Five Common Crime Drama Tropes Holding Back ABC's Hit Show

James

3 min read

Post on Sep 16, 2025

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Five Common Crime Drama Tropes Holding Back ABC's Hit Show "The Precinct"

ABC's "The Precinct," while boasting a stellar cast and intriguing premise, finds itself hampered by several overused crime drama tropes. While the show enjoys a dedicated following, its potential is being stifled by predictable plot devices and character archetypes. Let's delve into five common tropes hindering its ascent to true greatness.

1. The Unreliable Narrator, Taken Too Far: While the unreliable narrator trope can add layers of suspense and intrigue (think Gone Girl), "The Precinct" leans on it heavily, to the point of becoming tiresome. Every character seems to have a hidden agenda or a murky past, creating a sense of constant distrust that ultimately drains the emotional impact of the storytelling. Viewers crave connection with characters; constant suspicion undermines this crucial element. A more balanced approach, revealing secrets strategically rather than overwhelming the audience, would significantly improve the show’s overall impact.

2. The "Genius" Detective Who Ignores Procedure: The brilliant but maverick detective, operating outside the bounds of established police procedure, is a staple of the genre. However, "The Precinct's" lead detective, Detective Miller, takes this trope to an extreme. His disregard for protocol becomes less charming and more frustrating as the season progresses. While a touch of rebelliousness can be captivating, constant rule-breaking without consequence undermines the show's realism and diminishes the stakes. A more nuanced portrayal, showcasing the consequences of his actions alongside his brilliant deductions, would add much-needed depth.

3. The Conveniently Placed Clue: Crime dramas often rely on conveniently placed clues that conveniently lead the detective to the solution. In "The Precinct," these clues appear almost magically, often appearing just when the plot needs a jolt. This predictability weakens the suspense and diminishes the viewer's sense of engagement. Stronger writing would benefit from more subtle clues, requiring viewers to actively participate in the detective work alongside the characters. Think less "deus ex machina" and more "Sherlock Holmes-level deduction."

4. The Over-the-Top Villain: Many crime dramas feature villains with exaggerated motives and personalities. While "The Precinct's" antagonists aren't entirely one-dimensional, they often fall into this trap. Their motivations are sometimes unclear or illogical, detracting from the overall narrative. More compelling villains necessitate complex backstories and relatable motivations, even if their actions are reprehensible. A nuanced villain would make the stakes feel higher and the detective’s work that much more challenging and engaging.

5. The Predictable Twist Ending: Many episodes of "The Precinct" follow a familiar structure: escalating tension, a seemingly impossible situation, and then a predictable twist that, while surprising at first glance, ultimately feels contrived. The show needs to invest more in genuinely unexpected plot developments that challenge viewer expectations rather than relying on easily anticipated reveals. This requires a stronger focus on building suspense organically, leading to twists that feel both surprising and satisfying, rather than simply shocking.

Conclusion:

"The Precinct" has the potential to become a truly captivating crime drama. By addressing these common tropes and prioritizing character development, narrative complexity, and genuine suspense, the show can break free from the predictable and deliver a viewing experience that resonates with a broader audience. Are you a fan of "The Precinct"? What other tropes do you think are holding the show back? Share your thoughts in the comments below!