How to ENJOY Spoilers

What if I told you, knowing Darth Vader's secret in The Empire Strikes Back before you watched it might actually make you enjoy the movie more?

You know those sneaky little details about the plot of a movie, book, or series that get leaked before you have the chance to experience them for yourself?

Even movie trailers these days might spoil the story, and those are coming from the studios themselves.

I'm going to take a somewhat controversial stand here and say: I don't mind spoilers.

Here’s the thing: spoilers can actually make a story better. Like, dramatically better.

And to drive home this point, I’m going to spoil a huge plot point in the Harry Potter series right now.

I’m serious. I’m gonna do it.

In The Half-Blood Prince, book six of the J. K. Rowlings Harry Potter books, Snape kills Dumbledore.

I’m a monster, right?

Or am I? Let’s discuss.

My Relationship With Spoilers

Now, to be clear, I usually don't actively seek out spoilers. Like most people, I do enjoy the thrill of the unexpected, the surprise twist, the sudden revelation that makes you reevaluate everything you thought you knew about the story.

There's definitely a unique sort of excitement in experiencing a story unfold in real time, with no idea of what might happen next.

But most of the time, I don’t really care if I know what happens or not.

Not everyone agrees with me on this. In fact, most people despise spoilers, and I can understand why…

I mean, anyone would be pretty upset if I spoiled the twist of this movie, or this movie, and especially this one.

Well, I’m sure that one has been spoiled for you already if you haven’t seen it yet. It’s pretty common knowledge at this point.

For many, the enjoyment of a story comes from the anticipation, the guessing game, the unexpected twists and turns. They crave the initial shock of a reveal, the emotional rollercoaster, the uncertainty of not knowing what lies ahead. And spoilers might steal all of that away.

But at the same time, having a story spoiled doesn't often diminish my enjoyment.

Perhaps it's because, after years and years of consuming narratives in various forms, I've developed a sort of sixth sense about where a story might be heading. Call it narrative intuition, if you will.

Most stories have a familiar rhythm or cadence. Each genre has its tropes and conventions. Each storyteller has their pet themes and stylistic quirks.

Often, what's touted as a major spoiler is really just a confirmation of what I've already anticipated, based on the direction the story has been taking all along.

The Role of Spoilers

In fact, in many cases, knowing the major plot points in advance can actually enhance my appreciation of the story.

Suddenly, a narrative that was about suspense or mystery transforms into one about dramatic irony. When you know what's going to happen, every event, every conversation, every decision takes on a new layer of significance. You start seeing the foreshadowing, the subtle clues, the building blocks that the author has carefully put in place, leading up to the big revelation.

And really, isn't that what a well-written story is all about? If a story's value lies only in its ability to surprise or shock us, then it wouldn't stand up to rereads or re-watches.

But a good story, a truly compelling narrative, is one that draws you in again and again, regardless of how well you know the plot.

That big scene that I’m sure you already know about from The Empire Strikes Back still hits hard to this very day, even after dozens of rewatches.

The Value of Spoilers

As someone who loves dissecting narratives and pulling them apart to see how they tick, spoilers can be a valuable tool. Knowing the destination allows me to focus more on the journey.

Instead of being preoccupied with trying to figure out the plot, I can pay attention to other aspects: the craftsmanship of the prose, the vibrancy of the setting, the development of the characters, the thematic undertones.

Elements that might otherwise be overshadowed by the push and pull of the narrative become more noticeable, more appreciable.

The Snape-Dumbledore Paradox

Let's take an example that stirs up emotions even today – Snape killing Dumbledore in 'The Half-Blood Prince'.

When you first read that, it’s like a gut punch. It's shocking, disorienting, and totally unexpected. It flips your understanding of these characters and the story upside down.

But now, imagine knowing this information beforehand. Suddenly, every interaction between Snape and Dumbledore, every moment of tension, every cryptic comment, takes on a new depth of meaning. You view Snape with a different lens, you scrutinize Dumbledore's actions more closely, and you pay attention to their complicated relationship in a whole new way.

Knowing the 'betrayal' that's coming, you're compelled to try and understand why. Why would Snape do this? What drove him to this point? These questions fuel your reading and make you more engaged in the story.

And then, when the moment comes, when Snape utters those chilling words, "Avada Kedavra," it’s not just shock you feel, it’s the weight of inevitability, the tragic culmination of a complex web of relationships and motives. It's heartbreaking, yes, but it's also deeply, profoundly dramatic.

Then, as you move on to 'The Deathly Hallows', you read with bated breath, waiting for the other shoe to drop, for the truth behind that fateful moment to be revealed.

And when it finally is, when you learn about Snape's true allegiance, his love for Lily, his regret, and his sacrifice, the emotional impact is just as strong, if not stronger, because you’ve been anticipating it, because you’ve seen the signs and understood the foreshadowing.

And isn't that a richer, more complex reading experience?

The next time someone accidentally slips a major plot point, or you see a headline that says a bit too much, don’t be too upset. It’s an opportunity to enjoy the story in a new way.

But I want to know how you feel about spoilers? Do they ruin the experience for you, or do you find value in them, like I do? Let me know in the comments.

And if you don’t mind spoilers, and you haven’t read Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn Trilogy, you might want to check out my videos on it and see what new insights you gain by learning a little about it before you read it.

Until next time, err on the side of awesome.