Ep 10. !

Explained is a documentary series on Netflix that explores some of the most interesting topics in the world, from the mysteries of the human brain to the secrets of the stock market. In season 1 episode 10, titled "!", the show takes a look at the fascinating world of punctuation and grammar.

The episode opens with a brief history of punctuation, beginning with the ancient Greeks, who used dots and lines to separate words in their texts. From there, the show moves on to the development of the modern punctuation system, which was largely created by a group of English Renaissance writers in the 16th and 17th centuries.

The episode then delves into the importance of punctuation in modern communication, arguing that it is an essential tool that helps us convey meaning, tone, and intent in our written words. We see examples of how the use (or misuse) of punctuation can drastically alter the meaning of a sentence, and we hear from experts who explain the nuances of using punctuation to express emotion, authority, and irony.

The show also explores how punctuation has evolved in the digital age, with the rise of emojis, hashtags, and other symbols that have become a part of the online lexicon. We hear from linguists and sociologists who discuss how these new forms of punctuation are changing the way we communicate, and what they might mean for the future of language.

Perhaps most interestingly, the episode looks at the role of punctuation in literature, both as a tool for writers and as a subject for analysis. We hear from authors who discuss how they use punctuation to create mood, rhythm, and suspense in their writing, and from scholars who examine the ways in which punctuation can reveal a writer's style, voice, and mindset.

Throughout the episode, there are also fun and quirky segments that illustrate the importance of punctuation in our everyday lives. For example, we see the hilarious differences between two news headlines that use different punctuation ("Man goes to bed with ironing board" vs. "Man goes to bed with Ironing Board"), and we witness the confusion that can arise from poorly written signs and instructions.

Overall, Explained season 1 episode 10 is a fascinating and entertaining deep dive into the world of punctuation. Whether you're a grammar nerd or just someone who's curious about the mysteries of language, this episode is sure to inform and delight.