It seems that the Greeks of the Hellenistic period had tastes quite apart from ours. Almost all of the Menander that I've read so far has involved children thought lost who later have their identities revealed. If it works, it works, right?
From what I've gleaned in the notes to his plays, his audience had no problem with such repetitive use of a device. Instead, they were more interested in what he had to say about human nature and life and how his plotting and pacing went. So he could just focus on changing things up in those regards and still win accolades.
Unfortunately, the same can't be said for most modern sequels and remakes (and even a handful of loosely original features) where old ideas are reused. Ideas are retreaded and the majority of big productions are cast in the same mould when it comes to pace and plot.
Of course, the Greeks regarded their drama with an eye towards a more or less agreed upon ideal. Modern audiences aren't so united when it comes to standards. No doubt that's just Hollywood's game: cast a light net so widely that those who are wary of it can avoid it while those who don't care and those who are looking for the same old fix get caught.
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