Rou

In the modern world of VCRs, TiVo, on-demand television and DVR technology, some people have gone to great lengths to watch TV shows on their schedule, not the networks.

I applaud such efforts in some ways. Honestly, there are few shows that I feel that strongly about, but I can appreciate the annoyance of having missed an episode. This is especially true when you're dealing with an evolving plot line or a much anticipated event.

If I know someone does that, I’ll avoid discussing the show in their presence. However, I do have a rant here. There are some instances that a spoiler-free expectation is perhaps a bit naive. Certainly there is a reasonable time frame involved. And there is even a certain societal awareness level that has to be factored in.

Today, I was subjected to a huge rant by some TiVo crazed lady at work because someone had causally mentioned the Soprano’s season opener. They weren’t talking to her either. She was eavesdropping. It should be noted that was on Sunday night and it is currently FRIDAY. She blew a gasket because they had ruined the show for her. This huge twenty minute tirade before the floor manager took her aside and told her to calm down.

By the same token, there was a gentleman here that was pissed off because CNN showed the score of the SuperBowl the morning after. He had worked the overnight shift and hoped to watch the game after work, but CNN popped the score up before he could do that. I feel his pain, particularly if he was really looking forward to the game. But if you’re that serious about that, you need to cut yourself off from things like CNN, ESPN, and morning papers. Just like it’s reasonable for me to try not to spoil things for others, it’s reasonable that some of the effort is required on the part of the viewer.

Enjoy your TiVos, by all means. I do my best not spoil movies and shows for people that missed them. But there are certain levels that it’s no longer my responsibility to protect your viewing habits. There comes a point where things should be accepted as common knowledge. And it’s your job to avoid it, not our job to cut you off.