| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
type |
TVTItem |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
label |
Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
page |
OverusedSciFiPlotDevices |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
comment |
The Grand List of Overused Science Fiction Clichés: |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
fetched |
2024-02-27T06:31:02Z |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
parsed |
2024-02-27T06:31:02Z |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
processingComment |
Dropped link to JustInTime: Not a Feature - IGNORE |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
processingComment |
Dropped link to RoboticReveal: Not a Feature - ITEM |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
isPartOf |
DBTropes |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_1161fb48 |
type |
Bizarre Alien Biology |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_1161fb48 |
comment |
A problem involving an alien is resolved in a manner dependent on the unusual and heretofore-unknown location of the alien's reproductive organs. |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_1161fb48 |
featureApplicability |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_1161fb48 |
featureConfidence |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
hasFeature |
Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_1161fb48 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_116a941b |
type |
Applied Phlebotinum |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_116a941b |
comment |
Ignoring the so-called "Limelight Effect" which is supposed to keep too many time travellers away from historical events that don't plausibly allow for their presence. ("Doctor Livingston, I presume... and who are your friends?"). Such occurrences are always somehow kept out of official chronicling of the event via Applied Phlebotinum or some sort of variation on I Was Never Here. |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_116a941b |
featureApplicability |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_116a941b |
featureConfidence |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
hasFeature |
Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_116a941b |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_1c9537cd |
type |
The Main Characters Do Everything |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_1c9537cd |
comment |
Away teams going on dangerous missions are comprised of irreplaceable members of the ship's crew, such as the captain, medical chief, chief engineer, etc. Expendable flunkies are left behind to mind the store. |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_1c9537cd |
featureApplicability |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_1c9537cd |
featureConfidence |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
hasFeature |
Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_1c9537cd |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_1e580ede |
type |
Fan of the Past |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_1e580ede |
comment |
The characters in the distant future are interested in the period of Earth history during which the story was written. |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_1e580ede |
featureApplicability |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_1e580ede |
featureConfidence |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
hasFeature |
Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_1e580ede |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_1e95dd12 |
type |
Adam and Eve Plot |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_1e95dd12 |
comment |
The man and woman who flee from a doomed civilization and start rebuilding on the third planet of a medium-sized yellow star are named Adam and Eve. |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_1e95dd12 |
featureApplicability |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_1e95dd12 |
featureConfidence |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
hasFeature |
Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_1e95dd12 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_1f799027 |
type |
Obstructive Bureaucrat |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_1f799027 |
comment |
Discussions, ending with a joke, about how bureaucracies are the same everywhere in the galaxy. |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_1f799027 |
featureApplicability |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_1f799027 |
featureConfidence |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
hasFeature |
Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_1f799027 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_1fe5e35b |
type |
A Little Something We Call "Rock and Roll" |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_1fe5e35b |
comment |
The time traveller helps the future society mellow out by introducing music from his period. |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_1fe5e35b |
featureApplicability |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_1fe5e35b |
featureConfidence |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
hasFeature |
Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_1fe5e35b |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_20e6a6e7 |
type |
It Only Works Once |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_20e6a6e7 |
comment |
The time-traveler gets only one chance to change the past or the future, instead of repeating the trip as many times as necessary. |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_20e6a6e7 |
featureApplicability |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_20e6a6e7 |
featureConfidence |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
hasFeature |
Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_20e6a6e7 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_234073a4 |
type |
Your Mind Makes It Real |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_234073a4 |
comment |
When a player gets "killed" in a virtual reality simulation, they also die in real life. |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_234073a4 |
featureApplicability |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_234073a4 |
featureConfidence |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
hasFeature |
Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_234073a4 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_25774afa |
type |
Generation Ships |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_25774afa |
comment |
Onboard Generation Ships where the inhabitants have completely forgotten that they are on a spaceship, the first major problem that threatens the entire ship somehow never surfaces until centuries into their voyage. |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_25774afa |
featureApplicability |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_25774afa |
featureConfidence |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
hasFeature |
Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_25774afa |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_26d0fa3b |
type |
Hot Skitty-on-Wailord Action |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_26d0fa3b |
comment |
Persons of different species interbreed without difficulty. |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_26d0fa3b |
featureApplicability |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_26d0fa3b |
featureConfidence |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
hasFeature |
Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_26d0fa3b |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_2835de61 |
type |
Evil Power Vacuum |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_2835de61 |
comment |
When the Evil Overlord dies, none of his surviving henchmen move into the power vacuum; instead, his empire collapses. |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_2835de61 |
featureApplicability |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_2835de61 |
featureConfidence |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
hasFeature |
Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_2835de61 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_352def2a |
type |
Burn the Witch! |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_352def2a |
comment |
Telepaths are regarded as witches or lunatics, and are dealt with accordingly. |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_352def2a |
featureApplicability |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_352def2a |
featureConfidence |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
hasFeature |
Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_352def2a |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_366dfa01 |
type |
Silly Reason for War |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_366dfa01 |
comment |
A war gets started over a stupid misunderstanding between two sides that otherwise have no reason to fight, and no effort is made to resolve the crisis diplomatically. |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_366dfa01 |
featureApplicability |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_366dfa01 |
featureConfidence |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
hasFeature |
Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_366dfa01 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_41d9aaef |
type |
Brainwashed |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_41d9aaef |
comment |
The crewmember who is brainwashed or otherwise subverted into sabotaging/betraying the ship is allowed to return to duty, with no concerns that they remain a security risk. |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_41d9aaef |
featureApplicability |
-0.3 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_41d9aaef |
featureConfidence |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
hasFeature |
Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_41d9aaef |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_457655dd |
type |
Human Popsicle |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_457655dd |
comment |
Cryogenically frozen people are never thawed on schedule. They are either revived way, way too early or way, way afterwards. |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_457655dd |
featureApplicability |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_457655dd |
featureConfidence |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
hasFeature |
Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_457655dd |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_45a177f1 |
type |
Touched by Vorlons |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_45a177f1 |
comment |
A person's physical impairments vanish when they are possessed by the Alien Entity. |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_45a177f1 |
featureApplicability |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_45a177f1 |
featureConfidence |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
hasFeature |
Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_45a177f1 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_45cec696 |
type |
God Guise |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_45cec696 |
comment |
Explorers are greeted as gods by the natives, who cling to this belief in spite of everything the explorers do and say. |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_45cec696 |
featureApplicability |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_45cec696 |
featureConfidence |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
hasFeature |
Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_45cec696 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_4c8e8078 |
type |
All of the Other Reindeer |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_4c8e8078 |
comment |
Any class of people having superpowers will be persecuted by normal humanity. |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_4c8e8078 |
featureApplicability |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_4c8e8078 |
featureConfidence |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
hasFeature |
Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_4c8e8078 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_4d070ee3 |
type |
Power Perversion Potential |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_4d070ee3 |
comment |
Telepaths use their power to achieve a heightened sexual experience. |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_4d070ee3 |
featureApplicability |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_4d070ee3 |
featureConfidence |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
hasFeature |
Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_4d070ee3 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_5028baf2 |
type |
What Is This Thing You Call "Love"? |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_5028baf2 |
comment |
The aliens' plan to exterminate the human race is stopped at the last moment when they notice a human exhibiting some virtue, such as love, humor, etc. |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_5028baf2 |
featureApplicability |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_5028baf2 |
featureConfidence |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
hasFeature |
Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_5028baf2 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_55ec42d7 |
type |
Ye Olde Butcherede Englishe |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_55ec42d7 |
comment |
Unlike in reality, the English spoken by natives during the European Middle Ages is completely understandable to modern time travellers. It is typically nothing more than modern UK received pronunciation or cockney accents laced with liberal Thees and Thous. |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_55ec42d7 |
featureApplicability |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_55ec42d7 |
featureConfidence |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
hasFeature |
Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_55ec42d7 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_57b80b45 |
type |
Fantastic Racism |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_57b80b45 |
comment |
Low-brow white male human bar patron of the future spouts bigoted remarks that wouldn't be tolerated today, while protagonists look on in silent dismay at the "dark side" of the human race. |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_57b80b45 |
featureApplicability |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_57b80b45 |
featureConfidence |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
hasFeature |
Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_57b80b45 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_59f0de2a |
type |
Not Himself |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_59f0de2a |
comment |
A crewmember has a radical change of personality, but the few people who notice don't seem particularly bothered by it. |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_59f0de2a |
featureApplicability |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_59f0de2a |
featureConfidence |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
hasFeature |
Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_59f0de2a |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_5bad2ab4 |
type |
Military Maverick |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_5bad2ab4 |
comment |
A fighter pilot, upon destroying an alien vessel, yells "yeeeeeeee-haaaaaaa!" |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_5bad2ab4 |
featureApplicability |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_5bad2ab4 |
featureConfidence |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
hasFeature |
Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_5bad2ab4 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_5bdcc85a |
type |
Disney Villain Death |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_5bdcc85a |
comment |
The death of the Bad Guy involves a long fall. |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_5bdcc85a |
featureApplicability |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_5bdcc85a |
featureConfidence |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
hasFeature |
Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_5bdcc85a |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_5e544ae6 |
type |
We Come in Peace — Shoot to Kill |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_5e544ae6 |
comment |
The Kindly Benevolent Aliens are neither. |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_5e544ae6 |
featureApplicability |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_5e544ae6 |
featureConfidence |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
hasFeature |
Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_5e544ae6 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_627f7c90 |
type |
Genghis Gambit |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_627f7c90 |
comment |
The alien threat was just a hoax to unite humanity. |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_627f7c90 |
featureApplicability |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_627f7c90 |
featureConfidence |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
hasFeature |
Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_627f7c90 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_6369571f |
type |
Never the Selves Shall Meet |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_6369571f |
comment |
Meeting yourself in the past is always considered "A Very Bad Thing." Rationale will vary though, with a 75% chance of invoking one of the Laws of Thermodynamics. For works after 1991, there is a 50% chance of "the butterfly effect" and/or "chaos theory" being the rationale. |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_6369571f |
featureApplicability |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_6369571f |
featureConfidence |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
hasFeature |
Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_6369571f |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_6454966e |
type |
World War III |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_6454966e |
comment |
World War III was/will be a historical fact. |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_6454966e |
featureApplicability |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_6454966e |
featureConfidence |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
hasFeature |
Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_6454966e |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_6ca5a8c2 |
type |
Master Computer |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_6ca5a8c2 |
comment |
When the Heroes destroy the computer that runs an entire society, it's considered a good thing for the members of that society. |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_6ca5a8c2 |
featureApplicability |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_6ca5a8c2 |
featureConfidence |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
hasFeature |
Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_6ca5a8c2 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_6d56cebf |
type |
Chess Motifs |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_6d56cebf |
comment |
The episode ends with the two arch-enemies playing a game of chess. |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_6d56cebf |
featureApplicability |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_6d56cebf |
featureConfidence |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
hasFeature |
Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_6d56cebf |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_6dbf171 |
type |
Fake King |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_6dbf171 |
comment |
The head of Terran government is a disguised Bad Guy or is under direct control of the Bad Guys. |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_6dbf171 |
featureApplicability |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_6dbf171 |
featureConfidence |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
hasFeature |
Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_6dbf171 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_6e27397 |
type |
Missed Him by That Much |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_6e27397 |
comment |
The ability to visit Biblical events or real life religious figures such as Jesus, Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha), or Mohammed is restricted to alien time travellers only. And these visits can only happen offscreennote to avoid offending any audience members, so humans will just have to take their word for it. In fact, humans who do attempt, for example, to visit Jerusalem during the hypothetical period of 30-33 AD will always somehow either get it wrong or keep missing him by that much. |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_6e27397 |
featureApplicability |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_6e27397 |
featureConfidence |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
hasFeature |
Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_6e27397 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_7241785e |
type |
You Can't Fight Fate |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_7241785e |
comment |
Time travellers go back in time to prevent some Bad Thing from happening and in the process actually cause the Bad Thing to happen. |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_7241785e |
featureApplicability |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_7241785e |
featureConfidence |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
hasFeature |
Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_7241785e |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_7276d0de |
type |
Mugging the Monster |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_7276d0de |
comment |
Malignant aliens land in densely-populated regions, and are instantly targeted by a criminal (who is fatally defeated). Benevolent aliens land in the boondocks. |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_7276d0de |
featureApplicability |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_7276d0de |
featureConfidence |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
hasFeature |
Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_7276d0de |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_7913eb6f |
type |
Healing Hands |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_7913eb6f |
comment |
Someone gets healed by contact with aliens (often by a laying on of hands). |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_7913eb6f |
featureApplicability |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_7913eb6f |
featureConfidence |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
hasFeature |
Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_7913eb6f |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_79974fb8 |
type |
Rock Beats Laser |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_79974fb8 |
comment |
So-called elite forces get their butts kicked by a smaller, less well-armed force. |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_79974fb8 |
featureApplicability |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_79974fb8 |
featureConfidence |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
hasFeature |
Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_79974fb8 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_7bd8307f |
type |
The Infiltration |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_7bd8307f |
comment |
Human spies are sent to infiltrate an alien society in order to better understand it. |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_7bd8307f |
featureApplicability |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_7bd8307f |
featureConfidence |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
hasFeature |
Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_7bd8307f |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_7fbb2a3 |
type |
Nice Job Breaking It, Hero! |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_7fbb2a3 |
comment |
Time travellers go back in time to prevent some Bad Thing from happening; they succeed, but cause something worse to happen. |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_7fbb2a3 |
featureApplicability |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_7fbb2a3 |
featureConfidence |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
hasFeature |
Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_7fbb2a3 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_825f60fa |
type |
Mercy Invincibility |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_825f60fa |
comment |
Time travelers, on their first trip, usually have a bubble of safety that prevents their immediate death for at least a day or two. |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_825f60fa |
featureApplicability |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_825f60fa |
featureConfidence |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
hasFeature |
Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_825f60fa |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_83a82d55 |
type |
Cryo-Prison |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_83a82d55 |
comment |
Cryo Prisons being used as a method to contain incarcerated criminals. It never occurs to anyone that being able to sleep through your sentence is not quite the same punishing experience for criminals as would be the daily aspects of a life without freedom. After all, prison is supposed to be punishment. Also, since aging does not occur while spending time as a Human Popsicle, life sentences are pointless and the inmate may actually outlive his victims and original jailers. |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_83a82d55 |
featureApplicability |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_83a82d55 |
featureConfidence |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
hasFeature |
Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_83a82d55 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_87ee897 |
type |
Crazy Cultural Comparison |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_87ee897 |
comment |
An alien custom throws humans into confusion, even though one or more human cultures share the custom and have followed it for centuries. |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_87ee897 |
featureApplicability |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_87ee897 |
featureConfidence |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
hasFeature |
Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_87ee897 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_87f13be4 |
type |
Designer Babies |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_87f13be4 |
comment |
A society of humans adopts an artificial means of reproduction (such as cloning), forgets about sex and intimacy, and has to learn about it at some later point. |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_87f13be4 |
featureApplicability |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_87f13be4 |
featureConfidence |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
hasFeature |
Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_87f13be4 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_87f943a7 |
type |
Holding Back the Phlebotinum |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_87f943a7 |
comment |
When defeat is imminent, it is avoided by a strategem, tactic, or weapon that could just as easily been used at the start of the fight. |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_87f943a7 |
featureApplicability |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_87f943a7 |
featureConfidence |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
hasFeature |
Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_87f943a7 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_8b221a63 |
type |
Reed Richards Is Useless |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_8b221a63 |
comment |
A scientist develops an AI computer system that can understand natural language and draw inductive conclusions from incomplete data, and uses it on projects far less practical and/or profitable than such a computer would be. |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_8b221a63 |
featureApplicability |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_8b221a63 |
featureConfidence |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
hasFeature |
Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_8b221a63 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_8c55e307 |
type |
Ultimate Job Security |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_8c55e307 |
comment |
A starship captain disobeys a direct order from a superior. When the dust settles, he's still a starship captain. |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_8c55e307 |
featureApplicability |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_8c55e307 |
featureConfidence |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
hasFeature |
Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_8c55e307 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_8e5c862 |
type |
Ancient Conspiracy |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_8e5c862 |
comment |
A conspiracy develops, involving lots of people, and remains secret for an extended period of time. |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_8e5c862 |
featureApplicability |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_8e5c862 |
featureConfidence |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
hasFeature |
Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_8e5c862 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_93ce6293 |
type |
Phlebotinum Breakdown |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_93ce6293 |
comment |
Technological malfunction as a plot device. |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_93ce6293 |
featureApplicability |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_93ce6293 |
featureConfidence |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
hasFeature |
Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_93ce6293 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_9788e2b1 |
type |
Black Dude Dies First |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_9788e2b1 |
comment |
The monster kills/eats the token black guy first. |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_9788e2b1 |
featureApplicability |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_9788e2b1 |
featureConfidence |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
hasFeature |
Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_9788e2b1 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_a3597c29 |
type |
Magic Countdown |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_a3597c29 |
comment |
The timer count-down on the Bad Guy Device being stopped by the hero with bare seconds left. |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_a3597c29 |
featureApplicability |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_a3597c29 |
featureConfidence |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
hasFeature |
Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_a3597c29 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_a4e3759e |
type |
You Don't Look Like You |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_a4e3759e |
comment |
Time travellers will completely fail to realize that they have encountered a famous historical figure only because they look nothing like the popular images of them. |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_a4e3759e |
featureApplicability |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_a4e3759e |
featureConfidence |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
hasFeature |
Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_a4e3759e |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_a7caa5b5 |
type |
First Contact |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_a7caa5b5 |
comment |
Alien contact is perceived or regarded as a spiritual/quasi-religious experience. |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_a7caa5b5 |
featureApplicability |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_a7caa5b5 |
featureConfidence |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
hasFeature |
Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_a7caa5b5 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_a8c6a317 |
type |
Super-Strength |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_a8c6a317 |
comment |
The possessed human exhibits superhuman strength. |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_a8c6a317 |
featureApplicability |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_a8c6a317 |
featureConfidence |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
hasFeature |
Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_a8c6a317 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_a939d96a |
type |
Adults Are Useless |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_a939d96a |
comment |
The gang of cute and/or misfit kids rescue the universe, where a large group of competent, organized and well-armed adults failed. |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_a939d96a |
featureApplicability |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_a939d96a |
featureConfidence |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
hasFeature |
Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_a939d96a |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_aa4fa3d5 |
type |
Ancient Astronauts |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_aa4fa3d5 |
comment |
An ancient civilization was actually founded by space aliens. |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_aa4fa3d5 |
featureApplicability |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_aa4fa3d5 |
featureConfidence |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
hasFeature |
Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_aa4fa3d5 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_ac2094ca |
type |
Red Shirt |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_ac2094ca |
comment |
The lowest-ranking members of any mission team are doomed. |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_ac2094ca |
featureApplicability |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_ac2094ca |
featureConfidence |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
hasFeature |
Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_ac2094ca |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_af696bef |
type |
Fish out of Water |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_af696bef |
comment |
Time travellers from the future who come to our present will always be Fish out of Water allowing for comedic moments. They never bother to research the era's culture to avoid making fools of themselves. |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_af696bef |
featureApplicability |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_af696bef |
featureConfidence |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
hasFeature |
Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_af696bef |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_affbba89 |
type |
StupidBoss |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_affbba89 |
comment |
The most intelligent course of action is precluded by orders from a high-ranking ignoramus, on the basis of a transparently flawed rationale. |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_affbba89 |
featureApplicability |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_affbba89 |
featureConfidence |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
hasFeature |
Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_affbba89 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_b1e5dde1 |
type |
Earth All Along |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_b1e5dde1 |
comment |
In stories where it was Earth All Along, the space travelers never notice that the star constellations in the night sky are exactly the same as on Earth, a dead giveaway as the constellations appear as they do (including the position of the North Star) only on Earth. There is no plausible way to mistake Earth for any other world in our own solar system. The trope can only plausibly work when the assumed location is another planet in a completely different star system approximately the same distance from the same type of yellow sun. |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_b1e5dde1 |
featureApplicability |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_b1e5dde1 |
featureConfidence |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
hasFeature |
Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_b1e5dde1 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_b593baf1 |
type |
Author Filibuster |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_b593baf1 |
comment |
The author lectures the viewer/reader; the lecture takes the form of a Platonic Dialogue between two characters, or of the Cosmic Message from the Ultra-enlightened Aliens to the Great Unwashed Human Masses. |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_b593baf1 |
featureApplicability |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_b593baf1 |
featureConfidence |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
hasFeature |
Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_b593baf1 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_b63019a5 |
type |
High-Heel–Face Turn |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_b63019a5 |
comment |
A female antagonist changes sides after receiving a Dose of Good Luvin' from the hero. |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_b63019a5 |
featureApplicability |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_b63019a5 |
featureConfidence |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
hasFeature |
Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_b63019a5 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_bc74ef27 |
type |
Berserk Button |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_bc74ef27 |
comment |
A fellow has Super Powers, but can only use them when he is emotionally agitated. |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_bc74ef27 |
featureApplicability |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_bc74ef27 |
featureConfidence |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
hasFeature |
Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_bc74ef27 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_bf5cedc3 |
type |
New Eden |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_bf5cedc3 |
comment |
The reputedly inhospitable Outdoors is not only inhabitable, but markedly better. |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_bf5cedc3 |
featureApplicability |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_bf5cedc3 |
featureConfidence |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
hasFeature |
Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_bf5cedc3 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_c0fda9f6 |
type |
All Amazons Want Hercules |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_c0fda9f6 |
comment |
A high-ranking matriarch, in a society that oppresses men, falls for the Hero's rugged charms. |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_c0fda9f6 |
featureApplicability |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_c0fda9f6 |
featureConfidence |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
hasFeature |
Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_c0fda9f6 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_c13c9e38 |
type |
Tomato Surprise |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_c13c9e38 |
comment |
A Big Surprise awaits the reader/viewer at the end of the tale: The Barbaric Society is really post-cataclysmic Western civilization. The man and woman who flee from a doomed civilization and start rebuilding on the third planet of a medium-sized yellow star are named Adam and Eve. The alien children, slaves, or pets are really the parents, masters, or owners. The head of Terran government is a disguised Bad Guy or is under direct control of the Bad Guys. A major figure in the conflict is really another major figure in disguise. The Kindly Benevolent Aliens are neither. The reputedly inhospitable Outdoors is not only inhabitable, but markedly better. It was All Just a Dream/game/simulation. The alien threat was just a hoax to unite humanity. An ancient civilization was actually founded by space aliens. A major historical figure (Jesus, Einstein, Lincoln, Elvis) was really a space alien. The apparently-human leader of the robot/cyborg army is also a robot or cyborg, and this becomes apparent when his/her/their/its "skin" falls off. |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_c13c9e38 |
featureApplicability |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_c13c9e38 |
featureConfidence |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
hasFeature |
Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_c13c9e38 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_c691d3f4 |
type |
Offscreen Teleportation |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_c691d3f4 |
comment |
No matter how slowly the monster shambles along, or how quickly the victim runs, the monster is always right behind the victim when they trips or encounters an obstacle. |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_c691d3f4 |
featureApplicability |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_c691d3f4 |
featureConfidence |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
hasFeature |
Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_c691d3f4 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_c7c4dae7 |
type |
Possession Implies Mastery |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_c7c4dae7 |
comment |
Any weapon can be picked up and used by anyone, no matter how lacking they are in training and/or upper-body strength. |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_c7c4dae7 |
featureApplicability |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_c7c4dae7 |
featureConfidence |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
hasFeature |
Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_c7c4dae7 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_cbe687ab |
type |
Corrupt Corporate Executive |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_cbe687ab |
comment |
The greedy businessman refuses to recognize that his dangerous product/service will screw him over long before he can hope to make a profit. |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_cbe687ab |
featureApplicability |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_cbe687ab |
featureConfidence |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
hasFeature |
Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_cbe687ab |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_ce68d46b |
type |
Next Sunday A.D. |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_ce68d46b |
comment |
Time travel from the future into modern times winds up in the year of the show's production. |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_ce68d46b |
featureApplicability |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_ce68d46b |
featureConfidence |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
hasFeature |
Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_ce68d46b |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_d0883f7e |
type |
Broken Heel |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_d0883f7e |
comment |
When fleeing danger, females trip over their own shadows while men can sprint without caution. |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_d0883f7e |
featureApplicability |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_d0883f7e |
featureConfidence |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
hasFeature |
Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_d0883f7e |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_d280a296 |
type |
Teen Genius |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_d280a296 |
comment |
A teenage genius discovers an entire new field of science, and builds practical devices that use it, in his bedroom. |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_d280a296 |
featureApplicability |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_d280a296 |
featureConfidence |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
hasFeature |
Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_d280a296 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_d2ef6cb4 |
type |
Spaceship Slingshot Stunt |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_d2ef6cb4 |
comment |
Gravity assists being treated as something desperate and unprecedented. |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_d2ef6cb4 |
featureApplicability |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_d2ef6cb4 |
featureConfidence |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
hasFeature |
Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_d2ef6cb4 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_d39e327f |
type |
What the Hell, Hero? |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_d39e327f |
comment |
The protagonists destroy the entire social structure and governmental system of the society they encounter, and only a few old fuddy-duddies complain. |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_d39e327f |
featureApplicability |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_d39e327f |
featureConfidence |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
hasFeature |
Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_d39e327f |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_d45ad2f5 |
type |
Imported Alien Phlebotinum |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_d45ad2f5 |
comment |
An alien artifact imbues human(s) with incredible abilities. |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_d45ad2f5 |
featureApplicability |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_d45ad2f5 |
featureConfidence |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
hasFeature |
Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_d45ad2f5 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_d99d9918 |
type |
The Captain |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_d99d9918 |
comment |
In spite of chronic crewmember deaths and a complete lack of new personnel, there is no lack of manpower. Nor is the performance of The Captain called into issue. |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_d99d9918 |
featureApplicability |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_d99d9918 |
featureConfidence |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
hasFeature |
Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_d99d9918 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_da8c447e |
type |
Unobtainium |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_da8c447e |
comment |
The conquering aliens are dependent on a very rare resource to maintain their empire. Earth has some of it. |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_da8c447e |
featureApplicability |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_da8c447e |
featureConfidence |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
hasFeature |
Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_da8c447e |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_dc1761bd |
type |
A God Am I |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_dc1761bd |
comment |
When an ordinary crewmember transforms into the Enlightened Being of Cosmic Power, he departs the scene instead of staying around to help out his still-human buddies. |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_dc1761bd |
featureApplicability |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_dc1761bd |
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1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
hasFeature |
Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_dc1761bd |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_e0207930 |
type |
Humans Are Special |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_e0207930 |
comment |
Humans have a special quality that makes us unique, so that even superbeings can learn something from us. |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_e0207930 |
featureApplicability |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_e0207930 |
featureConfidence |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
hasFeature |
Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_e0207930 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_e77e2787 |
type |
We Will Use Manual Labor in the Future |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_e77e2787 |
comment |
A technologically advanced race conquers a technologically inferior race, and puts them to work doing things that the conqueror's machines can do far more efficiently. |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_e77e2787 |
featureApplicability |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_e77e2787 |
featureConfidence |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
hasFeature |
Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_e77e2787 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_ea85d6ea |
type |
All Just a Dream |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_ea85d6ea |
comment |
It was All Just a Dream/game/simulation. |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_ea85d6ea |
featureApplicability |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_ea85d6ea |
featureConfidence |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
hasFeature |
Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_ea85d6ea |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_ec7da60a |
type |
Beethoven Was an Alien Spy |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_ec7da60a |
comment |
A major historical figure (Jesus, Einstein, Lincoln, Elvis) was really a space alien. |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_ec7da60a |
featureApplicability |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_ec7da60a |
featureConfidence |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
hasFeature |
Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_ec7da60a |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_ecf510f4 |
type |
Puberty Superpower |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_ecf510f4 |
comment |
Inherited supernatural power (telepathy, lycanthropy, etc.) becomes pronounced at the onset of puberty. |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_ecf510f4 |
featureApplicability |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_ecf510f4 |
featureConfidence |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
hasFeature |
Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_ecf510f4 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_f01a1b71 |
type |
Insignificant Little Blue Planet |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_f01a1b71 |
comment |
Humans leave for the stars, forget all about Earth, and rediscover it later. |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_f01a1b71 |
featureApplicability |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_f01a1b71 |
featureConfidence |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
hasFeature |
Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_f01a1b71 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_f03efcdb |
type |
Face Full of Alien Wing-Wong |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_f03efcdb |
comment |
The human abdomen is an ideal incubator for Alien Eggs/Spawn, and this has no apparent effect on the host until the Alien Spawn erupts from their stomach in a messy fashion. |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_f03efcdb |
featureApplicability |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_f03efcdb |
featureConfidence |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
hasFeature |
Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_f03efcdb |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_f2a5f7f2 |
type |
Expospeak Gag |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_f2a5f7f2 |
comment |
The author attempts to wittily euphemize the phrase "go screw yourself" by referring to it as "a physiologically impossible act". |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_f2a5f7f2 |
featureApplicability |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_f2a5f7f2 |
featureConfidence |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
hasFeature |
Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_f2a5f7f2 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_f651b980 |
type |
Forbidden Zone |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_f651b980 |
comment |
At some point the protagonists must enter a hostile region called The Forbidden Zone. |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_f651b980 |
featureApplicability |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_f651b980 |
featureConfidence |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
hasFeature |
Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_f651b980 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_fbb54ba6 |
type |
Forever War |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_fbb54ba6 |
comment |
The two opponents in a war have been fighting for so long that they've forgotten how the war got started in the first place, but no effort is made to resolve the crisis diplomatically. |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_fbb54ba6 |
featureApplicability |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_fbb54ba6 |
featureConfidence |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
hasFeature |
Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_fbb54ba6 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_fd4f8299 |
type |
Well-Intentioned Extremist |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_fd4f8299 |
comment |
After a remonstration from the Good Guys, the Great Dictator confesses that he was merely trying to keep order, and reforms. |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_fd4f8299 |
featureApplicability |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_fd4f8299 |
featureConfidence |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
hasFeature |
Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_fd4f8299 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_fed93e1b |
type |
Dark and Troubled Past |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_fed93e1b |
comment |
The psychological trauma/attitude problem of female character is cured (or at least temporarily relieved) by a Dose of Good Luvin' from the hero. |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_fed93e1b |
featureApplicability |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_fed93e1b |
featureConfidence |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
hasFeature |
Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_fed93e1b |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_name |
type |
ItemName |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_name |
comment |
|
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_name |
featureApplicability |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_name |
featureConfidence |
1.0 |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
hasFeature |
Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_name |
| | Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) / int_name |
itemName |
Overused Sci-Fi Plot Devices (Website) |
