Connor Gregorich-Trevor

Many long-running television series have at least one episode where two or more characters switch bodies with one another (generally for comedic purpose). Given that it has debatably become exhausted and overdone by this point, why does this trope continue to be so popular? What fascinates us about the concept of swapping bodies? Is it another form of escapism, or simply a plot device with easy jokes to be made?

Are there series that put a spin on this trope or use it in interesting ways? If so, do they change the formula, or do they apply it in a new way?

I've seen some variation of it, like in Charmed which utilized it a few times. Instead of two characters swapping bodies, they swapped powers, and given it was was a married couple, could be utilized beyond the plot device as more along the lines of couples counseling. There is the old saying, "In order to truly know someone, walk a mile in their shoes." This trope is a more literal interpretation of that, meant to be a point of understanding and enlightenment for the characters involved. Our skills in empathy can become stunted past a certain point in our lives, and such an experience makes a point of enabling us to appreciate life as we know it, and to learn that what is different can be better or worse than what we think. Yes, it is a trope that is used for comedy, but is one that allows us to expand our horizons of connection, bridging the gaps that separates individuals, to better complement each other, because in being able to facilitate empathy and understanding, we cut away prejudice and hatred. – artemis822 9 years ago
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I totally agree with artemis, and to add, body-swapping often gives TV shows a way to explore another character without moving away from the protagonist audiences are used to. – chrischan 8 years ago
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I always thought that it had to so with the display of actor's range of adaptation and capabilities. A sort of metafictional device to pick the interests of audiences, but nothing more. – T. Palomino 2 years ago
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writing

Jumping the Shark

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Jumping the shark

We all at some point have read or watched a TV show, anime, book, or other form of media that has "jumped the shark." Discuss the phenomenon of jumping the shark and why it happens. Can shows actually turn out better because of these plot twists (can jumping the shark be a good thing)? Why are these moments often so enjoyable to watch?

Sorry, it deleted my edit: Jumping the Shark refers to a ridiculous plot twist or gimmick in a show designed to draw in more viewers. For more information: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jumping_the_shark. – Connor Gregorich-Trevor 9 years ago
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I feel that jumping the shark happens out of desperation to keep the audience stimulated, whether it be for better or for worse. Personally, I haven't seen a case where a show turns out better due to this phenomenon. A show draws in its audience because of its writing and formula. Unless jumping the shark brings about a turn of events that pushes the plot of a show forward, then I don't think that it could ever be for the better. I think something really game changing has to happen in order for jumping the shark to be used as a positive tool for the success of any form of media. – seanstartrunning 9 years ago
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I actually never knew about this term before this topic. You could probably also mention in certain episodes when they make things look like the 1940's. I know they did it once in One Tree Hill, and another time in Pretty Little Liars, however, I didn't think either show was losing viewers? There should definitely be good examples for this article not just the one from Happy Days. Perhaps, adding more current examples could show why it's still a technique used today, and perhaps, if it shares the same purposes as before. – Jaye Freeland 9 years ago
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Quality, schmality! If I had a TV show, I'd run that sucker into the ground! Homer pats Bart on the back. "Amen, boy. Amen.'' -- Bart learns of the demise of `The Cosby Show' The Simpsons. Which has jumped the shark many times. – marinetti 9 years ago
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It has already been done. A lot. – T. Palomino 2 years ago
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Web-Videos

Montage Parodies

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How did montage parodies become popular?

One genre of web video that has been very popular over the last two years is the "montage parody." These videos involve intentional over-editing, flashing lights, air horns, and the use of many stock graphical effects. They were originally used to parody highlights videos by gamers, but now have become a genre unto themselves. How did these videos become popular, and what is their appeal? This could also be used to discuss how a parody grows beyond and breaks away from the original work.

Truly this could be an interesting study on the adaptation of trends on the internet. What makes the trend of "montage parodies" still relevant today? Most memes live a short life span and then are forgotten. Somehow, they have managed to cling to their fame thanks to a dedicated user base which congregates on the Reddit page r/Montageparodies. Excellent choice of topic. – Joe 9 years ago
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Examples? – T. Palomino 2 years ago
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literature

World War Z

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The Significance of the Interview Format of World War Z

The novel World War Z is structured as an oral history, in which dozens of survivors of a zombie apocalypse are interviewed on their experiences. The interview format is one of the most striking things about the novel, and what sets it apart from other zombie apocalypse stories.
How does this structure change the readers' perception of events? What role does the unnamed and uncharacterized narrator play? If the novel were kept the same but followed a single character, possibly with flashbacks to other events, would our perception of the world change? What does this wide range of stories bring to the novel, and how do the separate interviews still form an overarching story arc?

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Latest Comments

Nov 12, 2016 Connor Gregorich-Trevor Thank you! Also, that sounds like such an amazing experience and great cause. I hope everything is going well!	What Lost at Sea can Teach us About Anxiety and Depression
May 23, 2016 Connor Gregorich-Trevor Great article! I’ll be sure to check out the ones I haven’t read yet. While I respect its importance, I’m personally not a fan of Brave New World (I found Huxley’s characterizations extremely inconsistent, among other problems). 1984, though. Still one of the scariest books I’ve ever read, and still keeps me up at night.	7 Classic Books For Those New to Dystopia
Feb 7, 2016 Connor Gregorich-Trevor This was really interesting. Makes me wonder a little about what the next twenty years will be like for sitcoms!	Relationship Gender Roles in Sitcoms: For Better or For Worse?
Feb 2, 2016 Connor Gregorich-Trevor I was genuinely surprised: I’ve never thought of the connection to reality television, but it makes so much sense. So much of TV is centered around the idea of gawking at others with different situations than our own. Great article and obviously extremely well-researched, I was glued to the page!	The Modern Freak Show
Feb 1, 2016 Null I completely feel that, it’s definitely not a book that everyone enjoys. The way I read it, the conflict is entirely character vs. self, in that everything revolves around Raleigh struggling to come to terms with breaking up with Stillman. I actually have always found it interesting in that it’s one of the few books I’ve read with no external conflict in the story.	What Lost at Sea can Teach us About Anxiety and Depression
Jan 23, 2016 Null Thank you so much for this article, I love abridged series, and seeing the history behind them is really neat and can hopefully help more people get into them. My favorites are definitely SAO Abridged, YGOTAS and Code MENT, but I greatly respect the immense talent of everyone in the field.	Abridged Series: A Short History
Jan 23, 2016 Null Ghost Stories is one of the funniest shows I’ve ever watched. Not only that, I but even though it was incredibly zany it actually somehow made me care about the characters and what happened to them. Its truly an amazing anime.	Abridged Series: A Short History
Jan 19, 2016 Null This was an incredibly interesting article, and I think its an incredibly important distinction. So many people dismiss sex on film as smut (I catch myself doing it during some movies), when it can sometimes actually be incredibly meaningful and important to the characters and story. Thank you so much for writing this!	Sex in Cinema: Poetry vs. Pornography (Explicit Content)

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