BOTTLE EPISODE SERIES
BOTTLE EPISODE TV

BOTTLE EPISODE TV

There’s also the “day in the life” episode, where we get to see what happens behind-the-scenes at our favorite TV characters’ workplaces. There’s the “flashback episode,” where an entire episode takes place in flashbacks and reveals previously unknown information about characters or events. There are several types of bottle episodes. However, because bottle episodes are typically made at the end of a season, they are often used as a means of tying up loose ends and telling stories which couldn’t be covered in previous episodes due to time constraints or other factors. Often, the producers will look back at older episodes to find scenes that can be reused.

BOTTLE EPISODE SERIES

Typically, it’s an episode which is done at the end of a season and serves as filler material.Ī bottle episode, sometimes called a “corker” or “clip show,” is usually made when a television series has run out of budget for that season. What is a bottle episode? A bottle episode is an episode of a TV show that takes place almost entirely on one set and doesn’t include any special guest stars, outside locations or elaborate sets. The term “bottle episode” itself comes from Star Trek: The Original Series, where it was used to describe episodes in which most of the action took place on board rather than involving space exploration as usual. They can also be used to tell stories that don’t require expensive sets or locations that would otherwise be inaccessible to the production crew (as in a space adventure series telling the story of an important event that happened when the ship was in dry dock for repairs). Generally, they are also used to give the main characters some time off from their normal environment and do something different than normal.įor example, a situation comedy might take place completely inside one character’s house and show them doing things they’d never do on any other occasion, such as breaking other rules or behaving in ways more un-like themselves. The term is most commonly applied to television series, but can also apply to films.

It must take place entirely on location with no guest stars.

It must be possible to shoot the entire episode within one day, and.

Shows like “Star Trek: The Next Generation” are known for their high concentration of bottle episodes.Īlthough there are no specific rules regarding what can be considered a “bottle” episode, there are two common traits: These days, “bottle” refers to any episode that takes place in one location (even if it’s not a bar), such as a prison or a spaceship. Since no outside filming was required, these episodes were cheaper to produce than other episodes and were usually aired during times of the year when production costs are higher (such as summer reruns). The term originates from the 1980s television show “Cheers,” when cast and crew would joke that an episode was “bottle” because it took place in the bar.Ī typical “bottle” episode would take place in Cheers but actually be filmed on a soundstage.

Widely regarded as one of the series' best episodes and one of the greatest television episodes ever made, the legacy of 'Pine Barrens' makes it an exceptional example of the form.What Is a bottle episode What Is a bottle episode?Ī bottle episode is an episode that takes place entirely in one location and does not feature any guest stars. The ambiguous nature of this episode, repeatedly emphasized by the show's creators in the years since, shows the Sopranos' dedication to subverting audience expectations. While the mystery of the missing Russian will remain forever unsolved, the first Sopranos episode directed by Steve Buscemi creates an uneasy tension that resonates throughout the rest of the season. Fielding calls from an increasingly frustrated and increasingly unhelpful Tony Soprano ( James Gandolfini) the episode focuses on the growing rivalry between Chris and Paulie, as their inability to work together lands them lost in the titular Pine Barrens of New Jersey. Following Christopher Moltisanti ( Michael Imperioli) and Paulie 'Walnuts' Gualtieri ( Tony Sirico), 'Pine Barrens' has the pair suffer through a botched collection, a failed execution in the woods, and the following attempts at survival.

Bottle episode