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I hate this kind of storyline

This is a two-panel reaction meme mocking a common, widely criticized writing trope in action media. The text at the top of the meme describes the trope: a main character brutally kills thousands of low-level henchmen without any moral conflict, but abruptly refuses to kill the main villain, claiming that killing the villain would make them just as evil as the villain. The first panel features a young blonde boy in a red t-shirt and yellow shorts holding a handgun, looking sad and on the verge of tears. The second panel shows the same boy covering his face with one hand while still holding the gun, visibly upset and frustrated, representing the audience's annoyed reaction to this illogical, inconsistent plot choice.
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PROTAGONIST AFTER BRUTALLY KILLING 7,689 HENCHMENS, JUST STAND IN FRONT OF THE VILLAN AND SAY "I CAN'T KILL HIM, IF I KILL HIM, I'LL BECOME JUST LIKE HIM".

Overview

This is a two-panel reaction meme mocking a common, widely criticized writing trope in action media. The text at the top of the meme describes the trope: a main character brutally kills thousands of low-level henchmen without any moral conflict, but abruptly refuses to kill the main villain, claiming that killing the villain would make them just as evil as the villain. The first panel features a young blonde boy in a red t-shirt and yellow shorts holding a handgun, looking sad and on the verge of tears. The second panel shows the same boy covering his face with one hand while still holding the gun, visibly upset and frustrated, representing the audience's annoyed reaction to this illogical, inconsistent plot choice.

Origin notes

This meme was originally shared on Reddit in meme-focused subreddits, with the original poster titling it 'I hate this kind of storyline' referencing the overused action media plot trope it makes fun of. It uses the widely circulated 'crying kid holding a gun' stock photo reaction template, which is commonly used online to express disappointment, frustration, or exasperation at absurd situations.

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