Television can transport us to captivating worlds, immerse us in complex storylines, and introduce us to unforgettable characters. During the many years and countlessepisodes marked in history, there is a specific type of episode that is common for production reasons and the requirement of an excellent script for it to work: the bottle episode.
A bottle episode refers to a plot that takes place primarily in a single location, with a limited cast of characters, and often on a reduced budget. It is an opportunity for the show’s creators, writers, and actors to showcase their talent and resourcefulness by crafting an engaging story within these constraints. In this article, we will embark on a journey through television’s greatest bottle episodes, exploring the unique storytelling techniques, character development, and great performances.
10"The Box" (Brooklyn Nine-Nine S05E14)
“The Box” is one of the greatest episodes fromBrooklyn Nine-Nine(2013 - 2021), showcasing the amazing chemistry between Jake and Holt, played by Andy Samberg and Andre Braugher, respectively. Together, they spend the whole episode in the interrogation room trying to get the truth out of a murder suspect named Philip Davidson, played by the guest star Sterling K. Brown. However, things take an unexpected turn when the suspect invokes his right to an attorney, leaving Jake and Holt only 48 hours to gather enough evidence to keep him in custody.
Determined to crack the case, Jake proposes a risky plan to interrogate Philip inside a confined space called “the box” for the entire duration of their allotted time. As the pressure mounts, Jake becomes increasingly obsessed with obtaining a confession, while Holt questions the morality of their tactics and the potential for a wrongful conviction. It is an exciting script that proves why the show was so successful and had so many fans worldwide.
The great seriesMad Men(2007 - 2015)had many fans and acclamation from the critics. One of its most significant episodes is “The Suitcase,” a bottle episode with Don Draper (Jon Hamm) and Peggy Olson (Elizabeth Moss).Set in the 1960s advertising world of New York City, the creative director and the newest writer in the agency spend the whole night working inside Don’s office, trying to devise a campaign for a suitcase with a tight deadline.
As they navigate the pressures of the advertising industry, we get to see a bit of their personal struggles and a deep connection between the characters, explored throughout the series. This is when Don finally accepts the feelings he was trying to deny, and they expose their shared pain and the sacrifices they have made to succeed in their careers. One of the episodes showcases why this is one of the best shows on television and the talent of the actors that have now moved on to many other roles and characters.
8"Midnight" (Doctor Who S04E10)
Doctor Who(2005 - present) is always full of stories in ships and doesn’t need too much to tell something exciting and suspenseful. TakeBlink,for example; in the episode where the Weeping Angels were introduced, we barely even had The Doctor on screen, and it’s one of the best episodes of the show. But this time, we’re going to talk about “Midnight,” an adventure in the fourth season where the Doctor finds himself trapped on a deadly journey aboard the Crusader 50 on the remote planet of Midnight, and that’s the only location for the entire episode.
But, in the middle of the journey, the vehicle suddenly comes to a halt in the middle of nowhere, and a mysterious entity begins to threaten their lives from outside, knocking and installing panic among the passengers. Paranoia, suspicion, and fear start to take hold, and the true nature of the threat remains shrouded in mystery. The Doctor, usually the voice of reason and heroism, faces one of his most challenging predicaments as he struggles to understand how this adversary works and how to solve this tricky situation—one of the best villains and the best episode of The New Who.
7"Charlie Work" (Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia S10E04)
“Charlie Work” is an iconic episode from the long comedy seriesIt’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia(2005 - present). They have a lot of episodes where the plot happens only in the bar, but this is one of those where we can also find astonishing camera work, with a sequence shot as the crew tries to execute Charlie’s elaborate plan. Trying to pass the annual health inspection, Charlie takes it upon himself to deceive the inspector and avoid a bar shutdown.
As the episode progresses, viewers are treated to a masterclass in Charlie’s unique problem-solving skills and peculiar thought process. With limited resources and his dysfunctional group of friends, we have comedic timing and physical comedy at their finest, showing the brilliance of the writers and the cast, and it’s one of the fans' favourite episodes.
Related:Here’s What Makes Every Season of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia Memorable
6"Hawkeye" (MAS*H S04E18)
In the ’70s comedyMAS*H(1972 - 1983), the talented Alan Alda plays Captain Benjamin “Hawkeye” Pierce in a bottle episode that takes his character’s name title. Trying to get back from an aid station, and trying to avoid hitting children playing on the road, Hawkeye swerves his Jeep, resulting in a crash and a head injury. Bleeding and disoriented, he finds shelter in a nearby hut inhabited by a Korean couple who do not speak English.
Despite the language barrier, Hawkeye continues to talk to stay awake and alert. He delves into a stream of consciousness, sharing stories about his experiences in medical school, past romantic relationships, and his life in Crabapple Cove. With almost the whole episode happening inside the house of this Korean couple, we get to see both the humorous and contemplative sides of this character, highlighting his resilience and ability to find moments of connection and reflection even amid chaos and personal hardship.
5"Duet" (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine S01E19)
“Duet” is a famous episode fromStar Trek: Deep Space Nine(1993 - 1999) featuring a fascinating dilemma. This thought-provoking episode centers around the mysterious arrival of a Cardassian named Marritza on the space station that claims to be a filing clerk. Still, his presence raises suspicions among the crew due to his resemblance to a notorious war criminal named Gul Darhe’el, known for his brutal acts during the Cardassian occupation of Bajor.
As the episode unfolds, Major Kira starts interrogating Marritza, discovering that he might not be who they thought he was. As the investigation progresses, tensions rise between Kira and Commander Benjamin Sisko, who questions the importance of exposing Marritza’s guilt. However, Kira remains determined to uncover the truth and seeks justice for the countless Bajorans who suffered under the Cardassian occupation. The episode is great and needs to deal with guilt and redemption through a grand narrative and strong character development.
4"Cooperative Calligraphy" (Community S02E08)
“Cooperative Calligraphy” is the eighth episode of the second season ofCommunity(2009 - 2015). Trying to find Annie’s missing pen, the group spends the whole episode inside the study room since she is angry that no one ever returns her things. With fast-paced dialogue, we soon start to discover secrets from each study group member. This bottle episode ends with the group finally agreeing that their bond is so strong that it would be impossible for some of them to take the pen and not have confessed by now.
Satisfied with the idea that a ghost took it, they leave behind a destroyed study room, trying to join a parade that was happening. A funny episode and a masterclass in character development, this is an excellent bottle episode, and it was well-received by the fans, becoming a favorite for many of them.
Related:Community: Best Supporting Characters in the Series, Ranked
3"Pine Barrens" (The Sopranos S03E11)
One of the greatest drama series on television,The Sopranos(1999 - 2007), also had a bottle episode in its third season, titled “Pine Barrens.” In it, Tony Soprano asks Paulie Gualtieri and Christopher Moltisanti go on an unexpected misadventure in the New Jersey Pine Barrens during a routine collection job gone wrong. Trying to collect a debt, the situation quickly escalates when Valery resists and escapes, putting the two mobsters on a search, trying to eliminate any loose ends.
As the episode progresses, the focus shifts from the pursuit of Valery to the strained relationship between Chris and Paulie. Their conflicting personalities and different approaches to the situation create tension and comedic situations amidst the backdrop of the Pine Barrens. Known as one ofthe most memorable episodes from the show, it succeeds by using an unconventional narrative structure and exploring the complex relationships of the characters that never fail to captivate the audience.
Of course, this episode could not be missing from the list. Certainly one of the most controversial episodes fromBreaking Bad(2008 - 2013),it is loved by some and hated by many. Directed by Rian Johnson, this episode happensinside Walter White’s laboratoryand features a battle between the chemists and a fly. After feeling guilty with Jane’s death, Walter and Jesse discuss their emotions and their relationship.
The episode is a great character exploration, and it eventually symbolizes Walter White’s obsession with control and how things must be the want he wants them to be - no one can stand on his way. With great performances from Aaron Paul and Brian Cranston, you will sure we captivated while they attempt to catch this fly.
1"Teddy Perkins" (Atlanta S02E06)
This bottle episode showcases the enormous creativity and outstanding cinematography thatAtlanta(2016 - 2022)has. With his episode nominated for several categories in the Emmy Awards, “Teddy Perkins” is a thriller that we follow alongside Darius (Lakeith Stanfield) as he tries to purchase a piano from a reclusive and enigmatic figure named Teddy Perkins (Donald Glover). The whole episode happens inside Perkins’s house, and it has and eerie and tense atmosphere.
As he gets deep inside the house, the situation becomes unsettling, as the owner of the house oscillates between moments of charm and menace. We start to discover family traumas and Teddy’s past, and all that you wish is that Darius leaves that house. It is an excellent episode and psychological thriller, a showcase of how the show likes to explore different narratives and genres along its episodes.
