I know this is probably a common topic. For me, I’m not sure if it’s a “trope” or just totally misinformed writing, but it’s how many authors approach alcoholism. Some examples are Girl on the Train and The House Across the Lake, among HUNDREDS. If anyone else here has struggled with alcoholism, you know it’s not just "i woke up after downing an entire bottle of whiskey but was able to shower, down a cup of coffee, and solve a murder. "
The antisocial cop who has to fight bad bosses and is the only one who knows how to solve a crime. He’s often a jerk and has to work outside the system. The opposite would be the police procedurals of Ed McBain where the cops worked together as a team.
Lol fair enough, however Serpico is actually a true story about this. I personally recommend the movie over the book.
We call this “Copaganda”.