# Engine Anti-Patterns

These are patterns the engine must actively avoid. Each was discovered through
production experience — something that seemed reasonable but produced bad results.

Populated automatically by `/analyze-production`. Do not edit manually unless
correcting an error.

## Script Anti-Patterns

### Off-Screen Threat Resolution at Cliffhangers
- **ID:** A001
- **Status:** provisional
- **What it is:** Episode N ends with protagonist cornered by antagonist or environmental threat. Episode N+1 opens with threat resolved via exposition ("Varek is gone", "They scattered") rather than showing the resolution.
- **Why it fails:** Breaks the cliffhanger contract. The audience was promised a confrontation; expository resolution deflates the tension retroactively and teaches the audience not to trust future cliffhangers.
- **Evidence:** script_doctor_brief.json: 4 findings in close_read/cliffhanger_contract (C007, C013, C021 + related transition findings). Episodes affected: act boundary transitions throughout.
- **Instead, do:** Open episode N+1 with a physical action that resolves or escalates the cliffhanger. First 2-3 lines must be in the same location as the previous episode's final shot. Show the escape, confrontation, or escalation — never summarize it.
- **Confirmed by:** tartarus-r1
- **Last confirmed:** 2026-03-25

### Antagonist Redemption via Verbal Exposition
- **ID:** A002
- **Status:** provisional
- **What it is:** Antagonist character arc resolved through monologue or self-narrated epiphany rather than demonstrated behavioral change. Character states their change verbally ("I was wrong", "I see now") without prior behavioral evidence.
- **Why it fails:** Verbal-only turns feel unearned. The audience hasn't seen the character struggle or contradict their own position — they've only heard the character announce a new position. This is telling, not showing.
- **Evidence:** script_doctor_brief.json: 3 findings in arc_earning. Summary: "Varek's Act 3 turn feels rushed and overly verbal; he explains his epiphany rather than experiencing it." Episodes 41-47.
- **Instead, do:** Space antagonist turns across 3+ episodes minimum. Show behavioral contradictions first (actions that don't match stated position), then a turning-point action (not speech), then verbal acknowledgment last. The audience should see the turn before the character admits it.
- **Confirmed by:** tartarus-r1
- **Last confirmed:** 2026-03-25

<!-- Entry format:
### [Pattern Name]
- **ID:** A001
- **Status:** active | provisional | stale
- **What it is:** [Description of the pattern]
- **Why it fails:** [Specific reason — must cite exhaust data]
- **Evidence:** [File path + finding IDs from script_doctor_brief or deviation_log]
- **Instead, do:** [The alternative that works — must be actionable]
- **Confirmed by:** [project-rN, ...]
- **Last confirmed:** YYYY-MM-DD
-->

## Visual Anti-Patterns

## Production Anti-Patterns

## Development Anti-Patterns

## Retired
<!-- Anti-patterns moved here when a tool update or technique change makes them obsolete. -->
<!-- Include a note about why they were retired. Don't delete — the old problem may resurface. -->