Common Plot Holes in Popular Movies and TV Shows

Plot holes are a common criticism in many beloved films and series, often drawing attention to inconsistencies or logical gaps in the narrative. This article explores some of the most notable plot holes from various TV shows and movies, discussing their impact on the viewing experience and the potential reasons behind them.

Star Trek Generations: Unnecessary Plot Flaws

Star Trek: The Next Generation (TNG) Season 5, Episode 22 - Generations

One of the most controversial and criticized episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation is the movie Generations. The episode's fan base is divided, with some praising it for breaking new narrative ground while others find it overly convenient and poorly executed. A significant plot hole revolves around the death of Captain Kirk and Jean-Luc Picard's departure from the Nexus.

Jean-Luc Picard's impulsive decision to revisit the Nexus with Captain Kirk is criticized by many fans. Guinan, an alien bartender and one of the ship's old hands, tells him he has the freedom to choose any time he desires. Yet, Picard chooses to say goodbye to Kirk mere minutes before Soran's final plan is executed. This hasty decision seems unnecessary, “Must you be so linear?” as Q might have quipped.

Additionally, Generations could have made better use of Kirk's presence. Rather than having him be a side character, he could function as a moral compass for Picard, encouraging him to take more decisive action. For instance, Kirk could have intervened days earlier, preventing Soran from destroying the first sun and potentially saving the crew. He could have also alerted the Klingons to the impending threat posed by the Duras sisters, avoiding the need for a contrived fist fight.

Misleading Portrayals in Female Characters

Female characters who are depicted as unbelievably capable but lack the physical training to back it up are a common trope that often draws criticism. The example of a 120lb waif female cop who is still able to hold her own in MMA matches is a prime example. This type of portrayal is often seen as unrealistic and misrepresentative, particularly when these characters are shown to be smarter than all the male counterparts.

This issue is not limited to just one show but can be seen in a variety of movies and series. The inconsistency between a physically weak woman being a fearsome fighter and the statistical improbability of such a disparity in any given situation is a major flaw in storytelling.

Sequels and Narrative Inconsistencies

One of the most criticized plot holes in a movie sequel is the sequel to Jurassic Park where Jeff Goldblum's character fathers a daughter with a dark-complexioned actress. In real-world biology, mixed-race offspring exhibit a wide range of skin tones depending on the genetic contributions of each parent. If Goldblum's character had been involved in an interracial relationship, his daughter would have had a lighter skin tone, as this is a statistical likelihood. The fact that she is 'adopted' and no explanation is given is seen as a forced attempt at political correctness, detracting from the narrative coherence.

Similarly, the movie Secrets and Lies also faces criticism for its handling of race and adoption. The film's focus on cultural identity and family dynamics is undermined by narrative weaknesses, such as the unrealistic portrayal of a daughter with a darker skin tone when she should statistically have a lighter one.

Unnoticed Details in Buffy the Vampire Slayer

In Buffy the Vampire Slayer, a minor but notable plot hole involves the Raven, a captured Klingon vessel. This vessel is parked in Golden Gate Park for a few days, but no one notices the divots in the ground or a helicopter flying over the park. Moreover, a nearby cloaked Klingon vessel is never discovered. These inconsistencies in the show's handling of a high-profile, technologically advanced Klingon vessel disrupt the viewer's suspension of disbelief and can detract from the overall quality of the series.

Another issue in the show is the portrayal of Spike, a vampire, choking his fellow vampire Drusilla into unconsciousness with a sleeper hold. A sleeper hold can indeed lead to unconsciousness, but the mechanism is more complex. The sleeper hold primarily works by constricting the carotid arteries, leading to a brief loss of consciousness. The person would wake up shortly after the hold is released, not remain unconscious indefinitely as described in the show.

These examples illustrate the importance of maintaining narrative coherence and consistency in storytelling, especially in beloved franchises. Addressing and fixing these plot holes can enhance the overall viewing experience and foster a deeper engagement with the audience.