#12 - The Parallel Universe Of Alternate Endings

Its pretty common for someone to imagine multiple outcomes for a situation. When this happens in a fictional media form, we are often left with multiple endings. These may not have anything to do with each other and may result in entirely different situations.
At first its can be understood that one ending was chosen above another because it might have the most mass appeal, or may be the most likable outcome. But moving towards the acknowledgment of the alternate endings we begin to understand how things might have ended up if a single thing had changed.

At first the alternate ending may seem incredibly stupid or flawed, but with a closer look we can come to accept these alternates as parallel universes. When considering the multiple outcomes of a particular story, we must learn to accept that things may not always take the clearest path, and instead focus on what makes the story mean the most.
I know of plenty alternate endings that directors have chosen for their special cut that seem to go against the concept of the original ending. Is this because they changed their mind since the first release? or is it due to a shift in meaning? or is it simply how their chance to not work for the masses?

I guess my point is that even if you completely hate the alternate ending of something, make sure you understand its implications on the story, the characters, the theme, and the meaning before dismissing it as inferior garbage. Look at it as if it were a parallel universe in which the smallest change creates a brand new series of event that take place beyond our final involvement. This understanding should not reinforce the concept of fiction, but instead should help you contemplate the ending as if it were a real event based on the minute details of simple choices. These alternate endings allow us an opportunity to watch existence spin into an ever expanding spiral of outcomes.

I hope for a day when media creators can generate an entire series of alternate endings. I'm not asking for a wealth of poorly crafted sequels, but a solid work of finite pieces that illustrate the impact that minor changes can have on our existence. And i don't just mean visual media. I would greatly like to read a book that had 5 different final chapters. Maybe sealed with a sticker or something, so that the mystery stays intact and it adds our own choice to the complex world of the fictional choices that the characters face.

Its time we experimented with the concept of endings as a function of quantum physics.