Opinions on plot idea

[ambermdo]

I'm thinking about doing an episode for one of my upcoming series where one of my characters goes through a similar situation that their parents did. However, I'm worried that people will think it's too repetitive and won't like it.

[AmysGames]

For the people who don't speak TV Tropes:

Generation Xerox:

This trope takes "following in your parent's footsteps" to a whole new level. The character hasn't just inherited their parents' character traits and superpowers — they've inherited their entire life story.

Here We Go Again:

A story or show that employs an infinite-loop motif, ending in the very way it was put into motion. The circumstances need not be exact.

I don't see a lot of correlation between those tropes, personally. Would this imply that the characters repeat the mistakes of their parents in every single generation, ad infinitum?

In any case, I think you do have to be careful with tropes about events repeating themselves, because I can see that getting annoying if there isn't a clear reason for it. But like any trope, it depends a lot on the execution.

[justincarbunkle]

What's the situation? Did the series have an episode about the parents doing something, and this is like a sequel with the kids doing it? Or this episode will show both the parents and kids doing something similar? Either way, if there are interesting differences between how both set of characters handle it, it shouldn't feel repetitive to a reader.

[MK-AKA-Morgan]

Your question is a bit vague, but I think some people will see it more as a well thought out parallel. I'm super into the show Arcane, and there's a character who's mother dies on a bridge, and later in the first season they nearly die on that same bridge, just in a different way- and I only saw people saying how well written that was, I think that if you write it well you'll definitely get people's attention in a positive way- and if you don't write it well I think people would still like it. We work independently, not in large teams like Arcane does- we should be a lot more willing to accept that our stories can't be incredible masterpieces, what matters is that we try our best with what we've got. As long as we don't go out of our way to hurt people, I think people are willing to stick around for our stories.

[MK-AKA-Morgan]

I should look through my own story and see what tropes I've been using in my stories- sometimes I forget these things can have certain implications if you're not doing things right (I've seen a lot of stories on here unfortunately come across as misogynistic because they're not very thoughtfully with how they write women- which I can admit I've had issues with myself), thanks for unintentionally giving me the idea to check through them with my own story.

[sophialyn]

I disagree that it would be repetitive! It could be a great opportunity to use a past story as foreshadowing or a consistent family theme.
You make it different by the character’s response to the situation. What does it mean if they react exactly like their parents? What does it mean if they react nothing like their parents? Then expand on that.
Sounds interesting! Excited to see what you do!

[samconnely]

If you handle it well, revisiting similar situations can add depth, not feel repetitive. Focus on showing how the character’s experience differs from their parents’. Highlight new emotions, choices, or consequences. That contrast keeps it fresh and meaningful.
Avoid repeating scenes or dialogue. Instead, use the setup to explore themes like growth, trauma, or breaking cycles.