Markup View

Author: ReaverKing

Aug 12th 2013 at 4:03:26 PM

I think the name would work MUCH better, especially in light of the examples given above, like this:

A "Pipe-bomb" storyline is short storyline (1-2 episodes) created for the express purpose of inducing sudden and violent conflict upon a long-running series in an effort to "shake up" the existing storylines and draw new/returning viewers to the series(esp. shows running 5 or more seasons, soap operas, or anything JJ Abrams is connected to).

In practice, a "pipe bomb" storyline is a "Wham Episode" used expressly to start a story arc - usually in a violent or destructive way - that may or may not be connected to previous story events.

In many cases this takes the form of an ACTUAL BOMB going off but can also work with sudden revelations of infidelity, pregnancy scares, murder, suicide, or other "external" sources of conflict that unbalance (or end) the relationships of various characters, promoting further long-term consequences.  Be on the lookout for the "Green Ranger".

The primary purpose of the "Pipe Bomb" episode, though is to destabilize an otherwise static plot:

"And then (a bomb went off) and now everyone has to deal with the aftermath (again).

I think a number of other tropes touch on this idea.

I suggest re-purposing this title as the "More Dakka" counterpart to the "Wham Episode"