literature

The Williams' Tropes of MLP: Applied to TDAS

Deviation Actions

Published: Dec 15, 2014

4.6K Views

Literature Text

Originally credited to the Voice of Reason in his review of "Dragon Quest "with BucBrony. What are these tropes, you may ask?

Flanderization: The act of taking a single action or trait of a character within a work and exaggerating it more and more over time until it completely consumes the character. Sadly, many of the Total Drama All-Stars contestants fall victim to this, as well as our formerly-beloved host.
Predictable Story: Exactly what is said on the tin, when you can predict what's going to happen in the episode. It's especially bad when you can do so in the first five minutes, or before the opening credits.
Forced Plot Elements: They didn't have to be there. Frankly, they shouldn't be there. However, the writers wanted them there. So, instead of trying to build them up, they just butcher them in there in a way that it comes off as contrived. Somehow, however, they manage to keep the plot going.
Missed Opportunities: Then again, you feel that certain elements should be there. So, why aren't they? Simply because the writers themselves didn't think they should've been there, or that there wasn't enough room in there for them.
Bullshit Anti-Climax: Here it is, the final part of the challenge, you're on the edge of your seat, practically drowning in your anticipation! Then, it happens, and you think, "Well, that was stupid/lame/some other synonym."

Who is Merriweather Williams? She's considered to be one of the worst writers of My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic. I did an animated atrocity on only one of her episodes. She's not my least favorite. (That person is Scott Sonneborn.) But the majority of her episodes are hated by most of the brony community. I can see why. Some of these tropes she puts in her episodes make them worse, and come off as incredibly formulaic. The only two exceptions I can come up with from the top of my head are "Wonderbolts Academy", which only featured some of her tropes, and "Bats!" which featured none.
Now, I've said in my review of "Sundae Muddy Sundae" that each episode of this season had at least one of these tropes. So, let's observe them, shall we? [By the way, I have still yet to see the last two episodes of this season, not to mention I haven't seen any of these episodes, save for "Sundae Muddy Sundae", since they aired. So if you want to fill me in on some tropes, go right ahead. Same for the episodes I have listed the tropes for.]

Episode 1: "Heroes vs. Villains" by Alex Ganetakos (5 out of 5)

Flanderization: Lindsay, by far, and almost, if not all of, the Villainous Vultures.
Predictable Story: Raise your hands if you knew Alejandro was going to show up out of that suit sometime this season.
Forced Plot Elements: Didn't think that would happen in this episode, though. Honestly, this should've been built up a little and, maybe have him debut in the middle of the season. (Also falls under Bullshit Anti-Climax) Also, did the writers have to bring up the failed love triangle once again?! It's been three years now; we're over it! Oh, and thanks for having Gwen set off Courtney's allergies! We totally needed that! [raises hand].
Missed Opportunities: Not that this episode had any, but rather it set up, possibly, some great conflicts of this season, and the rest of the season doesn't follow through with it.
Bullshit Anti-Climax: Alejandro's sudden reveal to still be in the suit, and his Gary Stu-ness hasn't appeared to have left him as he pulls a win out of the suit along with himself.

Episode 2: "Evil Dread" by Terry McGurrin (3 out of 5)

Flanderization: Lightning; good thing he's given the boot. Mike, seemingly pulling his personalities out of nowhere, while still following their canonical "triggers". Alejandro, as his Gary Stu-ness seems to increase, being able to somehow walk on his hands while his legs are "unable to function". By the way, if that were true, they wouldn't be standing upright, they'd be dragging behind him.
Predictable Story: None.
Forced Plot Elements: Gwen accidentally dumps garbage on Courtney's head. Yeah, we clearly needed to see that she's a villain, even though she constantly denies that. Also, Sam's abuse in this episode.
Missed Opportunities: Holds same as it did in the previous episode.
Bullshit Anti-Climax: None.

Episode 3: "Saving Private Leechball" by Alex Ganetakos (5 out of 5)

Flanderization: Sierra, why are you suddenly hallucinating Cody inside of Cameron? Zoey is starting to become the Mary Sue many predicted her to be.
Predictable Story: Well, a team switch was predicted sometime this season. While Courtney was going to the Villains Team, going over to the Heroes Team was…
Forced Plot Elements: …Duncan! Sure, he saved Gwen from a flying leech. Does that suddenly make him heroic? Does that suddenly counteract all of the garbage he got away with in the past? No! It doesn't! Also, the "running gag" with Gwen "unintentionally" hurting Courtney, this time with a bucket of leeches that just so happened to be there!
Missed Opportunities: Jo's conflict with Heather and possible alliance with Duncan in episode 1? Completely forgotten about.
Bullshit Anti-Climax: Zoey's out-of-nowhere win and the infamous team swap.

Episode 4: "Food Fright" by Laurie Elliot (4 out of 5)

Flanderization: I know he was only introduced an episode or two ago, but Mal is already suffering through this! Destroying Sam's GameGuy, Sierra's phone, and the Salad Spinner, with Courtney inside, because…evil? Sierra's flanderization continues throughout this episode, this time hallucinating that everyone on her team, including Zoey, is Cody. Also, to a lesser extent, Gwen. However, this is more so character derailment than flanderization. Sure, she says she's here to make amends with Courtney, but she's going about it the wrong way, and I'm not counting Gwen harming Courtney. I'm talking about how Gwen says she did nothing wrong and that Duncan and Courtney weren't dating at the time. It's present throughout the season, but I'm only bringing it up now because of that confessional with her crying in it…and for once, I felt sorry for her again, even though I was still annoyed with her. Maybe it's because neither her apologies nor her confessional sounded sincere. [Then again, the crocodile tears might've played a part in it.] I'm with Courtney when she said that she doubts Gwen's sincerity, and it appears she's only doing it to get on everyone's good graces again. Fans of Gwen since the beginning already have her there, including me. However, this was the starting point of Gwen's downfall for me. [Darnit, I talked about this category too much. Onto…!]
Predictable Story: None.
Forced Plot Elements: Duncan starts his tedious "good guy or bad boy" subplot, but it really goes nowhere. (See Missed Opportunities for more.)
Missed Opportunities: Perhaps, since Duncan is on the Heroes Team, make him realize that his past actions were wrong and, heck, apologize for them, giving him character development and motivation! (Also falls under Flanderization.) Also, Duncan says that Mike looks familiar. Hmm… (I'm not going to ask why he didn't recognize Mike/Mal last season because I already have a headache.)
Bullshit Anti-Climax: Sure, have the Heroic Hamsters think they've won until Sam reveals he's smuggled some pancake leftovers in his pockets in the event he has to go to Boney Island again. (Also falls under Flanderization and Missed Opportunities to an extent, since this also involves him suffering through game withdrawal again. So, what was the point of having him in this season again?)

Episode 5: "Moon Madness" by Ed MacDonald (5 out of 5)

Flanderization: Mal again, Sierra again, Alejandro again, Duncan again, Cameron to a minor extent, and Courtney. I love you, girl, but you'd really leave Gwen to die to a man-eating deer after she's saved you from one? I know you still hate her but, seriously?
Predictable Story: Sorta. With a title like "Moon Madness", you'd expect the Moon discording some of the contestants.
Forced Plot Elements: Forcing Cameron to stay in the competition when this is a great time to have him go. (See Bullshit Anti-Climax for more.)
Missed Opportunities: Instead of having one of the contestants discorded and one of them pretending to be discorded, how about all of them are discorded, and have no memory of the episode that took place. Chris is safe because reasons, or all of the Villains are discorded because they're not wearing meat like the Heroes are. For example, stooge3 suggested the following:
Courtney and Gwen swap personalities
Courtney and Duncan swap personalities
Cameron becoming Lindsay
Cameron becoming Lightning
Sierra neglects Cameron
Sierra forgets all about Total Drama
Scott becoming Alejandro
Scott becoming Justin (or Prince Blueblood, if you prefer)
Heather's "rouse" becoming real
Zoey catching on to Mal's act
Zoey becoming cold
Gwen becoming Chris, more feminine and appearance fixated than the majority of the female competitors
Gwen becoming a peppy cheerleader great at getting along with others
In addition, have the characters delve into this in following episodes of the season, particularly Gwen, he says.
Bullshit Anti-Climax: The other team-swap of the season. Unlike the one two episodes ago, this one makes so sense. Cameron decides to vote himself off, and he's sent to the Villainous Vultures. This also feels like a rip-off "Finders Creepers" when Brick does the same thing, only it's justified there.

Episode 6: "No One Egg-Spects the Spanish Opposition" by Terry McGurrin (4 out of 5)

Flanderization: Duncan, Sierra (rehashing the Cody Jr. plot from "Rapa-Phooey!"), Mal, Alejandro, and Heather. Way to leave the idol behind for anyone to find it! (This is done out of arrogance, by the way, not stupidity.)
Predictable Story: None.
Forced Plot Elements: Mal begins to take over Mike after he hits himself in the head with a boulder. Haha, it's funny because Mike was doing this to get rid of Mal, since him being hit in the head brought him back in the first place. [raises hand.] (Also falls under Bullshit Anti-Climax.)
Missed Opportunities: Rather it sets one up. Duncan knows Mal from prison. Is this going to get some depth before he's eliminated? Well, what do you think?
Bullshit Anti-Climax: Rehash from "Backstabbers, Ahoy!" Just replace Scott with Alejandro and Dawn with Heather.

Episode 7: "Suckers Punched" by Laurie Elliot (3 out of 5)

Flanderization: Mal somehow beats Izzy because he is god-played. Also, Zoey doesn't fight anyone because she's a Mary Sue and shouldn't have to earn her happy ending. For once, Chris, be a dirtbag and deny her reward! Why did you even set that up in the first place?!
Predictable Story: Only the ending, when the Villains get to decide who goes home. Since Cameron is on that team, we can finally say "Good riddance!" to Sierra.
Forced Plot Elements: None.
Missed Opportunities: Izzy seeing through Mal's façade isn't established well enough. She could've sided with Duncan and exposed Mal for who he is. However, she's KO'd before she can do anything.
Bullshit Anti-Climax: None.

Episode 8: "You Regatta Be Kidding Me" by Ed MacDonald (5 out of 5)

Flanderization: Gwen and Courtney's rekindled friendship, while nice, is going into Katie-and-Sadie levels of bonding. Zoey purposefully puts herself in danger to get Mike to come out. And Mal is destroying the boats because…evil? But it seems he's forgotten he's posing as Mike, as I doubt Mike would do that, even if it were meant to slow the rest of the competition down.
Predictable Story: Duncan's "good guy or bad boy" plot comes to a close. When he feels he's being too nice, we just know that he's going to do something big and bad. On the plus side, Chris gets his mansion destroyed.
Forced Plot Elements: Even after Duncan is arrested, Chris has everyone vote for who goes home. Mal swaps the votes out having Cameron go home…only for Chris to say that there is no elimination. So, why have everyone vote again? (Also falls under Bullshit Anti-Climax)
Missed Opportunities: So, Duncan recognizes Mal. Does it go anywhere? Nope. It feels like it should've added to the story of this season when, really, it adds none.
Bullshit Anti-Climax: Alejandro scores his only win this season by being a Gary Stu. (Also falls under Flanderization.)

Episode 9: "Zeek and Ye Shall Find" by Terry McGurrin (5 out of 5)

Flanderization: Seriously, Scott? Courtney's your boyfriend? Either you've become that dumb, or you've accepted that Courtney wears the pants in the relationship. In addition, Cameron is dumbed down for his elimination to work. (JohnMarkee1995)
Predictable Story: While I expected Cameron to go home, this feels more like a relief than a bore.
Forced Plot Elements: Scott and Courtney become a couple. Okay, I'm cool with that, especially considering it's been built up throughout the season. However, in this particular episode, their hook-up, as well as their break-up, feels a bit rushed and contrived. Also, Cameron being forced to kiss Courtney in front of Scott.
Missed Opportunities: Weren't Courtney and Gwen all buddy-buddy last week? Why is it that they're not on that same level this episode?
Bullshit Anti-Climax: Cameron is eliminated due to injury, in a full-body cast in his bubble. Don't you think that's overkill?

Episode 10: "The Obsta-Kill Course" by Laurie Elliot ( out of 5)

Flanderization:
Predictable Story:
Forced Plot Elements:
Missed Opportunities:
Bullshit Anti-Climax:

Episode 11: "Sundae Muddy Sundae" by Ed MacDonald (5 out of 5)

Flanderization: Courtney's even worse than her TDA "Get a Clue" self and her "Crouching Courtney, Hidden Owen" self combined (and is treated worse than she was in the latter episode), destroying any and all character development that she had this season. Zoey's blindly following Mike, but still manages to pull another win out of her ass. Scott is made more of a redneck idiot. Gwen is a bitch/New Heather again (forcing Courtney to vote herself off to make it unanimous? OUCH!). Mike, like Zoey, is overpowered. And Chris is more of a sadistic sociopath than normal.
Predictable Story: I knew that Courtney was the one going home when I saw the preview. I knew that she would try to gain trust of people again. I knew that Chris would force Courtney to lose. What I didn't expect was…
Forced Plot Elements: How the did Mike get his hands on Courtney's chart?! Again, everyone else was whacked to death with the idiot stick! And Courtney forgets she has a strong stomach and can't eat her sundae, just so she can lose! And again, Courtney was FORCIBLY made unlikeable so everyone would want to see her go. (Instead, it makes everyone else unlikeable as well!)
Missed Opportunities: Though this could've made the episode worse than it already was, Courtney could've been the ONLY likeable character in this episode! She could've been sincere when she wanted Gwen as a friend again. She could've left on a bit of a high note, instead on one of the lowest notes this season has (low for THIS SEASON even)! Or this episode could've had Courtney jealous of Zoey, because she did not want her best friend stolen from her a second time!
Bullshit Anti-Climax: Chris changing the rule at the last minute to make Courtney lose, and her elimination scene as a whole. By the way, if Courtney did skip the chocolate sauce, Chris would've called her out on that too!

Episode 12: "The Bold and the Booty-Ful" by Alex Ganetakos and Terry McGurrin ( out of 5)

Flanderization: Gwen is dumbed down in order for her elimination to work (JohnMarkee1995)
Predictable Story:
Forced Plot Elements:
Missed Opportunities:
Bullshit Anti-Climax:

Episode 13: "The Final Wreck-ening" by Alex Ganetakos and Terry McGurrin ( out of 5)

Flanderization: Heather and Alejandro's romance is going off into Gidgette territory for most of it (ShonenJump4eva)
Predictable Story:
Forced Plot Elements:
Missed Opportunities: The other eight contestants floating off into a oblivion, possibly to die. However, we could have, frankly should have, seen those contestants trying to root for our undeserving finalists, while also wrapping up any other lose ends this season left behind. (stooge3)
Bullshit Anti-Climax: