The Gift S5 E22 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

Posted on November 21, 2022December 14, 2022 by admin

Buffy and the Art of Story podcast cover

In The Gift (S5 E22 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Buffy faces off with Glory for the last time and Dawn’s life—and the fate of the world—hang in the balance. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) call backs that make The Gift a satisfying finale; (2) multiple series themes woven into Buffy’s struggle to save Dawn and the world; (3) exposition, conflict, and foreshadowing that fit the story and don’t slow the pace; (4) an unexpected climax that’s not between Glory and Buff...

The Weight Of The World S5 E21 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

Posted on November 7, 2022November 26, 2022 by admin

In The Weight Of The World (S5 E21 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Willow uses magic to reach a catatonic Buffy while the gang hunts for Dawn, who’s been captured by Glory. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) conflict between Buffy’s friends that brings the audience up to speed; (2) a powerful main plot entirely in Buffy’s mind; (3) Glory and Dawn show what works best - showing or telling exposition, emotion, and character; and (4) it’s all about guilt - Ben’s, Glory’...

Spiral S5 E20 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

Posted on October 24, 2022November 18, 2022 by admin

In Spiral (S5 E20 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Buffy and friends flee from Glory across the desert in a camper and the Knights of Byzantium follow. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) how Spiral weaves in questions about Buffy’s escape plan, Ben’s & Glory’s origins and more to keep viewers engaged; (2) revealing exposition through conflict between Ben and a minion versus the near monologue General Gregor gives; (3) small moments that foreshadow the shocking end of ...

Tough Love S5 E19 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

Posted on October 10, 2022October 11, 2022 by admin

In Tough Love (Buffy the Vampire Slayer S5 E19), Tara and Willow have their first fight, Buffy struggles to deal with Dawn, and Glory believes she’s found the key and attacks. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) scenes that build suspense but still play fair by cutting just before a key moment; (2) whether the last scene where Glory confronts Buffy serves as a climax, game changer, or cliff hanger; and (3) how Tough Love changes when viewed as a complete story versus Pa...

Intervention S5 E18 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

Posted on September 26, 2022September 23, 2022 by admin

In Intervention (Buffy the Vampire Slayer S5 E18), Buffy searches for meaning, Glory grills Spike, and the Scoobies meet the BuffyBot. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) how all plot and subplot roads meet at the BuffyBot; (2) Glory as a not very scary hell god; and (3) why the BuffyBot can slay and love but Buffy struggles. Spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). Last Episode: Forever S5 E17 Next Up: Tough Love, S5 E19 Work On Your Story ...

Forever S5 E17 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

Posted on September 12, 2022October 6, 2022 by admin

In Forever (Buffy the Vampire Slayer S5 E17), Angel returns and Dawn tries to resurrect her mother. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) why Forever feels like a one-off but moves the season arc in so many ways; (2) real, genuine conflict between Tara and Willow arising from their values and foreshadowing Season 6; (3) how Buffy’s fears of being vulnerable drive Dawn to take desperate action and fuel a Buffy vs. Buffy subplot; and (4) characters who push against Dawn and...

The Hidden Man And The Book Fair

Posted on September 7, 2022 by admin

Two quick notes for the weekend: First, the Printers Row Lit Fest is this weekend in Chicago. I'll be there Saturday, September 10, from 12:30 - 3. It's the largest outdoor book fair in the Midwest. If you're in the area and can stop by, you'll not only find tons of books and authors, you'll see the neighborhood where Quille, the lawyer/sleuth in my Q.C. Davis mysteries, lives. Look for me under the Chicago Writers Association Tent on Dearborn Street just north of Polk Street in Chicago. (...

Detectives At The Edwardsville Public Library

Posted on August 31, 2022August 31, 2022 by admin

Recently I visited the Edwardsville public library in Southern Illinois as part of my book research. I discovered the value of researching in person, American Girl dolls, and an outdoor bandshell. While my Q.C. Davis mystery series mostly takes place in Chicago, the detective/lawyer main character was born in Edwardsville. In the next book in the series (working title The Forgotten Man) she'll strive to solve two 1980s murders. For that, she needs 1980s yearbooks, newspaper articles, and ...

The Body S5 E16 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

Posted on August 29, 2022August 25, 2022 by admin

In The Body (Buffy the Vampire Slayer S5 E16), Buffy and friends deal with Joyce’s death. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) the group as protagonist and death as antagonist (2) storytelling through physicality, sounds, and lighting (3) whether The Body lacks metaphor or is entirely a metaphor (4) how and why The Body changes on rewatching and more. Spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). Last Episode: I Was Made To Love You S5 E15 Next Up: F...

I Was Made To Love You S5 E15 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

Posted on August 15, 2022September 8, 2022 by admin

In I Was Made To Love You (Buffy the Vampire Slayer S5 E15), an unusually cheerful girlfriend hunts for Warren. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) whether the episode conveys the theme the writers thought it did; (2) a strong emotional main plot but an action plot that falters; (3) when and why I Was Made To Love You misleads viewers; and (4) whether Buffy’s character flaws of self-involvement and distance feel authentic. Spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty...