TV thrillers have a way of sticking to certain patterns that never fail to keep us on edge.
From strange deaths to bizarre plot twists, these are the elements that seem to appear in nearly every thriller show.
Let’s break down some of the most familiar tropes you can expect to see!
The Third Murder Victim Always Has a Dark Past
In every thriller, the third victim of the murder spree is always tied to something shady.
Whether they’re linked to organized crime or some other secretive underworld, it’s always a dramatic twist that adds more depth to the mystery.
Meathooks in Derelict Barns
There’s something about abandoned barns in thrillers that screams “danger!” And of course, there will always be meathooks hanging ominously.
It’s a classic way to set the stage for a horrifying discovery.
The Killer Always Appears in the Mirror
You know the scene — you’re in the bathroom, standing in front of the mirror, and within seconds, the crazed killer shows up behind you.
It’s one of the most unsettling yet predictable tropes that keeps you glued to the screen.
Car Chases in Empty Parking Garages
Even in the quietest multi-storey car parks, there’s bound to be a high-speed car chase happening.
Expect screeching U-turns, cars bursting into flames, and plenty of heart-racing moments in an otherwise mundane setting.
Your Neighbors Could Be Psychopaths
When you move to a new neighborhood, the nicest, friendliest neighbors always seem to hide some dark secrets.
It’s the perfect set-up for the unsuspecting protagonist to get caught in a web of horror.
The Pet Dog Always Gets Poisoned
If a dog starts barking suspiciously in a thriller, it’s a sure sign that something terrible is about to happen.
Spoiler: the dog often gets poisoned or is caught up in the chaos, making you feel even worse.
Picture-Postcard Villages Have Dark Secrets
Even in the most idyllic, charming villages, there’s always a dark underbelly.
Think picturesque settings hiding some sinister truths about the people who live there — this is where murderers like to thrive.
Plans for the Future? Expect a Death
Any character with big, elaborate plans for the future — like a soldier talking about marrying his fiancée or a cop planning to be a top athlete — is doomed to die just before the season finale.
It’s a tried-and-true plot twist that leaves us stunned.
The Pleasant-Looking Friend Doesn’t End Well
That pleasant-looking, always-smiling friend of the lead actress? They’re often the first to end up dead.
It’s a brutal twist that always takes us by surprise.
The Classic Shower Scene
In any thriller, a shower scene is bound to happen.
But you’re never, ever truly alone in that shower — someone’s always lurking, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
The Skyscraper Escape
When a villain is after you and you’re trapped in a tall building, why bother with the elevator? In a thriller, the characters always opt for a risky escape — throwing a rope out of the window and climbing down by hand. It’s the dramatic flair we can count on.
The Second-in-Command’s Tragic Fate
The trustworthy, dependable deputy? Yeah, they won’t last long.
Expect them to be gunned down unexpectedly, only for the truth about their shady past to come to light after their death.
The Dark Secrets Behind Scandi-Noir
In the world of Scandi-noir, the landscape is as bleak as the story.
Imagine a dismembered body floating in the coldest, darkest fjord, and a troubled detective battling addiction while trying to solve a mystery involving natural disasters, serial killers, and a town drowning in chaos. Dark, right?
Strange and Mysterious Strangers
Anyone who shows up as a stranger in a thriller is always hiding something mysterious.
From their suspicious behavior to their shady past, you can bet they’ll play a big role in the upcoming twists and turns.
The Villain Who Rises From the Dead
In the world of TV thrillers, no villain is truly gone until the heroine is about to breathe a sigh of relief.
Just when you think they’ve been defeated, they rise from the dead to wreak havoc all over again.
The Weird Hobo Who Turns Out to Be Innocent
That odd, unkempt person living alone? They’re the prime suspect — until they too are found dead, revealing that they weren’t the killer after all.
You’ll never guess who the true culprit is until it’s too late.
The Idyllic Cabin in the Woods
Murderers seem to love the woods.
The more isolated and picturesque the cabin, the more likely it is that the killer is living there, decorating their home with creepy souvenirs from previous victims.
It’s the ultimate setting for a thriller.
These are just a few of the key ingredients that make up the world of TV thrillers.
No matter how many times you see them, you’ll always be on the edge of your seat, waiting for the next dramatic reveal.
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!
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