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Murder Mystery Cliches

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Zephyer | 16:45 Thu 16th Jun 2005 | Film, Media & TV
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What are the commonest cliches of the murder mystery genre? Either, flim, TV or book? Either in character, plot, etc

For example, there's frequently a showdown in the Living Room where the detective gathers all the suspects to reveal the true identity of the murderer. I often thought if the murderer knew the game was nearly up why didn't they get busy making a good escape instead of toddling along to the living room to be named and shamed!

Does anyone else have any other observations? Is there anywhere on the net I could get a list?

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"Like the villains in all the James Bond movies. Whenever Bond breaks into the complex: 'Ah, Mr. Bond, welcome, come in. Let me show you my entire evil plan and then put you in a death machine that doesn't work'." - Jerry Seinfeld. From - you guessed it - www.moviecliches.com
i think agatha christie murder mysteries always seem to have a high proportion of women doing the killing, also there seems to be a small circle of people who could have done it, also everyone has a secret, also millions of people have motive/opportunity
Have you ever wondered why people are still living in the likes of Midsomer and Cabot Cove (murder she wrote).  If you live in Midsomer I think you would have a more than 50% chance of getting murdered and if you live near or know Jessica Fletcher you are likely to be murdered, murder or at least be accused in the wrong.
The vital piece of evidence or incriminating clue always turns up 3 mins from the end of the show and often has nothing to do with any other evidence.
The main suspect NEVER did it
A fairly common cliche in police series generally is that the hero is usually a junior rank, Inspector or thereabouts, who is absolutely brilliant at the job, but has a complete idiot/sadist/carreerist as their boss. The boss spends most of the programme putting obstacles in their way or threatening them to get a result, and when they do never shows any appreciation. Examples being Frost, Columbo, New Tricks, Waking the Dead, Prime Suspect. 

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