Today as you return to the daily grind and gather around the water cooler you may find that whether you’re aware of it or not, today you fall in to one of several categories:
A: You watched the “Breaking Bad” finale last night and want to speak of nothing else.
B: You didn’t catch the “Breaking Bad” finale last night and want to speak of anything but. You do not consider yourself above punching anyone who spoils it for you in the face.
C: You’ve yet to watch a single episode of “Breaking Bad,” but planning on doing so. You also do not consider yourself above punching anyone who spoils it for you in the face.
D: None of the above. I can’t help you.
Spoiler Alert: I fall under the category of C.
Last evening, I made the almost fatal mistake of visiting the Twitter-verse only to discover it had been taken over by a discussion on the much-anticipated season finale. Luckily I was able to get out before inadvertently happening upon any spoilers.
The rest of you, I’d recommend staying away from Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, etc., for the next 48-72 hours. It takes practice, but the trained eye can spot an unlabeled spoiler before it does its damage, still better not take the risk.
This and several other high-profile television moments of late have brought to light a change in our society and the way we consume data. Netflix has done many wonderful things, but it’s also made talking about our television shows without getting punched in the face after revealing plot points much easier.
I understand the impulse to want to talk about the glorious finale with anyone who will listen. I recall a simpler time when such televised moments were enjoyed when they aired or not at all, but times have changed and we must be respectful of that, online and in person. No one likes a spoiler. Still, to avoid undeserved face punching, I think it’s time to set some guidelines.
Group A: Watch your words,
Group B: You have exactly 48 hours to watch the episode before you lose face punching privileges.
Group C: I know, I know, I had better start catching up soon because the show’s been on the air for years. I’ll get on it, but I still maintain face punching rights assuming I’ve appropriately informed the spoiler of my intentions to watch the series.
Group D: I still can’t help you.
Okay, now that we have rules, go forth and don’t spoil. You’ve been warned.
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…bi-daily smile…
