This Plot Hole From ‘Tommy’ by The Who Still Bothers Me

The Who, like Pink Floyd, were masters of the concept album. They released a few through the years, but one that stands out is the 1969 concept album Tommy. It was later made into a rock opera musical film, too.

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Tommy has a somewhat simple concept in terms of plot, but once you get into it, there are so many themes involved. It’s really a gorgeous album and an excellent example of creativity funneled into storytelling and music. However, there are a few things about this album I’ve never understood, including the plot hole involving the pinball machine talents of the album’s titular hero.

‘Tommy’ by The Who Explained

Tommy follows the story of a young man by the same name, who is blind, deaf, and mute. Throughout the Odyssey of sorts that he experiences on the album, he survives parental abuse, masters the art of the pinball machine, and becomes a spiritual guru. It’s a wild album from start to finish.

The core of Tommy is based on the work of the Indian spiritual leader, Meher Baba. Pete Townshend attempted to turn those ideas into music with Tommy. Baba’s values involved compassion, introspection, and love, all of which are the main themes of Tommy.

The ‘Tommy’ Plot Hole That I Still Don’t Get

Maybe I’m just the kind of concept album enjoyer who needs things spelled out for me. But given the greatest themes of this album, I feel like a few things should have been made clearer.

For example, Tommy’s perception of the world around him is particularly fascinating. He is blind, unable to speak, and unable to hear. How does a young man with no hearing, sight, or speech (though that latter bit is more or less unimportant) become a pinball savant? 

Pinball is a game famous for involving quite a bit of sensory attention. It would be impossible for Tommy to master such a thing. The film version of Tommy explains that he can feel vibrations well, which leads to his talents as a pinball player. However, pinball involves much more than just feeling vibrations. Ask any expert player.

This plot hole has been challenged by more than a few fans of the album on forums like Reddit. One fan noted that in the musical based on the album, it is subtly revealed that Tommy isn’t entirely deaf, mute, and blind. He experienced a form of catatonic depression following a traumatic event, and pinball was his only outlet. However, some fans have contested this interpretation.

Do you have a better understanding of this plot hole than I do? I’d love to hear your thoughts and explanations in the comments!

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