# What is extremely common in TV or movies but almost never happens in real life? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [February 6, 2021, 4:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-extremely-common-in-tv-or-movies-but-almost-never-happens-in-real-life/932311 "2021-02-06T04:16:49Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 206
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2024, 9:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-extremely-common-in-tv-or-movies-but-almost-never-happens-in-real-life/932311/4107 "2024-08-07T21:34:02Z")
> [@digs](#): > > What is that? “Gimme da bottle… but I’m going to use a clean glass every swallow. I do have standards…” Bob Hope- “_Gimme a lemonade_” (shocked reactions) - (snarls)"_In a dirty Glass!"_ > [@Nars\_Glinley](#): > > This happens in every episode of “Criminal Minds” and probably a lot of other crime shows: Profiling is of doubtful value- > **[Psychological sleuths--Does profiling really work?](https://www.apa.org/monitor/julaug04/profiling)** > > Researchers provided detailed case materials from two solved crimes and asked participants to write profiles of the type of people likely to commit such crimes, then compared the profiles with the actual, convicted offenders. > **[Criminal profiling doesn’t work. TV shows should maybe stop celebrating it.](https://www.vox.com/future-perfect/2018/11/12/18044688/criminal-profilers-mindhunter-hannibal-criminal-minds)** > > Psychologists cannot, it turns out, catch criminals with the power of their minds. _It’s a real, honest-to-God bummer, but [criminal profiling doesn’t appear to work](http://www.vulture.com/2017/10/mindhunter-criminal-profiling-really-work-like-this.html). At all. Even if it did, it’d be a misallocation of intellectual energy._ ---
**Author:** ![ZonexandScout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zonexandscout/32/544_2.png) [@ZonexandScout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZonexandScout)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2024, 12:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-extremely-common-in-tv-or-movies-but-almost-never-happens-in-real-life/932311/4108 "2024-08-12T12:31:28Z")
I’m surprised at the number of private investigators in movies and shows who have criminal backgrounds. In most US states, obtaining a PI license when you have ANY sort of criminal history (DV, misdemeanor possession, bad checks, criminal property damage, etc.) is virtually impossible. In my state, it would be extremely unlikely that you could obtain a PI license, alarm systems license, locksmith, or counterintelligence license if you were, for example, convicted of assault 20 years ago because of a bar fight. The licensing board would consider your application, but it would be very unlikely to be granted. If you actually served time for a conviction, forget it. ---
**Author:** ![Lumpy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lumpy/32/446_2.png) [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2024, 4:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-extremely-common-in-tv-or-movies-but-almost-never-happens-in-real-life/932311/4109 "2024-08-12T16:04:28Z")
> [@ZonexandScout](#): > > I’m surprised at the number of private investigators in movies and shows who have criminal backgrounds. A more common one is the disgraced former police officer, fired from the force but not criminally charged. _The Rockford Files_ is highly unusual in that Jim Rockford’s backstory is that he served time for a crime that he was later proven innocent of and given a full pardon for. ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2024, 7:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-extremely-common-in-tv-or-movies-but-almost-never-happens-in-real-life/932311/4110 "2024-08-12T19:59:48Z")
I don’t think there is anyway to be sure but I think the instances of two people embracing and then a gun going off and one of them slumping over dead with a surprised expression are exceedingly rare. You can also substitute a knife for a gun (thank you GoT). ---
**Author:** ![Nars\_Glinley](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/nars_glinley/32/8177_2.png) [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2024, 8:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-extremely-common-in-tv-or-movies-but-almost-never-happens-in-real-life/932311/4111 "2024-08-12T20:01:46Z")
And it is almost always the one that was holding the weapon in the first place. ---
**Author:** ![Mama\_Zappa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/71e660/32.png) [@Mama\_Zappa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mama_Zappa)\ **Post date:** [August 12, 2024, 9:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-extremely-common-in-tv-or-movies-but-almost-never-happens-in-real-life/932311/4112 "2024-08-12T21:54:48Z")
> [@abcdefghij](#): > > At least they could do an icebreaker exercise “Two Truths and a Lie” would be excellent for this purpose. ---
**Author:** ![Jay\_Z](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/a3d4f5/32.png) [@Jay\_Z](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jay_Z)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2024, 2:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-extremely-common-in-tv-or-movies-but-almost-never-happens-in-real-life/932311/4113 "2024-08-13T02:12:27Z")
A loveable loser. Most losers aren’t loveable. They’re just losers. ---
**Author:** ![Al128](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/al128/32/16541_2.png) [@Al128](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Al128)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2024, 10:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-extremely-common-in-tv-or-movies-but-almost-never-happens-in-real-life/932311/4114 "2024-08-13T10:25:39Z")
> [@Nars\_Glinley](#): > > And it is almost always the one that was holding the weapon in the first place. see, you got that wrong! **it is almost always the TWO that were holding the weapon!!!** ---
**Author:** ![iamatractorboy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/iamatractorboy/32/21261_2.png) [@iamatractorboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iamatractorboy)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2024, 12:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-extremely-common-in-tv-or-movies-but-almost-never-happens-in-real-life/932311/4115 "2024-08-13T12:10:24Z")
_Minority Report_ also springs to mind. Edit: it’s a bit different but I still think it qualifies, because the person shot is not who you initially think it is ---
**Author:** ![digs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/digs/32/14889_2.png) [@digs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/digs)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2024, 1:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-extremely-common-in-tv-or-movies-but-almost-never-happens-in-real-life/932311/4116 "2024-08-13T13:58:11Z")
The mystery gunshot ‘triggered’ me… and I’d be surprised if I haven’t mentioned this on these boards, because I got so sick of it decades ago. Bad Guy has Good Guy in his/her sights, makes an evil quip (or a full confession), _annnd…GUNSHOT!_ But… Good Guy is still alive (might even check himself for a hole)! What a shocker of a plot twist… Camera switches to POV of hero, Bad Guy is standing all alone, but then slowly falls over, and standing directly behind is the Unlikely Savior with a smoking gun. Way too often it’s the sidekick/girlfriend who’s never used a gun before. Sheesh. Might have been clever the first time it was used, but the hundreds of times since…? ---
**Author:** ![solost](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/solost/32/11776_2.png) [@solost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/solost)\ **Post date:** [August 13, 2024, 2:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-extremely-common-in-tv-or-movies-but-almost-never-happens-in-real-life/932311/4117 "2024-08-13T14:16:55Z")
> [@digs](#): > > But… Good Guy is still alive (might even check himself for a hole)! > What a shocker of a plot twist… Ha, yep, I _ **just** _ saw this on the most recent episode of the revamped ‘CSI: Vegas’ (the 2020s version with Marg Helgenberger and various other original cast members guest-starring). Right down to the 'checking for a hole" part. ---
**Author:** ![Biotop](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/biotop/32/321_2.png) [@Biotop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biotop)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2024, 12:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-extremely-common-in-tv-or-movies-but-almost-never-happens-in-real-life/932311/4118 "2024-08-22T12:44:56Z")
The detective is investigating a “cold case” death that happened a long time ago. They visit the home of the deceased person and find that the victim’s family has kept their old room exactly as it was five years ago or whenever when the person died. Thus the detective finds an overlooked clue. Do people in real life frequently leave rooms cleaned but otherwise untouched for years and years after a death? ---
**Author:** ![doreen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/858c86/32.png) [@doreen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/doreen)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2024, 1:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-extremely-common-in-tv-or-movies-but-almost-never-happens-in-real-life/932311/4119 "2024-08-22T13:39:24Z")
I don’t know how frequent it is but I’ve known more than one person who has done it. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2024, 1:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-extremely-common-in-tv-or-movies-but-almost-never-happens-in-real-life/932311/4120 "2024-08-22T13:41:06Z")
I know a couple whose baby died of SIDS. Years have gone by and the nursery is unchanged. ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2024, 4:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-extremely-common-in-tv-or-movies-but-almost-never-happens-in-real-life/932311/4121 "2024-08-22T16:53:13Z")
> [@Biotop](#): > > The detective is investigating a “cold case” death that happened a long time ago. They visit the home of the deceased person and find that the victim’s family has kept their old room exactly as it was five years ago or whenever when the person died. Thus the detective finds an overlooked clue. > > Do people in real life frequently leave rooms cleaned but otherwise untouched for years and years after a death? I’m pretty sure I mentioned the show _Cold Case_ earlier. They had 156 episodes of improbable new evidence and it just so happens everyone important is still alive, living in Philadelphia\* and mostly in the same houses. This happened even when the case was improbably old. Just so happens all these 90 year olds are still around. There was also a suspicious lack of Philly accents. \*In the last season somehow they started working for the FBI. It became too improbable than all these cases were being solved in Philly ---
**Author:** ![Lumpy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lumpy/32/446_2.png) [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2024, 5:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-extremely-common-in-tv-or-movies-but-almost-never-happens-in-real-life/932311/4122 "2024-08-22T17:13:35Z")
I liked the version in _The Quick and the Dead_. Gene Hackman’s character wonders why his shadow has a bright spot of sunlight in the center. ---
**Author:** ![Procrustus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/procrustus/32/2994_2.png) [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2024, 5:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-extremely-common-in-tv-or-movies-but-almost-never-happens-in-real-life/932311/4123 "2024-08-22T17:16:23Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > I know a couple whose baby died of SIDS. Years have gone by and the nursery is unchanged. I have clients who’s 15 year old died in a car crash. Her room is untouched two years later. ---
**Author:** ![Ulfreida](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ulfreida/32/8014_2.png) [@Ulfreida](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ulfreida)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2024, 5:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-extremely-common-in-tv-or-movies-but-almost-never-happens-in-real-life/932311/4124 "2024-08-22T17:17:19Z")
No, but now I really want one. ---
**Author:** ![ZonexandScout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zonexandscout/32/544_2.png) [@ZonexandScout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZonexandScout)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2024, 5:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-extremely-common-in-tv-or-movies-but-almost-never-happens-in-real-life/932311/4125 "2024-08-22T17:23:07Z")
Untouched rooms after somebody dies? I can beat that. I was thinking about getting a stand-up freezer some years ago, and my (relatively recent) wife mentioned that there was a freezer at her grandmother’s house we could probably have. Great! It turned out that her grandmother had passed away, so we asked her father if we could get the freezer. Turns out her grandmother had passed away 8 years previously and the family had just shut her house up and left it. There was mail on the kitchen table from 8 years ago. Fortunately, the electricity was still on. The family paid the electric bill every month and stopped by to walk around the house every so often to make sure nothing was grossly wrong. End of story? No. It’s now almost 26 years later and the house is STILL standing there empty. My BIL cuts the grass around it during the warmer months. There have been several break-ins over the years, but the majority of the furnishings and appliances are still there. The freezer worked fine for us. Her grandmother and grandfather had won it at a drawing at the local Western Auto in the 1970s. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2024, 5:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-extremely-common-in-tv-or-movies-but-almost-never-happens-in-real-life/932311/4126 "2024-08-22T17:49:45Z")
To be honest, that’s not where I thought you were going with that. I thought the grandmother was going to be _in_ the freezer. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-extremely-common-in-tv-or-movies-but-almost-never-happens-in-real-life/932311.md?page=205) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-extremely-common-in-tv-or-movies-but-almost-never-happens-in-real-life/932311.md?page=207)