Special Hell

Special Hell, going to special hell

Definition

The term "going to special hell" is used by fans across fandoms when they are a) giving in to a guilty pleasure or kink, or b) facing a moral dilemma.

It was coined in Firefly fandom and is taken directly from the Firefly episode Our Mrs. Reynolds, in which Mal Reynolds, captain of the Firefly, accidentally marries a shy but seductive red-head (who turns out to be a brilliant con-woman). In the episode, Firefly crew member Shepherd Book advices Mal to not take advantage of his young bride:

• "If you take sexual advantage of her, you're going to burn in a very special level of hell. A level they reserve for child molesters and people who talk at the theater. — Shepherd Book"

shortly afterwards, as Mal gives into Mrs Reynolds advances he remarks "Oh I am SO going to that Special Hell"

In Supernatural fandom the term is often used to indicate that the fan is ready to give in to their guilty pleasure - more often than not, writing or enjoying Wincest. The term "Special Hell" has almost replaced the often used "going to hell in a handbasket".