Sometimes we love musicals, sometimes we love a show whether it first aired on TV or on a streaming service, and sometimes those two worlds collide. The musical episode. Characters break into song and dance throughout an episode and then do neither the one after. These can come with or without a clever explanation as to why the characters are doing so, and they can be incredibly creative. As a fan of musicals, I do enjoy seeing some of my favorite characters take on the style and tackle it in such a short span, if done well it can be one of the best in the series. But what makes a good musical episode?
First, we must define what a musical episode is. This is different than a show having a song performed by a character, if it is the only song in the episode and then there are no others, that is not a musical episode, even if songs are used in multiple episodes and this is a common occurrence. The same goes for shows that feature music and have montages, or musical references, they can take a moment to reference a well-known musical and move on, that is not a musical episode. Musical shows are also a different category, such as Steven Universe or Crazy Ex-Girlfriend which have several songs throughout each season, but they are not exempt from having a musical episode, as in the case of Steven Universe. For me, at least, a musical episode is where multiple songs occur, and they are sung and performed by the characters themselves, using the songs to advance the plot and convey emotions, just like in live theater. Bonus points if the word musical is featured or the episode theming and looks go the extra mile to imitate the look and feel of live musical theater.
What makes a musical episode a good musical episode? For me, that is boiled down to the songs themselves. If the show is not known for them, that is already a shake-up from the norm that will not be repeated after means the music has to really stand out. That is where the balance has to come in, the songs need to move the plot along and show characters' emotions, or at least be entertaining and fit the style and themes of the show, not be distractions. The second the songs are not serving a purpose, whether to advance, inform, or entertain, the second the songs make the episode not feel like what the show is known for, that is when things can go off the rails. If there is an overabundance of songs for the sake of just having songs, the more likely it is for there to be some duds and take the audience out of it.
Live theatre is the same way, when there are songs just for the sake of having songs, with no purpose, the audience loses interest. It can be annoying for characters to just burst into song and dance what feels like every thirty seconds with no rhyme or reason, alienating those watching from what they are watching. This can prove to be a challenge for a show that runs way shorter than a live performance, especially ones that are less than thirty minutes long.
But this is where the good ones come in. Episodes that know their limitations, know their characters and the world they build can make truly good ones. Songs that sound like they fit in this world, coming from the ones singing them, only enhance the moment, making things great. Proving that even with songs the characters and show are the same show we love without them is what makes a good musical episode. If the songs are memorable and good listeners on their own, in and out of the context of the episode, while reminding us why we love the property the musical episode is in, is what makes a truly great one. Chilling but not impossible, and when pulled off making some truly great memories, great musicals, and great television.
That to me is what makes a good musical episode, and there are plenty I want to talk about. I just think I may sooner rather than later. What are some of your favorites? And what makes an episode a musical episode, or makes a good musical episode for you? Until next time, I hope your day is a showstopper .
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