(risky trope) A show changes genres mid way

[u/ErlikHan6]

The 100: the show starts as a somewhat grounded post apocalypse where humans who have taken refuge in a space station return to earth after it has become inhabitable again and resources on the space station run out. At first the show is about survival in a hostile environment. It slowly introduces more and more sci fi elements. At first, it's an Aİ that wants control over humanity. Towards the end of the show, the main characters have traveled throughout the galaxy, met humans from other planets, some of which have settled among ruins of ancient alien species, where they try to contact more advanced alien species in order to achieve "transcendence": rid humans of their physical bodies and become a more advanced lifeform.

AOT: this one is less gradual than the 100 and the change comes after a massive plot twist. The first 3 seasons of the show are about a relatively primitive society of humans who live inside humongous walls. Outside the walls are titans: giant monstrous creatures which hunt and devour humans. After a big plot twist and reveal, the society finds out that there is a whole bigger world out there, and the rest of the world is plotting to genocide them. They quickly industrialize after this discovery and wage war against other countries.

[u/mothhop]

You could tell by the sound of the cicadas NG:E was going to be a doozy

[u/playful_faun → u/mothhop]

This comment made me realize that when I hear cicadas in anime I get a little anxious

[u/AkodoRyu → u/playful_faun]

Threre are only 2 ways cicadas are used. To show the change of seasons and that it's summer now, or to remind the viewer that everything is impermanent and we will all die someday. That day may be tomorrow. Time is passing you by. Tick tock.

[u/YinTanTetraCrivvens → u/AkodoRyu]

it could also imply you’re in a time loop where you’ll be horribly murdered by someone being possessed by a demonic rage virus

[u/creamyhorror → u/YinTanTetraCrivvens]

It happens when they cry

[u/thelivinlegend → u/playful_faun]

Huh. Maybe thats why I feel a little uneasy when I hear those bastards outside.

[u/LurkerEntrepenur → u/playful_faun]

Symbolism can be a trope itself, like when you know there are Sakura trees you know there's going to be teenager stuff.

When there are depictions of butterflies (specially black ones) and spider lilies, you know there's death involved

[u/Purplewizzlefrisby → u/playful_faun]

Evangelion, The Summer Hikaru died...

Can't think of any others off the top of my head but cicadas definitely mean "Yeah this isn't going to be a happy story."

[u/LaLaMevia → u/Purplewizzlefrisby]

The first episode of Code Geass begins with a scene of Lelouch and Subaru playing together in the woods while C.C. watches them from afar. The only audio in that scene is cicadas until its broken up by Lelouch pointing out the arrival of the Britannian army on the horizon.

[u/playful_faun → u/Purplewizzlefrisby]

Higurashi: When They Cry

[u/Dayum_SO → u/mothhop]

Fr when they cry or sumn

[u/DadlyAsHell → u/Dayum_SO]

Code geass

[u/sadahtay → u/Dayum_SO]

Higurashi

[u/Trigger_Fox → u/Dayum_SO]

Steins;gate

[u/fartdumpster → u/Dayum_SO]

Boku no…

[u/saethone → u/mothhop]

Cicadas

[u/mothhop → u/saethone]

Brainfart , too much lack toes today

[u/pokebuzz123 → u/mothhop]

Fr, I think When They Cry cemented my tragedy alarms when a cicada comes in, something is gonna happen