Favorite Plot Archetype

R

rheukala

New member
We’ve had numerous threads in the past where we have discussed our least favorite plot archetypes. However, I’m not quite sure if we’ve ever had a thread devoted towards discussing the plot archetypes that we are actually fond of. For those who are uncertain of what I’m talking about, a plot archetype is a general story that can be picked up and used, in one form or another, in a wide array of animated programs. Many of these plot archetypes are clich? and were dominant in the 80s and 90s, but I thought that we should take the time to actually share the ones that we really like.

Personally, I’d have to go with the plot where the characters, who are usually animals, come across something manmade and things spiral out of control due to their lack of understanding about it. This has been used a decent amount over the years, but there are only two recent examples that I can think of. The first is from the recent preview episode of “The Penguins Of Madagascar”, when King Julian received a camera and mistook it for an imprisonment device bestowed upon him by the sky spirits. The second example comes from “Viva Pi?ata”, as in one of the episodes, Ella Elephanilla accidentally brought home a party balloon and The Great Bonboon tricked all of the other pi?atas into believing that it was a God.

I’m not entirely sure what it is about that plot that I like so much, but I’ve always found it to be amusing. It’s interesting to see how the writers can take mundane objects from our everyday lives and make such imaginative plots revolve around them. That said, I’d like to know what you consider to be your favorite plot archetype. If you can’t select just one, you’re more than welcome to select several, but please take the time to explain why you like the plot that you selected.
 
The Switcharoo plot

Even though it's SO clich? and I'm sure a vast majority on here hates it. I think that no series is complete without a good old switcharoo episode. Even Teen Titans had it, Phineas & Ferb and Jimmy Neutron (as to mention more recent shows). I just think it's always fun how the characters have to deal with being in a new body and sometimes with new abilities
 
I always liked the plot where the dumb guy gets smart. It happened in my favorite episode of Dexter's Lab. I know it happened it other places, but I don't remember where right now.
 
One great example is Sheen on Jimmy Neutron, he had an episode where his brain got so enlarged that he became evil and megalomaniac and could levitate with his brain powers. One of the greatest episodes
 
"The Femme Fatale manipules the Hero with her charms"

Always fun to see the hero fighting his instincts and try to concentrate in doing the right thing. (Bat-Catwoman, Goliath-Demona) , altough I if you notice this is not made anymore due today?s censorship. :sad:
 
The switcheroo plot can be amusing from time to time, even though its overused.

Chowder did this, where he becomes so smart that he discovers that he's nothing more than a cartoon character, and uses his brain power to change the show into a boring educational program.
 
Didn't know that :ack: . Miss that dynamic.

I kinda have a soft spot for villains that get together to take down the hero. Eventhough, they usually fail :anime: .
 
The obligitory "shrinking" episode that every cartoon series does at least once is usually enjoyable (see Futurama's "Parasites Lost"...okay, the PE crew were minaturized robots, but the basic principle applies).
 
I've always had a weakness for the "Enemy Mine" kind of plot. You know, the one that has the hero and his archenemy temporarily put their differences aside to defeat an even greater threat.
 
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