Bottle is a narrow-necked container made of an impermeable material in various shapes and sizes that stores or transports liquids. Its mouth, at the bottling line, can be sealed with an internal stopper or external bottle cap, a closure, or by induction sealing. Bottles may also be adorned with raised lettering or designs (embossing) or molded in unusual shapes. In general, bottles are constructed of glass, though plastic ones can be used as well. A bottle can be used as a receptacle for liquids such as water, soda, beer, and wine or as a container for other products such as cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
The term “bottle episode” was coined for television series such as Star Trek: The Next Generation, which frequently filmed their more dramatic or serious episodes as bottle shows. A bottle show is an episode that takes place primarily in one set, uses few or no additional sets, and has limited action, focusing instead on the characters’ interactions. Bottle episodes can be particularly effective for TV series nearing their end because they allow the creators to save money on filming expenses by using existing sets rather than creating new ones.
When making an episode of a series that is set in a single location, the writers need to create compelling stories that are worth the audience’s attention. To do so, they need to make sure that the setting is not too restrictive or boring. They also need to make sure that the episode has a unique plot point or character arc that is not just filler for the rest of the season.
One example of a successful bottle episode is an episode of the popular Breaking Bad titled “Fly.” This episode, set predominantly in Walt White’s meth lab, centers around his and Jesse Pinkman’s attempt to kill a fly that has infiltrated their meth lab. While this sounds like a very simple plot, the episode works because it highlights Walt’s anxiety about toeing the line working for Gus Fring and his worry that one little slip up could lead to his death.
Another great bottle episode is an episode of Friends where Rachel and Monica are trying to figure out a way to get Ross to give them a date. This story is interesting and engaging because it demonstrates how far these two characters will go to get what they want, even if that means scheming against one another in confinement. This reflects the real world in which these characters live and it gives viewers something to relate to on an emotional level. This kind of conflict is what makes a bottle episode good and why it works as a TV genre. It can also be applied to movies such as Reservoir Dogs and Clerks 2 if done well enough. However, it is important to note that a bottle episode is not a requirement for all types of media. For example, many successful television shows do not have bottle episodes.
