What can result from a poorly executed "deus ex machina"?

A poorly executed "deus ex machina" can lead to disappointment from the audience because it often feels like a contrived resolution to a narrative's conflicts. This narrative device typically involves an unexpected power or event that suddenly resolves the intricacies of a story, which can feel unsatisfying if not properly foreshadowed or integrated into the plot. When characters and their struggles are overshadowed by an abrupt and seemingly unearned solution, the audience may feel disconnected from the story's outcome, as it undermines the development and investment they have in the characters and their journeys.

In contrast, effective narrative techniques usually provide resolutions that emerge organically from the characters' actions and choices, making the outcome feel earned and credible. When these natural consequences are replaced by a sudden intervention, it can break the audience's immersion and lead to frustration rather than closure.