09-07-2015, 12:55 PM
(This post was last modified: 09-07-2015, 12:56 PM by Hexenadler.)
http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/FaceHeelTurn
I don't have enough proof this trope has become widespread in popular culture, but I'm starting to notice a pattern in many films and television shows these days where a former hero is brought over to the dark side for reasons that vary from story to story, but the end result is the same.
I wonder if Joss Whedon is partly to blame for this. Both Angel and Willow started out as legitimate good guys before they turned rotten (really, really, really rotten in Angel's case). It goes without saying Whedon has had a huge influence on the way television is written. John Connor's fate in the latest "Terminator" movie and Juliette's recent transformation in "Grimm" seem to be the newest variations on this trend.
On one hand, you could argue this is a fresh approach to storytelling; no one is entirely trustworthy or incorruptible. On the other hand...well, no one is entirely trustworthy or incorruptible. And that's a problem. The audience can't allow themselves to identify or trust any one character, fearing they'll turn into some kind of monster in the next episode.
I'm inclined to believe this fad is having a cumulatively negative impact on the way stories are told. Not only are fictional characters becoming depressed and demoralized by these developments in their lives, they're depressing and demoralizing the audience too. Sure, "it's only a movie/book/TV show," but entertainment always reflects the mindset of its time. What does it say about our time when everyone is so paranoid and dreading the moment when our neighbors or loved ones suddenly turn psycho?
I don't have enough proof this trope has become widespread in popular culture, but I'm starting to notice a pattern in many films and television shows these days where a former hero is brought over to the dark side for reasons that vary from story to story, but the end result is the same.
I wonder if Joss Whedon is partly to blame for this. Both Angel and Willow started out as legitimate good guys before they turned rotten (really, really, really rotten in Angel's case). It goes without saying Whedon has had a huge influence on the way television is written. John Connor's fate in the latest "Terminator" movie and Juliette's recent transformation in "Grimm" seem to be the newest variations on this trend.
On one hand, you could argue this is a fresh approach to storytelling; no one is entirely trustworthy or incorruptible. On the other hand...well, no one is entirely trustworthy or incorruptible. And that's a problem. The audience can't allow themselves to identify or trust any one character, fearing they'll turn into some kind of monster in the next episode.
I'm inclined to believe this fad is having a cumulatively negative impact on the way stories are told. Not only are fictional characters becoming depressed and demoralized by these developments in their lives, they're depressing and demoralizing the audience too. Sure, "it's only a movie/book/TV show," but entertainment always reflects the mindset of its time. What does it say about our time when everyone is so paranoid and dreading the moment when our neighbors or loved ones suddenly turn psycho?