The term designates a specific subgenre of serialized fiction, predominantly in television and literature, where each installment features a distinct and often self-contained narrative centered around confronting a singular, typically supernatural, antagonist. The narrative structure resets at the conclusion of each episode or chapter, allowing for easy entry for new audience members without requiring extensive prior knowledge of the overall story arc. A prominent illustration of this framework can be observed in early seasons of The X-Files, where Agents Mulder and Scully investigate a different paranormal phenomenon each week, often independent of the series’ overarching mythology.
This format offers several advantages. It allows for creative flexibility, enabling writers to explore a diverse range of themes and creature designs within a consistent universe. Furthermore, this modular structure facilitates syndication and replayability, as individual entries can be viewed in isolation. Historically, this storytelling approach proved successful in attracting a broad viewership due to its accessibility and the constant introduction of novel and exciting challenges. Its episodic nature also provided a testing ground for new writers and directors, contributing to the development of talent within the entertainment industry.
