Basic Trope: A machine or device does not turn off, no matter what characters do to it.
- Straight: Bob tries to turn off the TV, even unplugging it, but it continues to run.
- Exaggerated: The TV runs even after Bob throws it over a cliff.
- Downplayed: Bob unplugs the TV, but it turns off when the power button is pressed.
- Justified:
- The TV has an internal source of power.
- The TV is magically possessed by the Devil, who is using it to transmit a tormenting message to Bob.
- The limited-volume crystal radio is powered by the signal.
- Inverted: The TV does not turn on at all.
- Subverted: Bob unplugs the TV and it continues running, but only for a few seconds.
- Double Subverted: The TV turns off when unplugged, but turns back on a few seconds later.
- Parodied: The TV won't turn off even if it is unplugged, driven fast on a pickup truck, and thrown into a lake, and it floats up and shows an angry face.
- Zig Zagged: Someone rigged the TV to not need to be plugged in.
- Averted:
- The TV turns off like normal.
- There is no technology in the work.
- Enforced: The producer hates technology and wants the writers to have technology be abused.
- Lampshaded: "Do you ever wonder why the TV sometimes runs unplugged?"
- Invoked: The ghost of one of Bob's loved ones haunts the TV, in part so if the power cord comes out during his shows he can keep watching them, and in part because it's an easy way to communicate.
- Exploited: Bob uses the TV's ability to run unplugged to watch his favorite show during a power outage.
- Defied: Bob tries to find a way that the TV can run when unplugged.
- Discussed: "If you are unable to turn your InsaniTV television off through the power button, it may be haunted and not be able to turn off. Turn to page 9 for exorcism instructions."
- Conversed:Alice: How's that TV staying on?
Bob: Maybe they ran out of "turning things off" budget.
Alice: Or maybe they just don't care enough to turn it off.
Bob: That's how I feel about the whole dang film!
Both: Do-ho-ho-ho-hoh! - Implied: Bob is heard unplugging the TV, but sounds are still heard.
- Played For Laughs: The TV says bad puns after being unplugged.
- Played For Drama: After Bob smashes the TV, Alice yells at him for breaking something that cost thousands of dollars.
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