Name that trope

[Laura Cynthia Chambers]

Okay, so what's it called when a guest character says something, which, unbeknownst to them, perfectly addresses the problem one of the series regulars is having? Scorpion does this a LOT. Like, every episode.

Sometimes, the character(s) who need the advice are listening in on comms as their teammates converse with the guest character.

Does this trope have a formal name?

 

[cultcross]

Sounds like a Eureka Moment, and House was probably worst at this trope, especially the 'unconnected event gives the clue to the mystery' version.

 

[Laura Cynthia Chambers]

A less scientific, more relationship-applicable version.

 

[Showdown]

I haven't watch Scorpion, but do you mean something like this...
Dr. Kelso is giving advice to a patient, but perfectly addresses main character Turk's problem.

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[Laura Cynthia Chambers]

Yeah, I guess.

For instance, in Scorpion's latest episode,

Spoiler: "Keep It In Check, Mate" (latest episode) spoiler

Happy Quinn, one of the main characters, is mad at Cabe Gallo, their government handler, for not doing enough (in her opinion) to keep her dad out of jail, even if it's only temporary (for removing VIN numbers off of stolen cars, he's going to testify against a big criminal). Over the comms, Happy hears the chess champion/spy for America her teammates are smuggling out of another country discuss her reason for spying was that she was honoring her father, who died in a gulag for reporting truth in the news. She hid in chess until she realized that you can't hide from pain - you have to experience it and deal with it. This advice, though not given to her, helped her forgive Cabe and deal with her father going to jail.

Anyone else have a name for it?

 

[retroenzo]

Can't say I really noticed it in Scorpion to be honest, but the one show I saw it happen every single episode was Castle. I loved that show but there was always that scene where Castle would be back at his apartment speaking to his mother or Alexis when suddenly, the lightbulb would go on and Castle realises how the crime was commited.

 

[Laura Cynthia Chambers]

Got to love that.

 

[cultcross]

Ah I misunderstood what you meant by 'problem'. Double Aesop maybe? When plot A's 'lesson' is coincidentally applicable to the characters' choices in plot B?

 

[Laura Cynthia Chambers]

Yeah, that's more like it.

 

[Velocity]

How about Deus Ex Talkina?