Phlebotinum is a plot device that is most commonly seen in television shows, but it can also be found in books and movies. It is inexplicable and frequently magical by nature, with no basis in reality. Its sole purpose is to move the plot forward with minimal effort and, ideally, with the least amount of suspension of disbelief. Phlebotinum is especially common in science fiction and fantasy, as one might expect, where unusual plot devices can be more believable.
The term was coined by the Buffy the Vampire Slayer writing team when they were stuck on an episode and couldn’t get it to progress. “Don’t touch the phlebotinum in the corner,” one of the writers yelled as they struggled, and the term was born. The Buffy series is well-known for its use of such devices, with a variety of mystical objects and events propelling the story’s arc.
Kryptonite, the mysterious substance that is harmful to Superman, is probably one of the most well-known examples. When writers need a way to push a story forward but don’t want to use a complicated circumlocution that could take several episodes to unfold, they turn to phlebotinum. They can advance the story rather than focusing on the details by adding phlebotinum to the mix, keeping readers interested and giving their characters something new to work with and play against.
Because phlebotinum is often difficult to explain, it appears out of place in shows based on reality or true events, where viewers expect clear, rational explanations for what they see on screen. However, real-world objects or concepts can sometimes fill this role; forensics shows, for example, employ a variety of clever tricks to solve crimes and advance their plots, giving their phlebotinum a veneer of scientific respectability.
It can be difficult to incorporate phlebotinum into a plot. Writers generally don’t want to make the use of a plot device too obvious because it detracts from the story, so they try to introduce these devices with care, ensuring that their inclusion is at least reasonable. Its overuse is also unwise, as fans may become irritated if plot devices are used to solve (or create) problems on a regular basis.