The Dangers of Unfulfilled Potential: Chekhov’s Guns in Entertainment

Have you ever encountered a plot element or detail in a story that was set up specifically to pay off, but instead was left dangling with no resolution? This phenomenon often referred to as 'Chekhov’s gun,' after Anton Chekhov’s writing advice, is a critical aspect of storytelling that can either significantly enhance a narrative or leave it open to criticism. In this article, we explore some notable instances where the potential for storytelling was squandered, analyzing how these elements were set up but never realized in their full potential.

Mass Effect: 2 - Dark Energy and lost chances

Perhaps one of the most egregious examples of unfulfilled Chekhov’s guns in recent media comes from The Mass Effect series, particularly Mass Effect 2. The introduction of Dark Energy was a pivotal plot device introduced in the middle of the game, setting the stage for a significant revelation. However, when the writing team shifted, the concept of Dark Energy was largely forgotten, rarely revisited, and ultimately lost its potential to be a driving force in the storyline.

According to earlier conceptualizations, it was meant to introduce a deep connection between the Reapers and the Mass Effect technology, suggesting that the misuse of such technology might accelerate the heat death of the universe, a hypothesis that was not explored or expanded upon in subsequent games. The untapped potential of this element not only failed to contribute to the overall narrative but also left a significant plot hole that was extensively addressed in the subsequent trilogy.

Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels - Unreferenced Plot Devices

Another classic example of a Chekhov’s gun that disappoints can be found in the film Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. The filmmakers set up various clues and plot devices in the early scenes, only to have them go unused or forgotten. Specifically, the title itself - “lock, stock, and barrel” - references a variety of gun parts, and the film is famous for its numerous, intricately staged gun scenes. Yet, despite these initial hints, the guns that appear in the opening scenes are never referenced or used again in the story, leaving a sense that the weight of their inclusion was not sufficiently leveraged.

Sword Art Online - Tragic Potential Loss

In the anime Sword Art Online, there are numerous instances where potential plot elements were set up early in the series and never addressed, leading to missed opportunities. In one notable instance, the protagonist, Kirito, embarks on a quest for a resurrection potion after losing friends. He finds the potion, but tragically is unable to use it in time. This setup was meant to tie into the overarching narrative concerning the immortality of characters, but it became a week point that failed to deliver on its promise. This serves as a glaring example of when a Chekhov’s gun was justifiably introduced but glaringly underutilized.

Pacific Rim 2: Overused Chekhov’s Guns

One movie that is saturated with poorly hidden and overused Chekhov’s guns is Pacific Rim 2. The plot relied heavily on multiple plot devices, such as the tiny Scrapper mechs, the jump jet technology, and an obvious shift in the antagonist’s motivations. The scriptwriters seemingly aimed to create an ending and worked backwards to fit elements into the story rather than building a coherent narrative. This approach not only weakened the narrative integrity of the film but also left the audience feeling cheated when these elements were not adequately resolved or developed.

Upgrade: Coherent Chekhov’s Guns

In contract, the 2018 thriller Upgrade demonstrates the effective utilization of Chekhov’s guns. The movie masterfully employs these narrative elements to enhance the storytelling. In Upgrade, the antagonists' abilities are introduced through subtle hints and carefully placed scenes, building tension without revealing all the details. This strategic approach kept the audience engaged and allowed for a surprising and impactful conclusion. The filmmakers did not give away all the information early on, instead allowing the plot to unfold naturally and setting up a twist ending that was both shocking and well Earned.

In summary, the utilization of Chekhov’s guns can be crucial in crafting compelling narratives. However, as demonstrated above, when these devices are introduced but not followed through or are overused in a way that hampers the overall storytelling, they can significantly detract from the viewing experience. It is essential for writers and filmmakers to lay the groundwork for these plot elements and deliver on their potential to ensure a satisfying and cohesive story for the audience.

Keywords: Chekhov's Gun, Plot Devices, Entertainment Analysis