| abstract | - Only a Dirty Coward would shoot someone in the back. Or even knife him. Back-to-Back Badasses is to prevent this -- provided the other character is trustworthy. On the other hand, if they can't let you escape, and you are the Dirty Coward fleeing a fight, it may happen anyway. Particularly up against a Combat Pragmatist. When The Dog Bites Back, this often comes into play. Does not necessarily apply to executions. Or when The Big Bad decided to turn his back on The Hero in order to stab a hostage. And if a Heroic Bystander shoots a villain in the back, for some reason it's considered, well, heroic. Sometimes employed as an unceremonious end to what is otherwise a Badass famous character - a staple of westerns. Compare Back Stab for a video game special move based on this trope. Can be used as Dynamic Entry, in which case a Surprisingly-Sudden Death usually ensues. Beware Backstab Backfire. Don't compare Right Through His Pants... Examples of In the Back include:
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