All Questions
74,097
questions
93
votes
4
answers
14k
views
Why didn't Harry Potter play as the king?
If I was going to play a game of chess where I had to take the place of one of the pieces, the logical choice would be the one piece that must be protected at all costs: the king.
By having Ron, ...
- 1,166
93
votes
5
answers
61k
views
Why was Newt Scamander's name on the Marauder's Map when Fred and George gave it to Harry?
Fred and George gave the map to Harry because his needs were greater than theirs. When he was just closing the map (mischief managed), Newt Scamander's name was there.
According to the timelines, ...
- 861
93
votes
2
answers
8k
views
Was there ever any actual Spaceballs merchandise?
One of the running gags throughout the film Spaceballs (1987) is a meta-commentary that the primary purpose of the film is to promote the sale of film-related merchandise. In fact, several of the ...
- 18.9k
92
votes
13
answers
18k
views
Are there any programmers in Star Trek?
Star Trek, for being a show about the distant future and extraordinarily high-tech equipment, sure seems to be lacking a lot of computer programmers.
With technology as complex as it is, where are ...
- 24.2k
92
votes
3
answers
14k
views
Where is Hill Valley?
Many BTTF fans know that Marty, Doc and Jennifer arrive in Hill Valley on October 21st 2015, and were eagerly awaiting that date.
As outlined in this question, they arrive at 4:29PM. However, the ...
- 69.1k
92
votes
3
answers
18k
views
Why didn’t EVE recognize the little cockroach as a living organism?
Why didn’t EVE recognize the little cockroach as a living organism just like the plant? The cockroach possesses all characteristics sustainable in life as the plant with the exception of reproduction, ...
- 707
92
votes
13
answers
79k
views
Why didn't the Dursleys gladly ship Harry off to Hogwarts?
Uncle Vernon, still ashen-faced but looking very angry, moved into the firelight.
‘He’s not going [to Hogwarts],’ he said.
Hagrid grunted. ‘I’d like ter see a great Muggle like you stop him,’ he said.
...
- 164k
92
votes
4
answers
36k
views
Why was Hermione always late when she used the Time Turner?
There are multiple scenes in the PoA movie where Harry and Ron are startled by Hermione "appearing from nowhere" to chime in during a lesson. They would ask her where she came from, and she never gave ...
- 10.9k
92
votes
2
answers
13k
views
Why does Prof. Farnsworth run Planet Express?
The Professor is clearly a physicist and inventor. Is it ever shown why he is running a small scale shipping company with only a handful of employees, instead of (for example) working in a government ...
- 1,829
92
votes
8
answers
89k
views
Which are the Two Towers in The Lord of the Rings?
I always wondered which are the two towers that are referred to in The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers. My memory is a bit hazy right now but there are at least 5 Towers that are mentioned in the ...
- 2,235
91
votes
17
answers
79k
views
Why isn't Captain America worthy of Mjolnir?
I haven't see the movie yet, but in the trailer, we can see Cap trying to lift Mjolnir in the humorous scene where every Avenger gives it a try.
Mjolnir even moves just a tiny bit and at this very ...
- 11.2k
91
votes
2
answers
76k
views
Why was the identity of the Half-Blood Prince important to the story?
Severus Snape was half-blood (as his father was a Muggle).
The entire plot of the sixth year revolves around the Half-Blood Prince. My question is: why was this relevant to the plot?
- 1,125
91
votes
9
answers
38k
views
In the Avengers movie, why is Hulk's behaviour inconsistent?
In the Avengers movie, when
Why is that?
The only thing I could think of is that it has been many days (a year?) since the Hulk had gotten angry, so he couldn't control himself.
But that's ...
- 1,133
91
votes
6
answers
254k
views
Is there a hidden significance behind the fact Galadriel gave 3 hairs to Gimli instead of one?
I just saw an interesting interpretation of Galadriel's gift to Gimli on Reddit today, I retraced the source of the image to this tumblr post:
If you’ve read the Silmarillion, you know who Fëanor was....
- 95.7k
91
votes
7
answers
362k
views
In what order should Tolkien's writings on Middle-earth be read?
I've already read The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, which I assume would be the best start in any case. I also got about halfway through The Silmarillion several years ago and am quite familiar ...
- 7,515
91
votes
15
answers
109k
views
Why did Anakin lose against Obi-Wan in "Episode 3 - Revenge of the Sith"?
In the climactic scene, where Obi-Wan and Anakin are dueling with their light-sabres across a wide range of platforms (moving rafts, on precarious ledges etc) without the slightest awkwardness - why ...
- 2,817
91
votes
2
answers
9k
views
In which episodes did the Enterprise boldly go where no one had gone before?
In the opening titles to Star Trek: The Next Generation episodes, the voice-over states that the Enterprise has a continuing mission to
"...boldly go where no one has gone before".
I am currently ...
- 790
91
votes
1
answer
11k
views
Is this Beverly Crusher?
I stumbled across this screenshot which apparently comes from the Star Trek: The Next Generation episode 'Suspicions':
It was described as Beverly Crusher, but the more I look at it, the more ...
- 1,241
91
votes
4
answers
19k
views
What was Sauron's plan for a Middle-earth conquered and ruled by him?
I have watched only the movies, but this question is about Sauron in the books.
Sauron is said to be an aggressor who wants to conquer Middle-Earth and bring all the people living in it under his ...
- 48.3k
91
votes
2
answers
45k
views
Why was the Black Pearl so special?
In the movie Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, the Black Pearl was able to easily beat the speed and firepower of the HMS Interceptor, which was the fastest warship in the ...
- 116k
90
votes
25
answers
48k
views
Why do the lightsaber moves of Luke Skywalker look so uncoordinated and crude compared to the prequels?
In the prequel trilogy of Star Wars (the more recent three), the swordsmanship of the actors is very coordinated and fast. There's lots of aerobatics and fast swordplay; generally impressive (albeit ...
- 869
90
votes
12
answers
46k
views
If the Galactic Empire had over 25,000 Star Destroyers, why were only 27 at the Battle of Endor?
At the height of its power, the Galactic Empire operated over 25,000 Imperial class Star Destroyers. Only 27 of them participated in the Battle of Endor.
Why were so few at the battle?
Scene where ...
- 38.5k
90
votes
14
answers
108k
views
Why couldn't Harry or anybody else see Peter Pettigrew aka Scabbers on the Marauder's Map when Lupin could?
Fred and George stumbled upon the Marauder's map in their first year. They passed it on to Harry while in their fifth year. Also note that, while talking to Harry on the train, Ron described Scabbers ...
- 1,009
90
votes
14
answers
79k
views
Are orcs and goblins really the same thing?
Are orcs and goblins really the same in The Hobbit and LotR, and where does it say that? Are they variant sub-races or something, explaining the different physical attributes? Or is my assumption they ...
- 1,378
90
votes
7
answers
28k
views
Why specifically was Obi-Wan Kenobi the "only hope" of Princess Leia?
I know that there is a sort of similar question about how Princess Leia knew about Obi-Wan here, but I'm curious as to why and how Princess Leia thought an aging Obi-Wan Kenobi would be of any help to ...
- 1,531
90
votes
3
answers
32k
views
Why is Cersei commonly referred to as "Cersei Lannister" instead of "Cersei Baratheon"?
I've watched the first two seasons of the TV series, and I'm in the middle of the first book. While reading, I noticed that Catelyn is usually referred to by her married name:
Scarlet-tinged ...
- 1,217
90
votes
10
answers
21k
views
Was Voyager really significantly slower than the Enterprise-D?
In the Next Generation episode “Where No One Has Gone Before” the Enterprise is catapulted to another galaxy, roughly 2.7 million light years away. From that location Data says it will take just over ...
- 61.5k
90
votes
4
answers
17k
views
Who is the narrator of Star Wars?
Who is the official narrator of Star Wars? I.e., who is the one saying "A long long time ago, in a galaxy far far away?"
- 24.1k
90
votes
6
answers
48k
views
Why didn't Dumbledore realise that Moody had been replaced?
Throughout the books we are led to believe that Dumbledore is not only incredibly smart and powerful, but also very astute. He has a way of predicting what people will do and how they will react. He ...
- 909
90
votes
2
answers
7k
views
Did Philip K. Dick watch "Blade Runner" before his death?
Was Philip K. Dick able to watch a complete version of Blade Runner before his death or just unedited material?
The Blade Runner release date according to Wikipedia and IMDb was 25 June, 1982. Philip ...
- 2,000
90
votes
7
answers
21k
views
Why did the Fellowship not choose to pass the Misty Mountains further north or south?
At the Council of Elrond, it is known that:
Saruman is a traitor, thus it’s not possible for the Ring to pass through the gap of Rohan
Nobody has heard any news of Balin and Moria for a long time; ...
- 6,025
90
votes
5
answers
26k
views
Why does an X-Wing have this name when there is no "X" in the Aurebesh alphabet?
I was reading about Galactic Basic Standard, the standard language in Star-Wars. This lead me to the article about Aurebesh, the alphabet that is used to write it, and that is used all over the Star-...
- 95.7k
90
votes
12
answers
61k
views
Why doesn't Quark wear a headdress?
Through The Next Generation and Deep Space Nine, the majority of the Ferengi we see a wearing a headdress on the back of the head.
Quark though, on Deep Space Nine, does not ever seem to wear one, ...
- 61.5k
90
votes
1
answer
18k
views
From which Star Trek TNG episode/movie has this famous facepalm image been taken?
This Picard Facepalm image is very famous. You can find it in countless memes. Everyone keeps using it on social media. Even Fortune.com has used it.
It is so famous outside its dimension that when I ...
- 116k
89
votes
19
answers
119k
views
What is Hermione Granger's ethnicity?
In all of the Potter books, there appears to be only one reference to Hermione's skin colour:
They were there, both of them, sitting outside Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream Parlor — Ron looking ...
- 677k
89
votes
8
answers
31k
views
Why didn't Sauron guard Mount Doom?
This fact had always bugged me. When Frodo finally goes to the Cracks of Doom he is met with practically no resistance. This seems uncharacteristic of Sauron which in my humble opinion makes it a tiny ...
- 2,235
89
votes
6
answers
25k
views
Harry Potter: Why 7?
While rereading the entire Harry Potter series I noticed that the number 7 occurs quite often, for instance:
Seven books
Seven Horcruxes planned by Tom Riddle
Seven Weasley kids
Seven years at ...
- 1,179
89
votes
18
answers
55k
views
Why does Darth Vader stop Boba Fett from shooting Chewie in The Empire Strikes Back?
In The Empire Strikes Back, when Han is about to get frozen in carbonite, Chewie starts to freak out and throws some Stormtroopers off of the platform.
The camera cuts to a shot of Boba Fett lifting ...
89
votes
6
answers
35k
views
Does Deadpool know he is breaking the 4th wall?
I've heard some conflicting information as to why Deadpool breaks the 4th wall, especially regarding whether it's deliberate or not.
One side I've heard:
Deadpool knows that he's in a Marvel comic ...
- 2,241
89
votes
3
answers
31k
views
Is there any proof that Jaime Lannister is actually a good swordsman?
From what I can tell of Jaime Lannister, he is a good swordsman, because he has fought numerous battles and lived to tell the tale.
What I can't find is any evidence of him beating anyone in a duel ...
- 15.2k
89
votes
9
answers
25k
views
How can Ron know that Voldemort was in Slytherin if nobody knows his real identity?
When Ron meets Harry on the Hogwarts Express in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, they have this conversation:
“What House are your brothers in?” asked Harry.
“Gryffindor,” said Ron. Gloom ...
- 2,060
89
votes
4
answers
29k
views
Why did Eddard Stark keep Catelyn in the dark?
In the Season 6 finale of Game of Thrones, we learn that
(Okay, to be fair, we don't 100% definitely know this, but it is incredibly heavily implied. So for the purposes of this question, I assume ...
- 5,194
89
votes
8
answers
51k
views
How does Cypher exit/enter the Matrix without an operator?
In The Matrix, Cypher enters the Matrix to speak with the Agents, then leaves again. We never see if he has an operator, and as he kills Tank and Dozer you might assume he doesn't have one.
If he ...
- 81.8k
89
votes
8
answers
44k
views
Why didn't James' love and sacrifice for Lily protect her?
We know that Harry survived Voldemort's killing curse because Lily loved him so much that she sacrificed herself in an attempt to protect him. This resulted in a very powerful charm that pretty much ...
- 8,851
89
votes
4
answers
42k
views
What happened to warp drives destroying the universe?
I remember a TNG episode where some scientists said that warp drives were causing a lot of damage to subspace. At the end of the episode Star Fleet decided that warp speeds would be restricted to warp ...
- 115k
89
votes
3
answers
30k
views
Did Voldemort actually curse the job of Defense Against Dark Arts professor after being denied the position?
So, everyone and their formidable Grandmother believes that DADA position at Hogwarts is cursed so that anyone taking it only lasts a year at most.
Some people who know more than others, might ...
- 341k
88
votes
3
answers
61k
views
Did J.K Rowling have the 'Tom Marvolo Riddle' anagram set up from the start?
In Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, I was fascinated by the scene where the words 'Tom Marvolo Riddle' change into 'I am Lord Voldemort' in the air.
I was wondering, did J.K. Rowling plan it ...
- 959
88
votes
4
answers
21k
views
Why Does Gandalf Think Rohan Should "Stand and Fight"?
In the Two Towers film adaptation (it has been about a decade since I read the book, so if there are differences, I'd like to know about them), Gandalf derisively sneers:
They flee to the mountains ...
- 1,847
88
votes
8
answers
182k
views
What is the true origin of the Orcs?
There are a bunch of theories about the true origin of the Orcs. Tolkien tried out a few different origins for his Orcs throughout his life but died before he could fully revise The Silmarillion with ...
- 1,209
87
votes
14
answers
19k
views
Since Voldemort knew that Dumbledore did not kill Grindelwald, why did he think that killing Snape was necessary for him to wield the Elder Wand?
We know that Voldemort knew that Grindelwald was not killed by Dumbledore, as he himself killed Grindelwald.
We also know that Voldemort knew that Dumbledore was the last person to wield the Elder ...
- 1,562