Line #4 Main/Beat - TV Tropes


1	->''"Michael, I wrote dot, dot, dot and you're giving me dot, dot."''
2	-->-- '''Creator/HaroldPinter''', to actor Michael Hordern during rehearsals
3
4	In ScriptSpeak, a beat is an instruction in the script to leave a short pause, approximately the length of a breath, or possibly a slow single blink, before or after a line or gag. Used either to indicate 'thinking time' or to let it sink in to increase the impact of the [[DelayedReaction subsequent reaction]]. For the actor, it indicates a change in thought process. Occasionally it will come just ''before'' the punch line, as a "here it comes" signal to the audience.
5
6	Extremely common in comedy movie trailers, often combined with a RecordNeedleScratch.
7
8	Sometimes divided into "half-beats" or "extended beats", implying shorter or longer pauses.
9
10	The BeatPanel is the equivalent in SequentialArt. Contrast with RapidFireComedy.
11
12	Modern actors and directors consider scenes to be divided up into "NarrativeBeats". The stage direction "beat" often marks the end of a narrative beat. Since a lot of good acting lies in finding a good rhythm, the musical choice of words fits very well to the desired result. Legend says that famous acting guru Stanislavski introduced the term when touring the United States. He would tell those who came to his lectures on acting to divide the scenes into "beats". The American actors hearing his lectures didn't realize he was trying to say "bits" with his Russian accent, and have been looking for "beats" in scripts ever since.
13
14	----
15	!Examples:
16
17	[[foldercontrol]]
18
19	[[folder:Alternate... Reality... Games]]
20	* ''ARG/OmegaMart'': Used to chilling effect in the first training video. Our host, Karen, asks the viewer what makes Omega Mart the most exceptional store in America, then pauses to get a sign. While she's down, an employee with a hazmat suit walks around with its Geiger Counter shooting through the roof--and then she reappears with the sign to show the answer is ''you'', and not whatever it was behind her.
21	[[/folder]]
22
23	[[folder:Anime… &… Manga]]
24	* The ''Manga/AzumangaDaioh'' manga prominently uses beat panels and, as opposed to toning them down, the anime went the other direction instead, outright turning many beats into {{Overly Long Gag}}s.
25	--> '''[[GenkiGirl Tomo]]:''' Miss Sakaki! I've got some photos for ya!\
26	'''[[ShrinkingViolet Sakaki]]:''' (Photos from my very first trip with friends...) [[SugarWiki/HeartwarmingMoments Thanks, Tomo...]]\
27	''[beat as Tomo looks at the photos over Sakaki's shoulder]''\
28	'''Tomo:''' Hey, check that out! If you look real close you can see a ghost face behind you!\
29	'''Sakaki:''' Ah! ''[jerks back and Tomo runs off]''\
30	'''[[StraightMan Yomi]]:''' ''[looks at the photos over Sakaki's shoulder]'' Oh, you're right...\
31	''[beat as Sakaki slowly turns her head to look at Yomi]''\
32	'''[[CheerfulChild Chiyo]]:''' Huh? ''[looks at the photos]'' Oh wow! You're so lucky to have a photo like that.\
33	''[beat as Sakaki slowly turns her head back to look at the photos as a siren can be heard passing by]''\
34	'''[[{{Cloudcuckoolander}} Osaka]]:''' [[NightmareFuelStationAttendant Ah? Hey, that's my neighbor, Mr. Horikochi, from back when I was in Osaka.]]\
35	''[long beat as Sakaki, Yomi and Chiyo slowly turn their heads to look at Osaka, the siren can be heard passing by again, the three slowly turn their heads back to look at the photos again]''\
36	'''Osaka:''' ...Well, probably.
37	* In ''Manga/LuckyStar'', Konata brings up the issue of her dad's [[ComedicLolicon attraction to small girls]].
38	-->'''Konata:''' Okay, you know how you're so clingy? Would you still be like that if I were a boy?\
39	''[beat]''\
40	'''Soujirou:''' ...Of course!
41	* In ''Anime/SkyGirls'', there is a beat when Otoha accidentally knocks in the flimsy dividing wall between the male and female outdoor springs.
42	-->'''Otoha:''' All right! Let's do our best!\
43	''[stands up and pumps arms dramatically, striking down the dividing wall]''\
44	''[beat]''\
45	''[male cast and female cast [[OhCrap stare]] at each other]''
46	* In ''Manga/AkameGaKill'' after the ex-general Najenda comes to prevent the execution of one of her comrades on a flying beast.
47	-->'''Esdeath:''' Hmph, the empire's traitor. It's been a while so why not chat a bit?\
48	''[beat]''\
49	''...In the torture chamber.''
50	* Kyon from ''[[Literature/HaruhiSuzumiya The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya]]'', in his usual snarky way, will usually break a potential beat with a thought of his own. This doesn't happen when he encounters something he can't explain, like accidentally walking in on a Mikuru clothes-changing session.
51	** Also, Taniguchi walking in on Kyon and Yuki in a suggestive position [[spoiler:after the fight against Ryoko]].
52	--->'''Taniguchi:''' ''[idly]'' [[MemeticMutation Wa-wa-wa-wasuremo-]]\
53	''[beat (during which he holds an [[LargeHam overly theatrical]] surprised pose)]''\
54	'''Taniguchi:''' En... Enjoy yourselves! ''([[SorryToInterrupt flees]])''
55	* In a similar fashion to the Sky Girls example above, in ''Manga/BlueExorcist'' there's a beat panel after the wall cracks and breaks after [[ItMakesSenseInContext Shima and Rin's demon influenced perverted antics]] seriously caused damage to it, making all the girls and guys suddenly able to see each other. The last thing we get is Shura calling out her sword from her seal and then a scream from the boys.
56	* In ''GO-GO Anime/{{Tamagotchi}}!'' episode 15a, Miraitchi loses the Knock Tap, a doorknob-shaped TimeMachine used by her and her sister Clulutchi. Mametchi and his friends react to the news that it's missing with a disheartened "Awww...", wait a beat, and then react again with a much more surprised-sounding "EEEHHHHH?!"
57	* In the ''Webcomic/HetaliaAxisPowers'' movie, England and France stumble upon a digital map of ongoing/successful invasions. England absent mindedly reaches out to touch the UK and a pop up appears, a voice (the narrator) reading it aloud.
58	-->'''Narrator:''' Britain, a former pirate, but now a rather effeminate yet gentlemanly empire with a plethora of rain. France is a long time acquaintance he's often found bickering with for bickering's sake. However, in their heart of hearts they love each other.\
59	''[beat]''\
60	Sexually.\
61	'''England and France:''' Uh… Where the hell did they get that?\
62	''[Proceed to fight until aliens burst in and break them up]'' ''[Cue dramatic music!]''
63	[[/folder]]
64
65	[[folder:Asian… Animation]]
66	* In the ''Animation/{{Lamput}}'' episode "Fracture", the docs help Lamput get back into shape when he fractures the one bone in his body. At the end of the episode, Lamput runs off free and the docs wait a beat before chasing him.
67	[[/folder]]
68
69	[[folder:Audio… Plays]]
70	* ''[[AudioPlay/RubyTheAdventuresOfAGalacticGumshoe Ruby: The Adventures of a Galactic Gumshoe]]'':
71	-->'''The Android Sisters:''' Humans are obsessed with money.\
72	'''Human:''' Not all of them, just some of them. ''(beat)'' Most of them. ''(beat and a half)'' Most of us.
73	[[/folder]]
74
75	[[folder:Fan… Works]]
76	* ''WebVideo/TheBuggerAnthology'': After Dalek Sec says the Cybermen are better at dying than the Daleks are, there's a solid ten seconds of silence before the Cyber-Leader asks how much time Sec spent thinking up that comeback.
77	* ''Fanfic/CalvinAndHobbesTheSeries'' refers to a beat by name at one point.
78	* ''Fanfic/HalfPastAdventure'' [[InvokedTrope invokes]] this frequently with the sentence "A beat." inserted into the narration, often between bits of dialog.
79	* ''FanFic/KyonBigDamnHero'' used it as a part of an ExpospeakGag:
80	-->'''Yuki:''' At this juncture, I will attempt to communicate something to you, though I am uncertain as to the accuracy of the transmission. Words remain a weak vector for communicating vital information. Despite the lack of adherence to social norms and the correct protocols for this procedure, I am attempting to convey to you the positive emotive content of my current condition and regards for you. The outcome is uncertain; no accurate prediction can be made. Regardless of the fact that determination is unclear, I have resolved to continue due to the content of the emotive concept I wish to relay. Despite the fact that I have no comparable metric, I am currently unable to conceive a greater intensity than the one I experience at this moment in relation to you.
81	-->''[beat]''\
82	'''Yuki:''' I attempted to use more words. It appears that the data was not conveyed accurately.\
83	'''Kyon:''' C…can you try it again with less, maybe?\
84	'''Yuki:''' Yes. [[spoiler:I like you. A lot.]]
85	* ''[[WebAnimation/PonyDotMov MAGIC.MOV]]'':
86	-->'''Twilight:''' I'm going to try a black magic resurrection spell.\
87	'''Spike:''' How about you resurrect my penis. ''beat'' With sex.
88	* Used several times in ''WebAnimation/TurnaboutStorm'', usually setting up the road for some sort of DoubleTake.
89	-->'''[[Franchise/AceAttorney Phoenix Wright]]:''' Huh? Where am I?\
90	'''[[WesternAnimation/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagic Twilight Sparkle]]:''' Hey! You're a human aren't you?\
91	'''Phoenix Wright:''' Yeah, I'm a human… beat WAIT, '''''[[BigWhat WHAT!?]]'''''
92	[[/folder]]
93
94	[[folder:Films... Animated]]
95	* ''WesternAnimation/ToyStory1'':
96	-->'''Buzz Lightyear:''' …and you, my friend, are responsible for delaying my rendezvous with Star Command.\
97	''[beat]''\
98	'''Woody:''' [[PunctuatedForEmphasis YOU! ARE! A! TOYYYY!!!]] You're not the real Buzz Lightyear, you're--you're an action figure. You are a child's ''plaything''!\
99	''[beat]''\
100	'''Buzz Lightyear:''' You are a sad, strange little man, and you have my pity.
101	** And earlier…
102	--->'''Buzz Lightyear:''' I just want you to know that even though you tried to terminate me, revenge is not an idea we promote on my planet.\
103	'''Woody:''' Oh ''[beat]'' Well that's good.\
104	'''Buzz Lightyear:''' …But we're not on my planet -- ''[[DeathGlare are we?]]''\
105	''[beat]''\
106	'''Woody:''' Uhhh… No.
107	* Surprisingly used in ''WesternAnimation/SnowWhiteAndTheSevenDwarfs''… ''with a character who can't speak''. After swallowing a bar of soap, [[CuteMute Dopey]] starts to hiccup out bubbles. Despite this, he doesn't notice he swallowed it, and continues searching, until a few seconds of silence let him figure out [[DinnerDeformation where it ended up]]. The silence passes, and then [[HiccupHijinks he hiccups nonstop]] for the rest of the scene.
108	* Lampshaded in Gru's speech in ''WesternAnimation/DespicableMe1''.
109	-->'''Gru:''' WE ARE GOING TO STEAL… pause for effect… THE MOON!!!
110	* During the "Fixer Upper" song in ''WesternAnimation/Frozen2013''...
111	-->'''Kristoff:''' '''Enough! She is engaged to someone else, okay!'''\
112	''[beat]''\
113	'''Troll:''' ''So she's a bit of a fixer-upper…''
114	* ''WesternAnimation/TurningRed'':
115	-->'''Jin:''' It's happened already?\
116	'''Mei:''' What did you say?\
117	''[beat]''\
118	'''Jin:''' Ming? It's time.
119	[[/folder]]
120
121	[[folder:Films… Live… Action]]
122	* In ''Film/TheIdesOfMarch'' there is a pause in Stephen's speech to Governor Morris about how he broke the only rule in politics. "You can't [[spoiler:fuck the interns]]. …They get you for that." Director Creator/GeorgeClooney said in the audio commentary how Creator/RyanGosling was uncertain about that beat to let the audience laugh.
123	-->'''Creator/GeorgeClooney (imitating Creator/RyanGosling)''': This isn't a sitcom, dude.
124	* In ''Film/JamesBond'', there's nearly always a beat within the frequent DoubleEntendre jokes.
125	* ''Film/BubbaHoTep'' has a very noticeable beat when Elvis attempts to banish Bubba using the chant from the book of souls.
126	-->'''Elvis:''' You nasty thing from beyond the dead, no matter what you think or do, good things will never come to you. And if evil is your black design, you can bet the goodness of the Light Ones… ''[Beat as Elvis begins to realize what he's reading]'' …Will kick your bad behind?\
127	''[Beat]''\
128	'''Elvis:''' [[YouHaveGOTToBeKiddingMe For chrissake!]]\
129	''[Beat]''\
130	'''Elvis:''' ''[To the heavens]'' That's it? That's the chant against evil from the "Book of Souls"? Oh yeah, right, boss. And what kind of decoder ring comes with that, man? Shit, it don't even rhyme well!
131	* ''Film/{{Serenity}}:''
132	-->'''Mal:''' Do you want to run this ship?!\
133	'''Jayne:''' Yes!\
134	'''Mal:''' ''[caught off guard]'' Well…''[beat]'' you can't!
135	* In ''Film/{{Dredd}}'' two young gang members find the fully armored judges and approach them from behind and tell them to freeze, it goes as follows:
136	-->'''Amos:''' Freeze.\
137	''[The judges turn around and look at them.]''\
138	''[beat]''\
139	'''Judge Dredd:''' [[DeadpanSnarker Why?]]
140	* The whole scene with the Black Knight from ''Film/MontyPythonAndTheHolyGrail''.
141	-->'''Black Knight:''' 'Tis but a scratch.\
142	'''Arthur:''' A scratch?! Your arm's off!\
143	'''Black Knight:''' No it isn't.\
144	'''Arthur:''' Well, what's that then?\
145	''[Arthur points at the Black Knight's severed arm; Black Knight looks at it.]''\
146	'''Black Knight:''' I've had worse.
147	** Same movie :
148	-->'''Sir Bedevere:''' What makes you think she's a witch?\
149	'''Peasant:''' Well, she turned me into a newt!\
150	'''Sir Bedevere:''' A newt?\
151	'''Peasant:'''…I got better.
152	*** Creator/EricIdle can be seen biting down on his scythe to keep from laughing in that scene because John Cleese let a beat hang for longer than expected.
153	* ''Film/StarTrekVTheFinalFrontier'' In the turbolift on the way to the bridge, after shore leave has been cancelled:
154	-->'''Kirk:''' I need a shower…\
155	''[beat]''\
156	'''Spock:''' Yes.
157	** From ''Film/StarTrek2009'':
158	-->'''Spock Prime:''' [[Film/StarTrekIITheWrathOfKhan I have been, and always shall be, your friend.]]\
159	'''Kirk:''' Uh… look… I-I don't know you.\
160	'''Spock Prime:''' I am Spock.\
161	''[beat]''\
162	'''Kirk:''' [[PrecisionFStrike Bullshit.]]
163	* ''Film/TinCup'':
164	-->'''Roy:''' I need a shrink.\
165	'''Romeo:''' But we don't know no shrinks!\
166	'''Roy:''' I know one…\
167	'''Romeo:''' Oh no, not the doctor lady.\
168	'''Roy:''' Why not?\
169	'''Romeo:''' You can't get advice about the woman to want to hose, from the woman you want to hose!\
170	''[beat]''\
171	'''Roy:''' Why not?
172	* ''Film/AvengersInfinityWar'': The [[Franchise/MarvelCinematicUniverse MCU]] sometimes gets accused of overusing RapidFireComedy, but this movie made good use of the comedic pause.
173	-->'''Star Lord:''' See, "not winging it" isn't really what they do.\
174	'''Spider-Man:''' Uh, what exactly is it that they do?\
175	'''Mantis:''' Kick names, take ass.\
176	'''Drax:''' Yeah, that's right.\
177	'''Iron Man:''' ''[stares for a few moments as he regrets all his life choices]''
178	* ''Film/{{Airplane}}'' plays with this tropes a few times, but the most famous is probably the little boy and little girl dressed and acting like adults. In an attempt at making a connection, he brings her a tray of coffee, which she cordially accepts. Then this interaction happens.
179	-->'''Boy:''' Cream?\
180	'''Girl:''' No thanks, I take it black. [beat] Like my men.
181	* In ''Film/ImNotRappaport'', Nat and Midge declare that they're both in love with a beautiful girl that is at the park, painting. Midge says that it's the first time he's ever been in love with a white woman. Nat asks why this is and Midge tells him that while ''he'' may have run around with a wild Commie crowd, he was stuck with with his own where he came from, being a black man. "Wait, stop, excuse me..." says Nat and there is what the script of the original stage play specifically describes as being a beat before Nat takes out his bifocals and studies Midge, declaring "My God, you're right. You ''are'' a black man." Another beat, then he bursts into laughter, then following this Midge does too as realizes that Nat has got him again.
182	[[/folder]]
183
184	[[folder:Literature]]
185	* In the novel ''Literature/{{Mogworld}}'' by [[Creator/BenCroshaw Ben "Yahtzee" Croshaw]] we have this line in an exchange between Slippery John and the protagonist, an undead mage.
186	-->He scowled from behind the invisible wall. "Why do you feel you have to antagonize me, servant of evil?" A beat. "Actually, Slippery John sort of answered his own question, there."
187	* In ''Literature/TheVoyageOfTheDawnTreader'', there's the Island of Darkness. They rescue the Lord Rhoop, who tells the crew of the ''Dawn Treader'' that the island was a place where dreams came true. The crew thinks this is a grand thing, despite the ominous darkness. Rhoop repeats himself, telling everyone to think about it. In 30 seconds, the crew comes to an unspoken agreement and turns the boat around faster than they'd ever done it before.
188	* ''Literature/{{Discworld}}'':
189	** ''Literature/{{Thud}}'': The teetotaling vampire Sally lampshades this by stating, "And I don't drink significant pause wine."
190	** ''Literature/GoingPostal'': "There was a pregnant pause. It gave birth to a lot of little pauses, each one more deeply embarrassing than its parent."
191	* ''Literature/HarryPotterAndTheHalfBloodPrince'': After Ron eats a love-potion infused chocolate (intended for Harry), he declares his love for [[StalkerWithACrush Romilda Vane]]. The resulting silence lasts almost a minute.
192	[[/folder]]
193
194	[[folder:Live… Action… TV]]
195	* Played often in ''Series/DoctorWho''.
196	-->'''Bishop:''' Dr. Song, I've lost good men today. Do you trust this man?\
197	'''River:''' I absolutely trust him.\
198	'''Bishop:''' He's not some sort of madman, then?\
199	''[beat]''\
200	'''River:''' I absolutely trust him.
201	* The ''Series/RedDwarf'' episode "Camille", when Kryten is telling her about his crewmates:
202	-->'''Camille:''' Please, I can't meet your shipmates. Trust me.\
203	'''Kryten:''' But you don't know them! You'll like them! ''[beat]'' Well, some of them. ''[beat]'' Well, one of them. ''[beat]'' Maybe.
204	* Thoroughly used and abused by ''Series/HarryHillsTVBurp'', ''especially'' when it comes to the lead-up to the catchphrase, as these often tend to sneak up on the audience.
205	* Used often in ''Series/{{House}}''.
206	-->'''Walk-in patient:''' ''[feeling his own pulse]'' Got it!\
207	'''House:''' Start counting…\
208	''[counting pause]''\
209	'''House:''' How many?\
210	'''Walk-in patient:''' Twenty-six.\
211	'''House:''' Okay, either you suck at math or you're going to die in two seconds.\
212	''[beat]''\
213	'''House:''' You suck at math.
214	* ''Series/TheLordOfTheRingsTheRingsOfPower'' makes use of it here and there to great effects.
215	-->'''Galadriel being serious:''' [[TryToFitThatOnABusinessCard Galadriel of the Noldor. Daughter of the Golden House of Finarfin. Commander of the Northern Armies of High King Gil-Galad]].\
216	'''Halbrand:''' Halbrand. [Beat] …of the Southlands.
217	* Hilariously discussed in ''Series/{{Farscape}}'':
218	-->'''Aeryn:''' So you're… ''[she trails off]''\
219	'''John:''' What?\
220	'''Aeryn:''' Afraid. ''[there's a long pause]'' Of commitment.\
221	''[Scene change to later]''\
222	'''D'Argo:''' Hey wait a minute - did she hesitate like that, or was that just you doing that now?\
223	'''John:''' What does it matter?\
224	'''D'Argo:''' Well it matters because, if she hesitated like that, she knows you were talking about her.\
225	''[Scene change to Aeryn and Chiana]''\
226	'''Chiana:''' You said what?\
227	'''Aeryn:''' What I said.\
228	'''Chiana:''' Like you said?\
229	'''Aeryn:''' What does it matter?\
230	'''Chiana:''' ''[with an exasperated sigh]'' Well if you said it to him like you said it when you said it to me, then it means that he knows that you know.
231	* Every so often on ''Series/CashCab''. Most hilariously and [[TooMuchInformation unbelievably]]:
232	-->'''Ben Bailey:''' An alternative to permanent tattoos, what plant dye, popular in India, is used for temporary body art?\
233	'''Contestant:''' I know this!\
234	'''Ben Bailey:''' You do?\
235	'''Contestant:''' {{Hentai}}!\
236	'''Ben Bailey:''' …''[{{aside glance}}]''\
237	'''Ben Bailey:''' …[[SarcasmFailure The correct answer]] was ''henna''.
238	* ''{{Series/Battlestar Galactica\|2003}}'' uses this trope to no end, but one example stands out: in the pilot miniseries, Adama calls Col. Tigh out on flipping over a table while completely hammered, inciting a fight between him and Starbuck. Tigh unsuccessfully defends his position.
239	-->'''Adama:''' Well, you did flip over the table first.\
240	'''Tigh:''' I did not! ''[beat]'' Unless I did.
241	* ''Series/{{Seinfeld}}'' uses them regularly, often because the studio audience won't stop laughing.
242	-->'''Jerry:''' She's talking about her panties so uh, I said "You mean the panties your mother laid out for you?"\
243	''[beat]''\
244	'''George:''' "You mean the panties your mother laid out for you?" What does that mean?!
245	* ''Series/StarTrekTheNextGeneration'' used one for maximum effect when Worf was giving Wesley romance advice.
246	-->'''Worf:''' Men do not roar. ''Women'' roar. And [[MasochismTango hurl heavy objects. And claw at you.]]\
247	'''Wesley''' What does the man do?\
248	'''Worf:''' [[RealMenWearPink He reads love poetry.]] ''[{{Beat}}]'' He ducks a lot.
249	* The audience of ''Series/WhoseLineIsItAnyway'' has one while they process a joke told by Drew Carey.
250	-->'''Drew:''' Welcome back to ''Series/WhoseLineIsItAnyway'', where applauding loudly means that you're great in bed.\
251	'''Audience:''' ''[beat]'' ''[starts to clap loudly]''
252	* Very memorable unscripted instance in [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VcrwJXAGqwg dash-cam video]] shown on ''Series/WorldsDumbestDrivers'' (episode 9, segment 5, "The Thin Blue One-Liner"). The professional comedians among the commentators unanimously loved this guy.
253	-->'''Female driver:''' I thought you didn't give pretty girls tickets.\
254	'''Cop:''' You thought we didn't give pretty girls tickets.\
255	''[beat]''\
256	'''Cop:''' You're absolutely right, we don't. Sign here.
257	* ''Series/StargateSG1'' has a truly epic Beat that lasts a full twelve seconds in its 100th Episode, Wormhole X-Treme. The actress who portrays Stacy Monroe corners the director and creative consultant of the show, and asks them that age-old "phasing" problem. It's one of the funniest moments in the whole episode:
258	-->'''Monroe:''' So if I can walk through walls, how come I don't fall through the floor?\
259	''[12-second beat]''\
260	'''Martin:''' We'll have to get back to you on that.
261	* The conclusion to the ''[[Series/KamenRiderDenO Den-O]]'' arc of ''Series/KamenRiderDecade''. Long story short: [[Series/KamenRiderKuuga Kuuga]] sees two Imagin fighting, proclaims that he knows who the enemy is, and proceeds to Rider Kick that Imagin… but he attacks Momotaros, the ''heroic'' Imagin, not the actual enemy, the Alligator Imagin. Decade, who was supposed to punch out Alligator, abruptly ''stops mid-punch'' to berate Kuuga on his mistake. Does that convince you of a lull in the battle? No? Then how about, during the whole fiasco, Kuuga was ''dangling in mid-air'', his feet lodged against Momo's neck!
262	* ''Series/ArrestedDevelopment'': Michael Bluth is a master of the sarcastic blank stare.
263	-->'''Michael:''' Maybe you could take a date to the cabin?\
264	'''Lucille:''' How am I supposed to find someone willing to go into that musty old claptrap?\
265	''[beat}]''\
266	''[beat]''\
267	'''Michael:''' The ''cabin''. Yes, that will be difficult.
268	* By far the most common gag on ''Series/{{Kaamelott}}'', given that everybody considers themselves SurroundedByIdiots. Arthur remains the OnlySaneMan.
269	* Lampshaded after ''Series/{{Rhoda}}'' tells someone that she may be having a baby, and they're too surprised to respond.
270	-->''[beat]''\
271	'''Rhoda:''' This is what they call a "pregnant pause".
272	* On the second season of ''Series/TheJoeSchmoShow'', Derek Newcastle (actually a disguised version of Ralph Garman) does this just after the cast has watched Cammy's ''Porked 'n Beans'' food fetish video. "I'm sorry we had see that ''[beat]'' on such a small monitor."
273	* ''Series/{{Jeopardy}}'': After the famous Ken Jennings "What's a hoe?" response (the clue: "This term for a long-handled gardening tool can also mean an immoral pleasure seeker"), there's a beat between Alex ruling it wrong and realizing exactly what Ken said.
274	* From poetic sections of Music/{{Beyonce}}'s ''Lemonade'':
275	--> (in section full of F-bombs) You and your -- women.
276	--> (later on) Look at me when I come -- home.
277	* ''Series/BrooklynNineNine'': Used spectacularly in "The Overmining" cold open:
278	--> '''Jake:''' Hey there Boyle, how was your weekend?\
279	'''Boyle:''' Well, actually I got a little sick.\
280	'''Jake:''' Oh, really? I'm sorry to hear that, man.\
281	'''Boyle:''' Yeah. ''Film/BulletsOverBroadway'' was on TV. I came down with a big ol' [[{{Pun}} Dianne Wiest infection]].\
282	'''Jake:''' ''[Beat]''\
283	'''Boyle:''' ''[Beat]''\
284	'''Jake:''' ''[Beat]''\
285	'''Boyle:''' ''[Beat]''\
286	'''Boyle:''' ''[[DontExplainTheJoke Like "yeast!"]]''
287	[[/folder]]
288
289	[[folder:Music]]
290	* This could get a VERY long list, so just one song with a very characteristic beat: "Supervixen" by {{Music/Garbage}}.
291	* ''Music/TheHamiltonMixtape'''s cover of "Helpless" omits Angelica's part from the [[Theatre/{{Hamilton}} musical]] where she elaborates on how she "wants to form a harem" in favor of stopping the music to emphasize Ashanti's response to the proposed polygamy.
292	-->''"Laughin’ at this girl, cuz she wants to form a harem."''
293	-->''beat''
294	-->''"No, I ain't sharin'."''
295	* On "The Story of O.J.", the second track on the Music/JayZ album 4:44, the rapper uses a prominent one for emphasis with a hefty side of snark:
296	--> ''O.J. like "I'm not black, I'm O.J.."''
297	--> ''beat''
298	-->''[[DullSurprise Okay.]]''
299	* Music/DrDre's OdeToIntoxication ''The Next Episode'' from the album ''2001'':
300	--> ''Hey-hey-hey-hey''
301	--> ''beat''
302	--> ''...Smoke weed everyday''
303	[[/folder]]
304
305	[[folder:Podcasts]]
306	* Episode six of ''Podcast/MysteryShow'' has two pretty good ones:
307	** When Starlee asks Beverly, a witness, about the knotted jacket on the lunchbox that she's investigating, all Beverly can offer is "It might be a joke."
308	-->'''Starlee:''' Do you think that's a good joke?
309	-->'''Beverly:''' [beat] I think it's a joke.
310	** Then, Starlee gets to share some interesting information with Elmer Lenhardt's former neighbor:
311	-->'''Starlee:''' If I say [[spoiler:"professional wrestler"…]]
312	-->'''Joe:''' Yeah.
313	-->'''Starlee:''' Do you think of Elmer?
314	-->'''Joe:''' [beat] When you say [[spoiler:''professional wrestler''?]]
315	-->'''Starlee:''' Yes.
316	-->'''Joe:''' [beat] I do not.
317	* Episode 41 of ''Podcast/WellTheresYourProblem'' has one when Justin learns of the death of Ruth Bader Ginsburg earlier on the day of recording.
318	-->'''Liam and Alice:''' ''(simultaneously)'' Ruth Bader Ginsburg just died.
319	-->''beat''
320	-->'''Justin:''' ''(terrifying hysterical laughter)''
321	[[/folder]]
322
323	[[folder:Theatre]]
324	* Favorite trope of the [[{{Absurdism}} Theatre of the Absurd]], notably used by [[{{Theater}} playwrights]] Samuel Beckett, Suzan-Lori Parks, and ''especially'' Creator/HaroldPinter (see quote at the top of the page).
325	[[/folder]]
326
327	[[folder:Video… Games]]
328	* This is actually written into combos for {{Fighting Game}}s. Here, the Beat (generally written as a "!" or "-") is used to either allow the opponent to fall into a more advantageous position, or to let the combo meter reset. In both cases, it counts as a delay in the combo due to the player's lack of action, but the same combo as the opponent is generally incapable of acting.
329	* [[SoBadItsGood Used hilariously]] in the ''Videogame/WorldOfWarcraft'' Hot On The Trail questline in Westfall. All done in ''{{Series/CSI}}''/FilmNoir style.
330	-->"This was an execution. Whoever did this was sending a message. A message for anyone that would dare snitch on these criminals. It would appear that poor Two-Shoes Lou really did put his foot… (Beat) In his mouth."
331	** [[Series/CSIMiami YEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!]]
332	* ''VideoGame/KingdomHeartsII'' has a rather long pause when it's revealed [[spoiler: that the Ansem they defeated last time wasn't the real Ansem, and was just an impostor.]]
333	* The first ''VideoGame/ShadowHearts1'' has this long (and hilarious) example:
334	-->'''Alice:''' I feel like it wants to tell us something…\
335	'''Yuri:''' …\
336	'''Yuri:''' …\
337	'''Yuri:''' …\
338	'''Yuri:''' …Oh yeah?
339	* ''Videogame/MassEffect2'' has this with a romance between Garrus and Female Shepard
340	-->'''Garrus:''' I'd wait, if you're okay with it. Disrupt the crew as little as possible...and take that last chance to find some calm just before the storm. You know me, I always like to savor the last shot before popping the heatsink.\
341	'''Shepard:''' …(with a small grin on her face)\
342	'''Garrus:''' …\
343	'''Garrus:''' [[ThatCameOutWrong Wait, that metaphor just went somewhere horrible.]]
344	* The ''Franchise/AceAttorney'' series does this a LOT.
345	* ''[[Videogame/TheIdolmaster2 The iDOLM@STER 2]]'' - Whenever Miki mentions Ritsuko's name, there's a beat before she adds the honorific -san at the end of her name.
346	-->'''Miki:''' Ritsuko… san and the others coached me to at least say my greatings correctly.
347	** That happens even when she's having a heated discussion with Touma after her unit beats the RGKM the first time.
348	* ''VideoGame/Jak3Wastelander'' has a great one when the precursors are finally revealed for the first time
349	-->'''Precursor:''' We are unhappy with your performance. If you had been a true hero, you would have stopped Errol by now!\
350	''(The Precursors are revealed to be [[spoiler:fuzzy little rats, AKA, Ottsels, or what Daxter has been for the entire series]])''\
351	* Everyone stares at each other*\
352	* Veger's staff falls to the ground*\
353	'''Jak:''' Oh my God.
354	* In Chapter 15 of ''VideoGame/GhostTrick'', one puzzle requires you to [[spoiler: swap a bullet in with a wool hat ''after it's fired'']]. After you perform the required action and unstop time, the game lets the scene hang there for a moment, so you can realize the implications of what you just did. If you [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MoH2kN-8B0c did the puzzle wrong]] and [[spoiler: swapped in a ''metal hard hat'']] instead, the feeling of "that was clearly not the correct action" is very effective.
355	* ''VideoGame/LifeIsStrange'' Episode 3 has this exchange when Max tries on Rachel's clothes…
356	-->'''Chloe:''' Lookin' sick, Max! A couple tats some piercings and we'll make a thrasher out of you yet.
357	-->'''Max:''' Ready for the most pit, shaka brah.
358	-->(beat)
359	-->'''Chloe:''' Maybe not.
360	[[/folder]]
361
362	[[folder:Web… Original]]
363	* Occurs in the second season of Let's Play series ''[[https://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/LetsPlay/Mianite Mianite]]'', at 1:15:23 of Episode 31 from [[https://www.youtube.com/user/TheSyndicateProject Syndicate's]] perspective, when [[https://www.youtube.com/user/CaptainSparklez CaptainSparklez]] talks about making his RV float with balloons ([[Main/ItMakesSenseInContext makes sense in context]]), then uses an air pump in real life to clear out his computer mouse's sensor. Syndicate has this reaction:
364	-->'''Sparklez:''' Do you wanna, like, put balloons on my thing?\
365	'''Syndicate:''' What?\
366	'''Sparklez:''' Wanna help me [[Series/BreakingBad Breaking Balloons]]?\
367	'''Syndicate:''' Yeah okay, let's go do some drug dealing balloon making…\
368	The sound of an air pump comes from Sparklez' microphone.\
369	'''Syndicate:''' What, you making them in real life!?\
370	''(Beat)''\
371	Sparklez bursts out laughing.\
372
373	* Also common in ''WebVideo/CodeMent''. It's usually followed or caused by Lelouch saying something ''insanely'' NonSequitur. Which is often. It's also subverted when Lelouch reacts INSTANTLY to well-nigh ridiculous situations that would normally require a beat to comprehend with something even more ridiculous.
374	-->Lelouch/One is in a cave with a recuperating (and naked) C.C. when Kallen walks in.\
375	'''Kallen:''' WHAT THE HELL!?\
376	'''Lelouch/One:''' PLEASEGODNO. Now, wait, Kallen, calm down!\
377	'''C.C.''' Listen, [[NotWhatItLooksLike don't get the wrong idea]]--\
378	'''Kallen:''' ''(hisses)''\
379	'''C.C.:''' Did that bitch just ''hiss at me''?\
380	'''Kallen:''' WHATCHU GONNA DO ABOUT IT?\
381	'''Lelouch/One:''' Kallen, KALLEN. Let's get one thing straight, here…\
382	''(Beat)''\
383	'''Lelouch/One:''' '''I WAS GIVIN' HER THE SEX!!!'''
384	* ''WebVideo/DoctorHorriblesSingAlongBlog'' loves this trope, using it on multiple occasions, and frequently paired with {{Metaphorgotten}}.
385	-->"Wow, sarcasm, [[HypocriticalHumor that's original!]]" ''(Beat)''\
386	"Billy? You're driving the spork into your leg." (Beat) "...So I am! Hilarious!"\
387	"See you in the aftermath. Peace!" (Beat) "...[[{{Metaphorgotten}} But not literally]]..."
388	* Used extensively in ''WebVideo/DragonBallZAbridged''.
389	* ''Literature/DreamHighSchool'' represents beats with two periods, like this: "I need to run through.. some things with you…" (the ellipsis is more like trailing off).
390	* WebVideo/TheNostalgiaCritic also does this in his review of ''Film/TheRoom2003''.
391	-->'''NC:''' Wow. So, what year is this?\
392	'''NC of the future:''' The future!\
393	'''NC:''' Okay, but... why am I downstairs in the basement?\
394	'''NC of the future:''' Oh, it's the only place we can hide to stay away from the seahorses.\
395	'''NC:''' Oh, oh, okay.\
396	(beat)\
397	'''NC:''' [[FlatWhat What.]]
398	* A long one after Dana does the HairFlip in ''WebVideo/EchoChamber'''s Trope of the Week episode UnresolvedSexualTension.
399	* WebVideo/{{OnCinema}}: Used quite frequently, especially if someone says something over another person which leads to slight awkward moments of silence.
400	* A very short one in ''WebAnimation/RedVsBlue'' during the CurbStompBattle of Tex vs. Everyone, when Tucker jumps away at the very last moment when Caboose drops a shipping container on him and Tex while the two are fighting.
401	-->'''Tucker:''' ''I can't believe that worked!''\
402	'''Tucker:''' ''Oh fuck, that didn't work!''
403	* A RunningGag on ''WebVideo/AtopTheFourthWall'' where Linkara will note the character's absurd plan or statement and respond with "…wait, what?" after a beat.
404	* [[WebVideo/FriendshipIsWitchcraft Friendship is Witchcraft]] has one so long that the characters start blinking in time with the beat of the background music.
405	* ''WebVideo/DontHugMeImScared''
406	** This happens right after Sketchbook smears paint all over Yellow Guy's painting of a clown.
407	** Also used after Red Guy calls Sketchbook's form of self-expression "boring".
408	** Used again in the third video after the chicken picnic has been eaten by Duck Guy and Red Guy. Duck Guy insists that they ''have'' finished the chicken picnic and stares at the screen for a few moments in complete silence.
409	** Happens after Colin reveals his "digital mind" in the fourth video.
410	** When Red Guy asks about the relevance of the Internet, Colin hesitates.
411	--> '''Red Guy''': But in this digital world, what can we do?
412	--> (Beat)
413	--> '''Red Guy''': (insistently) What can we--
414	--> '''Colin''': Hey, good question!
415	* Used ocasionally by British Youtuber Hbomberguy:
416	-->'''Hbomb:''' (on pick-up artistry) It's like writing horoscopes, only for desperate and lonely people. [beat] [[TakeThat It's like writing horoscopes]].
417	* ''WebVideo/VitaCarnis'': PlayedForHorror; in the [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPf2hFSwpOs tape]] discussing the biology and habits of [[HumanoidAbomination Mimics]], there is a long, uncomfortable pause (in both the narration and [[LettingTheAirOutOfTheBand the music]]) after the line explaining that the mimic's diet is comprised entirely of human flesh.
418	[[/folder]]
419
420	[[folder:Western… Animation]]
421	* In the ''[[WesternAnimation/JusticeLeague Justice League Unlimited]]'' episode "Epilogue":
422	-->'''Amanda Waller:''' Finding Batman's genetic material wasn't hard. (Cut to a shot of Batman being bandaged by a paramedic while ''she'' collects a sample of his blood off the ground) He left it all over town.\
423	''(beat while [[WesternAnimation/BatmanBeyond Terry]] gives her a look)''\
424	[[{{That Came Out Wrong}} Not even remotely what I meant]].
425	* ''WesternAnimation/DoraTheExplorer'' LOVES doing this. This is also a standard of other programs that use a similar form of FakeInteractivity by having the main or host character talk to the audience and wait for a response, such as ''WesternAnimation/BluesClues'' and ''WesternAnimation/DanielTigersNeighborhood''.
426	* A short beat occurs in ''WesternAnimation/AdventureTime'''s "Incendium".
427	-->'''Flame Princess:''' YOU DON'T LIKE ME?!?!\
428	'''Finn:''' [[spoiler:I like you!]]\
429	''[insert 5-second beat and a LuminescentBlush here]''
430	* ''WesternAnimation/SpaceGhostCoastToCoast'': Uncomfortable pauses are used liberally in every episode, to the point of LampshadeHanging:
431	-->'''Space Ghost:''' It lets me blend… just about anything! ''(beat)''\
432	'''Zorak:''' Beat!\
433	'''Space Ghost:''' Classy people are always blending stuff. ''(beat)''\
434	'''Zorak:''' Beat!
435	* {{WesternAnimation/Harvey Birdman\|AttorneyAtLaw}} often blends longer beats with faster speed for comedic rhythm.
436	* In ''WesternAnimation/TheSimpsons'' episode "Burns Verkaufen der Kraftwerk," the new owners of the nuclear power plant assess Homer's usefulness. It goes about as well as you'd expect.
437	-->'''German Boss 1:''' You have been safety inspector for two years. What initiatives have you spearheaded in that time?\
438	'''Homer:''' Uh… All of them?\
439	'''German Boss 1:''' I see… Then you must have some good ideas for the future as well?\
440	'''Homer:''' I sure do!\
441	* Long beat* ''(bosses glance at each other)''\
442	'''German Boss 2:''' Such… as?
443	** Hosting his show on Halloween in a vampire costume:
444	--->'''Krusty:''' Tonight I'm going to suck… ''(beat)'' your blood.
445	** After Chief Wiggum, Eddie and Lou see Maggie driving by in a car:
446	--->'''Wiggum:''' Aww, would you look at that, a baby driving a car. ''(beat)'' And look, there's a dog driving a bus.
447	** [[KentBrockmanNews Unsurprisingly, terrible news anchor Kent Brockman is prone to these]]:
448	--->'''Kent:''' Hello, I'm Kent Brockman! Our top stories tonight: '''''A TREMENDOUS EXPLOSION!'''''\
449	(beat)\
450	…in the price of lumber. '''''AND PRESIDENT REAGAN DIES!'''''\
451	(beat)\
452	…his hair.
453	** After seeing Homer and Marge kiss:
454	--->'''Lenny:''' [[HoYay Carl, remember when we used to kiss like that]](beat) with our respective girlfriends?
455	** When Bart costs the football team a victory due to Homer appointing him quarterback.
456	--->'''Terri:''' You ruined our undefeated season! You ruined everything, ruiner! ''(beat)'' My sister likes you!
457	** When Bart is considering leaving the Jr Campers:
458	--->'''Homer:''' Marge, don't discourage the boy. Weaseling out of things is important to learn. It's what separates us from the animals! ''(beat)'' …except the weasels.
459	* ''WesternAnimation/BojackHorseman'' used this for dramatic effect at the end of 3x11 when Bojack seemed to be in denial of [[spoiler: Sarah Lynn's death in the planetarium with her head on his shoulder]] and, boy! Did it work!
460	-->'''Bojack:'''[[spoiler:See, Sarah Lynn, we're not doomed […] The only thing that matters is right now, this moment, this one spectacular moment we are sharing together. Right, Sarah Lynn? Sarah Lynn? (beat) [[PleaseWakeUp Sarah Lynn?]]''' ]]
461	* ''WesternAnimation/PhineasAndFerb''. Used fairly often, for instance in "Chronicles of Meap", when Isabella is irritated at Phineas for failing to realize that she might be causing the interference in his [[AbstractScale cute tracker]]:
462	-->'''Isabella:''' I still have to earn my You-Wouldn't-Know-Cute-If-It-Bit-Your-Legs-Off accomplishment patch.\
463	* beat*\
464	'''Phineas:''' [[ChasteHero Cool, let's go!]]
465	** In "That Sinking Feeling":
466	--->'''Doofenshmirtz:''' The lighthouse is gone and there's nothing you can do about it! So you might as well run back to Major Monogram and tell him you lost this one!\
467	* beat*\
468	* Perry walks out the door*\
469	'''Background Singers:''' PEEEEERRRRRRRRY!
470	* ''WesternAnimation/{{Futurama}}'': Used quite a few times through out the series, but most notably after the show returned to Creator/ComedyCentral:
471	-->'''Farnsworth:''' Yes, it's almost like a… Comedy Central channel! And we're on it now!\
472	* beat*\
473	'''Amy:''' I get it!
474	* ''WesternAnimation/{{Metalocalypse}}'':
475	-->'''General Crozier:''' You're being paid to gather all the information you can with this camera, so no f[[SoundEffectBleep guitar riff]]king around, got that, candynose?\
476	''(beat)''\
477	'''Dr. Rockso:''' [[CatchphraseInterruptus I DO COCAI]]--\
478	'''General Crozier:''' [[StopSayingThat Yes, yes, I know.]]
479	* From ''WesternAnimation/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagic'' episode "A Bird in the Hoof," Rainbow Dash tries to get a reaction from Celestia's guards, then says
480	-->''"Oh you're good. ''(beat)'' Too good. I'm bored."''
481	** In episode "[[Recap/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagicS1E24OwlsWellThatEndsWell Owl's Well That Ends Well]]", Spike needs to get a quill for Twilight Sparkle. So of course, he goes to [[SeverelySpecializedStore Quills and Sofas…]] which just so happens to be out of the former.
482	-->'''Spike:''' But the store is called Quills and Sofas! You only sell ''two'' things!
483	-->'''Proprietor:''' Sorry, junior. All outta quills 'til Monday. ({{beat}}) Need a sofa?
484	* From the ''WesternAnimation/KingOfTheHill'' episode "Of Mice and Little Green Men", when Peggy fills in for Bobby in the "Literature/OfMiceAndMen" play he was going to do with Hank:
485	-->Peggy: Lenny, don't drink so much!
486	-->Hank: Okay George, you have some. You have some too.
487	-->Peggy: I don't know. it looks kind of scummy to me. (pauses to look at the script) Who writes this crap?
488	* Happens in the ''WesternAnimation/MagicAdventuresOfMumfie'' episode "If The Hat Fits" when Mumfie and Scarecrow wonder what to do with a mischievous group of leaves that wouldn't stop bothering them.
489	-->Mumfie: (in a loud voice) I wonder where we can put the leaves!
490	-->Scarecrow: Who are you talking to?
491	-->Mumfie: You. (in the same loud voice) We’ll have to put them somewhere the wind can’t get them.
492	-->Scarecrow: (shushes Mumfie) If you talk that loud, the wind will hear you.
493	-->Mumfie: I ''want'' it to hear me.
494	-->Scarecrow. Oh.
495	-->([[{{Beat}} beat]])
496	-->I don’t think I’m getting the hang of this!
497	* ''WesternAnimation/{{Steven Universe}}'' absolutely lives on this trope. For example:
498	-->Steven, After receiving a package: "Ha! This thing is going to help me save the world!"
499	-->Mail Man: "Really? This thing says it's from 'Wacky Sack Supply Company'."
500	-->Steven: "Garnet, Amethyst, and Pearl think I shouldn't go on magic adventures because I don't know how to use my gem power."
501	-->([[{{Beat}} beat]])
502	-->Mail Man: "Seems reasonable."
503	[[/folder]]
504
505	[[folder:Real… Life]]
506	* In an interview, actress Tea Leoni mentioned that she first thought "Beat" must be some sort of slang, because it showed up often in her scripts, [[ReadingTheStageDirectionsOutLoud and thus said it out loud.]] This was soon corrected.
507	* During his final decade working for {{Creator/CBS}}; legendary NFL broadcaster Pat Summerall often read promotions for the CBS Sunday night lineup (from 1984-93; it was Series/SixtyMinutes; Series/MurderSheWrote and a movie) in which he would read the Series/MurderSheWrote listing as "Murder...She Wrote"; complete with pause.
508	* A [[https://youtu.be/gygpvd9_Ra0?t=631 clip]] of UsefulNotes/LizTruss, then the British Secretary for Environment, from 2014 shows her gleefully announcing that she would be going to Beijing later that year "opening up new pork markets" and then grinning immediately afterwards. It took the audience a moment to realize that that was it, and ''then'' came the SlowClap.
509	[[/folder]]

Context Main / Beat