Many shows have some form of structure to their seasons, rather than just being
collections of stories. This article mostly assumes that the series in question are US full-length series of around 20-25 episodes with some to low
Season Fluidity.
Season Opener
This will often be big and spectacular, to lure viewers back to the show. It is not uncommon for new characters to be introduced to the show or for major plot changes to take place. See also
Premiere and
Pilot.
Examples:
- Horatio Caine's trip to Brazil in the Season 5 opener of CSI Miami.
Lucky Episode 13
Some series only have the first 13 episodes of the first season commissioned, with the promise of more if it is successful. For this reason, the writers will work out a 13-episode arc plot so that if the series is not renewed, it will still have a satisfying ending. If it
is renewed then they need only rewrite the final script or so to introduce another threat or more plot threads.
Examples:
- Episode 13 of the first season of 24 ends with the team managing to kill the assassin who has been threatening Senator Palmer's life - but there is also a minor cliffhanger, as a second assassin is dispatched. Had the season been cancelled after 13 episodes, this last scene could have been easily cut to end it "properly".
The Ep-15 shift
Episodes 15-16 of a season tend to fall around the time of
Sweeps, so networks will have big spectacular episodes to attract viewers. Plot shifts are not uncommon here.
Examples:
Season Finale (Ep-20 to Ep-25)
Again, big and spectacular, usually tying up all of that season's emotional and plot arcs, although an end of season
Cliff Hanger is possible. There may well be character departures by various different means.
If this is a two-season drama - even if the seasons are of irregular length - prepare to be burned.
Examples:
- Doctor Who "Bad Wolf/The Parting of the Ways", which ended with the regeneration of the Ninth Doctor into the Tenth Doctor and with Captain Jack Harkness being left behind on the space station. The reasons for leaving Jack behind were not explained until towards the end of season three.
