Maintaining Consistency in Television Series: The Role of the Script Consultant
Every good television series, regardless of its genre or era, requires someone to ensure continuity and consistency in its storytelling. This person, often with a title like 'Script Consultant,' plays a critical role in the production team. Their primary responsibility is to evaluate scripts, making sure that the narrative remains coherent and aligned with the established plot and setting. Let's explore how television shows manage to maintain a singular overall plot with different writers for different episodes, and the challenges and responsibilities of the Script Consultant.
Key Players in Television Production
The production team in television includes various members whose roles are crucial for the show's success. One such member is the Script Consultant. This role ensures that each episode aligns with the overarching plot and maintains continuity. The Script Consultant works closely with the writer and sometimes the producer to ensure that the show's vision is consistent throughout. Script Consultants often have a background in writing or theater, making them well-equipped to maintain quality and coherence.
The Early Days of Television
In the early days of television, continuity was less of a concern. However, with the rise of prime-time series, maintaining consistency across multiple episodes and seasons became necessary. Prime-time shows in the 1960s had a more linear approach to storytelling. Significant changes in the storyline were typically introduced in the first episode of the season or occasionally in a series of introductory episodes.
An example of this is the iconic show I Love Lucy, which began each new season with a familiar storyline, such as Lucy redecorating their apartment or the couple moving to a country house. These introductions served as a reminder of the characters and their backstories, setting the stage for the episodes to follow. Over time, story arcs emerged as a more sophisticated storytelling method, first seen in shows like Dallas in the late 1970s. With this approach, each episode fits seamlessly into a larger narrative, advancing the plot in a cohesive manner.
The Role of the Script Consultant
The job of the Script Consultant has evolved significantly with the advent of complex story arcs. In the early days, their role was to ensure continuity from one episode to the next. Today, their responsibilities are more nuanced. They must decide which changes to allow, guiding writers to enhance the story arc while maintaining overall consistency. This requires a deep understanding of the show's narrative and the ability to make strategic decisions.
Two types of episodes can emerge under the guidance of a Script Consultant: those that advance the story arc and those that provide self-contained segments illustrating the current state of the plot. This dual approach allows for a dynamic and engaging viewing experience. However, even with careful planning, maintaining continuity can be challenging. Fans and viewers can quickly identify when the Script Consultant is not effectively doing their job. For instance, major changes in an episode that do not “take” in the subsequent episode can severely disrupt the narrative flow.
Challenges in Maintaining Continuity
One of the primary challenges in maintaining continuity is the need for every episode to air in production order. In the 1960s, this was not always the case. Viewers would often see episodes out of sequence, which could lead to continuity errors. Even when a calendar was introduced to help viewers keep track, it was not always effective. The original Star Trek series, for instance, had a calendar, but episodes were still airing out of sync with it.
A specific instance where a Script Consultant faced significant challenges was in the animated series South Park. The character Kenny, who was always presented as being dead and bundled up for harsh weather, was an infamous example of a consistency issue. This oversight fell flat and resulted in ridicule from the audience.
To summarize, unless a series is entirely staff-written, it is essential to have a Script Consultant to advise the writers on what to change and when and what to leave alone. This ensures that the narrative remains engaging and consistent, providing a satisfying viewing experience for the audience. The role of the Script Consultant is crucial in maintaining the integrity of television series, especially those with complex story arcs.
Keywords: Script Consultant, Story Arc, Prime Time Television