Spoiler Warnings: Lightly Easing Into The Semester

By: N. Long

On January 17th, 2007, Tim Goodman, the television critic for the San Francisco Chronicle, wrote an article discussing the merit of "spoiler warnings" that are often attached to his reviews of television programs. These warnings are designed to alert readers of his newspaper column that a discussion of a particular television program's plot, or one of its major plot points, is about to take place. While conceding that spoiler warnings may be necessary when reviewing upcoming television programs, Goodman laments about the veiled threats of television producers and angry letters from television viewers. According to Goodman, advanced preview episodes of the new season of 24 came wrapped in a note from one of the executive producers suggesting that if Goodman were to reveal certain plot points in his review of the program, he might not be given advanced copies next season. Furthermore, Goodman has also received mail from readers who are upset with the fact that he revealed plot points from television programs that had aired months, sometimes years earlier. The advent of DVR technology, and the ease of purchasing or renting television programs on DVD have caused many people to delay viewing a program until long after its initial broadcast. And unfortunately, trend is not limited to television.

David Hayes, in an article for Variety, analyzes the issue of spoiler warning in relation to the reviews of the feature film The Human Stain. This particular film was adapted from a well-known novel, which happens to have a twist ending. The ending, much like some of the plot points in "24", is rife with political undertones that critics should be free to discuss in reviews of the film. Spoiler warnings are also appearing in reviews of literature, even classic literature, begging the question, are reviewers never allowed to discuss plot?

Reflecting upon this question from a critic's point of view, one can easily understand Mr. Goodman's frustration. It would be annoying as a reviewer to be forced to preface every publication with a spoiler warning. Fortunately, that it is only a minor annoyance, and one that most critics seem to tolerate. On the other hand, many people are upset with the discussion of plot points from television programs that have already aired. Not only do they insist on spoiler warnings for programs that were broadcast over a year ago, but they seem to be upset with the fact that Goodman and other critics discuss them at all. It is a critics job to not only inform readers of whether or not a program is worth watching, but when it is appropriate, a critic should also discuss the political, cultural, and social undertones of a particular show. Some films and television programs, such as "The Human Stain" and "24", make strong statements regarding the current political and social climate within their respective plots. While critics such as Goodman have restrained themselves from discussing these plot points prior to the program being broadcast, it is unreasonable to ask professional reviewers to never discuss these issues. But, many viewers might disagree with this perspective.

As a television viewer, I hate to have my viewing experience spoiled by knowing about a major plot twist ahead of time. Not only do I record television programs to be viewed at a later date, but I also rent and buy DVD's, largely based on the recommendation of either my friends or critics. It would be horribly upsetting to purchase an expensive DVD box set based on the recommendation of a critic, only to have that same critic reveal a major plot point before I had a chance to watch the show. Therefore, regardless of how annoying it may be to critics, even when discussing shows that aired many months prior, a spoiler warning would be appropriate. This is not to say that I believe a critic should not be free to discuss plot points of already aired programs, especially when involving and important and socially relevant plot point, but I should be warned before the discussion takes place. It is only two words, "spoiler warning," and it should not be that difficult for a critic to place them before his article. As a viewer, this would quell may anger, but as a producer, I might still be upset.

As a producer of a television program, I would be very upset with any television critic that revealed a major plot twist in one of their reviews. Television programs, like films and novels, take months and sometimes years to craft and produce. In some works, surprise plot twists are a major part of the story that producers are trying to tell an audience. If a critic were to reveal such a twist, especially after he or she was asked not to, I would not send that critic any advanced previews in the future. Furthermore, as a producer, I would probably make the majority of my profits from the secondary market. As such, it would be nice if critics would not reveal plot points to audiences that might watch the program in reruns, or purchase it on DVD. However, were I a producer of a politically and socially relevant television program, I might want critics to help spread my message in writing. I cannot imagine Aaron Sorkin, creator of "The West Wing" and "Studio 60", becoming upset over a critic's decision to talk about the war in Iraq because it revealed one of his plot points. As a producer, I would insist that critics not reveal important plot information prior to the program's initial broadcast, and ask that spoiler subsequently used.

In a time of reruns, DVD's, and TIVO, television critics must walk a fine line between reviewing a program, and spoiling it for the viewer. In the end, I tend to see things as a producer might. Do not reveal plot points prior to a show's first airing, and use spoiler warnings afterwards. While it may be annoying to do so, it seems to be the safest course of action.


http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/c/2007/01/17DDGIONJ60417.DTL&hw=Tim=Goodman=Spoilers&sn=001&sc=1000

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117891986.html?categoryid=1019&cs=1&query=Spoiler=warnings

http://www.kith.org/journals/jed/2006/05/12/3380.html

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