Television is a funny thing, intentionally and unintentionally. We’ve all watched various programming over the years that has invoked multiple emotions in us, but rarely is confusion the one discussed the most. Ever sit and watch something and think, “Who would fall for this in real life?” —- and you wouldn’t be alone in that sentiment. The entertainment element of TV sometimes possesses an unrealistic wackiness that simply would not work in the real world in any capacity.
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Some behaviors, actions, or reactions are so head-scratching while tuning into a show where it’s fair to assume the writers even watch on in bewilderment. WhileTV programming has had its fair share of ridiculousnessover the years, it has proven to timelessly work to its advantage. As much weirdness television tends to throw at viewers, that cozy spot on the couch in front of the TV always looks intriguing.
The Miscommunication Trope
Miscommunication understandably happens in real life. No matter how much clarity a person can possess with their words or actions, someone may not get the memo. With that said, there is a big difference between miscommunication in real life and miscommunication on television. In an episode of the 1990s sitcomWill and Gracetitled “A Chorus Lie” colorful character Karen (Megan Mullally) passes her straight-laced friend Will (Eric McCormack) off as her gigolo lover.
As Karen’s friends implore more into his “services,” Will aloofly speaks of his wholesome business techniques. Even when the women make suggestive comments in conversation, Will stays under the impression that the topic at hand is strictly professional. If Will’s conversation occurred in real life, he would have more than likely paused the conversation to ask if he and the women were discussing the same thing. In the sitcom world, a character can have every hint that someone is not talking about the same things they are, but continue the charade either way.
The Disguise Trope
Ever notice in TV land that a character can put on a hat and fake mustache, and the whole world miraculously forgets it’s them? If a character is dodging a date, their parents, or a teacher, they find themselves in an unconvincing costume that seems to work. Raven Baxter (Raven Symone) of the showThat’s So Ravenwas the ultimate queen of wild disguises. Due to a disciplinary mark from her teacher in “Mother Dearest,” Raven is instructed to bring her parents to class with her the next day.
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Not wanting her parents to be disappointed in her, she takes the logical choice that anyone would in this situation and pretends to be her mother. The hilarious part of Raven’s disguised antics is she manages to lead both parties down a wild goose chase, convincing them of her concealed identity. If only we all had a wig and a dress during childhood to throw on to get out of trouble at school.
The Surviving The Impossible Trope
Cartoons over the years have been notorious for frankly outlandish situations. In today’s age, most cartoon violence has dwindled heavily, but there was a time some programming hadsheer insanity taking place. Most people born between the 1950s and the 2000s have seen an episode of the classic cartoonTom and Jerryand can attest to the absolute wildness of the show.
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Case in point: Tom paints a bomb to resemble a turkey to feed Jerry. Jerry then slices a piece of the “turkey” to eat, and he explodes in the process. Unharmed an hour later, Jerry is concocting his destructive revenge to inflict upon Tom. It’s a blessing that most kids realize cartoon shenanigans are simply just that, but it’s scary to think of if not.
The Animal Companion Trope
Explaining to someone that has never watched television thatanimals can go through life with human traitswould be confusing enough to have to do, so imagine convincing them that an animal can also own a pet.Disneyhas produced iconic characters throughout its incredible 98-year duration, but there are some things rarely brought up.
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Goofy is a talking dog who is a part of a crew with Mickey Mouse, yet Mickey owns a dog named Pluto who does not speak. It makes you wonder if there are different elements to being a dog inDisney’sworld.
The Dream Trope
Imagine a day filled with utter chaos and mayhem where the only solution is to change everything by waking up. Sounds pretty peaceful, right? A television trope that has stood the test of time is the dream sequence element, and boy, it is used often.
Most diehard viewers of any program deem this usage as lazy, for the character who has said dream in a show rewrites their past. Popular 2000s television showLosthad fans buzzing after the finale gave way to the idea that every prior episode was merely a dream of the afterlife, and each character was dead the entire time. Using a dream trope in television is understandably frustrating and groan-inducing for anyone watching a show, for it only leaves you with even more answers.
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