Obstructive Code of Conduct: Difference between revisions

{{trope}}

 

This trope involves any code of conduct that artificially constrains the choices available to the protagonist. Often (as with Star Trek's Prime Directive), it [[Holding Back the Phlebotinum|restricts or prevents his use of phlebotinum]] that would wrap up the plot in two seconds otherwise. Conveniently forgotten (or [[Hand Wave|hand waved]]) when the plot requires it, but some shows do try to use this as a point of plot drama as the protagonists try to find a way to twist the rules to fit the situation.