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Chabal2 Since: Jan, 2010
FerrousFaucet Since: Feb, 2014
2025-04-02 05:44:33

Not sure if this is the same you're looking for, but Status Quo Is God is related.

I've seen this in Star Trek a lot. A new device arrives on the scene — a new computer promises to replace the Enterprise crew, a new machine promises to replace warp drive, a medical technology promises to extend life, etc. By the end of the episode, the new device is revealed to have a severe flaw that makes it unsuitable for use, so the old device isn't replaced after all.

Typically, they never mention the new device again, which is Forgotten Phlebotinum — instead of working to eliminate the problems in their new device, they just never mention it again throughout the franchise to reinforce the status quo.

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