[ladygiggs]

Originally Posted by Dave

When the characters behave out of character or the story begins to have too many plotholes, not only does it become unbelievable, but I begin to think that the writers have not done their homework. And if the writers and producers don't care about it, then why should I? That is when people switch off, the show 'jumps the shark', and they might as well pack up and go home.

Eeek, I'm a little apprehensive about weighing in on a discussion with so many experts about. I plead my case as a total 'newbie'.

As far as I can tell, there are loads of plotholes in Doctor Who and some of those are created by character who 'behave out of character'. But faulty memory and emotional outbursts, lies and exaggeration are part of being human (or human-like).

While the writers need to use characters to convey facts and story, sometimes the characters take on lives of their own, and grow, almost independently of the writer. The writer becomes a conduit, almost a stenographer, taking down the near organic development of character and plot from their imaginations.

My pedantic side loves squirelling for inconsistencies and I agree that there needs to be continuity and research in screenwriting, but my emotional side loves sci-fi for its disregard of convention and its possibilities.

Thanks for stimulating my imagination! This thread rocks.

*clambers down off soapbox*