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Holly Willoughby delivers shock news days after kidnap plot

<p>Holly Willoughby has made a surprising announcement, just days after a <a href="https://www.oversixty.co.nz/finance/legal/plot-to-kidnap-tv-star-foiled" target="_blank" rel="noopener">disturbing incident involving a kidnapping plot</a> came to light.</p> <p>The popular UK TV personality and mother of three has taken to social media to share her decision to step down from her role as the host of <em>This Morning</em>, a position she has held for 14 years. She cited her family as the primary reason for this significant career move.</p> <p>In a heartfelt letter to her fans, she expressed her gratitude to everyone involved in the show over the years, acknowledging the difficulty of saying goodbye. She extended her appreciation to the production team and guests who have been part of the program, and she reserved special thanks for the loyal viewers who have been with her every day.</p> <p>Willoughby reflected on the legacy of <em>This Morning</em> and the words of former hosts Richard and Judy, who believed that the show belonged to the viewers. She expressed her honour at being a part of its history and noted that there are more chapters to come. However, she felt that the time had come for her to make this decision for the sake of herself and her family.</p> <p>In her own words, "I will miss you all so much."</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CyOWaP2tr3Q/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CyOWaP2tr3Q/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Holly Willoughby (@hollywilloughby)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>This announcement follows a recent incident in which the 42-year-old was placed under police protection in her London home due to the discovery of a kidnapping plot aimed at her. Essex Police later arrested a 36-year-old man in connection with the investigation.</p> <p>It has been a rough year for the popular daytime TV host, who previously enjoyed immense popularity in the UK.</p> <p>Notably, Holly Willoughby made headlines when she issued a statement on-air, publicly supporting her co-host, Phillip Schofield, amidst reports of an inappropriate relationship with a younger male colleague. Schofield eventually resigned amid <a href="https://www.oversixty.co.nz/lifestyle/relationships/it-s-the-court-of-public-opinion-sarah-ferguson-condemns-phillip-schofield-backlash" target="_blank" rel="noopener">intense public pressure</a> after admitting to lying about the relationship. Willoughby explained that she too had been deceived by her co-host and would not have supported him had she known the truth.</p> <p>Schofield and Willoughby had co-hosted the show together since 2009 and had interviewed notable figures, including royalty. Their on-screen chemistry led to prime-time hosting opportunities such as <em>Dancing on Ice</em>.</p> <p>While Holly Willoughby has not revealed her future plans, numerous celebrity fans and colleagues swiftly offered their support and best wishes in the comments section of her post. These messages conveyed sadness at her departure and the recognition of her iconic status in the world of television.</p> <p><em>Images: Getty / ITV</em></p>

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Plot to kidnap TV star foiled

<p>Authorities have thwarted a suspected plot to abduct well-known British television presenter, Holly Willoughby. The 42-year-old host of <em>This Morning</em> was pulled from her hosting duties mid-show and was placed under police protection at her residence.</p> <p>This development followed the arrest of a 36-year-old man, apprehended by law enforcement who had allegedly uncovered "sinister messages" containing threats to kidnap and inflict serious harm upon the mother of three, as reported by <em>The Sun</em>.</p> <p>The suspect, who is not acquainted with the television star, has since been formally charged. In the meantime, a marked police vehicle remained stationed outside the individual's ground-floor apartment, where he resides alone. One neighbour from Harlow, Essex, UK, recounted witnessing the man being escorted out of his flat in handcuffs around 9 o'clock the previous night, with a police presence continuing throughout the day, including a forensic investigation van.</p> <p>The precise means by which the police became aware of the alleged plot remain unclear, but it is understood that digital devices and a mobile phone were confiscated.</p> <p>As detectives persist in their inquiry, a round-the-clock police detail has been stationed outside Holly's London home, where she resides with her husband and children. An insider disclosed, "Investigations are continuing, but police are treating this as a credible conspiracy to kidnap Holly. There were apparently some sinister and threatening messages found on electronic devices threatening to seriously harm her."</p> <p>The police promptly notified the production team of <em>This Morning</em> about the alleged plot early the following day. Holly was informed shortly before she was scheduled to go on air, and she was described as feeling "shocked and distraught." Consequently, it was decided that she would withdraw from hosting the show. Alison Hammond was called in as a last-minute substitute alongside Josie Gibson, who had co-hosted the previous day's episode with Holly. Viewers were puzzled by the sudden change, with Josie only mentioning the situation in passing by introducing Alison.</p> <p>Social media buzzed with fans expressing their concern and curiosity about Holly's absence. She had originally planned to celebrate her TV producer husband Daniel Baldwin's 49th birthday with their children, Harry, 14, Belle, 12, and eight-year-old Chester.</p> <p>This incident unfolded against the backdrop of a turbulent year for the television personality, who has been a fixture on "This Morning" since 2009. In September of the previous year, both Holly and her then-co-host, Phillip Schofield, faced allegations of queue-jumping during their visit to pay respects to the late Queen. Holly later clarified that she had been there in her capacity as an accredited broadcaster for a filming assignment and emphasized that they would never bypass a queue intentionally.</p> <p>In May, Schofield, aged 61, resigned after admitting to an affair with a younger colleague and confessing to having lied about it when confronted by Holly. She subsequently expressed feeling "shaken and let down." Nonetheless, Holly drew some criticism for beginning the show by inquiring to the camera, "Are you OK?"</p> <p>ITV initiated an examination into <em>This Morning</em> amid accusations of a "toxic culture," sparking backlash from viewers. Just last month, Holly did not secure a National Television Award for the first time in 12 years.</p> <p>A spokesperson for Essex Police confirmed, "A 36-year-old man from Harlow has been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to kidnap as part of an ongoing investigation. The arrest was made on Wednesday 4 October. He is currently in custody. Inquiries continue."</p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

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4 debunked movie plot holes

<p>Movie watchers love to scrutinise over the meaning, inconsistencies and crucial elements of films. It’s part of the fun of watching a movie and makes for entertaining conversations amongst friends. Even film directors are aware of this level of analysis with David Fincher once saying he is sad for those who “go through movies and look for inconsistencies and continuity errors.”</p> <p>Here are some of the most iconic movie plot holes that have been debunked through endless re-watching and sleuthing.</p> <p><strong>1.<em> Titanic</em></strong></p> <p>The age-old question is why didn’t Rose let Jack onto the door with her in the water? This movie plot hole is so famous that an entire <em>Mythbusters</em> episode was dedicated to figuring out the truth. Rose’s virtue has been defended as when the lovebirds first went into the sea they tried to both get onto the door only to have it keep knocking one or both of them off. The consensus is that there wouldn’t be enough buoyancy for two of them to occupy the piece of wood. And then we all know how the story ends, Jack sacrifices his life and Rose faces years of people being annoyed at her “hogging” the floating wood.</p> <p><strong>2. <em>Raiders of the Lost Ark</em></strong></p> <p><em>Raiders of the Lost Ark</em> has been caught up in a debacle because Indiana essentially helps the Nazis on their quest to find the Ark, while their face-melting fate was sealed whether he was there or not. This has been defended because Indiana’s primary job is to recover the Ark and return it to its home. If he wasn’t there, it would’ve remained in German hands. </p> <p><strong>3. <em>Citizen Kane</em></strong></p> <p><em>Citizen Kane</em> has gone down in cinematic history as one of the greatest movies ever made. However, one popular fault that is brought up time and time again is when Kane says “rosebud” it appears as if no one is around to hear and thus there is no catalyst for the plot. It has been observed that Kane’s butler was the one to hear him utter the word and it is later revealed in an interview with his erstwhile employee that Raymond was with him in his last moments. Even if it wasn’t the case, the acoustics could be really good in the big house!</p> <p><strong>4.<em> The Sixth Sense</em></strong></p> <p>The twist at the end of <em>The Sixth Sense</em> where Bruce Willis’ Dr Malcolm Crowe discovers he was dead the whole time ruffled a few feathers. This concept of ghosts is actually introduced throughout the narrative as it is explained that ghosts often don’t come to terms with their fate immediately, even creating their own reality and “living” as normal. Following that line of logic, he wouldn’t have had the revelation of his death until it occurs in the movie.</p> <p><em>Image credit: Instagram</em></p>

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Famous movie plots that were stolen from other films

<p>Some films stand the test of time, and you can watch them again and again. But unlike what we’ve been led to believe, the storylines of some famous flicks were ‘heavily influenced’ by other (read: lesser-known) films. Is it plagiarism or just inspiration? You decide.</p> <p><strong>1. <em>Star Wars</em> &amp;<em> The Hidden Fortress</em></strong></p> <p>George Lucas appears to be so enamoured with Japanese director Akira Kurosawa’s <em>The Hidden Fortress</em> that he took what he could for his first Star Wars film and used the leftovers in the second. Using two tag-along types (R2D2 and C3PO) to tell the story is probably the most well documented similarity with <em>The Hidden Fortress</em>. In a 2001 interview, George Lucas openly discussed this specific component of his influences for <em>Star Wars</em>,<strong> </strong>saying “I remember the one thing that really struck me about <em>The Hidden Fortress</em>,” he said, “the one thing I was really intrigued by, was the fact that the story was told from the two lowest characters. I decided that would be a nice way to tell the <em>Star Wars</em> story. Take the two lowliest characters, as Kurosawa did, and tell the story from their point of view. Which, in the <em>Star Wars</em> case is the two droids, and that was the strongest influence.  </p> <p><strong>2. <em>Reservoir Dogs</em> &amp; <em>City on Fire</em></strong></p> <p>While <em>Reservoir Dogs</em> is not a direct copy of <em>City on Fire</em>, there are definitely similarities in the plot (a group of criminals plan and blow a big job) and a couple of whole scenes that are very similar. Quentin Tarantino’s 1992 hit’s famous scenes echo the Chinese film, for instance both have four men walking in black suits, a tense standoff where three characters point a gun at each other, and shooting cops through a windscreen that shatters. Tarantino admits it too, saying to the <em>Baltimore Sun</em> that City on Fire is "a really cool movie. It influenced me a lot. I got some stuff from it." </p> <p><strong>3. <em>A Fistful of Dollars</em> &amp; <em>Yojimbo</em></strong></p> <p>Once again we see Akira Kurosawa’s name pop up, with another of his films being used as inspiration for the Clint Eastwood classic. This time the samurais are replaced with cowboys, and a hero with no name (Eastwood) arrives in a small town where two rival gangs fight for control. Unfortunately for director Sergio Leone, he was sued by Toho Productions due to the similarities, which delayed release of the film for three years. Eventually the two settled out of court and<em> A Fistful of Dollars</em> went on to become a major hit.</p> <p><strong>4. <em>The Lion King</em> &amp; <em>Kimba the White Lion</em></strong></p> <p>Besides the obvious similarities between the main characters’ names (Simba and Kimba sound <em>quite </em>alike don’t they?), many more elements of the plot mirror each other. Both the Disney film and the Japanese Manga have a bird, baboon and hyenas as supporting characters in the movies. There is a scene in which both Simba and Kimba stand on the cliff tops overlooking their future kingdoms, and each has an evil lion wanting to claim their stake at the throne (both ’Scar’ and ‘Claw’ have a scar on one eye). Despite having many similar scenes, it seems that the Kimba creators didn’t want to take on the behemoth that is Disney. They are quoted in the <em>LA Times</em> as saying "Our company's general opinion is <em>The Lion King</em> is a totally different piece from [Kimba] and is an original work completed by [Disney's] long-lasting excellent production technique." </p> <p><em>Images: Jolly Film</em></p>

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Neighbours final episode plot revealed

<p dir="ltr">The plot of the final episode of <em>Neighbours </em>has been released. </p> <p dir="ltr">The last episode of the beloved Aussie soap will be 90 minutes long and air on Channel 10 and 10 Peach on July 28, bringing an end to the 37 year history of the show. </p> <p dir="ltr">Actors, past and present, such as Kylie Minogue, Jason Donovan, Guy Pearce and Annie Jones will make an appearance in the final episode. </p> <p dir="ltr">A leaked script revealed that Ramsay Street will be filled with friends and family to celebrate Toadie Rebecchi tying the knot with Melanie Pearson, who are played by Ryan Moloney and Lucinda Cowden.</p> <p dir="ltr">Harold, who is played by Ian Smith, asks Karl and Susan Kennedy, played by Alan Fletcher and Jackie Woodburne, to look after the Erinsborough history book.</p> <p dir="ltr">And then Jason Donovan and Kylie Minogue, who play Scott and Charlene arrive in a green mini van. </p> <p dir="ltr">No. 24 will also hit the market with more than one person being interested in the property. </p> <p dir="ltr">Other former cast members that will appear Peter O’Brien, Natalie Bassingthwaighte, Olympia Valance, Ian Smith, Daniel MacPherson, Melissa Bell, Paul Keane, Bonnie Anderson, Jodi Gordon, Kate Kendall, Scott Major, Ben Hall, Lesley Baker, Nathan Borg, Sally Ann Upton, Morgan Baker, Benjamin McNair, Olivia Junkeer, Chris Milligan, Zima Anderson and James Mason.</p> <p dir="ltr">After 37 years on air, <em>Neighbours </em>announced that the show is coming to an end after Channel 5, the British production company that aired the show in the UK since 2008, announced it won’t do so anymore.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We are so sorry to say that after nearly 37 years and almost 9000 episodes broadcast we have to confirm that Neighbours will cease production in June,” the statement read.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Following the loss of our key broadcast partner in the UK and despite an extensive search for alternative funding, we simply have no option but to rest the show.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The team thanked their loyal fans and promised to end the show on an “incredible high”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“To our amazing, loyal fans, we know this is a huge disappointment, as it is to all of us on the team. </p> <p dir="ltr">“We thank you for all your messages and support and promise to end the show on an incredible high. From here on, we are celebrating Neighbours.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

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The plot thickens in Amber Haigh case

<p dir="ltr">Less than a week after the <a href="https://www.oversixty.co.nz/health/caring/million-dollar-reward-offered-20-years-after-woman-disappeared" target="_blank" rel="noopener">million-dollar reward for information was announced</a>, a couple has been arrested in relation to the disappearance of Amber Haigh in 2002.</p> <p dir="ltr">Robert Samuel Greves and Anne Margaret Greeves appeared in Cowra Local Court on charges for murder, with a second charge laid against Mr Geeves for aggravated sexual assault of someone with a serious intellectual disability, as reported by the <em><a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-05-05/couple-accused-of-murdering-amber-haigh-appear-in-court/101039800" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ABC</a></em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">The court heard that police would tender evidence that Mr Geeves bought a chainsaw shortly after the alleged murder, along with phone intercepts that included the words, “Have you taken the rest of her up there?”</p> <p dir="ltr">Mr Geeves appealed for bail, with his lawyer arguing that the case against him was circumstantial and that he would need time to find his own witnesses if he was refused.</p> <p dir="ltr">With 17 pages of evidence, 20 witnesses, and phone intercepts of the couple talking about how to dispose of the body around the time of Ms Haigh’s disappearance, Magistrate Jillian Kiely refused Mr Geeves’ application.</p> <p dir="ltr">“There’s a very strong circumstantial case based on the facts before me,” she said, as reported by <em><a href="https://www.centralwesterndaily.com.au/story/7727013/bail-refused-in-strong-circumstantial-case-in-alleged-murder-of-amber-haigh/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Central Western Daily</a></em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">“There is a very lengthy and detailed background of events leading up to certain behaviours allegedly displayed by the defendant towards the young woman.</p> <p dir="ltr">“There are telephone intercept materials very soon after her disappearance suggestive of potential discussions of disposal of remains or disposal of property.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Conversations where he is asking the co-accused not to roll on him and saying he doesn’t want to go to jail.”</p> <p dir="ltr">In one recorded conversation, Ms Kiely said Ms Geeves said: “Where are we going to take the rest of her now?”, to which Ms Kiely said Mr Geeves replied: “Somewhere close to here”.</p> <p dir="ltr">Ms Geeves, who separated from Mr Geeves eight years ago but remained friends with him, appeared separately and didn’t apply for release, with her case then adjourned until May 17.</p> <p dir="ltr">Ms Haigh, who was 18 at the time, disappeared on June 5, 2002 and was reported missing two weeks later after she didn’t return to her home in Kingsvale, NSW.</p> <p dir="ltr">A 2011 Coronial inquest found Amber to have died, but a review of the case in 2020 resulted in the investigation re-commencing.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-8192ef9d-7fff-b5aa-ae44-c5c78a7f4ed2"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: NSW Police</em></p>

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The science of the plot twist: How writers exploit our brains

<p>Recently I did something that many people would consider unthinkable, or at least perverse. Before going to see <em><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4154756/">Avengers: Infinity War</a></em>, I deliberately read a review that revealed all of the major plot points, from start to finish.</p> <p>Don’t worry; I’m not going to share any of those spoilers here. Though I do think the aversion to spoilers – what The New York Times’ A.O. Scott <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2018/04/24/movies/avengers-infinity-war-review.html">recently lamented</a> as “a phobic, hypersensitive taboo against public discussion of anything that happens onscreen” – is a bit overblown.</p> <p>As <a href="https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=SeGl108AAAAJ&amp;hl=en">a cognitive scientist who studies the relationship between cognition and narratives</a>, I know that movies – like all stories – exploit our natural tendency to anticipate what’s coming next.</p> <p>These cognitive tendencies help explain why plot twists can be so satisfying. But somewhat counterintuitively, they also explain why knowing about a plot twist ahead of time – the dreaded “spoiler” – doesn’t really spoil the experience at all.</p> <p><strong>The curse of knowledge</strong></p> <p>When you pick up a book for the first time, you usually want to have some sense of what you’re signing up for – <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cozy_mystery">cozy mysteries</a>, for instance, aren’t supposed to feature graphic violence and sex. But you’re probably also hoping that what you read won’t be entirely predictable.</p> <p>To some extent, the fear of spoilers is well-grounded. You only have one opportunity to learn something for the first time. Once you’ve learned it, that knowledge affects what you notice, what you anticipate – and even the limits of your imagination.</p> <p>What we know trips us up in lots of ways, a general tendency known as the “<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17576275">curse of knowledge</a>.”</p> <p>For example, when we know the answer to a puzzle, that knowledge makes it harder for us to estimate how difficult that puzzle will be for someone else to solve: We’ll assume it’s <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0749596X96900091">easier</a> than it really is.</p> <p>When we know the resolution of an event – whether it’s a basketball game or an election – we tend to <a href="http://psycnet.apa.org/record/1976-00159-001">overestimate</a> how likely that outcome was.</p> <p>Information we encounter early on influences our estimation of what is possible later. It doesn’t matter whether we’re reading a story or negotiating a salary: Any initial starting point for our reasoning – however arbitrary or apparently irrelevant – “<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17835457">anchors</a>” our analysis. In <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16382081">one study</a>, legal experts given a hypothetical criminal case argued for longer sentences when presented with larger numbers on randomly rolled dice.</p> <p><strong>Plot twists pull everything together</strong></p> <p>Either consciously or intuitively, good writers know all of this.</p> <p>An effective narrative works its magic, in part, by taking advantage of these, and other, predictable habits of thought. <a href="http://www.literarydevices.com/red-herring/">Red herrings</a>, for example, are a type of anchor that set false expectations – and can make twists seem more surprising.</p> <p>A major part of the pleasure of plot twists, too, comes not from the shock of surprise, but from looking back at the early bits of the narrative in light of the twist. The most satisfying surprises get their power from giving us a fresh, better way of making sense of the material that came before. This is another opportunity for stories to turn the curse of knowledge to their advantage.</p> <p>Remember that once we know the answer to a puzzle, its clues can seem more transparent than they really were. When we revisit early parts of the story in light of that knowledge, well-constructed clues take on new, satisfying significance.</p> <p>Consider <em><a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0167404/">The Sixth Sense</a></em>. After unleashing its big plot twist – that Bruce Willis’ character has, all along, been one of the “dead people” that only the child protagonist can see – it presents a flash reprisal of scenes that make new sense in light of the surprise. We now see, for instance, that his wife (in fact, his widow) did not snatch up the check at a restaurant before he could take it out of pique. Instead it was because, as far as she knew, she was dining alone.</p> <p>Even years after the film’s release, viewers take pleasure in this twist, <a href="https://www.bustle.com/articles/33625-the-sixth-sense-surprise-ending-is-obvious-if-you-pay-attention-to-these-6-clues">savoring the degree</a> to which it should be “obvious if you pay attention” to earlier parts the film.</p> <p><strong>The pluses and minuses of the spoiler</strong></p> <p>At the same time, studies show that even when people are <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/0749596X89900016">certain of an outcome</a>, they reliably experience suspense, surprise and emotion. Action sequences are still heart-pounding; jokes are still funny; and poignant moments can still make us cry.</p> <p>As UC San Diego researchers Jonathan Levitt and Nicholas Christenfeld have recently <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21841150">demonstrated</a>, spoilers don’t spoil. In many cases, <a href="https://theconversation.com/enough-with-the-spoiler-alerts-plot-spoilers-often-increase-enjoyment-62154">spoilers actively enhance enjoyment</a>.</p> <p>In fact, when a major turn in a narrative is truly unanticipated, it can have a catastrophic effect on enjoyment – as <a href="https://ftw.usatoday.com/2018/04/avengers-infinity-war-ending-reactions-twitter">many outraged</a> <em>Infinity War</em> viewers can testify.</p> <p>If you know the twist beforehand, the curse of knowledge has more time to work its magic. Early elements of the story will seem to presage the ending more clearly when you know what that ending is. This can make the work as a whole feel more coherent, unified and satisfying.</p> <p>Of course, anticipation is a delicious pleasure in its own right. Learning plot twists ahead of time can reduce that excitement, even if the foreknowledge doesn’t ruin your enjoyment of the story itself.</p> <p>Marketing experts know that what spoilers <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1057740815000467">do spoil</a> is the urgency of consumers’ desire to watch or read a story. People can even find themselves so sapped of interest and anticipation that they stay home, robbing themselves of the pleasure they would have had if they’d simply never learned of the outcome.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/95748/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: http://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/vera-tobin-469645">Vera Tobin</a>, Assistant Professor of Cognitive Science, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/case-western-reserve-university-1506">Case Western Reserve University</a></em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="http://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/the-science-of-the-plot-twist-how-writers-exploit-our-brains-95748">original article</a>.</em></p>

Books

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7 of Downton Abbey’s most iconic plot twists

<p><em>Downton Abbey</em> burst onto screens around the world in 2010, seducing audiences with its slick writing (courtesy of writer/creator Julian Fellowes), gorgeous period styling, and its acerbic wit. On top of all that, Fellowes kept us guessing with twists that left many gasping. Here are seven of the most iconic.</p> <p><strong>1. The post-coital death</strong></p> <p>What had seemed like a well-written and engrossing period drama kicked into another level in its third episode when Mary was seduced by the Turkish ambassador, Mr Pamuk. While the two are in bed, Pamuk suffers a fatal heart attack, and Mary is forced to enlist the help of Anna and her mother to move the body back to his room. This one event had ripples that were felt through both season one and two.</p> <p><strong>2. Miss O’Brien’s revenge</strong></p> <p>We spent three seasons despising Cora’s lady’s maid, Miss O’Brien – never more so than when, at the end of season one, she places a bar of soap on the floor of the bathroom, intending the currently pregnant Cora to slip. O’Brien did have a moment of redemption when she reconsidered her act, and tried to stop Cora from getting out of the bath, but it was too late. Cora slipped and miscarried, then O’Brien spent the rest of her time at Downton wracked with guilt.</p> <p><strong>3. The death of Mrs Bates</strong></p> <p>As the second season was drawing to a close, we watched dumbstruck as Mr Bates’ deceitful estranged wife, Vera, was found dead. Having seemingly killed herself with poison in a (successful) attempt to frame her husband for murder, Vera Bates managed to win her final, evil game.</p> <p><strong>4. Mr Bates is condemned</strong></p> <p>By the end of season two, Mr Bates was on trial for his life, and it wasn’t looking good. Audiences watched in horror as the jury got it wrong – convicting the beloved valet and sentencing him to death. To say the season ended on a down note is not inaccurate.</p> <p><strong>5. Downton’s sweetest daughter dies</strong></p> <p>Season three was rough on our emotions. Mary and Matthew finally tie the knot, poor Edith is left at the altar, and Tom and Cybil return from Ireland expecting a baby. Then, everything gets decidedly terrible when, after giving birth, Cybil dies of eclampsia. Audiences watched as Dr Clarkson was overruled in favour of medical advice from aristocratic fools. The very best of the Grantham daughters was gone, leaving behind a mourning husband and newborn baby girl.</p> <p><strong>6. Matthew’s final joy ride</strong></p> <p><em>Downton</em> fans were on top of the world at the end of season three’s Christmas special – Mary and Tom’s efforts to modernise the estate had saved Downton from financial ruin, and Mary had given birth to a son – Downton’s new heir. But, as a joyous Matthew drove home from the hospital, he flipped his car and died. Lady Mary, and Downton, was never the same.</p> <p><strong>7. Anna is raped</strong></p> <p>This episode sent shockwaves around the world when Anna, Lady Mary’s beloved lady’s maid was raped by the seemingly charming Mr Green – Lord Gillingham’s valet. The show, though focusing a little more than was necessary on Mr Bates’ perspective instead of Anna’s, did not let the incident become a minor plot point – the repercussions were felt widely throughout this and the next season. Joanne Froggatt (Anna) won a Golden Globe for the season, and <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com.au/entry/joanne-froggatt-golden-globe_n_6470146" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">dedicated the award to all survivors of sexual assault</span></strong></a> who had reached out to her since seeing the episode. <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com.au/entry/joanne-froggatt-golden-globe_n_6470146)"><br /></a></p> <p>Who was your favourite character in <em>Downton</em>? Let us know in the comments below.</p>

TV

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10 people arrested over suspected terror plot at Rio Olympics

<p>Brazilian police have reportedly arrested 10 people suspected of planning a terror attack during this year’s Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. Two more suspects are still on the run. All 10 suspects are of Brazilian nationality, but all have pledged their allegiance to the so-called Islamic State terror group on social media.</p> <p>Despite discussing the use of weapons and guerrilla warfare on the unsuspecting public, Justice Minister Alexandre de Moraes claims the group were “complete amateurs and ill-prepared”. “A few days ago they said they should start practicing martial arts, for example.”</p> <p>None of the accused have actually travelled to Syria or Iraq, where ISIL is based, but several had been attempting to secure funds for their planned attacks.</p> <p>The group was caught after one of the suspects emailed a store in Paraguay, trying to purchase an AK-47 assault rifle. The communication was intercepted by police, who seized computers and phones but no weapons.</p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/news/news/2016/06/zika-vaccine-tests-a-major-success/"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>Zika vaccine tests a major success</em></span></strong></a></p> <p><a href="/travel/travel-tips/2016/05/experts-warn-postpone-or-move-rio-olympics-to-prevent-zika-catastrophe/"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong>Postpone or move Rio Olympics to prevent Zika catastrophe, warn experts</strong></em></span></a></p> <p><a href="/news/news/2016/04/olympic-flame-officially-lit-for-rio-games/"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>Olympic flame officially lit for Rio games</em></span></strong></a></p>

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