Yeah a lot of these shows started out with a monster-of-the-week format before focussing more on longer arcs over time. It makes sense to keep audiences invested, since otherwise things become predictable and low stakes. The detours from that kinda take the role of filler episodes.
Xfiles and Buffy both had that pattern. Overarching plot episodes. And then creature features. Hush comes to mind. As does Liver Boy.
Good examples/points.
A bit of humour saves a lot of screenplay issues tho.
Yeah a lot of these shows started out with a monster-of-the-week format before focussing more on longer arcs over time. It makes sense to keep audiences invested, since otherwise things become predictable and low stakes. The detours from that kinda take the role of filler episodes.
Tension release. To do otherwise would be like a chase scene that lasts 2 hours.
Yeah I realize it came across as critical unintentionally. The side plot episodes aren’t bad, they provide balance.