Beyond easy endings: Problem-solving without “deus ex machina”

“Deus ex machina,” which translates from Latin to “god from the machine,” refers to the introduction of an unexpected and often improbable resolution to solve a seemingly unsolvable problem in a story. 

As a plot device, the solving of the impossible problem quickly can close out the story with a happy ending, and such an effect may surprise an audience or irritate them. I recently heard this term used in reference to an episode of Season 1 of the Hulu series The Bear. 

Here are some older film examples where “deus ex machina” is employed to save the main characters: 

• The War of the Worlds (1953): In this sci-fi classic, the aliens are defeated by a previously unmentioned susceptibility to Earth’s bacteria. The microscopic organisms, invisible to humans, serve as a means to solve the problem.
• Superman (1978): When the character Lois Lane is killed in a landslide, Superman revives her by flying around the world so quickly that he reverses the rotation of the Earth and is able to rewind time to save her.
• The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (2003): Giant eagles arrive just in time to save Frodo and Sam from the slopes of Mount Doom. The timing and manner of this rescue are somewhat convenient.

The use of “deus ex machina” can be divisive among audiences: some appreciate unexpected twists while others find them as an unrealistic way to resolve conflicts. 

The lesson here is that audiences hate being cheated. Real-life doesn’t often give us easy solutions, and the stories in our films and games shouldn’t either. Problem-solving is good as it teaches us to develop skills and is a key element part of the Hero’s Journey to reach mastery, and we want to see this in the characters we invest in as well. 

Avoiding “deus ex machina” in storytelling has several benefits. It promotes: 

• Realism: Excluding convenient, random solutions contributes to a more realistic narrative. It encourages a closer connection between the challenges characters face and the solutions they find, making the story more relatable to our own lives.
• Character Development: Confronting and overcoming obstacles through earned solutions allows for character growth. Characters evolve through their struggles, creating a more meaningful narrative arc. 
• Engagement: When audiences see characters grappling with genuine problems, it enhances engagement. The tension arising from realistic problem-solving contribute to a more compelling experience. 

Games, in particular, offer a unique platform for strengthening problem-solving skills: 

• Decision-Making and Adaptability: Many games present players with complex scenarios and decisions, requiring critical thinking and strategic planning to find solutions on the fly. In a game players actively engage their problem-solving faculties. 
• Trial and Error: Games provide a safe space for trial and error. Players can experiment with different approaches and learn from failures, fostering resilience and a growth mindset. 
• Collaboration: Multiplayer games often necessitate collaboration and teamwork to overcome challenges. This hones individual problem-solving skills and encourages communication. 

By presenting challenges that require thoughtful consideration and strategic decision-making and no an easy-way-out, both films and games become effective tools for strengthening our learning and problem-solving muscles.