Final answer:
The 'indefinitely expandable middle' in soap operas refers to the ability for these shows to continue storylines indefinitely, without a set conclusion, allowing for extensive character development and sustained viewer engagement.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concept of an 'indefinitely expandable middle' refers to the narrative structure in soap operas where storylines can extend indefinitely without reaching a definitive conclusion, thus retaining viewers over long periods. In the context of soap operas from the 1950s to the 1970s, this narrative technique allowed for ongoing character development, the introduction of new characters and plots, and a sense of continuity that kept audiences engaged. Because soap operas lack a defined endpoint, they can theoretically continue for as long as producers desire, introducing multiple generations of characters and shifting focal points within the storyline.
This approach had a significant influence on television programming by showing that a series did not need to have a fixed beginning, middle, and end. Instead, the plot could evolve in a more organic manner, resembling the ongoing nature of real life. Dramatic tensions and resolutions are not confined to the standard three-act structure but can ebb and flow, retaining the audience's interest through a sense of perpetual narrative motion. This technique contributed to ensuring that advertisers could reach their target audiences regularly, capitalizing on the seriality that defines soap operas.