Television storytelling thrives on mystery, tension, and surprise. One of the most common tools writers use to create suspense and keep viewers guessing is the “red herring.” A red herring is a plot device designed to mislead or distract the audience from the truth, diverting their attention to false clues or deceptive information. Though red herrings can add intrigue and depth to a story when used effectively, they can also frustrate viewers if they feel manipulative or unnecessary.
Let’s explore how red herrings work, why they are used in television, and some memorable examples from popular shows.
What Is a Red Herring?
The term “red herring” originates from the practice of using smoked fish with a strong smell to throw hunting dogs off a scent trail. In storytelling, a red herring serves a similar purpose: it diverts the audience’s attention away from the actual plot twist or truth by introducing misleading evidence, characters, or events. Red herrings are especially prevalent in mystery, crime, and thriller genres but can be found in a wide range of TV shows.
Why Writers Use Red Herrings
Red herrings are powerful narrative tools for several reasons:
- Building Suspense: By misdirecting the audience, writers create tension and keep viewers engaged.
- Preserving Surprise: Red herrings help disguise the real twist or solution until the right moment.
- Adding Complexity: False leads and deceptive elements can make plots feel richer and more intricate.
However, red herrings must be balanced carefully. If they are too obvious or irrelevant to the main story, they can feel like cheap tricks rather than clever misdirection.
Memorable Examples of Red Herrings in TV
1. Twin Peaks — Who Killed Laura Palmer?
David Lynch’s Twin Peaks is a masterclass in red herrings. The central mystery of the show revolves around the murder of Laura Palmer. Early in the series, several characters are positioned as potential suspects, including Laura’s boyfriend Bobby Briggs and drug dealer Leo Johnson. However, these characters are ultimately distractions from the true culprit: Laura’s father, Leland Palmer, possessed by the evil spirit BOB. The elaborate web of false leads contributes to the show’s eerie, unsettling atmosphere.
2. Lost — The Hatch
In Lost, red herrings abound as the island’s mysteries deepen. One of the most memorable involves the mysterious hatch discovered by the survivors in Season 1. Speculation ran wild about what was inside—from supplies to weapons to mythical forces. When the hatch is finally opened, it leads to a station used by the Dharma Initiative, subverting the more fantastical theories. The show’s frequent use of red herrings kept viewers speculating for six seasons.
3. How to Get Away with Murder — Season 1 Murder Investigation
Throughout the first season of How to Get Away with Murder, the show’s flash-forward structure teases the mystery surrounding the murder of Sam Keating. Multiple characters, including Wes, Michaela, and Connor, are implicated as potential killers. The narrative continuously shifts suspicion until it is revealed that Wes delivered the fatal blow, though the act was a collective cover-up. The red herrings heighten the drama and tension of the legal thriller.
4. Sherlock — Moriarty’s Death
The BBC’s Sherlock often uses red herrings to confound both its protagonist and the audience. One prominent example is Moriarty’s apparent death at the end of Season 2. When he shoots himself on a rooftop to force Sherlock into a desperate situation, viewers are led to believe Moriarty is gone for good. However, subsequent episodes hint that he may still be alive, playing with audience expectations and keeping them guessing.
5. The X-Files — The Smoking Man
The X-Files is filled with red herrings, particularly in its sprawling conspiracy arcs. The Cigarette Smoking Man (CSM) is often presented as the ultimate antagonist pulling the strings behind the scenes. However, the deeper the show delves into the conspiracy, the more unclear it becomes whether he is the true mastermind or merely another pawn. The shifting layers of deception contribute to the show’s enigmatic tone.
When Red Herrings Go Wrong
While red herrings can enhance storytelling, they sometimes backfire when used excessively or without payoff. If a show introduces too many false leads or fails to resolve them satisfactorily, it risks alienating its audience. For example, Pretty Little Liars became notorious for its overuse of red herrings, frequently misleading viewers about the identity of “A” with twists that some fans found convoluted or unsatisfying.
Red herrings are an integral part of creating suspense and surprise in television. They can keep audiences engaged, add depth to a mystery, and enhance plot complexity, as long as they are used thoughtfully. Shows like Twin Peaks, Lost, and Sherlock demonstrate how to use this device effectively, while others highlight the importance of balance and resolution. Recognizing red herrings can make watching mysteries even more enjoyable, as you try to separate the real clues from the cleverly planted distractions.
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