Stories and plays have entertained us for centuries. With a story comes characters. Fictional characters written on page, embodied by actors, but which our imaginations breathe life into. Because there is this intertwining or collaborative effort of a story between storyteller and audience, elements of the story may look a bit different for the two. Sure, the storyteller may have created a character but it is the audience member that gives the character life. And once an audience member gives a character life, they gain ownership to do with it as they please. Apparently.

It used to be that to see a dramatization of a story a person had to go to a specific place to view it. The theater was a public place outside the home. With the advent of television, a person could stay at home and watch a show. Then came the ability to record and rewatch. Over and over again if so desired without the inconvenience of leaving home. Over and over again favorite shows and scenes could be watched. Over and over until one-sided attachments develop.

Not to pull the I’m-so-old card but I’m so old that I remember a long time ago if you were not recording a show (because back then recording a show was typically reserved for missing that particular episode because occasionally you had a life to live) it made it tricky to rewatch favorite scenes. You would have to wait for a rerun (oh, the agony!). Or, if you missed the summer rerun because you were out doing summery things you had to wait for (gulp!) that episode to hit syndication. Yes, I am showing my accumulative years here but at one time, that really was the case.

Another scenario for recording a program was when the scheduling-powers-that-be flexed their evilness and scheduled two programs at the same time (why do bad things happen to good people?). Then a choice had to be made. Which one to watch (top tier) and which one to record (second tier)? At the time, my impatience of which one I wanted to see first governed my decision but if I did it now, I probably would reverse that. You know, in case there were moments or scenes I wanted to rewatch in my preferred show.

Now? Now those favorite scenes can be viewed on demand and the only delay is typing in a Google search for the scene to be viewed. For example, I can now watch the “he’s her lobster” scene from Friends any dang time I choose. Conversely, I can skip the whole “we were on a break!” episode if I choose not to watch it. And I choose that option always.

This ability to pick and choose favorite scenes has elevated a group of people called shippers to be able to fully display their level of fandom. Publicly, artistically, creatively, and yes, even creepily. To be clear, we are talking shippers, as if in, relation-shippers for anyone with the luxury of still living under a rock. Maybe shippers have always existed. Maybe there were Romeo and Juliette shippers back in the day that followed favorite actors around. Since there was no video capability, maybe the fans demanded actors to blurt out favorite lines on the spot. But now, video has made it possible for favorite scenes to be viewed without the actors even being present (which I am sure the actors are grateful for). Shippers can share their love for story-couples online and connect with others with the same interest around the world.

For the record, I find it a little weird. My opinion is odd I know but I just keep thinking of an actor’s family – namely spouse and kids – who also have access to all this display from shippers. That would be a tad offsetting. But I also think it would be weird to make a living by having a literal work spouse. I’m not saying I don’t enjoy a good fake relationship, I just think if it was me I would probably have a hard time with those blurred lines.

There is also the additional factor of when actors don’t actually like each other but play like they are a couple (looking at you Castle) on tv. Let’s just say, I am grateful I don’t work in a business where montages with my least favorite coworker can be found at will on the internet. Continuing that note, I am also thankful I don’t have to kiss any coworker.

I first stumbled upon shipper videos when I was watching Chuck (2007-2012). At first, I think I stumbled upon the fan videos because I was looking to see if I could find Chuck online somewhere. I had checked out the DVDs from the library and it was closed for the weekend but I wanted to watch the next episode. I found certain scenes and that led to fan videos of the couple. So many, many fan videos.

After watching a couple of videos I had two thoughts. One, that is cute. And two, there are some talented people out there making these videos. I used to work as a video editor and I know how tedious it is to sift through hours of footage for just a few seconds. Also, when I try making a video of weddings or such, mine get blocked because of copyright issues. Which led to question 2b, how come they can share so publicly? I still need to figure that last part out.

Since I first discovered how prevalent these videos are, I have looked up other tv couples. One of the things I like to do is to read the comments. No matter the couple there are always some of the same remarks. The top one seems to be: this is the most realistic couple. To which I respond, I sure hope not.

Any time a video happens to receive a dislike, it is always attributed to a character on the show that is perceived as the villain or antagonist. Those comments usually show up in the thread multiple times as if it is an original thought.

Also, apparently the songs Shut Up and Dance with Me and True Love have now become mandatory songs for tv couples. If there is a couple out in tv land that does not have one or both of these songs for a montage somebody better get on it. I mean, a tv couple has no status until Pink is singing over a highlight video.

These videos are just a branch of fan fiction. Another thing I didn’t realize was a thing until fairly recently. I mean, I’ve written fan fiction my whole life just inside my head and only to myself. But this is something a lot of people do and SHARE.

While I have not and will not watch all the fan videos out there I do have to congratulate all those content creators that do. There are some high quality videos being done that are quite entertaining. Some of them have made me want to watch or rewatch a series.

I need to find such a creative outlet in my life. But until then, I’ll just watch yours.