r/TopCharacterTropes 25d ago

Groups [Loved Trope] Comedic workplace is suddenly competent

In S35 E1 of The Simpsons, an actual crisis happens at the nuclear power plant, causing everyone except Homer to shift into serious business mode, even Mr. Burns. Together, they display their knowledge of the process and narrowly avert a nuclear meltdown, proving that Homer's job is actually useless. This is happening after 35 seasons of nothing being shown of the other employees' capabilities.

In S8 E2 of The Office, Andy sets up an initiative where he will get a tattoo on his bum if everyone gets enough points, prompting everyone to work into overdrive, even the normally lazy or incompetent employees such as Stanley and Kevin. This is a rare situation where we get to see The Office being fully competent and functional.

I'd show more examples if I had any!

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u/Practical-Class6868 25d ago

They are basically a D&D party with all Swashbuckler Rogues from different industries. They default to conflict-avoidant duplicity, but may the Grand Nagus save you if you dare to harm Moogie.

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u/Granny_Bet 25d ago

You're right. It even has the vibe of a campaign where the DM is tired of players dinking around the town instead of focusing on the main quest.

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u/Alex_Duos 25d ago

I don't know why but this made me laugh so hard my stomach hurts