Bottle is a type of container, usually made of glass, for holding liquids or other substances. The narrow neck and broad body of the bottle allow it to be sealed with a cap, which can prevent leakage and protect the contents from light and other environmental hazards. Bottles can also be used to store solids, such as food. A bottle can be used as an improvised weapon in emergency situations, such as when a person is attacked by a monster and must quickly kill the creature before it escapes. A bottle is also a common object for storing and transporting alcohol. A bottle can also be a source of courage or nerves, as in “bottle it up” (to have the courage to do something) and cockney rhyming slang for arse, “bottle and glass” (i.e. “arse and a bottle”), or simply as a synonym for “glass”.
A bottle can be embossed to add decorative elements. The most common type of embossing is the use of raised letters or designs on a flat surface, such as a bottle or jar. These can be done in several ways, including by cutting or punching the surface to create a relief pattern (e.g. a design on the shoulder or a name inscribed on the base of a bottle). Other methods include ink-staining, screen-printing, or etching (see Plate below). Bottles can also be decorated with paints and finishes.
Bottles may be designed to be returnable for handling and shipping costs. They can be fashioned from clear, colored, or opaque glass. The finish can be smooth, satiny, or textured. The bottles can be molded into various shapes, such as rectangular, oval, or square. Bottles can be designed with necks and caps that are either removable or integral. The caps can be made from a variety of materials, such as cork or plastic. Bottles can be printed or decorated with labels in many ways, such as using digital printing on paper or vinyl or by in-mould labelling.
There are a few criteria to be used in defining what makes an episode a bottle episode: Is the episode shot entirely on a set that the show regularly uses? Does the episode take place on a location that requires considerable set construction or extensive travel? These episodes are cheaper to make than ones filmed on location, but still require substantial production time. Some shows use these episodes to make up for a weak season or to save money when budgeting for a high-profile filming project. It is not useful, however, to conflate all unusual, standalone, departure, or otherwise distinctive episodes into this category, as it can lead to confusion about what does and does not count. It’s also counterproductive to have a lot of people arguing about whether an episode of The X-Files is or is not a bottle episode. Instead, it’s a good idea to focus on the narrative impact of an episode. Ideally, the story should be compelling enough to stand on its own without the aid of extensive sets or props.