Discussion Main / EmpireWithADarkSecret

I understand that the title is in keeping with the other Dark Secret tropes, but I feel this is unique enough to merit a more unique name. Often this trope manifests in ways the other versions wouldn't. Specifically, this version tends to give birth to Gainax Endings.

My recommendation is Terrible Secret of Space, A reference to the early meme and also the podcast Geeknights whose hosts often refer to the trope in this way. I feel it would give some humor to the page, solidify it, and be less confusing than the current title. Empire refers to a form of government, but the trope is much more expansive.

Of course, this is just a proposal. I would like to hear opinions on the prospect. Renaming a trope is a big deal, so it would be good for a number of tropers to weigh-in.

Cut:

• At the end of Watchmen, America and Russia cease hostilities and enter into a new age of cooperation after a hoax Alien Invasion. Even though the ruse saves Earth from nuclear annihilation, Rorschach refuses to let the secrets remain hidden, and it's unclear by the end of the book whether the peace lasts.

Does it really count as an Empire with a Dark Secret if it's: a) not their idea b) carried out without their knowledge and c) the person responsible isn't even in said "empire"'s government?

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