An especially brave idea is set forth to turn a character on his head and change the status quo in a big way... and the fans revolt. The writer then does a Retcon which seems openly apologetic. This is the saving throw. It assures the fans that the character either was not in control of his actions, or he was Actually a Doombot or events were not as they seemed. If the screwup stays prominently in the fandom's memory, it adds to that character's Dork Age. Contrast with Rescued From the Scrappy Heap, where an originally loathed character or idea is made serviceable.