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"It's just a show, I should really just relax."

Line from the theme song of Mystery Science Theater 3000, which encourages the viewer to not worry about picayune details that are unnecessary to the enjoyment of the program. Sometimes referred to as Hodgson's Law, after Joel Hodgson, MST3K creator.

Like Bellisario's Maxim, it is employed in fan communities to ridicule or short-circuit all manner of Fan Wanky arguments.

The full quote, used more rarely, is this: "If you're wondering how he [Joel/Mike] eats and breathes / And other science facts / Then repeat to yourself 'It's just a show, / I should really just relax.'" "Lalala"s optional.

Amusingly enough, the show did later provide an explanation for these, making reference to the equipment that creates the air, huge boxes of food (including "Hamdingers" which nobody liked, allowing it to conceal the ship's escape-pod), and the Umbilicus, a space-elevator style hookup via which the Mads deliver things physically to the satellite.

Take three deep breaths and recite before making a Justifying Edit.

TV scribe Michael Reaves simplifies the sentiment even further: "It's only television."

This concept is also used in Shakespeare's Midsummer Night's Dream, which makes it Older Than Steam: Puck's final speech, which starts "If we shadows have offended / Think but this and all is mended..." can be condensed into "'Tis but a play / I'faith, I should really just relax."

In general, this applies to many philosophies, including the mantra of popular events, one being "It's just a week in the desert."

Or A Wizard Did It.

See also Rule Of Cool (or Rule Of Funny).

TWANNG!