SPOILER!

Nope, it’s been proved. No need to get annoyed, frustrated, irked, or irate. Don’t waste the adrenaline. It’s true.

Spoilers actually enhance enjoyment of movies and books.

That’s what researchers at University of California at San Diego have established in work to be published in Psychological Science. Spoilers magnify the delight! And if they are right, we knew it, in our heart of hearts. We just were in denial.

Even for those suspense-driven plot lines, on paper or on celluloid.

“I was quite surprised by the results,” researcher Nicholas Christenfeld said in an interview. “Like most people, I don't turn to the end of a book to see who dies or what happens.”

In the study, each candidate story was read by about two dozen people, in one of two formats—with the original ending or with a spoiler inserted into the story. It didn’t matter what type of story it was—ironic-twist, mystery, or literary. It didn’t matter who wrote it—John Updike, Roald Dahl, or Agatha Christie. Always, readers preferred the “spoiled” version.

Christenfeld has an explanation. Though plots are important, like a skeleton or a coat hanger, upon which to hang flesh or fabric, he asserts that “the plot itself isn’t critical.”

That explains why I can read the Harry Potter books over and over again. Or see Seinfeld for the umpteenth time. And reread Calvin and Hobbes. They are still enjoyable, even if one knows exactly what will happen. Not “spoilers.” Maybe “sprucers,” since they shape and sharpen and spruce up the story, heightening the excitement and thrill.

Here’s Christenfeld again: “As a film director, your job isn't really to come to the conclusion that the butler did it. A single line would do that.” Whodunnit ain’t the key. It’s just that the story is written well. “Plots are just excuses for great writing,” and that’s what’s appreciated.

Once you’ve discovered the ending of a book or film, you want to read it or view it again to see how everything makes sense and connects and coheres. Things that didn’t make sense without the spoiler, begin to make sense with it. And you also begin to appreciate in a greater way, the art of the writer or director.

Christenfeld and co-author Jonathan Leavitt conclude: “Perhaps birthday presents are better when wrapped in cellophane, and engagement rings are better when not concealed in chocolate mousse.”

OK, spoiler alert. We’re all part of a story the ending of which we know.

The trumpet will sound,

and the dead will be raised imperishable,

and we will be changed.

The sting of death is sin,

and the power of sin is the law;

but thanks be to God,

who gives us the victory

through our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 15:52, 56–57

Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men,

and He will dwell among them,

and they shall be His people, …

and He will wipe away

every tear from their eyes;

and there will no longer be any death;

there will no longer be any mourning,

or crying, or pain.

Revelation 21:3–4

There will no longer be any curse; …

and His bond-servants will serve Him;

they will see His face,

and His name will be on their foreheads.

And there will no longer be any night;

and they will not have need of

the light of a lamp nor

the light of the sun,

because the Lord God will illumine them;

and they will reign forever and ever.

Revelation 22:3

Enjoy the art and grace of the Author; the ending has been “spoiled”!