1.   An episode usually mixes self-contained cases with one story arc that can run on for two or more episodes.

2.   As plans went awry, his Plans B, C and D rarely showed a gift for sustaining a balanced three-hour story arc.

3.   But by lingering, they end up dwelling on their abnormality and force any cogent story arc into the background.

4.   Finally, a multiple-episode story arc earlier this season in which three of the detectives were shot started building the kind of ratings the show deserves.

5.   Frustrated at his unimportance, Christopher complains that every movie mobster has his own story arc.

6.   Giuliani does not require a story arc, because he seems to feel he has been moving in exactly the right direction all his life.

7.   Hilary Swank appeared in one story arc, long before she forgot to thank her husband after winning the Oscar.

8.   It is an implicit narrative, complete with a story arc and mood-setting characterizations.

9.   Its story arcs are pat.

10.   Naturally, the campaign needs a more impressive story arc.