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1An index of tropes regarding different episodes of any television series, or installments of any other kind of media series.
2
3Also see {{Seasons}}. Not to be confused with [[{{Series/Episodes}} the British sitcom of the same name]].
4----
5[[index]]
6[floatboxright:
7'''Also see:'''
8* {{Crossover}}s
9* EndingTropes ({{grand finale}}s)
10* HolidayEpisode
11* PilotEpisodeTropes
12]
13[[foldercontrol]]
14
15[[folder:Character-centered episodes]]
16Episodes focusing on specific character(s), or on their personality traits.
17----
18* AgelessBirthdayEpisode: A character's birthday is celebrated, except [[NotAllowedToGrowUp without any visible increase in age]].
19* BirthdayEpisode: Where a character's birthday is celebrated.
20* TheBusCameBack: A long gone character comes back.
21* CheerUpEpisode: One character is down in the dumps, and the other characters attempt to make them happier.
22* DayInTheLife: An episode which follows the daily life and routines of a character.
23* ADayInTheLimelight: A secondary character shifts into the narrative focus for one episode.
24* EmbarrassmentPlot: A character deals with being embarrassed.
25* FeudEpisode: Where two characters or more spend the episode arguing and fighting with each other over some petty dispute.
26* GenderSeparatedEnsembleEpisode: The ensemble cast is split by gender for one episode, with their separate plots.
27* GirlsNightOutEpisode: The female characters shift into exclusive spotlight for one episode. May be related to the above.
28* HowDadMetMom: The backstory of how two parents first met.
29* LowerDeckEpisode: Minor supporting characters shift into spotlight for one episode.
30* NewBabyEpisode: A baby is born or adopted.
31* NewSuperpower: A character who has new superpowers has to cope with his newfound ability, learn to control it, and come to terms with it.
32* OneEpisodeFear: A character starts to have a fear in one episode and started facing it in the end.
33* ObsessiveHobbyEpisode: A character becomes obsessed with something and must either give it up or learn moderation.
34* OriginsEpisode: The origin of a previously introduced character is explained.
35* VillainEpisode: The antagonist shifts into the spotlight as a temporary VillainProtagonist.
36* WalkOnTheWildSideEpisode: The responsible character becomes wild and spontaneous.
37* WelcomeEpisode: The POV character is introduced to an established character group.
38* WhatDoTheyFearEpisode: The characters try to discover each other's deepest fears.
39[[/folder]]
40
41[[folder:Contest/game/sport episodes]]
42Episodes where the main cast participates in sports or other kinds of games and contests.
43----
44* BaseballEpisode: The characters train for and participate in a baseball game.
45* BowlingForRatings: The characters go bowling or join a bowling league.
46* TheBoxingEpisode: The characters train for, participate in, or attend a boxing match.
47* EvasiveFightThreadEpisode: The characters compete in some discipline but the outcome is never revealed.
48* FishingEpisode: The characters go fishing of course.
49* JarOfJellybeansContest: The characters guess, measure or count for a contest to determine how much of something is in a container.
50* MiniGolfEpisode: The characters visit a mini-golf course- competition ensues.
51* TheOlympics: The characters partake in the Olympics, whether a local version or the real deal.
52* PaintballEpisode: The characters train for and participate in a paintball game.
53* PetContestEpisode: The characters train their pets to participate in a pet contest.
54* RPGEpisode: The characters play a role-playing game for most of the episode.
55* TownContestEpisode: The characters participate in a town-wide contest in some discipline.
56[[/folder]]
57
58[[folder:Genre shift episodes]]
59The show switches genres for one episode, but keeps the main cast.
60----
61* AlternateRealityEpisode: The actors play different characters in an AlternateUniverse.
62* AnimatedEpisode: A medium shift rather than a genre shift. An entire episode of a live-action show is animated.
63* BeanstalkParody: An episode that parodies the story of ''Literature/JackAndTheBeanstalk''.
64* CowboyEpisode: An episode which has a plot and setting styled after TheWestern (or related sub-genres, like NewOldWest or SpaceWestern).
65* FairyTaleEpisode: The characters reenact a ([[FracturedFairyTale parody]] of a) famous FairyTale.
66* HeistEpisode: A [[TheCaper caper]]-style episode where the characters have to plan a robbery.
67* MusicalEpisode: The characters all have to [[TheMusical sing and dance in musical numbers]] throughout the episode.
68* MysteryEpisode: An episode where the characters try to solve a crime or another mystery.
69* NoirEpisode: An episode shot in the style of ''{{film noir}}''. [[DeliberatelyMonochrome Black-and-white visuals]] and [[CharacterNarrator first-person narrations]] are usually mandatory.
70* ParodyEpisode: A comedic episode that spoofs some other work or genre.
71* PirateEpisode: The characters act like (or become) {{pirates}} in this episode.
72* RhymingEpisode: The characters are cast in a story where they rhyme all the time.
73* SitcomHomageEpisode: An episode which spoofs a classic {{sitcom}} show.
74* StorybookEpisode: The characters are cast as fairy tale archetypes.
75* SuperheroEpisode: The characters gain [[StockSuperpowers superpowers]] (or at least flashy {{superhero}} costumes) and fight crime.
76[[/folder]]
77
78[[folder:Illness episodes]]
79Episodes where members of the main cast fall ill or are injured.
80----
81* AmnesiaEpisode: Someone loses their memory. {{Hilarity|Ensues}} may or may not ensue.
82* ChickenpoxEpisode: A character gets the chickenpox.
83* ContaminationSituation: Characters are exposed to a potentially deadly pathogen that infects them.
84* TheDentistEpisode: A character has to visit the dentist.
85* TheFatEpisode: A character [[TemporaryBulkChange suddenly gains (and soon loses) weight]] for an episode.
86* FeverDreamEpisode: A character is sick and has bad trips the entire episode.
87* FleaEpisode: A character has fleas. Itchiness ensues.
88* InjuredLimbEpisode: A character injures their limb.
89* InsomniaEpisode: A character is unable to sleep for unknown reasons for one episode.
90* LiceEpisode: An episode features people getting lice.
91* LooseToothEpisode: A character, usually a young child, has a loose tooth.
92* LostVoicePlot: A character loses their voice (whether by disease, magic, or just straining it), and they must get it back.
93* PlagueEpisode: Several characters catch a disease one by one.
94* RupturedAppendix: A character develops appendicitis and, usually, requires emergency surgery.
95* SickEpisode: One or more characters fall ill and the others tend to them.
96* SingleEpisodeHandicap: A character is handicapped for an episode.
97* TheTonsillitisEpisode: A character has tonsillitis.
98[[/folder]]
99
100[[folder:(Non-)continuity episodes]]
101Episodes important (or completely irrelevant) to the show's overall continuity.
102----
103* AstralFinale: When the series finale is also a SpaceEpisode.
104* BizarroEpisode: Episode without any connection to the prior or following continuity.
105* BreatherEpisode: Light-hearted episode wedged in-between emotionally taxing ones.
106* {{Crossover}}: Episode that mixes in characters and settings from another series.
107* CrossoverFinale: When the [[GrandFinale final episode]] is also a {{crossover}} with another show.
108* DenouementEpisode: Series finale episode that cleans up loose ends after the main story arc is concluded.
109* FailedPilotEpisode: An index for pilots that were never made into full shows.
110* {{Filler}}: A standalone episode produced solely to postpone advancing the main story arc. Adaptations may use it to avoid [[OvertookTheManga running out of source material]].
111* GrandFinale: The epicly definitive conclusion of a whole series.
112* InnocuouslyImportantEpisode: Episode that subtly sets up the future story arc.
113* KillerFinale: One or more main character(s) die in the final episode.
114* MidSeasonTwist: A WhamEpisode that happens midway through the season.
115* NonIndicativeFirstEpisode: First episode whose contents don't reflect the rest of the show adequately.
116* TheOneWhereEveryoneDies: An episode where most or all of the characters die, but the deaths are undone by the end.
117* {{Pilot}}: An episode or short film made to launch a new series; a prototype of a series {{premiere}}.
118* PoorlyDisguisedPilot: An episode introducing new characters or a storyline for a potential SpinOff series.
119* {{Premiere}}: The first official episode of a series, which may or may not overlap with the {{pilot}} episode.
120* RecapByAudit: The aftermath of an event reveals or sums up what happened.
121* RecapEpisode: Episode that sums up previous story developments.
122* SeasonFinale: The last episode of a season, and (usually) of a seasonal story arc.
123* SequelEpisode: Episode that continues the storyline of a much earlier one.
124* SeriesFauxnale: Episode produced as a grand finale for the series that didn't end after it.
125* StandaloneEpisode: Episode that can be enjoyed without any prior knowledge of the series.
126* StockSeriesFinales: Common plots often used in final episodes of shows.
127* StockSitcomGrandFinale: Common plots for ending a {{sitcom}} series.
128* SynchronousEpisodes: Several consecutively broadcast episodes take place at the same time in-story.
129* UnexpectedlyDarkEpisode: Episode that is dark for a light-hearted show, but doesn't leave an impact on the show.
130* VacationCrossover: A {{crossover}} episode where characters meet because one or both parties are on vacation; otherwise, the run-in is unlikely due to them living in vastly different places.
131* VerySpecialEpisode: Episode in an otherwise lighthearted series in which the characters deal with serious real-life issues.
132* WeddingFinale: When the series finale is also a WeddingEpisode, often featuring one of the protagonists marrying their love interest.
133* WhamEpisode: Episode produced to surprise or shock the viewers.
134* WholeEpisodeFlashback: Episode consisting mainly of one long {{flashback}} to past events.
135[[/folder]]
136
137[[folder:Production trivia episodes]]
138Episodes notable for unusual format or production details.
139----
140* BannedEpisode: An episode that was removed from the air, whether by the TV networks or [[BannedInChina national censors]].
141* BonusEpisode: Episode that never aired but was added to the retail version.
142* BottleEpisode: Low-budget episode to preserve production expenses for later.
143* ClipShow: Episode (usually a form of RecapEpisode) that is largely made up of actual clips from earlier episodes.
144* EpisodeZeroTheBeginning: Episode with a zero in the title to show it's a prequel.
145* ExtraLongEpisode: Episode that is longer than usual for the show, season, or format.
146* InMemoriam: Episode dedicated to a person who passed away recently in real life.
147* LiveEpisode: Episode that is shot and broadcast in real time.
148* MissingEpisode: An episode which is missing from most broadcasts and retail versions.
149* TheMovie: A feature film directly based on a TV series, which is basically an extra-long special episode for that show.
150* MultiPartEpisode: Episode split into several parts for broadcast.
151* NoDialogueEpisode: Episode without any spoken lines.
152* OneParagraphChapter: A chapter with only one paragraph.
153* ThreeDimensionalEpisode: Episode produced to be watched with 3-D glasses on.
154* TitleDropChapter: A chapter that [[TitleDrop drops the title]] of the overall work.
155* UnfinishedEpisode: An episode that never gets finished or made.
156* UnInstallment: The series skips a number in its episode/installment progression.
157* VignetteEpisode: Episode composed of several vignettes.
158* {{Webisode}}: Episode only available on the internet.
159[[/folder]]
160
161[[folder:Significant date episodes]]
162Episodes that revolve around what the characters do (or not) to celebrate culturally significant dates, especially holidays.
163----
164* AprilFoolsPlot: It's AprilFoolsDay, and everyone is having fun with hoaxes, jokes, and pranks.
165* ChristmasEpisode: It's {{UsefulNotes/Christmas}}, and everyone is having fun in the name of {{Santa|Claus}} and/or {{UsefulNotes/Jesus}}. May feature YetAnotherChristmasCarol.
166* EarthDayEpisode: The cast celebrates Earth Day.
167* EasterEpisode: It's Easter, and the cast is celebrating by having egg hunts.
168* ElectionDayEpisode: It's an election day, and everyone is voting for their preferred candidates in a campaign for (political) office.
169* FestivalEpisode: It's festival season, and the Japanese are having fun.
170* FoundingDay: It's the anniversary of when our homeland was founded, and everyone's celebrating with a patriotic mood.
171* HalloweenEpisode: It's {{UsefulNotes/Halloween}}, and everybody is partying or trick-or-treating in costumes. But there's always something spookier happening...
172* HanukkahEpisode: It's Hanukkah, and the Jews are having fun.
173* NewYearHasCome: The current calendar year is ending, and another new one is beginning. Time for some fireworks!
174* OutOfHolidayEpisode: It's a significant date episode, but transmitted well beyond the appropriate holiday season.
175* StPatricksDayEpisode: It's St. Patrick's Day, and everyone's partying while acting as stereotypically Irish as they can (regardless of actual ethnic heritage).
176* ThanksgivingEpisode: It's Thanksgiving Day, and all the relatives are arguing over the dinner table.
177* ValentinesDayEpisode: It's Valentine's Day, and everybody is feeling lovesick (even if they're single).
178[[/folder]]
179
180[[folder:Unusual activity episodes]]
181Episodes where members of the main cast engage in unusual (for them) activities.
182----
183* AmateurFilmMakingPlot: The cast takes up amateur film-making.
184* BalletEpisode: One or more characters either try their hand at ballet or [[AtTheOperaTonight go to the ballet]].
185* DoorToDoorEpisode: The characters go on a fundraising drive.
186* DressUpEpisode: The modern protagonists of the work in question suddenly and inexplicably need to dress as if it's the [[GorgeousPeriodDress Victorian Era]].
187* EpisodeTagline: A particular line is said a lot during an episode.
188* FirefightingEpisode: A character or the entire cast join the fire department for an episode.
189* FirstDayOfSchoolEpisode: A character starts to attend a new year of school.
190* FundraiserCarnival: The characters organize a fundraiser carnival.
191* GuinnessEpisode: The characters attempt to break a world record (or several); usually, HilarityEnsues.
192* LastDayOfSchoolPlot: A character attends the last day of their school year.
193* LibraryEpisode: Characters go to the library.
194* ProWrestlingEpisode: The characters train for, participate in, or attend a wrestling match.
195* SchoolPlay: The characters prepare for and/or perform a play for class.
196* WeddingEpisode: The characters attend a wedding.
197[[/folder]]
198
199[[folder:Unusual location episodes]]
200Episode where the main cast goes to places they don't usually hang out at.
201----
202* BarbershopEpisode: An episode where the characters go to the barbershop to get a haircut and/or shave.
203* BeachEpisode: The characters go to a beach.
204* BootCampEpisode: The characters receive military training.
205* CampingEpisode: The characters go camping.
206* CasinoEpisode: The characters go to a casino.
207* CircusEpisode: The characters get involved with a circus for an episode.
208* ConcertEpisode: The characters see a (usually rock) concert together.
209* CourtroomEpisode: The characters are involved in a court case.
210* CruiseEpisode: The characters go on a cruise.
211* DetentionEpisode: The characters go to a detention room in school.
212* EpisodeOnAPlane: The characters take a plane to somewhere and spend most of the episode on board.
213* GroceryStoreEpisode: The characters go shopping for food and other goods.
214* HotSpringsEpisode: The characters go to the hot springs.
215* MovieTheaterEpisode: The characters go watch a [[ShowWithinAShow film]] at the local cinema.
216* PicnicEpisode: The characters go on a picnic.
217* PrisonEpisode: The characters go to prison.
218* RealWorldEpisode: The characters come from their fictional world to the "real" one for an episode.
219* RoadTripPlot: The characters go on a road trip. AKA "Road Trip Episode".
220* TheShowGoesHollywood: The characters go to Hollywood.
221* SkiResortEpisode: The characters go to a ski resort.
222* SpaceEpisode: The characters go to outer space.
223* TripToTheMoonPlot: The characters go to the moon.
224* VacationEpisode: The characters go on a vacation.
225* VivaLasVegas: The characters go to Vegas for an episode.
226[[/folder]]
227
228[[folder:Unusual situation episodes]]
229Episodes where the main cast is placed into unusual situations.
230----
231* AlienEpisode: The characters encounter extraterrestrial beings visiting Earth, who may be either [[AliensAreBastards hostile]] or [[InnocentAliens friendly]].
232* BabyMorphEpisode: One or more characters is transformed into a baby and the others must take care of them.
233* BabysittingEpisode: The characters have to babysit some kid.
234* BigDisasterPlot: The characters are involved in or have to deal with a major disaster.
235* BigStormEpisode: There's a big storm. The characters have to work around it.
236* BrokeEpisode: The characters are broke and must make ends meet somehow.
237* CryptidEpisode: The characters go and search for some kind of mysterious mythical creature.
238* DietEpisode: The characters start dieting for one episode.
239* DocumentaryEpisode: A journalist makes a documentary about the characters and their occupation.
240* DreamEpisode: A character experiences weird dreams while sleeping.
241* DrivingTest: The character takes their tests to earn their driver's licence.
242* EpisodeOfTheDead: The characters struggle to defend themselves against a temporary ZombieApocalypse.
243* EveryoneIsGoneEpisode: One character must deal with the rest of the cast being missing.
244* GlitchEpisode: A robot or other machine goes haywire for an episode.
245* LemonadeStandPlot: One or more characters starts their own lemonade stand.
246* NewJobEpisode: A character changes jobs for an episode.
247* ParanormalEpisode: The characters find themselves dealing with a (seemingly) paranormal/supernatural situation, when they live in an otherwise mundane setting.
248* ParentsForADay: The characters raise a baby who leaves by the end of the episode.
249* PestEpisode: The characters have a mouse, rat, or other pest in their house and spend most of the episode trying to catch it.
250* PowerOutagePlot: The electricity stops working.
251* RearWindowHomage: A character forced to sit around in their bedroom ends up recreating the plot of Creator/AlfredHitchcock's ''Film/RearWindow''.
252* RestaurantOwningEpisode: A character operates an eatery for an episode.
253* SecondEpisodeMorning: A character has to deal with the strange events that happened in the first episode.
254* SocietyOnEdgeEpisode: The characters have to deal with how volatile and unstable the setting has recently become.
255* StrikeEpisode: The characters go on strike at their job.
256* StuckAtTheAirportPlot: The airport is SnowedIn and the flight's been cancelled. Or was it some kind of terrorist attack?
257* SuperpowersForADay: A {{muggle|s}} gets superpowers temporarily.
258* SuperstitionEpisode: A character does something considered unlucky and has bad luck for the rest of the episode.
259* TimeTravelEpisode: The characters [[TimeTravel go back and/or forth through time]].
260* ToiletTrainingPlot: The characters attempt to toilet-train another character (usually a small child).
261* TortureChamberEpisode: A character spends the episode being tortured.
262* TreasureHuntEpisode: The characters look for treasure.
263* VampireEpisode: The characters encounter [[OurVampiresAreDifferent bloodsucking monsters]], and must be careful not to get bitten and infected with vampirism.
264* VegetarianForADay: Characters go vegetarian for the episode and then go back to their normal eating habits by the end.
265[[/folder]]
266
267[[/index]]

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