Retcon can do either--it can be for the sake of explaining a continuity error or just to expand the story in a certain direction (sometimes in ways that people feel are screwing with canon). Retcon isn't defined by intention so much as act; it's when a writer inserts something into a canon's past that wasn't an explicit part of that past to begin with.
So that's my dream. That and some stuff about cigars and a tunnel.
Faith ,'Get It Done'
Firefly 4: Also, we can kill you with our brains
Discussion of the Mutant Enemy series, Firefly, the ensuing movie Serenity, and other projects in that universe. Like the other show threads, anything broadcast in the US is fine; spoilers are verboten and will be deleted if found.
Mr. Broom - Oct 09, 2005 8:32:46 am PDT #6133 of 10001
"When I look at people that I would like to feel have been a mentor or an inspiring kind of archetype of what I'd love to see my career eventually be mentioned as a footnote for in the same paragraph, it would be, like, Bowie." ~Trent Reznor
Kate P. - Oct 09, 2005 8:44:04 am PDT #6134 of 10001
That's the pain / That cuts a straight line down through the heart / We call it love
Retcon isn't defined by intention so much as act; it's when a writer inserts something into a canon's past that wasn't an explicit part of that past to begin with.
Ah, that makes sense (it's "retroactive continuity", after all). Thanks.
DebetEsse - Oct 09, 2005 9:03:43 am PDT #6135 of 10001
Woe to the fucking wicked.
And for the exam, define the following:
They jossed my fanwank with their retcon, but it seemed pretty fanwank-y to me.
You have 30 minutes. Keep your eyes on your papers and bring them to the front when you're done.
Polter-Cow - Oct 09, 2005 9:29:44 am PDT #6136 of 10001
What else besides ramen can you scoop? YOU CAN SCOOP THIS WORLD FROM DARKNESS!
But what do we do with our papers?
AnthonyDe - Oct 09, 2005 9:57:13 am PDT #6137 of 10001
A One that isn't cold, is scarcely A One at all.
Just saw this on another board about A History of Violence"
"Just back from the cinema.
Brilliant movie....all the ingredients are there....good actors.....engaging story...solid cinematography......domestic violence.....full frontal nudity......explicit cunnilingus....
Can't recommend it enough..
JB"
What an education this has been. If Inara had a shower scene and the Operative was played by The Rock, Serenity would be the number one movie in the country. Suddenly I'm at ease with how Serenity is performing. It sure didn't sell out.
Topic!Cindy - Oct 09, 2005 10:08:07 am PDT #6138 of 10001
What is even happening?
And for the exam, define the following:
They jossed my fanwank with their retcon, but it seemed pretty fanwank-y to me.
You have 30 minutes. Keep your eyes on your papers and bring them to the front when you're done.
In providing backstory after the fact (retcon), they (the writers) explained a previously seemingly inconsistent set of story elements in such a way that they negated (jossed) my more well thought-out explanation (fanwank), but the new canon seems to me to be largely inconsequential to the plot, because it is just the tying together of a bunch of previously aired story elements, in an attempt to cater to the fans in a somewhat manipulative fashion (fanwank-y).
Eddie - Oct 09, 2005 10:21:56 am PDT #6139 of 10001
Your tag here.
In providing backstory after the fact (retcon), they (the writers) explained a previously seemingly inconsistent set of story elements in such a way that they negated (jossed) my more well thought-out explanation (fanwank), but the new canon seems to me to be largely inconsequential to the plot, because it is just the tying together of a bunch of previously aired story elements, in an attempt to cater to the fans in a somewhat manuplulative fashion (fanwank-y).
Judges? 10 - 10 - 10!
Gris - Oct 09, 2005 10:44:50 am PDT #6140 of 10001
Hey. New board.
My answer:
In providing backstory after the fact (retcon), they (the writers) explained a previously seemingly inconsistent set of story elements in such a way that they negated (jossed) my more well thought-out explanation (fanwank), but the new canon seems to me to be largely inconsequential to the plot, because it is just the tying together of a bunch of previously aired story elements, in an attempt to cater to the fans in a somewhat manuplulative fashion (fanwank-y).
...what? I don't cheat!
Polter-Cow - Oct 09, 2005 10:48:18 am PDT #6141 of 10001
What else besides ramen can you scoop? YOU CAN SCOOP THIS WORLD FROM DARKNESS!
So neither you nor Cindy can spell "manipulative"? What a coincidence!
Narrator - Oct 09, 2005 10:52:30 am PDT #6142 of 10001
The evil is this way?
My answer:
In providing back-story after the fact (retcon), they (the writers) explained a previously seemingly inconsistent set of story elements in such a way that they negated (jossed) my more well thought-out explanation (fanwank), but the new canon seems to me to be largely inconsequential to the plot, because it is just the tying together of a bunch of previously aired story elements, in an attempt to cater to the fans in a somewhat manipulative fashion (fanwank-y).
(Yes, I have spell check. Why do you ask?)