A prominent characteristic of a sitcom is the mini resolution. In a television series, on going conflict throughout several episodes or even a whole season is common. But, within the greater conflict, smaller conflicts arise; every episode of a sitcom usually revolves around one simple clashing of opinions or ideas. The idea of a mini resolution developed because of these episodic conflicts. A mini resolution is the settlement of the conflict of which a single episode revolves. It usually occurs near the end of the episode after a big confrontational scene and functions as a conclusion. A mini resolution can be a positive settlement or a negative one, but either way, the mini resolution resolves a conflict.
The mini resolution is almost regimen in the sitcom Will and Grace. A specific example is the episode entitled “Grace Replaced.” The plot of this episode revolves strictly around conflict. When Grace becomes busy with work, Will begins to spend a lot of time with a new friend, Val. As time goes on and Will continues to gradually hang out with Val more and more, Grace gets increasingly jealous. After a big confrontational scene that includes a fight between Val and Grace, the mini resolution is carried out. Grace, Val, and Will talk out their issues and Grace realizes she was wrong and apologizes. They all conclude that they can all be friends and Will assures Grace that she will always be his best friend. This resolution resolves the central conflict of the episode, Grace’s jealousy, classifying it as a mini resolution.
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