LovelyOne
he reset button technique (based on the idea of status quo ante) is a plot device that interrupts continuity in works of fiction. Simply put, use of a reset button device returns all characters and situations to the status quo they held before a major change of some sort was introduced. Often used in science fiction television series, soap operas and comic books, the device allows elaborate and dramatic changes to characters and the fictional universe that might otherwise invalidate the premise of the show with respect to future continuity. Writers may, for example, use the technique to allow the audience to experience the death of the lead character, which traditionally would not be possible without effectively ending the work.
The term is based on the reset button found on a video game console machine. When pressed, such a button automatically ends the player's current status in the game, and brings everything back to the start.
Effective use of this device depends on the audience being unaware of the continuity status, or successful suspension of disbelief that continuity is or will be interrupted, and the eventual communication of the status of continuity to the audience. It is usually employed as a plot twist that effectively undoes all the happenings of the episode. Common uses of this technique draw liberally from science fiction and metaphysical ideas, perhaps contributing to its widespread use in those genres. Examples of the reset button technique include dream sequences, alternate-history flashbacks, daydreams, time travel and hallucinations.
Continuity-wise, there are two types of television shows: serial and episode-by-episode. In serial shows, each episode not only follows but builds on previous material, and so the RBT is not needed - and although it can still be used, any use generally leaves a negative imprint on the general continuity. In episode-by-episode works, on the other hand, the RBT is necessary to eliminate dangling plot threads. Soap operas are almost universally serials; cartoons and sitcoms are almost universally episode-by-episode.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reset_button_technique
Uhh...I hope they didnt use the "reset button thingy" in PotC 2
which is like a series kinda thing..
The term is based on the reset button found on a video game console machine. When pressed, such a button automatically ends the player's current status in the game, and brings everything back to the start.
Effective use of this device depends on the audience being unaware of the continuity status, or successful suspension of disbelief that continuity is or will be interrupted, and the eventual communication of the status of continuity to the audience. It is usually employed as a plot twist that effectively undoes all the happenings of the episode. Common uses of this technique draw liberally from science fiction and metaphysical ideas, perhaps contributing to its widespread use in those genres. Examples of the reset button technique include dream sequences, alternate-history flashbacks, daydreams, time travel and hallucinations.
Continuity-wise, there are two types of television shows: serial and episode-by-episode. In serial shows, each episode not only follows but builds on previous material, and so the RBT is not needed - and although it can still be used, any use generally leaves a negative imprint on the general continuity. In episode-by-episode works, on the other hand, the RBT is necessary to eliminate dangling plot threads. Soap operas are almost universally serials; cartoons and sitcoms are almost universally episode-by-episode.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reset_button_technique
Uhh...I hope they didnt use the "reset button thingy" in PotC 2
which is like a series kinda thing..