DEUSEXMACHINA

Deus ex machina

A deus ex machina is a plot device whereby a seemingly unsolvable problem is suddenly and abruptly resolved by the contrived and unexpected intervention of some new event, character, ability, or object. Depending on how it is done, it can be intended to move the story forward when the writer has "painted himself into a corner" and sees no other way out, to surprise the audience, to bring a happy ending into the tale, or as a comedic device.

The above text is a snippet from Wikipedia: Deus ex machina
and as such is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

Deus Ex Machina

"Deus Ex Machina" is the 19th episode of the first season of Lost. The episode was directed by Robert Mandel and written by Carlton Cuse and Damon Lindelof. It first aired on March 30, 2005 on ABC. The character of John Locke is featured in the episode's flashbacks.

The above text is a snippet from Wikipedia: Deus Ex Machina (Lost)
and as such is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

deus ex machina

Noun

  1. Any resolution to a story that does not pay due regard to the story's internal logic and that is so unlikely that it challenges suspension of disbelief, and presumably allows the author, director, or developer to end the story in the way that he or she desired
    Oh, now I'm backed into a corner, and can't devise a way out. I could sure use a deus ex machina right about now!
  2. A contrived solution to a problem, relying on an agent external to the situation.
    ''We used a sale of the business at a ridiculously high multiple to make the numbers work, a deus ex machina.


The above text is a snippet from Wiktionary: deus ex machina
and as such is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

Need help with a clue?
Try your search in the crossword dictionary!