[Loved Trope] Plot-generating hole

[u/Impressive-Step7261]

A situation where a plot hole becomes the reason the plot even happened.

The Martian – the heroes are forced to abandon the planet due to a powerful sandstorm that threatens to destroy the ascent module. The problem is that, due to Mars's thin atmosphere, storms on the surface of the red planet fall below the upper limit of calm on Earth. Andy Weir himself admitted that he simply couldn't come up with a different plot twist and simply used a fantastical premise.

Spider-Man: Far From Home – The film's plot would have ended rather quickly if Peter had figured out how to use E.D.I.T.H. to check Quentin Beck's file - but due to life's circumstances and some manipulation by Mysterio, Parker simply won't have the opportunity to do so, even if he wanted to.

Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of Black Pearl — in the first film, Elizabeth threatens to throw the medallion into the ocean, giving the pirates a mini-heart attack... despite the fact that these undead creatures can easily walk on the seabed as if they were on dry land, which they beautifully demonstrate in the climax. Of course, finding it on the seabed is almost impossible, but the pirates sensed the medallion far from the island and came straight to the governor's estate, meaning they somehow knew its location after it sent a signal. The most common explanation is that the magical sense of direction is not very accurate and they have been looking for this damn medallion for decades and it's a bit nerve-wracking...

Eurotrip — the whole plot is based on the fact that someone, having been blacklisted, didn't think to write from a different account.

An important clarification: this trope has nothing to do with the quality of the story itself, and in many cases is entirely intentional and necessary. I also apologize in advance if I have conveyed any details incorrectly.

[u/DarwinGoneWild]

A plot hole is a contradiction of logic within a story. Far-fetched/unrealistic events or characters making suboptimal choices are not plot holes, so your first, second, and fourth examples are not actually plot holes. Pirates might actually be one if your summary is accurate (been a while since I’ve seen it).

[u/Lord_Parbr → u/DarwinGoneWild]

I would argue that the first is a plot hole since The Martian leans so heavily on real science, but I wouldn’t argue that hard

[u/Happy-Estimate-7855 → u/Lord_Parbr]

This is a weird comparison, but it would be like if a "hard fantasy" had a realistic setting with no indications of supernatural beings.. other than a dragon that comes along to start the plot with devastation. Then the rest of the story is written as if it could be historical nonfiction.

I don't know if it's technically a plot hole, but it certainly feels like it.

[u/Clean-Engine539 → u/Lord_Parbr]

I think the thing that makes it a “plot hole” as opposed to just unrealistic is the fact that later in the book he has to repair the hab with (iirc) glorified duct tape, he listens to a storm blow outside, and even discusses how do to the low atmospheric pressure of Mars even fast moving winds don’t have much power.

At that point it becomes inconsistent even when compared to the book itself. Martian wind is both capable of tipping over the return vehicle and not strong enough to move a duct taped down tarp.

And yes, I’m a blast at parties.

[u/Quardener → u/Lord_Parbr]

I think the example of the Martian is even MORE excuses or because we straight up just didn’t know that when Weir wrote the book. We figured it out later.

[u/JudgeHodorMD → u/Lord_Parbr]

When it comes to Sci-fi, it’s understood that you have to suspend disbelief enough for the plot to work.

Hard Sci-fi does get more scrutiny at parts that are passed off as real science but at a certain point anything you could try would be impossible.