Worf Had the Flu: Difference between revisions

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A type of fandom-based [[Author's Saving Throw]], this is the specific rationalization that a character suffering from [[The Worf Effect]] or a [[Curb Stomp Battle]] did so only because something (artificially) undermined their performance. The insinuation, of course, is that it probably wouldn't have happened this way under "normal" circumstances.

This is often used within fandom, and can be a satisfying answer for fans bothered by the outcome of the battle or use of the trope itself. As the 'flu' is generally pulled from something within the story, explicit or otherwise, it does not necessarily require a blatant [[Retcon]] or [[Canon ~~Dis Continuity~~]] -- the event ''itself'' is still treated as canonical. Note, however, the new ''reason'' may not officially be, except as a passing [[Ascended Fanon]] by some writers.

This is often used within fandom, and can be a satisfying answer for fans bothered by the outcome of the battle or use of the trope itself. As the 'flu' is generally pulled from something within the story, explicit or otherwise, it does not necessarily require a blatant [[Retcon]] or [[Canon Discontinuity]] -- the event ''itself'' is still treated as canonical. Note, however, the new ''reason'' may not officially be, except as a passing [[Ascended Fanon]] by some writers.

Whether or not a later matchup is provided becomes irrelevant. If enough ire is raised from using the Worf Effect, a later matchup may be specifically ''avoided'' to [[Dork Age|dodge any mention of it at all]]. On the other extreme, the response to the trope may be too loaded with [[Take That]] overtones not to come off as petty. In contrast, a well-written [[Evasive Fight Thread Episode]] often includes 'flu' logic in an effort to quell any complaints about the match-up. Essentially the "Power Seep" part of [[Power Creep, Power Seep]].