When writing an episode synopsis, a number of things should be taken into consideration to promote consistency amongst the large number of other synopses from other episodes and seasons.
Overall structure
- Infobox
- Opening Statement
- Synopsis
- Flashback
- Realtime (separation of realtime in rare cases)
- Trivia
- Recurring themes
- Cultural references
- Theory (separate tab)
...
Opening statements
Firstly, at the start of an episode article, the format of the following episode should be followed:
| “ |
"Maternity Leave" is the fifteenth episode of Season 2 of Lost. When Claire suspects Aaron might be sick, she sets out on a mission to find a vaccine, and on the way begins to unravel the mysteries of her past memories whilst kidnapped by Ethan on the Island. Unlike in other episodes, the flashback sequences take place on the Island. |
” |
The episode title is first given, as is its number and Season. Next, a very brief open-ended synopsis is given about what the episode entails, giving as little in spoilers as possible about what is learnt, whilst still giving a summary of what the episode will centre around. Finally, any specific details can be given if there is anything unusual about this episode, such as that it follows on from the previous one, or that all events in this episode occur in just one night, etc.
Note: these opening statements are generally very similar in form to the press release summaries of the episodes from ABCmedianet.com.
Formality
Narrative should not be written from a neutral first-person perspective, i.e. sentences should not include "we", e.g. "we then see Kate arrive." Similarly, the stor itself should not be the active topic, e.g., "the next flashback shows/showed Jack head to the building to continue his search..."
Flashback and Realtime
Third, flashback and realtime events are separated by subheadings, so an opening line of "In flashback..." is redundant. Also flashbacks should not be numbered, but separated appropriately. If the second flashback scene follows on exactly from the first, a new paragraph is not needed. However, like in realtime events, if the next flashback takes place a day later or at a different location, then a paragraph break might be appropriate.
Essential and Non-essential Detail
As a general rule, the synopses should not follow the presentation of the transcript, for example stage direction, back-and-forth dialog paraphrasing, direct quotes, and other minor details. Many details will be left out in a synopsis; the synopsis should not be written as a twin to the transcript.
- When accounting a scene, the main conclusion of the conversation should be noted, but stage directions such as "Charlie picked up Aaron as he talked..." and the development of the dialog is not necessary. A good episode synopsis writer should try to look upon the scene from the original writer/director's point of view, noting topic and consequences to the development of the episode.
Depth of Analysis
Fifth, a high level of analysis should be kept for trivia, recurring theme, cultural reference, or theory sections. Exampes.
- Whilst perhaps a little analysis can be made about certain events, going into depth about some issues is not needed. A good example of something that could be mentioned is again Sun looking back at Kate bathing in the Pilot. A little mention could be made about the purpose of this scene to explain why it was used (though in the confine of narrative) - e.g. Kate nodded, and with a half smile, Sun left, still in awe of Kate’s freedom to remove her layers of clothing to cool herself. This mention was necessary as Sun had only been in one other scene previously in the episode, where Jin orderred her to button up her blouse and cover herself. Thus the point is very valid as Sun would otherwise not have been in the episode at all if not for this small character arc, setting up for a later episode where she would shed her confined self.
- Alternative: Including this scene is not necessary at all, except in brief mention of her interaction with Jin.
- However, the following would be too much analysis bordering on speculation: Henry Gale instantly recited the numbers to John, suggesting that he somehow knew them. How he could have known this is so far unknown. The speculation in this scene could have been covered in theories, whilst the latter sentence is completely subjective.