I always wondered about the numbering for episodes.

For example, in Season 5 of Three's Company, episode "A Crowded Romance" was filmed first and aired fifth in the season. However, in the book Come and Knock on Our Door, it is given a number of 0503, which I can only imagine means Season 5, episode 3. But the "3" doesn't make any sense. Can anyone shed some light on this?

I always wondered about the numbering for episodes.

For example, in Season 5 of Three's Company, episode "A Crowded Romance" was filmed first and aired fifth in the season. However, in the book Come and Knock on Our Door, it is given a number of 0503, which I can only imagine means Season 5, episode 3. But the "3" doesn't make any sense. Can anyone shed some light on this?

Episodic shows are typically numbered according to their filming order, so it should be 0501. The only possibility I can think of is that they finished its post-production third, but this violates the rule. The purpose of the production number is to make sure episodes are produced in a specific order, especially certain dramas that require extra time, sci-fi in particular.

You're right, this makes no sense. The production phase is actual filming, which is why they're numbered as I described and given "production numbers". There had to be a mistake somewhere.

Thanks TerriFan for your thorough reply. I am beginning to think that it must be a typo. However, "Justice For Jack" is also misnumbered, as it has the number (0501) and was the third to be filmed and the second to air in the season.

A shooting script for the show would typically display the date of draft, the show number, and the taping date. An example below:

http://s7.postimg.org/c8wd3633f/071_Handcuffed_January_18_1980.jpg

Holy S@!* Where did you get that script?? I am so jealous right now.

eBay, I suppose (can't remember for sure). For the record, I do not actually own it.

Thanks TerriFan for your thorough reply. I am beginning to think that it must be a typo. However, "Justice For Jack" is also misnumbered, as it has the number (0501) and was the third to be filmed and the second to air in the season.

You're right, this should be 0503. It's not that easy to get production numbers for older shows, so there may be some level of guesswork involved.

A shooting script for the show would typically display the date of draft, the show number, and the taping date. An example below:

http://s7.postimg.org/c8wd3633f/071_Handcuffed_January_18_1980.jpg

This looks like an actor's script, not a shooting script, as an actor has to have wide margins to write down blocking and other notes. The shooting script is made by the director from the actor's script, and has all the blocking, reactions, and camera angles written into it. It goes to the director, cinematographer, and editor; everyone else get a copy of the actor's script.

It's interesting that it says "Show", not "Prod. No." They may have been going for the intended airing order.

The scripts still seem to indicate taping order. At least so far. Here are a couple more examples (Again, I do not actually own these; all scripts I have are just pictures):

"Jack's Uncle" (Aired: December 6, 1977)
http://s29.postimg.org/t63e6mgw7/018_Jack_s_Uncle_October_28_1977.jpg

"Janet's High School Sweetheart" (Aired: November 29, 1977)
http://s1.postimg.org/aynv1569b/019_Janet_s_High_School_Sweetheart_November_04.jpg

The scripts still seem to indicate taping order. At least so far. Here are a couple more examples (Again, I do not actually own these; all scripts I have are just pictures):



Vahan, I am wondering where you got these images? And do you have pictures of the scripts in their entirety? For example, do you have pictures of the "Handcuffed" script with John Ritter's notes in the margins? Or any other scripts with actor's notes in the margins? I would love to see them.

Thanks for sharing these! Very cool.

There's a site that seems to have old eBay auctions called Worthpoint. I only have those pictures.

Some of the script pictures, I did, in fact, get from eBay.

Here is a thread started by manetoys, looks like he/she actually bought the signed script. What a shame these images are unavailable. I'd love to see Ritter's notes!

http://www.sitcomsonline.com/boards/showthread.php?t=262454

JackJanetChrissy, I've seen this word often in taping schedules and scripts. What exactly is "Blocking"?

Blocking is the staging of a scene in regards to space, position of where the actors will be on the set, etc. For example, blocking a scene would be getting the actors to act out a scene in rehearsal so the cameramen can "block out" their shot and make sure everyone and everything is where it needs to be.