Until about a year back, I never paid any attention to, and frankly never knew episode titles for any show. But recently, I've been noticing them a lot, and they've actually been impacting my reaction to or opinion of the show.
In MitM, I notice when the title is not the Malcolm plotline. In earlier shows, this usually signified that something important to the essence of the character, and not just some occurance was going to be addressed. In recent shows, as the non Malcolm plots have gained importance, this isn't always true.
I love how all the episodes of SCRUBS are titled "My..." It reminds me of the fact that not only is this narrated by JD, it's also sort of through his perspective. Other characters may have other priorities, as we see in the "Her Story" and "His Story" episodes. Sometimes the titles draw attention to seemingly insignificant, but symbolatory parts of the plot (I'm thinking of "My Fruitcups".) and impress me as to how the entire ep can be summed up in those words.
Another show (an awesome awesome show!) with a set format for titles is Monk. All the episodes are titled "Mr. Monk...". This, I think, comes from the fact that set against other crime shows such as L&O and CSI, Monk is very 'respectable' and 'traditional' and deserving of the title 'Mr.'
How much do you give to episode titles, in MitM or other shows? Do you even notice them? Have you noticed any other shows with neat naming patterns?
In MitM, I notice when the title is not the Malcolm plotline. In earlier shows, this usually signified that something important to the essence of the character, and not just some occurance was going to be addressed. In recent shows, as the non Malcolm plots have gained importance, this isn't always true.
I love how all the episodes of SCRUBS are titled "My..." It reminds me of the fact that not only is this narrated by JD, it's also sort of through his perspective. Other characters may have other priorities, as we see in the "Her Story" and "His Story" episodes. Sometimes the titles draw attention to seemingly insignificant, but symbolatory parts of the plot (I'm thinking of "My Fruitcups".) and impress me as to how the entire ep can be summed up in those words.
Another show (an awesome awesome show!) with a set format for titles is Monk. All the episodes are titled "Mr. Monk...". This, I think, comes from the fact that set against other crime shows such as L&O and CSI, Monk is very 'respectable' and 'traditional' and deserving of the title 'Mr.'
How much do you give to episode titles, in MitM or other shows? Do you even notice them? Have you noticed any other shows with neat naming patterns?