The Most Unsurprising Plot Twists in Popular Media

When it comes to surprise and suspense in storytelling, one of the most frequently used yet often unsurprising plot twists involves the revelation of a character presumed to be dead being alive. This trope has been commonly employed across various media, from classic novels to blockbuster films and television series. While this twist can be effective, its predictability often leaves audiences feeling less than engaged.

Character Comebacks: A Persistent Plot Twist

A prime example of this trope in modern media is The Walking Dead, where characters frequently return after supposedly dying. In this show, the return of what were assumed to be deceased individuals can significantly diminish the emotional impact of the plot. This repeated usage can make such plot twists less impactful and diminish the suspense that viewers are anticipating.

Similarly, the Incredibles 2, released in 2018, featured one of the most obvious plot twists. Many viewers recognized who the villain would be almost right from the beginning. The character Winston Dive, a seemingly minor character, maintained an ambiguous role, but the primary villain, Evelyn, was a clear and consistent source of antagonism. Her actions, whether revealing negative opinions about superheroes or trying to turn Elastigirl against Mr. Incredible, left no doubt about her true intentions.

South Park: The Unlikely Plot Twist

A recurring element in animated humor is the predictable "death" of a character, most notably depicted by the beloved character, Kenny McCormick. In numerous South Park episodes, the character's death is a go-to plot device that rarely fails to elicit emotional responses from the audience. Despite its frequent use, the audience's familiarity with the character's demise often makes the plot twist unsurprising and less impactful.

The Kentucky Farce: "Who Shot JR?"

In the television series Dallas, the infamous cliffhanger "Who shot JR?" became a cultural sensation. Among the possibilities, the audience generally assumed that Mary would be the culprit, as she was a prime suspect with a motive and a fragmented past. While the twist did create shock and surprise for many, the predictability of her being the villain meant that the reveal was less impactful for long-time fans who had seen her as a suspect in earlier episodes.

Social Media and Fan Predictions

The predictability of these plot twists can be amplified by social media platforms, where fans often predict and discuss potential twists well before they are revealed. This collective anticipation can sometimes lessen the surprise factor, as audiences are primed to expect what is to come. However, it also adds to the enjoyment of the twists for those who are less familiar or for those who want to be part of the solve-the-mystery experience.

Effectiveness of Unsurprising Twists

Despite their predictability, these plot twists can still be effective if used within the context of the story. For example, the constant revelation of Evelyn in Incredibles 2 maintains a tense and suspenseful atmosphere, but the predictability may make the initial stranger-than-fiction moments less impactful. Effective usage of such twists often depends on their execution and how they contribute to the overall narrative.

Ultimately, while unsurprising plot twists can diminish the impact of surprising moments in storytelling, they remain a reliable and familiar tool in the arsenal of screenwriters and storytellers. Understanding and mastering these tropes can help in creating engaging storylines that keep the audience invested in the narrative.

Conclusion

The most unsurprising plot twists, when used repeatedly or improperly, can become less impactful. However, when executed with craft and skill, they can still enhance the narrative. As storytellers continue to iterate and innovate in their craft, the art of the surprise twist remains a crucial element in keeping audiences engaged and constantly guessing what's next.