Prompt about cutting a poor episode (10)

I believe the answer is:

instalment

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'episode' is the definition.
(synonyms)

I can't explain the rest of the clue.

(Other definitions for instalment that I've seen before include "Chapter" , "Payment of part of debt" , "episode" , "part of serial" , "One of a series of partial payments" .)

I've seen this clue in The Hindu.

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