TV and film tropes have been used time and again throughout the years to tell stories. While some of these clichés are used for a good reason to invoke a sense of familiarity or to ground a scene within a certain genre, others have simply been overused to the point of being irritating.
We all love a good movie or TV show. In fact, many of us spend hours upon hours watching our favourite characters on the screen. However, there comes a time when we need to take a step back and analyse some of the more overused tropes that are constantly appearing in these productions. While some of these clichés can be used to good effect, others have simply been done to death.
Many of these tropes have been around for so long because they work well and provide a strong narrative foundation. However, that doesn’t mean that they can’t be improved upon.
You may not be able to spot them all, but these are some of the most popular ones we can’t help but notice. From ancient archetypes to those characters you just can’t seem to get enough of, let’s explore what makes a story trope so appealing!
14 examples of overused TV and film tropes
1 Deus ex Machina
Deus ex Machina aka hand of god, is a film and TV trope that refers to a sudden, unexpected intervention that solves a seemingly impossible problem. While this technique can be used effectively in certain situations, it’s often overused to the point where it becomes irritating. Viewers are left feeling frustrated and cheated when the plot is resolved in this way.
There are many reasons why Deus ex Machina is used so often. For one, it’s an easy way to resolve a conflict. Additionally, it allows the filmmaker to avoid making difficult plot decisions. By introducing a new character or event that resolves the problem, the writer can avoid making any tough calls.
2. The Hero’s Journey
The Hero’s Journey is another well-known storytelling trope that has been used in films and TV shows for years. The basic premise is that the main character goes on a journey, experiences various challenges and obstacles, and eventually succeeds in reaching their goal.
This trope forms the basis of many films and TV often resulting in a predictable and clichéd story. Additionally, the journey itself can often be quite formulaic. The protagonist typically encounters a series of challenges that they must overcome in order to reach their goal. Unless these challenges include amazing world-building, new challenges and stunning visuals, this story may become repetitive and uninteresting for viewers.
3. The Villain’s Plan
The Villain’s Plan is another trope that has been used time and again throughout the years. This refers to the villain’s elaborate scheme that is designed to achieve world domination or some other nefarious goal.
The Villain’s Plan is a popular trope for a number of reasons. Firstly, it provides a clear goal for the villain to pursue. Additionally, it helps to establish the villain as a credible threat and makes for an interesting plot. However, like many other TV and film clichés, The Villain’s Plan has been overused to the point of being tiresome.
4. The MacGuffin
The MacGuffin refers to an object or event that is used to drive the story forward. While the MacGuffin can be effective in certain situations, it often serves no real inherent importance.
One of the main reasons why the MacGuffin is used so often is because it’s an easy way to introduce conflict and provide motivation for the characters. By introducing an object or event that the characters are fighting for, the writer can create tension and drama.
5. The Mad Scientist
The Mad Scientist trope refers to the scientist who is obsessed with their work and has gone mad with power.
The Mad Scientist is a popular trope because it provides an interesting plotline. The scientist is typically someone who is out of control and poses a threat to the characters and society as a whole. Additionally, the Mad Scientist allows the writer to explore the theme of science gone wrong.
6. The Love Triangle
The Love Triangle refers to the romantic relationship between three people. Two of the three are competing against each other for the affections of the third.
The Love Triangle is a clichéd plotline that is often used to drive drama and conflict. The love triangle can be difficult to resolve satisfactorily as often, one of the characters ends up getting hurt in the end.
7. The Mystery Box
The Mystery Box trope is often used in TV and films with season-long story arcs. This device is often used to create suspense or to hint at a possible twist or reveal and to manipulate emotions, such as fear or surprise. Star Trek Discovery and Doctor Who has often been accused of overusing this trope.
There is nothing more frustrating than having a Mystery Box at the beginning of a season only to have it be something ridiculous. In Series 12 of Doctor Who we were presented with a Mystery Box that ended up retconning the Doctor’s whole backstory. Having waited for 11 episodes to get to the mystery, the reveal was quite unsatisfying.
8. The Third act misunderstanding
The Third act misunderstanding refers to the moment in the story when the characters misunderstand each other and have a falling out.
Of all the cliches, this is the one that bugs me the most and is often used in romcoms and TV dramas. Often you can see the misunderstanding coming from a mile away because a character hesitates in explaining themselves and the other walks off in a huff. It’s used to drive drama and conflict but is often written in such a way, the viewer ends up screaming at the TV.
9. The Evil Overlord
The Evil Overlord trope refers to the villain who has a lot of power or money or both and has a sinister plan to take over the world.
The Evil Overlord is a popular trope because it provides an interesting plotline. The villain is typically someone who is out of control and poses a threat to the characters and society as a whole. Pitted against the Hero the Evil Overlord allows the writer to explore the theme of good triumphing over evil.
10. The Macho Man
The Macho trope refers to the man who is always in control and is not afraid to show his dominance. The macho man is typically someone who is insensitive, and uses cliched phrases like “grow a pair” and “boys don’t cry”. When used wisely the Macho Man can give writers the opportunity to explore the theme of toxic masculinity.
11. The Damsel in Distress
The Damsel in Distress refers to the woman who is in need of help and is often kidnapped or in danger forcing the hero or other characters to save her.
The Damsel in Distress is a clichéd plotline intended to provide drama and conflict however, in the age of butt-kicking women like Xena: Warrior Princess, Batwoman and Supergirl and so many others, it’s often fun to see women saving men.
12. The Femme Fatale
The Femme Fatale is a popular trope that refers to the woman who is seductive and dangerous. The femme fatale is a popular trope because it provides an interesting plotline. The woman is typically someone who is a villain seductress out to bring down the hero.
13. Flashbacks
Flashbacks are another commonly used TV and film trope. While flashbacks can be used effectively to provide additional context or deepen character development, they are often overused in order to artificially lengthen a story or to create suspense. I could be biased in thinking that This is Us is a fine example of using flashbacks to perfection.
14. Stereotypes
Finally, one of the most irritating TV and film tropes is the use of stereotypes. Stereotypes are often used to make a character or scene more relatable, but they can also be damaging and offensive. In addition, many TV shows and films rely too heavily on formulaic plots. These plots often feel tired and stale, and they can be difficult to follow.
So, what can be done to address these issues? Well, it’s ultimately up to the filmmakers and TV showrunners to start being more mindful of the tropes they are using and to make an effort to avoid relying on them too much. Audiences are also responsible for holding these creators accountable. If you don’t like the way a show is being written, let them know! But be nice about it. You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar!
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