A bottle episode is a unique opportunity for TV writers to apply pressure on their characters, calcify running themes and showcase creativity in a way that regular, non-bottle episodes can’t. These episodes are divisive with some fans hating the unique structure while others love what they can do for the storyline of the show. They can be a great opportunity to challenge the audience’s patience as well as their knowledge of the show’s lore and history.
A typical bottle episode will feature a very limited setting where the action takes place. This limits the scope of a scene and also forces the writers to find ways of using the set in more creative ways than usual. These limitations create a good opportunity for the characters to use their communication skills and conflict resolution capabilities more than they would in normal, more openly dramatic scenes.
The lack of literal, physical movement within the episode can be overcome by the characters becoming preoccupied with their situation and this can drive the plot forward. As such, the characters in a bottle episode need to be very well developed and this is the key element to a successful one. They must have an imbalance in their relationships which allows them to argue and disagree, thus moving the plot forward.
Many of the terms used on this website can be found in a Glossary page which is frequently linked to from this page. This terminology is sometimes collector based, often technical glassmaking jargon and sometimes a mixture of both. Those terms which are more specific to the site will be noted where appropriate.
Block – A wooden (or iron) form with a groove for the mouth of a blowpipe that was used in the process of hand blowing to help give symmetrical shape to bottles produced without a blob seal. These were often impressed with a stamp while hot to form lettering and designs pertinent to the bottled product or, in earlier times, to the ownership of the bottle itself.
Finish – The upper terminus of a bottle neck, often incorporating the lip and collar, or the distinct lower part of a neck if both are present. The term ‘finish’ can also be used to refer to any other distinct upper part of a bottle including the shoulder of Mason jars.
Devitrification – A term to describe the natural ageing of glass which can lead to the loss of transparency and the formation of a crystalline surface (Glassmaker’s Trade Journal 1889).
Ocean Pollution – Plastic bottles are a common item within marine debris and it is estimated that they make up between 10-20% of all ocean trash. This is due to the fact that they are not biodegradable and the resulting chemical chains can persist for decades. Luckily, there are ways to reduce your plastic footprint and help clean up our oceans.
