History Main / YouHadUsWorriedThere

TheHero is [[RedWireBlueWire defusing a bomb]] or [[OutrunTheFireball outrunning an exploding freighter]], or doing some other extraordinarily dangerous act of heroism. The other characters can't see him, can't detect him, and just have his radio to talk to.

Sometimes there's no reason given for the delay -- there's no interference and the hero must have been safe for a minute or more, he just didn't reply for any reason but for tension. Sometimes, though, this is part of a ReentryScare.

* ''VideoGame/MetroidPrime3Corruption'' does this [[spoiler:at the end with the obligatory EarthShatteringKaboom]]. Before that there is also a brief section where Samus teleports to a distant location on Bryyo and is too far from her gunship to receive transmissions properly.

* A variant in Film/ANewHope: When the heroes are about to be crushed in the trash compactor, C-3PO doesn't lose radio contact with them, but he does mistake their cheering when the compactor stops for screams of pain.

* In the film ''Film/Apollo13'', the re-entry sequence was played like this. Everyone is listening in suspense, the words "Odyssey, this is Houston," are spoken over the radio, AndMissionControlRejoiced. The [[TruthInTelevision real-life original response]] managed to be even more ironically mundane: "Okay, Joe.", and nobody cheered - mission control waited for Lovell's confirmation that The command module was floating right-side up and ready to be recovered [[note]]"Houston, we're at Stable-One, the ship is secure."[[/note]] before the celebrations started.

* In the film ''Film/Apollo13'', the re-entry sequence was played like this. "Odyssey, this is Houston," being spoken over the radio, as everyone looks on in suspense. The [[TruthInTelevision real-life original response]] managed to be even more ironically mundane: "Okay, Joe."

* During the descent phase of Apollo 11, a number of things went wrong that you ''do not want to go wrong'', particularly when you're many thousands of miles from home. First, the communications between the lunar lander ''Eagle'' and Houston kept dropping out. Second, the astronauts were found to be landing long of their intended landing spot by 2-3 miles (though thankfully still within their "landing ellipse"). Third, the lander's computer failed five times during the landing program[[note]]Thankfully, only minor failures that meant a few low-priority tasks got delayed for a few seconds; this was caused by information overload[[/note]]. Fourth, with Neil Armstrong flying manual during the final phase, Houston called up to inform the astronauts that they were running low on fuel, and had only 30 seconds before it became an abort situation[[note]]12 and 14 also got low fuel warnings, though neither cut things as close as 11 did[[/note]]. Then, in rapid succession, comes "Contact light." "Shutdown." "Okay, Engine stop." and then Armstrong's famous "Tranquility base here, the Eagle has landed." Mission control was so wound up (and surprised by the phrasing -- "Tranquility Base" was a spur-of-the-moment innovation by Armstrong) that [=CapCom=] Charlie Duke couldn't get his words out; "Roger, Twan -- Tranquility, we copy you on the ground. You got a bunch of guys about to turn blue. We're breathing again. Thanks a lot." It was more tense than many today realize: There were computer errors, and Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin had to concentrate on piloting the lander over an unexpected boulder field; they made it down 17 seconds before it turned into an abort situation.

* In ''Recap/TintinExplorersOnTheMoon Tintin: Explorers on the Moon]]'', MissionControl is increasingly worried when there is no response from the rocket crew 30 minutes after their moon landing. Cue Tintin hailing that all is good up there.

* ''VideoGame/MetroidPrime3Corruption'' does this [[spoiler:at the end with the obligatory EarthShatteringKaboom]].

Occasionally no reason is even given for the delay- there's no interference and the hero has had to have been safe for a minute or more, he just didn't reply for any reason but for tension. Sometimes, though, this is part of a ReentryScare.

** Played relatively straight, though lampshaded, in ''Discworld/GuardsGuards!'', where Captain Vimes hears a variant of this ("You were nearly a goner there, Captain"), from Nobby Nobbs, and thinks to himself that there could be worse things to hear after awakening from serious injury, such as "Did anyone get his number?" or "You two hold his hands behind his back."

[[folder:Anime and Manga]]

[[folder:Comicbooks]]

[[folder:Film]]

-->''' The sound of a jammed filter is heard. '''
--> ''The fish collectively gasp and swim to the filter.''
--> '''Deb:''' Sharkbait!
-->'''Bloat:''' Sharkbait, are you okay?
-->'''Gurgle:''' NO!
-->'''Gill:''' Can you hear me, Sharkbait?
-->'''Deb:''' (''sobbing'') No!
-->'''Gill:''' Nemo, can you hear me?!
-->'''Nemo:''' (''appearing behind them'') Yeah, I can hear you.
--> ''The fish collectively gasp and turn around.''
-->'''Gill:''' [[YouHadUsWorriedThere SHARKBAIT, YOU DID IT!]]
--> ''Deb sighs with relief and Bloat laughs.''
--> '''Gurgle:''' (''hugging Nemo'') [[YouHadUsWorriedThere Sharkbait, you're]]...COVERED WITH GERMS! (''screams and swims away'').
--> ''The rest of the fish laugh.''
--> '''Gill:''' That took guts, kid.

* In a more comedic example, happens several times in ''Film/AHardDaysNight'' when Music/TheBeatles get where they're supposed to be at the last minute. Only one or two of those were life-threatening. Also subverted once, when everyone starts reacting that way to them arriving in time for the final run-through--except there's only three of them...

* In the film ''Film/{{Apollo 13}}'', the re-entry sequence was played like this. "Odyssey, this is Houston," being spoken over the radio, as everyone looks on in suspense. The [[TruthInTelevision real-life original response]] managed to be even more ironically mundane: "Okay, Joe."
** The response to ''Apollo 11'''s landing announcement from the control room was "You got a bunch of guys about to turn blue, we're breathing again." It was more tense than many today realize: There were computer errors, and Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin had to concentrate on piloting the lander over an unexpected boulder field; they made it down 17 seconds before it turned into an abort situation.
*** The vector-graphics arcade video game ''Lunar Lander'' seems to have been based on this very event, right down to the computer error requiring the player to take manual control[[note]]In the actual Apollo 11 mission, the computer errors didn't actually affect anything critical, and the manual control at the end was always part of the procedure, though Neil's need to overfly the rock field meant his trajectory was flatter--and used more fuel--than expected.[[/note]].
** And on Apollo 8, first mission to orbit the moon, the engine burn to return to Earth took place behind the moon, out of radio contact, on Christmas Day. The conversation when contact was restored:
--->'''[[Film/{{Apollo 13}} Jim Lovell:]]''' Please be informed, there is a Santa Claus.
---> '''Mission Control:''' That's affirmative. You're the best ones to know.

[[folder:Live Action TV]]

** ''Series/StargateSG1'' has O'Neill jumping an about-to-explode stargate through the Earth, with a scare about whether or not he was able to eject.

-->'''Minion''': Orders, ma'am?
-->'''Bang''': ... We could assemble a device team. It may be rigged to defend against tampering. So we'll want a wire man with a quick pull return system. Once we shut it down, Klaus could study it or something.
-->(Long beat)
-->'''Bang''': pfffftbb! HAHAHAHA! Or we could just blow it up!
-->'''Minion''': Whew! Had me worried there, Captain!
-->(Bomb drops, with the usual mayhem to follow.)

* In two ''WesternAnimation/CodeLyoko'' episodes, Jeremie tries to get into contact with the rest of his team on Lyoko and there is a considerable pause, making him worry (the first time has him crush a can in an AdBreakDoubleTake-type scenario). However, either Aelita comes in to calm him down or Odd screams into his eardrum.

* During the descent phase of Apollo 11, a number of things went wrong that you ''do not want to go wrong'', particularly when you're many thousands of miles from home. First, the communications between the lunar lander ''Eagle'' and Houston kept dropping out. Second, the astronauts were found to be landing long of their intended landing spot by 2-3 miles (though thankfully still within their "landing ellipse"). Third, the lander's computer failed five times during the landing program[[note]]Thankfully, only minor failures that meant a few low-priority tasks got delayed for a few seconds; this was caused by information overload[[/note]]. Fourth, with Neil Armstrong flying manual during the final phase, Houston called up to inform the astronauts that they were running low on fuel, and had only 30 seconds before it became an abort situation[[note]]12 and 14 also got low fuel warnings, though neither cut things as close as 11 did[[/note]]. Then, in rapid succession, comes "Contact light." "Shutdown." "Okay, Engine stop." and then Armstrong's famous "Tranquility base here, the Eagle has landed." Mission control was so wound up (and surprised by the phrasing - "Tranquility Base" was a spur-of-the-moment innovation by Armstrong) that [=CapCom=] Charlie Duke couldn't get his words out; "Roger, Twan-- Tranquility, we copy you on the ground. You got a bunch of guys about to turn blue. We're breathing again. Thanks a lot."

* Happens in the Light Side ending of ''KnightsOfTheOldRepublic''.

* ''VideoGame/MetroidPrime 3'' does this [[spoiler:at the end with the obligatory EarthShatteringKaboom]].

* Occurs in ''TheRightStuff'', when Chuck Yeager is trying to break the sound barrier for the first time. After a lot of crashes that occurred when nearing Mach 1, the ground team mistake the Sonic Boom for an explosion. Then he calls them over the radio.
* In a more comedic example, happens several times in ''AHardDaysNight'' when Music/TheBeatles get where they're supposed to be at the last minute. Only one or two of those were life-threatening. Also subverted once, when everyone starts reacting that way to them arriving in time for the final run-through--except there's only three of them...
* There is also a moment like this near the end of ''GiveMyRegardsToBroadStreet.'' This one wasn't life-threatening either, but it may have been sanity-threatening.

* A variant in StarWarsANewHope: When the heroes are about to be crushed in the trash compactor, C-3PO doesn't lose radio contact with them, but he does mistake their cheering when the compactor stops for screams of pain.

* Parodied and Inverted in ''Literature/{{Discworld}}'' (as it is TheGrimReaper worrying about someone ''not'' dying):

** In ''Series/StargateAtlantis'', during [[StargateAtlantisS02E02TheIntruder one episode]] (where the Stargate crew are battling a sentient computer virus) it happens twice: once when the virus tries to vent the heroes into space as they try to shut down the fighter craft the virus was using to hide in, and once when they had to fight a virus-controlled craft within the corona of a nearby star.

* ''MetroidPrime 3'' does this [[spoiler:at the end with the obligatory EarthShatteringKaboom]].

* Subverted big-time in ''Webcomic/GirlGenius'', when AxeCrazy Bangladesh Dupree doesn't ''escape'' from a bomb, she inexplicably and uncharacteristically refrains from ''[[http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20061108 dropping]]'' one on an Infernal Device (at least from Bang's point of view).

* During the descent phase of Apollo 11, a number of things went wrong that you ''do not want to go wrong'', particularly when you're many thousands of miles from home. First, the communications between the lunar lander ''Eagle'' and Houston kept dropping out. Second, the astronauts were found to be landing long of their intended landing spot by 2-3 miles (though thankfully still within their "landing ellipse"). Third, the lander's computer failed five times during the landing program[[note]]Thankfully, only minor failures that meant a few low-priority tasks got delayed for a few seconds; this was caused by information overload[[/note]]. Fourth, with Neil Armstrong flying manual during the final phase, Houston called up to inform the astronauts that they were running low on fuel, and had only 30 seconds before it became an abort situation[[note]]12 and 14 also got low fuel warnings, though neither cut things as close as 11 did[[/note]]. Then, in rapid succession, comes "Contact light." "Shutdown." "Okay, Engine stop." and then Armstrong's famous "Tranquillity base here, the Eagle has landed." Mission control was so wound up (and surprised by the phrasing - "Tranquillity Base" was a spur-of-the-moment innovation by Armstrong) that [=CapCom=] Charlie Duke couldn't get his words out; "Roger, Twan-- Tranquillity, we copy you on the ground. You got a bunch of guys about to turn blue. We're breathing again. Thanks a lot."

*** The vector-graphics arcade video game ''Lunar Lander'' seems to have been based on this very event, right down to the computer error requiring the player to take manual control[[note]]In the actual Apollo 11 mission, the computer errors didn't actually anything critical, and the manual control at the end was always part of the procedure, though Neil's need to overfly the rock field meant his trajectory was flatter--and used more fuel--than expected.[[/note]].

* At the end of the ''GundamWing'' TV series' last episode, we're not sure whether Heero made it, but then he comes in with his signature, "Mission Accomplished".

*** The vector-graphics arcade video game ''Lunar Lander'' seems to have been based on this very event, right down to the computer error requiring the player to take manual control.

--->'''[[Film/{{Apollo 13}} Jim Lovell:]]''' Please be informed, there is a Santa Claus

* During the descent phase of Apollo 11, a number of things went wrong that you ''do not want to go wrong'', particularly when you're many thousands of miles from home. The computer failed during the landing program, and with Neil Armstrong flying manual, Houston called up to inform the astronauts that they were running low on fuel, and had only 30 seconds before it became an abort situation. Then, in rapid succession, comes "Contact light." "Shutdown." "Okay, Engine stop." and then Armstrong's famous "Tranquillity base here, the Eagle has landed." Mission control was so wound up (and surprised by the phrasing - "Tranquillity Base" was a spur-of-the-moment innovation by Armstrong) that [=CapCom=] Charlie Duke couldn't get his words out; "Roger, Twan-- Tranquillity, we copy you on the ground. You got a bunch of guys about to turn blue. We're breathing again. Thanks a lot."

* ''FinalFantasyX2'' has this happen to Yuna after she [[spoiler:falls into the hole created by Vegnagun in Djose Temple and ends up in Bevelle after exiting the Farplane. "Yuna, reporting in."]]

--->'''[[{{Apollo 13}} Jim Lovell:]]''' Please be informed, there is a Santa Claus

* In the movie ''WarGames'', the folks at NORAD know that if the sensors are correct, various bases have just been nuked, and the delay before the answer to 'Are you still on?' comes back is pretty long...

* In the film ''{{Apollo 13}}'', the re-entry sequence was played like this. "Odyssey, this is Houston," being spoken over the radio, as everyone looks on in suspense. The [[TruthInTelevision real-life original response]] managed to be even more ironically mundane: "Okay, Joe."

* During the descent phase of Apollo 11, a number of things went wrong that you ''do not want to go wrong'', particularly when you're many thousands of miles from home. The computer failed during the landing program, and with Neil Armstrong flying manual, Buzz Aldrin called in that they had only 30 seconds of fuel left in the descent engine. Then, in rapid succession, comes "Contact light." "Shutdown." "Okay, Engine stop." and then Armstrong's famous "Tranquillity base here, the Eagle has landed." Mission control was so wound up (and surprised by the phrasing - "Tranquillity Base" was a spur-of-the-moment innovation by Armstrong) that [=CapCom=] Charlie Duke couldn't get his words out; "Roger, Twan-- Tranquillity, we copy you on the ground. You got a bunch of guys about to turn blue. We're breathing again. Thanks a lot."

* Subverted big-time in ''GirlGenius'', when AxeCrazy Bangladesh Dupree doesn't ''escape'' from a bomb, she inexplicably and uncharacteristically refrains from ''[[http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/comic.php?date=20061108 dropping]]'' one on an Infernal Device (at least from Bang's point of view).