[jameshart]

That’s definitely a missing aspect of the TVtropes dataset - what is the influence timeline of the trope? Which instances are referencing other instances? When did it transition into cliche? When was its tropiness punctured to make it into something that could be parodied or lampshaded?

While I’d agree post-Die-Hard vent spelunking is likely to nod to the Die-Hardness of the situation, the trope had a long life before Nakatomi.

[TeMPOraL]

Please don't suggest adding a whole new dimension to explore to what's already an insanely addictive part of the Internet.

[the_af]

I went in TVTropes looking for the definition of "crapsack world" a few years ago and I haven't been able to get out yet.