Arcs?

[James]

In other threads on this board (if not this one) posters have mentioned a term called "arcs", as in story arcs. All I know that they aren't boats that Noah traveled in. So I ask, What are these arcs? I've never heard the term before.

[Vincent Paterno]

In other threads on this board (if not this one) posters have mentioned a term called "arcs", as in story arcs. All I know that they aren't boats that Noah traveled in. So I ask, What are these arcs? I've never heard the term before.

A good question, so I'll try to provide a good answer. A story arc (and it is spelled with a "c," not a "k" as in Noah) is a general overview of where a series is going and the characters are developing, either over a few episodes or during an entire season. For example, in "Frasier" every season generally had a story arc (the Niles-Daphne relationship, Frasier romancing a lady for a few episodes, that sort of thing). Most series plan an arc over the course of a season, thus giving the writers and actors a framework from which to develop their lines and characters' reactions.

[Kristen]

Originally Posted by James

In other threads on this board (if not this one) posters have mentioned a term called "arcs", as in story arcs. All I know that they aren't boats that Noah traveled in. So I ask, What are these arcs? I've never heard the term before.

An arc is basically a storyline that plays out over several episodes. For example, on "Wings," the on-again/off-again relationship of Joe and Helen would be a story arc. Also the house burning down. Other shows have them, too, but that's just what came to mind. Hope that helps!

Kristen

[barwars]

Originally Posted by James

In other threads on this board (if not this one) posters have mentioned a term called "arcs", as in story arcs. All I know that they aren't boats that Noah traveled in. So I ask, What are these arcs? I've never heard the term before.

You've gotten the answer.... so I'll just nit-pick.

Noah didn't travel anywhere. Arks aren't built to travel, they're to uphold during a storm or flood.

[JT]

An arc is basically when a sitcom wants to be soapy, so it does stories that'll last a few episodes, sometimes a season, to keep the audience's interest.

And they definitely aren't anything new, either. I Love Lucy's various trips to other cities and countries were frequently done over arcs. The Beverly Hillbillies' many trips back home and other stories were usually done over several episodes. The Brady Bunch's camping trip, trip to Hawaii, and the amusement park trip were all done as arcs. Three's Company's last couple of episodes were arced, involving Janet's romance and marriage to Phillip and Jack's romance and eventual moving-in with Vicky.

They've been done for years, basically.