How To Set Up A Great Payoff (Without Being Obvious)

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Is it a problem if I can guess exactly where your plot is heading?

I kept asking my TV this question as I watched the first few episodes of Netflix’s new adaptation of Little House on the Prairie. Early in each episode, a moment would occur that signaled a very obvious set-up. By the time the payoff arrived, I felt little emotion—because I’d predicted the resolution.

But somewhere toward the middle of the show’s first season, that pattern changed. I felt genuine emotion at the end of each episode.

A show like Little House on the Prairie succeeds only when it elicits high emotions from viewers. And audiences aren’t going to shed those tears if they detect manipulation.

The same is true for stories in other genres. A thriller isn’t thriller if I can guess the “surprise” you’re setting up. A mystery isn’t satisfying if readers can easily read each clue before the big reveal (more on that here: The Single Moment That Ruins A Murder Mystery).

But a clever, subtle set-up can lead to an effective pay-off. The key is in making sure not to give away what you’re up to!

Let’s look at two episodes from Little House on the Prairie, S1 E3 (“News of the World”) and S1 E6 (“Peace on Earth”). We’ll discuss how each episode sets up an emotional payoff, and we’ll figure out why one set-up works better than the other. [SPOILERS AHEAD!]

For the record, I’m very much enjoying the show and recommend it to anyone looking for heart-warming family entertainment!