| abstract | - A type of Clip Show. An episode that sums up a season or storyline by showing clips of significant events - essentially, a "Previously On..." that lasts for a whole episode. Often used to help new viewers get acquainted with the storyline. This is important in Japan, where reruns of a series are a rarity. It can also be used to emphasize a Story Arc as setup to the next arc. Many anime shows have a recap episode, usually about halfway through the series. Often combined with or immediately followed by a Beach Episode in order to use Fan Service to keep the viewers coming back. Sometimes, combined with a Framing Device that justifies the episode in-character. In general, common in Anime, although in the US reality shows also do it, especially Survivor (which has done one every season (well, until Redemption Island) it's been on). Becoming more popular in the West, with shows such as Lost and Desperate Housewives employing it, but in general it's much more common to show a brief recap of all relevant storylines at the start of each episode. Webcomics will rarely use this, and usually only to recap their experiences at conventions. Examples of Recap Episode include:
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