Letter: Watch out for the plot spoiler

WHAT ON earth does film critic David Thomson take his readers for ("Film Studies", Culture, 6 December)? I agree with him about the excellence of NYPD Blue and have been on board now for the last five years. In all this time I have not had my enjoyment compromised by any plot leaks - until now. In his opening line about the series due to show here next year he clumsily reveals a fact of huge significance.

It gets worse. Stating that he does not want to spoil these episodes for British fans he then tries to hint at what happens at the end of the series while laying the plot clearly and widely open.

Thanks to David Thomson's column I now know exactly what happens. When I was young there were children in my street who would tell you the ending of a new film within minutes of returning home from the cinema.

Come on, Mr Thomson, your tea's ready.

DR P M BARROW

Newcastle-upon-Tyne