Fourth wall

The fourth wall is the wall between the audience and the players in a work of fiction (so called because a stage or screen generally appear to take place in a setting with three walls; back and two sides, with the audience positioned to view from a fourth side).

"Breaking the fourth wall" refers to any action or interaction that removes that barrier, such as characters consciously addressing the audience as an audience or responding the comments of the viewers/readers.

Shadow Unit fans tend to hit their heads on the fourth wall a lot, as they're aware of the details of the story that take place in the episodes but also interact with the characters as people through their journals. Fans have also arranged dinner dates with characters, sent them presents, and received items, such a shoggoth, from members of the team.

The characters, the Powers That Be have assured us, will not break the fourth wall and do not see posts or comments that would violate their awareness of Shadow Unit as a work of fiction or the fans' knowledge base.