A plan is hatched for the Castaways to escape the island, frequently helped along by something or someone who has washed up onto the beach. Elaborate plans are made by all when they get home, including, butnot limited to, a steak for the Skipper, a trip to the salon for Ginger, and taking in the Polo matches at the club for the Howells. Gilligan is inexplicably left in charge of some important facet of the plan. Gilligan screws up and our Castaways remain stranded. The Skipper hits Gilligan with his hat.
The Brady Bunch
There is a dispute between a couple of the kids. They have a fight, mom and dad intervene, a lecture is delivered, the dispute is settled and then Alice makes a big dinner.
Seinfeld
Jerry, Cosmo or George is dating some new girl who exists only for this episode. Whichever one is doing the dating, the other two contribute advice and ‘wisdom’. The date goes wrong in a tragi-comic way which further illuminates the wholly shallow attitudes of Jerry or Cosmo or George or all three. Elaine, meanwhile, is embarking on some ambitious project to do with her career, a man or some aspect of her living arrangements. A twist causes Elaine to lie or otherwise behave in a morally indefensible way. She gets found out.
Star Trek
Threat or problem. No way out! Grave facial expressions. Wait a minute! What if we try… this! (A technological ruse invented purely for this episode, or a strategic ploy to which the enemy responds precisely as hoped for, despite having alternative options). Hurrah! All is well again! Light-hearted ending scene.
Possible variant: the appearance of a one-episode-gig actor whose sole function is to die.
X-Files (old school)
Mulder brings a creepy case to Scully’s attention and tries to explain it in a paranormal way. Scully does not believe him, but follows him anyway. Strange things happen which support Mulder’s ideas, but Scully still thinks there must be a “logical explanation.” Finally, in a climactic ending battle, Scully gets knocked out or leaves the room just as the weird paranormal thing presents itself and Mulder either defeats it or is in awe of its presence. Scully finds deep meaning in Christianity, and an old guy smokes a cigarette.
Alley MacBeal
Alley bitches about being lonely and contemplates next guy to sleep with.
E.R.
Employees bitch about personal problems, but are brought together by someone being brought in suffering from gunshot wound and reconcile over healing others. Some crazy illness is also involved.
Jackie Chan Adventures
Jackie goes off on expedition and finds ancient evil. Young niece Jade follows along to provide comic relief.
WWF Wrestling
Two big names bitch about previous battles, and fight at the end. Lots of yelling in the meantime.
South Park
The kids go on a wacky adventure and swear a lot. Nothing really gets accomplished, but no more killing Kenny, and no more songs by Chef. The show’s really losing it.