Reality vs. Sitcoms: What Almost Never Happens in Real Life but is Commonly Portrayed in TV Dramas

In today's world, we often find ourselves drawn to TV dramas and sitcoms for their entertainment value. However, these shows often depict scenarios that rarely occur in real life. This article explores some of those instances, focusing on Malaysian TV dramas and sword combat scenes.

Marriage Wreckers in Malaysian TV Dramas

One of the key elements that sitcoms commonly exaggerate is the presence of marriage wreckers or mistresses who seek to supplant the official spouse. This is a scenario that rarely happens in real life, at least in Malaysia. In the Western TV shows, we see such women portrayed in a specific way:

In Malaysian TV dramas, they often look like 'pious, good-mannered, seemingly nice' hijabi girls. Not to say all hijabi girls are like this, but many in Malaysia fit this description. This image of the 'marriage wrecker' in Malaysian TV dramas is widely accepted and common.

It’s important to note that this portrayal is not reflective of reality. The average 'marriage wrecker' in Malaysia is far less dramatic than what we often see in sitcoms.

Misleading Portrayals in Sword Combat Scenes

Sitcoms and action movies frequently depict sword combat scenarios that would likely result in serious injury or even death in real life. For instance, a common scene in such shows involves two sword-wielding fighters engaging in a sword lock and dialoguing. This is an absurd depiction that should never happen in real combat:

There is no real-world scenario where sword fighters would lock blades and engage in dialogue while maintaining the lock. This is purely for aesthetic and plot progression. However, the reality of sword combat is much more intense and deadly.

Let's examine what could go wrong in such a scenario:

Exposition to a Counterstroke: If a fighter is pushing hard into the clinch, they may pitch forward, exposing their neck to a counterstroke. Exposure of Upper Body: If a fighter is pushing into the clinch, their sword slides downward, exposing their entire upper body to a counterstroke. Counterpivoting: If a fighter attempts to pivot around the contact point, the other fighter has the advantage with their sword positioned for a counterstrike.

The only safe and effective way to break the lock is to counterpivote and step out of range.

Other Common Misrepresentations in Sitcoms

TV sitcoms often depict scenarios that are completely unrealistic in real life. For instance, consider the popular TV show Friends. The main characters spend most of their time together at a coffee shop or in each other's apartments, discussing trivial matters and complaining about mundane issues. This portrayal is far removed from reality. In real life, people have jobs and spend a significant amount of time at their workplaces rather than socializing in coffee shops or at home.

The purpose of sitcoms is to provide entertainment and humor, rather than an accurate representation of real life. The exaggerated and overly dramatic scenarios that are common in sitcoms are often meant to veer towards the absurd for comedic effect, making them unsuitable as a realistic portrayal of normal life.

Conclusion

While sitcoms and TV dramas offer us a form of escapism and entertainment, it's important to keep in mind that the scenarios and characters they portray are often fictional and highly exaggerated. Real life is far more nuanced and realistic than these portrayals suggest. Understanding the difference between reality and fiction can help us appreciate the entertainment value of these shows while maintaining a realistic perspective.