigating the murders is actually the killer!" on the book jacket, because they understand that the narrative is meant to be enjoyed in the order in which it's presented.
Tucker's assertion that knowing the outcome shouldn't affect the pleasure of watching a show is another immature statement, since the rest of us grown-ups know that not everyone enjoys everything in the same way or for the same reasons that we do. If I believe that his enjoyment of his bowl of Cheerios shouldn't be affected if I spit in them, does that mean that I should?

char Tue, Jun 3, 2008 at 11:17 AM EST

I love spoilers, but I'm also that person who used to skip to the end of the Choose Your Own Adventure books simply because I'm impatient. So, spoil away if you like. I'm still going to watch!

fredric Tue, Jun 3, 2008 at 11:15 AM EST

Spoilers are very commonplace, and not just in Entertainment Weekly. If I didn't want to know plot points of a particular movie, I'd skip an article about it until after I saw it. It's that simple. It's just like when my friends talk about a movie. If I don't want to know, I'll say, I haven't seen that one yet, so please don't tell me what happens.

Melinda65 Tue, Jun 3, 2008 at 11:15 AM EST

I find Ken Tucker's exhortation to those who disagree with him to "grow up" rather laughable, since his attitude of "I will say whatever I want, whenever I want, because I can," to be the juvenile one. Discussing a show that has aired is one thing; putting spoilers in a show or movie review before either one is available to the public is arrogant and self-centered. Spoilers are a matter of personal preference, and it's more accomodating of the whole audience to avoid using them; I have never seen anybody say, "That review was awful because it didn't give anything away!"

I also think that his comment about revealing plot points if it suits his review, even if there was a request not to, to be self-serving. Writers and producers of a show want their creations to be enjoyed to the fullest extent possible and in the intended order, and giving away important story elements affects that. An entertainment review is supposed to guide the choices of its readers, not reveal everything.

Emily Tue, Jun 3, 2008 at 11:06 AM EST

As a person who thoroughly enjoys being surprised at every element of a movie, book or television show, I find it necessary in today's culture to refrain from reading or watching any reviews or speculative articles until I have already seen or read the finished product. I have found myself many times closing my eyes and covering my ears or quickly turning the page of a magazine to avoid any unwanted information. Because I have come to the realization that there is really nothing that can be done about the people who are bound and determined to ruin things for me, I find myself becoming more adept at my avoidance tactics. Unfortunately, no matter what any of us do to protect ourselves from spoilers and those who deliver them, there will always exist 'that guy' who feels it necessary to scream out the ending of the movie you are about to enter as he is leaving the theater.

Kelly Tue, Jun 3, 2008 at 10:43 AM EST

I love spoilers but can fully appreciate that some people don't and would never want to ruin anything deliberately for them. That said...

Before the show airs or the book is released, I think that spoiler fans should be responsible in their enjoyment of spoilers. If you're writing about them somewhere publicly, give warnings before the relevant section so people have the opportunity to avoid them if they so desire. Don't go out of your way to ruin things for people by deliberately posting the spoilers anywhere and everywhere without warning.

After the event I think it's fine for a reviewer to discuss plot points. The person who is late to the party should take responsibility for themselves - if you haven't watched the show or finish the book, use your brain and stay away from the places which are discussing it! That's just common sense. If you choose to read a review before you've been to the party, that's your fault and there's no one else to blame!

Babs Tue, Jun 3, 2008 at 10:17 AM EST

Well, "rights" talk notwithstanding, I do agree that Ken can write whatever he wants. I don't think the issue is rights - it's courtesy. Ken is not courteous if he spoils without warning or tells the spoiler-averse to "grow up." (Let me define spoiler here: a plot point not yet available to the viewing public. This applies to movie reviews before the film has been released. It does not apply to TV shows that have aired. If you can't watch it live, it's your responsiblity to avoid potentially spoilery reviews.) So go ahead, Ken, spoil away if you feel you must (which I find questionable), but it costs you nothing to note that your review contains spoilers. A little courtesy toward your readers goes a long way.

jw Tue, Jun 3, 2008 at 10:11 AM EST

I think Tucker's most interesting point is that the plot twist shouldn't be the most crucial part of the movie. One of the ways that Shyamalan movies are misunderstood is that people see him as the O'Henry of directors, just waiting for the final twist. He should probably quit with twists entirely, but he apparently likes to use them to bring the movie to resolution, like resolving a dissonant chord. Tucker's point is that there should always be more to the film or show, as there is in Shyamalan, than just a plot twist or detail, and if there isn't than it isn't much of a show. It may be enjoyable enough for what it is, but it isn't good artwork if the whole point is just to have the twist at the end, and it doesn't say much for the rest of the plot. None of this is to say that spoilers are good, because the development of the plot should be experienced from front to back, as designed, and waiting the whole time for one detail distracts us from how we get there in the first place.

Amanda Tue, Jun 3, 2008 at 10:08 AM EST

I LOVE spoilers!!! :) Just not when they ruin the whole episode. It all started for me when I watch the finale two seasons of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and had internet. LOL I was able to find out hints of what was to come. Now, I'm one of the Spoiler Moderators at Lost-Forum. Lost is my favorite show, and the spoilers make it more addictive to me. I love trying to figure out what could happen before it airs. Spoilers help me to guess, espically at Lost's mysteries. However, when it's time for the finale, I stere clear away for massive spoilers. I don't want the show completly runined. But spoilers can be a good thing to people like me. I think it makes shows more entertaining when you can guess what can happened based off of guest stars or filming locations. :)

Beth Tue, Jun 3, 2008 at 10:07 AM EST

For me, there's nothing like the initial moment of finding out a plot twist on a favorite show or a much-awaited movie. If I had gone into Lost the past two season finales knowing how they would end, it would have really killed the pleasure of experiencing it in the moment.

But Mr. Tucker has a differing position when it comes to his reviews. So what? I've always admired his take on certain shows, and I credit him for introducing me to a little show called Buffy the Vampire Slayer back in 1997. I can't recall a review I read of his that gave away a plot point, although it probably has happened. I know now that I can skip his reviews if I want to stay completely unspoiled. It's his right to craft his reviews the way he sees fit, just as it's my right to not read them if I choose.

Lisa Tue, Jun 3, 2008 at 10:00 AM EST

I'm a delayed watcher of most shows, so I avoid any articles that might have too much information in them until I get to watch the shows. And I do appreciated that ew doesn't generally put spoilers in the headlines of article.

dan jones Tue, Jun 3, 2008 at 09:48 AM EST

Ken Tucker's point of view is ridiculous and self-serving. Mass publication of crucial plot points for a piece of popular entertainment is just obnoxious... His selfishness is totally apparent right in the quote... he's willing to ruin your entertainment experience so he can write "the most interesting, thought provoking" review possible in the name of some fantasized "pop-culture conversation". Seriously... SOMEONE GET THIS MAN A DICTIONARY... an "article" in not a "conversation". The fact that Ken has to describe his own endeavor so disingenuously proves that even he doesn't believe his own line of bull. Ruining someone else's chance to experience something is just obnoxious and wrong.

MsDaisy Tue, Jun 3, 2008 at 09:41 AM EST

Why do some people seem to think that the world revolves around them and their DVR? For those of you not yet awake, the sun did come up this morning. Sorry to spoil your day.

Andy Tue, Jun 3, 2008 at 09:26 AM EST

However I do think it is fair game to post plot points and major spoilers in your review if it is after the episode airs or after the general public can go see a movie. People should be smart enough by then to avoid reviews if it has been several days after the movie has started to be shown or the episode has aired.

Andy Tue, Jun 3, 2008 at 09:22 AM EST

I used to dabble into spoilers, and sometimes they are hard not to but I find things so much more enjoyable when I don't know what is going to happen. However that doesn't mean I can't go back and watch something again and not enjoy it. I used to spoil Survivor all the time but since stopping I find myself enjoying the episodes even more. If I'm behind on my DVR and find out who got out...well it isn't the end of the world and I can still enjoy it. However I'd rather not have my scripted shows spoiled.

Vicky Tue, Jun 3, 2008 at 09:20 AM EST

Spoilers can be good and bad. I definitely seek out casting news and little tidbits that I'm personally curious about. But I hate hate hate when I come across a spoiler in a blog like this (or any blog). I'll be reading, scrolling through comments and then there it is. Someone spoils the end of America's Next Top Model or something. I was watching a couple clips of the movie "Once" on Youtube (I still haven't seen it) and was reading the comments and someone spoiled the end of the movie. It's not the biggest spoiler, but still.

One show I always avoid spoilers on is Lost. I won't even watch the previews for the next episode. I turn my TV off right after the show ends. ABC has been terrible in the past with those previews. "Someone will die!!!!!" I don't wanna know yet!! Stop! Before this season started, they played Lost previews at the movie theaters. I would have to look away, cover my ears, and hum a tune just to make sure nothing was spoiled.

Snarf Tue, Jun 3, 2008 at 09:00 AM EST

I like spoilers to a point. Instead of ruining it for me I find it just makes me look forward to the episode or movie even more. All I ask is that there are warnings that you read to your own detrement (except for a couple of boobs on AICN most people are very good about this)

Cindy Tue, Jun 3, 2008 at 08:56 AM EST

My husband and I were watching "The Life of David Gale" a few years ago on dvd. Neither of us had seen it, and unfortunately, my husband likes to try and guess what is going to happen...the only problem is, he likes to guess out loud. He managed to figure out the ending before I did, and he ruined it for me...that was accidental on his part, and I STILL haven't forgiven him for it! So, why should it be okay for someone who HAS seen a t.v. show or movie to give away something about it to those who haven't seen it yet? In my opinion, if you are a good writer, you can find your way around ruining it for others...

Annie Tue, Jun 3, 2008 at 08:48 AM EST

"Knowing the way something turns out shouldn't ruin anyone's pleasure." Someone told me who was in the coffin before I watched the Lost finale. I won't go so far as to say that it "ruined" the finale for me... but I was LIVID at the end. LIVID.

dsquaredfrmasquared Tue, Jun 3, 2008 at 08:46 AM EST

Ken Tucker's just made it a lot easier for me to skip his reviews entirely. I like to remain unspoiled because it allows me to experience the story as the writer/creator intended. I'll rewatch something later to get the nuances of characters and see how I was misled. But I absolutely hate reviews and articles that give away spoilers in the headlines so I don't have a choice to avoid them. I end up staying away from those sites altogether, like I will Tucker's reviews. His reviews aren't worth my potential loss of enjoyment.

Todd Tue, Jun 3, 2008 at 08:44 AM EST

Reviews, in my opinion, should be basic impressions on a piece of art (whether it be film, TV, music, books etc) and not go into any great detail. Basic questions: did I (the critic) like it? Were the actors any good? How was the music? are all that should be answered.
Recaps, on the other hand, are more of a play by play of a TV show (usually) that is assumed to have been watched. More advanced questions can be asked: What happened? Who died? Small easter eggs the viewer may have missed.
Reviews and recaps are also used for 2 different purposes. The first is helpful in making ones mind up about experiencing the thing that was reviewed. The second is more of a discussion about what was already viewed.
Therefore, I think that critics should refrain from out and out spoilers in their reviews, and watchers should refrain from recaps until they have watched. If you read the recaps before watching, you have no right to complain about spoilers.
Simple really.

Louise Tue, Jun 3, 2008 at 08:43 AM EST

I use to love Nathan Lane. Until he divulged the ending of The Sixth Sense on Letterman before I had seen the movie. Now, I can't help but see him as a killjoy, smug, know-it-all. Sure, tell me who's America's Next Top Model, but don't tell me who Bruce Willis really is.

MCM Tue, Jun 3, 2008 at 08:25 AM EST

For any form of entertainment that ramps up the dramatic tension with plot twists, hate hate HATE spoilers of any kind. I can't even stand TV previews of the "Someone.Will.Be.Gone.Forever" sort. Yes, there can still be some pleasure derived by seeing what leads up to the twist, but I get the real charge from the jaw-dropping moments. When I know what's coming it's pretty deflating. I stopped reading movie reviews years ago. And it downright pisses me off when studios show the best parts of a film in the trailers. How about a little mystery in life? I may be curious-sometimes even tremendously curious-but I have learned over the years that it is a lot more fun to be surprised than to be "in the know".

Stef Tue, Jun 3, 2008 at 08:24 AM EST

I think anything that already aired is fair game - this is an entertainment site that talks about TV. It's ridiculous to think that we shouldn't be allowed to discuss something that happened right after it happened. If I missed an episode of Lost, I don't come here until I've seen it. If it hasn't aired yet, that's another story. I used to read spoilers all the time until I discovered the end of Buffy season 5 before it happened and realized how much it ruined the episode for me. Now I generally stay away from major spoilers; tv watching is more fun that way for me.

Also I think that Jeff Probst had a really good point in the article. If you know something ,someone doesn't, it gives you power, even if it's over something as silly as a tv show. I was pretty mad when I came on EW last summer to read Dalton Ross's blog about Emmys and somebody in the comments section spoiled the end of the Harry Potter book before it came out. That's people deliberately trying to ruin the book.

elly Tue, Jun 3, 2008 at 07:43 AM EST

knowing what happens can ruin pleasure, and sometimes it can't, if the story is sufficiently well-told...and if your personality type prefers the journey to the destination. i do disagree that it's a critics right and need to provide spoilers - a good critic can encourage/discourage you to watch without blatantly identifying major plot points.

and then, there's the total "what the crap???" spoilers, like the other day when i opened the newspaper and, under a caption of a BSG character whose identity was not revealed in season 3 (don't have cable, haven't seen 4!), was written, "so-and-so, Cylon..." how was that necessary? the article wasn't even about BSG, it was about how the actor recovered from breaking his or her back.

Julie Tue, Jun 3, 2008 at 06:05 AM EST

I have to agree with the person who just goes to Rotten Tomatoes prior to seeing a film. You can use their ratings to help decide whether to see the film or not without losing any of the "NO WAY!" factor once you see the film--which is frequently what keeps people enthralled in narrative in the first place. Homer knew it, Virgil knew it, Joss Whedon knows it. Great epics rely on those twists to keep people glued to their seats from episode to episode. (And, yes, I just compared Whedon to Homer and Virgil. Deal with it.) Critics, listen up: "with great power comes great responsibility." Just because you've seen it and are paid to tell people your opinions doesn't mean you should just throw it all out there. If you can't find some way to explain your opinion without major spoilers, you aren't a very good critic.

Rebekah Tue, Jun 3, 2008 at 05:54 AM EST

I have to say, I disagree with Ken Tucker. I once had a spoiler about the Usual Suspects, you know the whole point of watching the movie, ruined for me and while I was watching I kept thinking "I know how this ends, I know the big twist, why not turn it off now and go make a sandwich." I prefer not to have spoilers but sometimes you can't avoid them. For instance, I am watching BSG from the beginning, as I got into it late, but now I know who all the Cylons are before they are revealed in the shows I am watching (I am at the end of season 2). So don't spoil if you can help it. hey I just realized that the name of spoilers says it all they spoil!

Jeff S Tue, Jun 3, 2008 at 03:57 AM EST

I think it's nice that Ken Tucker likes to give out spoilers and defends that behavior. Wait, where does he get his paycheck? Oh, that's right, from a magazine whose job it is to give spoilers. Seems a little biased, doesn't it?

I also dont appreciate being told to "Grow up" because I disagree with him.

Here's the deal with spoilers and something that even Ken Tucker cant get around. When he watches who got killed on last night's 24 and knows the scoop, telling that information does not affect him at all. He knew it before and he knew it after the telling. However for littly Johnny Tivo, who has not yet seen the show, telling the information forever changes that episode for him. Tucker can say the change doesnt matter, but a change occurs nonetheless. Little Johnny can never go back an 'unlearn' what he was told. Of the two only little Johnny is changed. So it's pretty self-absorbed for Tucker to say that spoilers dont matter when he's not the one who is being affected.

Rob Grizzly Tue, Jun 3, 2008 at 12:54 AM EST

I 100% disagree with Ken Tucker. Spoilers for anything, tv, movies, sports, even reality show winners, just plain sucks. Whether it's a big twist or just plot details, I prefer to see everything for myself. Some people argue that what matters is 'how' something turns out- but that just takes me back to 'who cares? I already know what happens!'

Everybody (everybody) loves a good surprise, even people who don't mind spoilers. They say it doesn't effect their viewings, and I'm sure it doesn't. But I'm also pretty sure their viewings would be even better that exciting jolt of shock.

The Sixth Sense was spoiled for me so when I watched it, I didn't really think it was all that great.
I can only imagine what it must have been like to see Darth Vader tell Luke he is his father for the first time on opening weekend.

Maybe if the movie/show/game is 20 years or older, but other than that, give me a spoiler alert, please. Or write 2 reviews, one with and one without your precious details

Raven_Moon Mon, Jun 2, 2008 at 11:12 PM EST

I think spoilers can ruin the fun of tv shows & films, depending on what sort of spoilers they are or what kind of twists are involved. Anyone who spoils "Lost" for me will suffer my wrath. (Luckily, I was finally able to watch the finale tonight, spoiler-free.) I think if a critic insists on using spoilers they should at the very least, add a disclaimer to the start of their column.

Kate Mon, Jun 2, 2008 at 10:55 PM EST

I am just not sure about all this. I get annoyed with the SPOILER ALERTS!
But at the same time, I know that certain things can really affect how I watch a show. There's certain shows that I'm fine with reading about before watching (Greek, HIMYM, etc.) - in fact in those cases I kind of like to read about them before so I can realize some of the jokes. But I will not read about shows like Lost. I want that to be a secret.
Here's my biggest example of spoiling affecting a show that I can think of right now (without spoiling it for anyone else, I guess) - I had heard about Mad Men and I just didn't watch it. But when it started repeating, I started watching. I went back and happened to read something about the season finale. When I read about what happened to Peggy, I started noticing way more through the series than I know I would have noticed. I guess it was good how I got to notice how good the writers were at adding certain hints in, but it ruined the surprise for me.

Tcrab Mon, Jun 2, 2008 at 10:35 PM EST

I don't mind spoilers, if there is disclaimer. But what really chaps my a%& is when morons give away spoilers in the comment section of EW with no notice whatsoever. It put a damper on my enjoyment of the last season of the Wire because ""Spoiler Alert"", people had to write about Omar's death. I spent more time wondering if the scenen I was watching was the one where he would die, as opposed to being able to just watch and enjoy things as they played out.

Kristen Mon, Jun 2, 2008 at 10:18 PM EST

Laurie, I couldn't agree with you more. I can't think of any occassion where a "spoiler" ruined something for me- most of the time I don't believe anything I hear about a show or movie before I watch it for myself anyway. And if I DO believe it, I like seeing HOW it happens. Sometimes that makes all the difference.

josher Mon, Jun 2, 2008 at 09:45 PM EST

I read Mr. Tucker's remarks in the magaazine, and my reaction was, "What an egotistical and adolescent perception he has of his "rights" as a reviewer." Critics far more talented and acclaimed than he have managed to review films brilliantly without giving away the surprising plot points. If any film critic I read had spilled the beans on "The Sixth Sense"'s plot twist before I saw the movie, I'd have hunted him or her down. TV recaps are a completely different matter. I never look at them until I've seen the show. What I learned from Mr. Tucker's article was to avoid reading his critiques from now on.

t3hdow Mon, Jun 2, 2008 at 09:12 PM EST

Anon, what's your beef with Ken Tucker? He wrote that article while writing the TV Watches for 24 last season because too many people complained that he gave away info from the next episode previews. Although I can agree that you should avoid spoilerific details for opening movies or DVD releases - after a nice chunk of time, it shouldn't be a big deal - in TV Watches, it should be fair game. Single episode evaluations should be written with the intent that we already watched the episode.
With that said, I think everyone has their own perspective on how spoilers can potentially ruin the experience. In some ways it does, and I do get pissed when that happens on something I love. In fact, two people spoiled Battle Royale's ending for me before I finished either the manga or novel. It also would've ruined the HOLY CRAP! factor from Lost's season 3 finale. Still, in both cases, even when knowledgeable of the conclusion, they're still amazing pieces of work.

Laura R. Mon, Jun 2, 2008 at 08:49 PM EST

While I appreciate wanting to remain unspoiled (having done so for all four seasons of LOST), I think it's ridiculous to expect critics to write non-spoilery reviews. As the anonymous commenter below me noted, reviews should be "a critique of how the elements of a movie contribute to the whole product and it's quality". Sorry, but that includes plot twists, character deaths, unexpected hook-ups and anything and everything else one could consider spoil-worthy. It bothers me when people complain about critics spoiling the outcome of film and TV - if you really don't want to be spoiled, don't read reviews. It's not hard.

step Mon, Jun 2, 2008 at 08:25 PM EST

The first example that comes to mind is Lost's Season 3 finale - if I had known the twist beforehand, that the scenes taking place off the island were a flashforward, and not a flashback, I would have been intensely disappointed. Watching an episode 'fresh', not knowing anything about it gives you the opportunity to watch the episode twice, with different views each time. Once without being spoiled, and once knowing exactly what happens, looking for things you missed when you didn't know what was happening. Spoiling an episode beforehand takes that first experience a way, and taints watching the show.

Matthew L Mon, Jun 2, 2008 at 08:19 PM EST

Living in New Zealand, we always get shows after they air overseas, and in the case of The Amazing Race, almost always after they finish airing. I accidentally heard that BJ and Tyler won TAR9, and when I came to watch the show, I quickly realised that I hated those two. Words cannot describe how much I deplored every moment they were on screen. And watching them, knowing they would win, and seeing them come last TWICE at non-elimination points was torture.

Laurie Mon, Jun 2, 2008 at 08:16 PM EST

I couldn't agree more with Ken Tucker on this point if I tried. I know how classic movies and how Shakespeare's plays are going to end - that doesn't affect my enjoyment one whit. I honestly have to roll my eyes when people act like finding out that somebody on a tv show is going to die, kiss, or stab someone else in the back is the end of the world. It's not just about what happens, it's how it happens. The element of surprise is not necessary for my enjoyment, it never has been. I can get wrapped up in an elegantly plotted twist just as thoroughly if I know it's coming, perhaps I can even appreciate it more when I've been spoiled.

E Mon, Jun 2, 2008 at 07:40 PM EST

For many TV shows, I search out spoilers, reading SpoilerFix and columns like Ausiello's and Watch with Kristin, but I know that many others don't want to know, so I keep that knowledge to myself in conversations with friends. Spoilers shouldn't be in magazine articles; spoilers should be hard to find and require choice. I avoid many movie reviews if I don't want to be spoiled (I still haven't read EW's review of SATC cause I haven't seen it yet) cause I know its hard to avoid sharing plot points in a review. I think magazine's like EW need to be careful and give "spoiler alerts" to warn readers more often. I personally enjoy the insider knowledge, but I also like to choose which shows and movies I remain unspoiled for. Its ironic that this discussion is happening now on EW, since you just hired the king of spoilers, Michael Ausiello.

Mon, Jun 2, 2008 at 07:36 PM EST

When did it become every critic's right to decide to spoil a movie or tv show? In the last 2 weeks, I've seen every plot point for the SATC movie given away, and that's before the movie had even been in general release. How is that at all acceptable? Is it just critics/reviewers enjoying that they get to see it before everyone else? Because I have to point out something that I consider very pertinent: a review isn't just one big synopsis of the movie; it's intended to be a critique of how the elements of a movie contribute to the whole product and it's quality. And what I'd really like to say is: Ken Tucker, shut your big fat trap. I'll be avoiding your reviews from now on.

Laura M Mon, Jun 2, 2008 at 07:33 PM EST

I agree with daisyj: It's one thing to write a review/analysis of a film that came out a while ago, or even a tv show that aired the night before - but it's another thing to spoil a movie before it's even been released. That really irritates me, and EW in particular is notorious for writing spoilerific reviews of movies before they are released. It's for this reason that I will only look at the quick one sentence blurbs on RottenTomatoes when I want to look at movie reviews. Please, critics: I just want to know whether or not you thought it was good - please don't spoil huge plot points for me, especially if it's a new movie that I might not have seen yet, because that always ruins it for me.

lemonJAM Mon, Jun 2, 2008 at 07:20 PM EST

Part of the greatness of a thought provoking show or movie is being surprised by what happens. I love when excellent writing keeps me intrigued. When I accidentally found out about the 4 cylons on BSG, it was definitely not as fun to go back and watch the episode when they were revealed.

Stacey Mon, Jun 2, 2008 at 07:11 PM EST

Only problem, if you spoiler something the next day. It spoils those who taped something, and hasn't seen it yet. Now if you're talking about a plot twist in a movie that was released six years ago. Fine. Chances are everyone who has a vested interested has either not seen it by choice or has seen it. But if you tell me someone big died in a show the following day, and I was out that evening and have to watch the next day. You spoiled my enjoyment. So it's a catch 22. Some shows fine. Reality shows sure. But not episodic television, unless it was weeks ago.

Ron Mon, Jun 2, 2008 at 07:10 PM EST

...and how many times have you heard that the trailer of a movie gives too much away? Same difference.

Ron Mon, Jun 2, 2008 at 07:09 PM EST

If a spoiler MUST be revealed, (I think it should be avoided if possible), then a clear indication that a spoiler is forthcoming should be noted. EW's been good about it and I will skip a few paragraphs in an article. But not in the headline and not without warning. Another analogy: taping a sporting event to watch it, then finding out the score first from someone. You will not give it the same attention you would live or not knowing what happened when you watch it.

daisyj Mon, Jun 2, 2008 at 07:05 PM EST

(cont. from below)
Also, I think Mr. Tucker is confusing reviewing and Criticism. If you were, say, writing an article on the Batman movies as a reflection of society's changing attitudes on justice and vigilantism, then yes, you absolutely have the right to use any material from the plots that you find relevant. But if you're writing a review of the new movie to help people decided if they want to see it, then I think, if nothing else, it is a show of respect to the filmmakers to let them decide how much the audience should know, and when. (The only exception I would put on this would be if something was grossly misleading or had some major cop-out, in a way that detracted from the enjoyment of the work, i.e. "It was all a dream!")

daisyj Mon, Jun 2, 2008 at 07:01 PM EST

I can't agree-- in a lot of entertainment, part of the enjoyment is derived from the tension built up by the viewer (reader/listener/whatever) not knowing what is going to happen next, and the way the creator(s) exploit that tension. And yes, I think this applies to low culture as well as high-- to use his example there would be no thrill at the end of each episode of "The Amazing Race" if I knew who was going before they even began the heavily-edited rush to the finish line, and I'm still mad at my dad for telling me who did it in "The Maltese Falcon" the day before I went to see it.
(cont. above)

Melanie Mon, Jun 2, 2008 at 06:52 PM EST

I enjoy spoilers because I'm impatient. They usually don't stop me from viewing the movie/TV show though. I'm that way with books too. In order to make myself stop reading and go to bed, I skim the last chapter. Then I can take my time finishing the book.

Martha Mon, Jun 2, 2008 at 06:07 PM EST

Shouldn't ruin anyone's pleasure, huh? Tell that to the folks who heard beforehand about the twists in "The Crying Game" or "The Sixth Sense." If a the oopmh of a movie (or book or TV show) hinges on a single plot twist, critics shouldn't ruin it by giving out spoilers upfront. This is exactly why I'm not reading any reviews of SATC right now - because I haven't seen it yet and want to be at least somewhat surprised.

advertisement

Add Your Comments

The rules: Keep it clean, and stay on the subject — or we may delete your comment. If you see inappropriate language, e-mail us. An asterisk (*) indicates a required field.



  • 1000 characters remaining
      • When you click on the "Post Comment" button above to submit your comments, you are indicating your acceptance of and are agreeing to the Terms of Service. You can also read our Privacy Policy.
Copyright ©2008 Entertainment Weekly and Time Inc. All rights reserved.