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387:. In one trope that uses this technique (typically in science fiction or fantasy), a character will find themselves in a situation that seems familiar, but during the episode, some things seem odd. Then one or more major events happen, such as the death of a lead character. By the end of the episode or
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Implicit usage of the technique can be seen in episodic fiction, such as when the results of episodes regularly cause what would seem to be massive changes in the status of characters and their world; however, it is understood by the audience that subsequent episodes will not consider such events. An
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until the precise moment when the reset button technique is employed. The successful execution of this technique needs the introduction of plot developments that significantly alter the course of the show, without indicating that continuity will be disrupted. Often employed as a
391:, the character realizes that they have been placed in a copy of their normal surroundings, usually to try to obtain information from them, and that the mastermind behind the plan made a few mistakes in fashioning the copied environment.
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that might otherwise invalidate the show's premise with respect to future episodes or other plot details. For example, writers may use the device to improve the audience's experience of
470:). Hartley describes the strange dream he has just had about running a Vermont inn, which Emily blames on the Japanese food he ate before going to bed. The entirety of
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prior to some major change. It can be employed in the middle of a program to negate some portion of what came before. It is often used in
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features a literal reset button that, at the end of each episode, rewinds the entire day's events back to the beginning.
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However, when used appropriately, it can be devastating in terms of its effect. Near the end of the series finale of
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The effective use of this device in productions where it is not typically featured relies heavily on the audience's
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is one show that generally uses this technique, while occasionally introducing lasting continuity changes. Creator
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dies in almost every episode in early seasons, only to reappear in future episodes without explanation.
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In many series, the reset button trope is used as a standard, and frequently explicit, plot device.
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in works of fiction. The reset button device is used to return all characters and situations to the
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Shows using the reset-button technique sometimes point out, as a form of
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627:"'The Simpsons': Q&A with Matt Groening on reaching 500 episodes"
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in the mind of one of the characters. This was parodied in the "
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referred to this flexibility as a "rubber band reality".
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One popular example of the reset button technique is the
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From Alien to the Matrix: Reading
Science Fiction Film
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Plot device that resets continuity in works of fiction
474:is thus established to be part of Hartley's dream.
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411:'s death in the previous season was merely a
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375:, alternate realities, alternate timelines,
53:Learn how and when to remove these messages
266:Learn how and when to remove this message
205:Learn how and when to remove this message
150:Learn how and when to remove this message
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439:undid the marriage of Peter Parker and
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88:adding citations to reliable sources
625:Lloyd, Robert (20 February 2012).
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187:guide to writing better articles
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602:Katzman, Leonard (1986-09-26),
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478:Use as a frequent plot device
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605:Return to Camelot: Part 1
436:Spider-Man: One More Day
99:"Reset button technique"
349:suspension of disbelief
181:used on Knowledge (XXG)
550:Retroactive continuity
513:self-referential humor
293:(based on the idea of
291:reset button technique
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185:See Knowledge (XXG)'s
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657:Continuity (fiction)
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319:television series,
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486:example is
458:Bob Newhart
409:Bobby Ewing
381:time travel
343:One-off use
329:comic books
325:soap operas
302:plot device
651:Categories
612:2022-08-17
561:References
489:South Park
433:storyline
431:Spider-Man
422:Family Guy
369:flashbacks
354:plot twist
306:continuity
296:status quo
110:newspapers
39:improve it
389:story arc
377:daydreams
283:Halloween
249:June 2020
195:June 2020
140:June 2020
45:talk page
631:LA Times
608:, Dallas
532:See also
636:3 March
525:Hounded
472:Newhart
453:Newhart
417:Da Boom
300:) is a
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445:Dallas
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494:Kenny
425:. In
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131:JSTOR
117:books
638:2017
583:ISBN
520:CBBC
396:1986
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