Recapping

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Recapping is the art of writing a detailed scene-by-scene analysis of a television episode, movie, play, book, etc., complete with the personal opinions and observations of the writer. Frequently, these observations will be humorous, and contain a great deal of sarcasm (usually referred to in recapping circles as snark).

Websites that post recaps almost always limit themselves to recapping television shows, though there are a number of sites that recap movies. Sites that recap television shows include Television without Pity (the site generally credited with popularizing the art form), Fandom Talk, Midseason Replacements, Too Much Free Time and TVgasm. Sites that recap movies include The Agony Booth and Jabootu.

[edit] Origins

Contrary to popular belief, recapping did not originate with the internet. Instead, recaps, or episode summaries from a fan-based perspective, would often appear in fandom 'zines or be traded at conventions.

Ken's World of Awful Movies, the precursor to Jabootu, debuted on June 8, 1997 with a recap of The Giant Claw. It was most likely one of the earliest recaps ever posted to the web.

Dawson's Wrap, the precursor to Television without Pity, debuted in 1999, and solely provided recaps of episodes of Dawson's Creek. Later, the website expanded its focus to several other primetime series, becoming Mighty Big TV and eventually, Television without Pity.