History Main / RescueReversal

This may result in a RedundantRescue, since the hostage was never really in danger and may have been CapturedOnPurpose, as part of a ploy to infiltrate their captor's lair. It's also possible that the captive tricked the villain into letting him go. Regardless how it plays out, the bottom line is: they don't need help (anymore), but now the would-be rescuers ''do''.

This may result in a RedundantRescue, since the hostage was never really in danger; or maybe someone else freed the captured character, before their friends arrived. It's also possible that the captive tricked the villain into letting him go. Regardless how it plays out, the bottom line is: they don't need help (anymore), but now the would-be rescuers ''do''.

When implemented, it can be the reason for an UnwantedRescue, or it can lead to [[ComplainingAboutRescuesTheyDontLike complaining about the rescue attempt]], if their plan was to be captured as part of a gambit. Perhaps, to infiltrate the enemy's headquarters. Except now, they have to deal with the [[StopHelpingMe unwanted complication of saving their friends]], while still trying to get the job done.

* ''Manga/MakenKi''
** In chapter 14, Akaya [[http://www.mangatown.com/manga/maken_ki/c014/22.html abducted Himegami]] to coerce Haruko, Azuki, Inaho, and Takeru into a 4-on-4 battle with the Venus Unit to assess the Maken-ki's level of ability. But when it seemed he had [[spoiler: [[http://www.mangatown.com/manga/maken_ki/c023/31.html fatally shot Takeru]]]], Himegami became so enraged that [[http://www.mangatown.com/manga/maken_ki/c023/34.html she freed herself]] and was prepared to reduce Akaya to ashes.
** Near the end of episode 10 (season 2), Takaki gets captured and used as leverage against her new "boyfriend"[[note]]'''In context:''' Takaki had [[IDidntMeanToTurnYouOn fallen in love with Azuki]], who had disguised herself as a boy, after bumping into her. So Yuuka and the others thought it'd be a good idea for Azuki to go on a pretend date with Takaki, beliving it would help her face her fear of men[[/note]], so they could get even with him by making it so he couldn't fight back. Takaki's forced to watch as he takes a beating for her, until one of their Maken attacks shreds his shirt, [[SamusIsAGirl revealing a pair of breasts.]] At that point, she realized it was Azuki, shook off her binds, and unleashed Habaya on them to save her.

* ''Manga/MakenKi''
** In chapter 14, Akaya [[http://www.mangatown.com/manga/maken_ki/c014/22.html abducted Himegami]] to coerce Haruko, Azuki, Inaho, and Takeru into a 4-on-4 battle with the Venus Unit to assess the Maken-ki's level of ability. But when it seemed he had [[spoiler: [[http://www.mangatown.com/manga/maken_ki/c023/31.html fatally shot Takeru]]]], Himegami became so enraged that [[http://www.mangatown.com/manga/maken_ki/c023/34.html she freed herself]] and was prepared to reduce Akaya to ashes.
** Near the end of episode 10 (season 2), Takaki gets captured and used as leverage against her new "boyfriend"[[note]]'''In context:''' Takaki had [[IDidntMeanToTurnYouOn fallen in love with Azuki]], who had disguised herself as a boy, after bumping into her. So Yuuka and the others thought it'd be a good idea for Azuki to go on a pretend date with Takaki, beliving it would help her face her fear of men[[/note]], so they could get even with him by making so he couldn't fight back. Takaki's forced to watch as he takes a beating for her, until one of their Maken attacks shreds his shirt, [[SamusIsAGirl revealing a pair of breasts.]] At that point, she realized it was Azuki, shook off her binds, and unleashed Habaya on them to save her.

* In ''ANewHope'', immediately after Luke and Han Solo free Leia, she has to help them find a way out. ZigZagged since Luke (with help from [=C3P0=] and [=R2D2=]) then has to rescue them from her rescue.

* In the ''SupermanTheAnimatedSeries'' episode "Superman's Pal", Superman flies into Metallo's trap trying to rescue [[JimmyOlsen Jimmy]] and Jimmy winds up having to save him.

* ''Film/SpiderMan 2'': Peter dashes into a burning building (without his powers) to save a girl who's trapped inside. After he finds her, he doubles back, but the floor collapses beneath him, leaving him hanging on for dear life. After hoisting the girl up, she returns the favor and pulls him up. The two then escape the building.

After all, that's not how television works. Hostages aren't supposed to save themselves ''and'' the people trying to save them!

In cases like these, the character in question is more likely to be [[TuxedoAndMartini a super spy]], an ActionGirl, or the GuileHero, or similar character type. While villainous examples will include TheDragon, ClassyCatBurglar, or more likely, the LoveableRogue, who's dashing and daring, and infuriatingly clever. Whoever they may be, they're perfectly capable of getting themselves out of a bind, given the right opportunity. And they'll usually meet up with their would-be rescuers in time for [[CasualDangerDialog some witty banter]] about [[TheCavalryArrivesLate "what took them so long?"]], after saving their bacon.

* In ''[[Recap/LupinIIIS2E145 Albatross: Wings of Death]]'', [[ActionGirl Fujiko]] is kidnapped and taken hostage by [[AffablyEvil Prof. Lumbach.]] Naturally, [[Franchise/LupinIII Lupin]] [[CaperCrew and Co.]] charge to her rescue... except she saves 'em the trouble. Not only does she take over the plane, she saves Lupin while she's at it!

* Played with in the ''WesternAnimation/DarkwingDuck'' episode "Water Way to Go". Darkwing runs after [[{{Sidekick}} Launchpad]] when his carrier blows away in a sandstorm, only to be blown away himself and have Launchpad chase after him. Neither saved the other; they were just fortunate enough to turn up near the villain's compound.

* In ''Literature/TheLightFantastic'', Cohen the Barbarian launches an UnwantedRescue of an entirely voluntary VirginSacrifice but when he attempts to swing the girl over his shoulder, his back goes out. Much to her own surprise she finds herself having to carry him away from the druids circle.

* Done tragically in ''OnePiece'': Luffy finally manages to rescue Ace in Marineford, and they're running away to the Whitebeard's ship. Then Akainu insults WB in front of Ace, which provokes the latter into attacking him. He knocks Ace aside, and goes after Luffy with a magma fist... then Ace TookTheBullet for his brother. Result: Ace dies.

* In ''Series/TheAdventuresOfSuperman'' episode "[[Recap/TheAdventuresOfSupermanS6E12ThePerilsOfSuperman The Defeat of Superman]]", Superman gets locked in a room with Kryptonite while trying to rescue Lois and Jimmy. Jimmy neutralizes the radiation by shoving the Kryptonite into a lead pipe and stomping its ends closed.

* In ''Series/TheAdventuresOfSuperman'' episode "The Defeat of Superman", Superman gets locked in a room with Kryptonite while trying to rescue Lois and Jimmy. Jimmy neutralizes the radiation by shoving the Kryptonite into a lead pipe and stomping its ends closed.

* In one episode of ''WestenAnimation/TeenageMutantNinjaTurtles2003'', Leo tries to save Splinter when the latter almost falls while climbing a fragile pipe. Leo reaches him and pulls him up, but the pipe is rapidly buckling beneath them, so Splinter pulls a grappling hook out of his robes and uses it to get both of them to safety. He could have saved himself at any time, but he wanted Leo to confront his fear of heights, and to teach him AnAesop about focusing his mind to avoid distractions.

[[RescueArc Rescue Arcs]] are common in fiction, usually involoving TheHero, or TheProtagonist, charging in to save [[AFriendInNeed their captured comrade.]] Though the hostage can just as easily be [[LoveInterest a loved one]], [[TagAlongKid some snot-nosed kid]], or worst of all, TheLoad. The success of the rescue attempt mainly depends on the setting and [[SlidingScaleOfIdealismVersusCynicism type of story]] we're dealing with.

[[RescueArc Rescue Arcs]] are a common in fiction, usually involoving TheHero, or TheProtagonist, charging in to save [[AFriendInNeed their captured comrade.]] Though the hostage can just as easily be [[LoveInterest a loved one]], [[TagAlongKid some snot-nosed kid]], or worst of all, TheLoad. The success of the rescue attempt mainly depends on the setting and [[SlidingScaleOfIdealismVersusCynicism type of story]] we're dealing with.

[[RescueArc Rescue Arcs]] are a common in fiction, usually involoving TheHero, or TheProtagonist, charging in to save [[AFriendInNeed their captured comrade.]] Though the hostage can just as easily be [[LoveInterest a loved one]], [[TagAlongKid some snot-nosed kid]], or worst of all, TheLoad. The success of the rescue attempt mainlt depends on the setting and [[SlidingScaleOfIdealismVersusCynicism type of story]] we're dealing with.

This may result in a RedundantRescue, since the hostage was never really in danger; or maybe someone else freed the captured character, before their friends arrived. It's also possible that the captive tricked the villain into letting him go. Regardless how it plays out, the bottom line is: they don't need help ([[BadassOutOfDistress anymore]]), but now the would-be rescuers ''do''.

In cases like these, the character in question is more likely to be [[TuxedoAndMartini a super spy]], an ActionGirl, or the GuileHero, or similar character type. While villainous examples will include TheDragon, ClassyCatBurglar, or more likely, the LoveableRogue, who's dashing and daring, and infuriatingly clever. Whoever they may be, they're perfectly capable of getting themselves out of a bind, given the right opportunity. And they'll usually meet up with their would-be rescuers in time for [[CasualDangerDialog some witty banter]] about [[TheCalvaryArrivesLate "what took them so long?"]], after saving their bacon.

This may overlap with BadassInDistress, or DamselOutOfDistress. Compare with TheCalvaryArrivesLate, if the captive has not only freed themselves, but defeated the villain (and their henchmen) as well. Also compare NowLetMeCarryYou.

In cases like these, the character in question is more likely to be [[TuxedoAndMartini a super spy]], an ActionGirl, or the GuileHero, or similar character type. While villainous examples will include TheDragon, ClassyCatBurglar, or more likely, the LoveableRogue, who's dashing and daring, and infuriatingly clever. Whoever they may be, they're perfectly capable of getting themselves out of a bind, given the right opportunity. And they'll usually meet up with their would-be rescuers in time for [[CasualDangerDialog some witty banter]] about "what took them so long?" after saving their bacon.

Can be a part of UnwantedRescue or ComplainingAboutRescuesTheyDontLike because in this case, the rescue backfires.

Sometimes may overlap with BadassInDistress or DamselOutOfDistress. Compare NowLetMeCarryYou.

In cases like these, the character in question is more likely to be a SuperSpy, an ActionGirl, or the GuileHero, or similar character type. While villainous examples will include TheDragon, ClassyCatBurglar, or more likely, the LoveableRogue, who's dashing and daring, and infuriatingly clever. Whoever they may be, they're perfectly capable of getting themselves out of a bind, given the right opportunity. And they'll usually meet up with their would-be rescuers in time for [[CasualDangerDialog some witty banter]] about "what took them so long?" after saving their bacon.

In a RescueArc, the rescuers will variably succeed in rescuing their teammate(s), or they may be NotQuiteSavedEnough, or [[YourPrincessIsInAnotherCastle said captive is brought somewhere else...]] or this.

This plot occurs as follows:
* Someone is captured by his enemies.
* Their friends, realizing this, go off to rescue said someone.
* They encounter a danger along the way, usually when they're close to said someone.
* He/she then breaks free (or is revealed to have broken free) by some means and then he/she has to rescue them.

Maybe their rescue attempt is a RedundantRescue because said someone is not really in danger/BadAss enough to escape the situation him/herself; or maybe somebody else broke the captured character out before his friends got there; or maybe the hero tricked the villain into letting him go. In any case he doesn't need help (anymore) but now the would-be rescuers do.

In a RescueArc, the rescuers will variably succeed on rescuing their teammate(s), or they may be NotQuiteSavedEnough, or [[YourPrincessIsInAnotherCastle said captive is brought somewhere else...]] or this.

* Played with in the ''WesternAnimation/DarkwingDuck'' episode "Water Way to Go". Darkwing runs after [[{{Sidekick}} Launchpad]] when his carrier blows away in a sandstorm, only to be blown away himself and have Launchpad chase after him. Neither saved the other; they were just fortunate enough to turn up near the villain's compound.