| abstract | - A cross between Unwanted Rescue and Save the Villain centering around The Rival or Worthy Opponent being bailed out of a surefire death by the hero. Does the rival or opponent thank the hero for saving them when he didn't have to? Rarely. They instead say that they could have escaped by themselves, and would have, if he hadn't swooped in and tried to play The Messiah. Admitting that they owe him one would be a great blow to their ego. At the very best, a patently insincere gratitude may be expressed. If the hero's a true Messiah, he'll shrug it off. If he's not, expect a "why did I even bother to save you" rant to ensue. Or at least, a bitter Think Nothing of It. Contrast Grudging Thank You, where however much he resents it, he does know that gratitude is due. See Enemy Mine for the reasoning behind the Embarrassing Rescue. Not to be confused with Complaining About Rescues They Don't Like. Examples of Embarrassing Rescue include:
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