This time on Buffy and the Art of Story, Restless (Season 4 Episode 22 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), where after battling Adam Buffy and friends are attacked in their dreams – and meet The Cheese Man. This podcast episode looks at: (1) dreams as a vehicle for story; (2) whether there's an overall plot structure for this 4-dream episode; and (3) how Restless both serves as a coda for Season 4 and foreshadows the rest of the series. Spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). ...

This time on Buffy and the Art of Story, Primeval (Season 4 Episode 21 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), where Buffy must fight not only Adam but the military complex that created him. This podcast episode looks at: (1) how the episode sums up the themes of Season 4; (2) more repetition than we usually see in a season finale and a slower pace; (3) thematic bookends for Yoko Factor (Part 1) and Primeval; and (4) whether Adam is a strong antagonist. Spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty o...

This time on Buffy and the Art of Story, The Yoko Factor (Season 4 Episode 20 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), where Adam and Spike collude to separate Buffy from her friends. This podcast episode looks at: (1) episode themes that are key for Season 4; (2) subplots disconnected from main storyline (unlike in New Moon Rising); (3) an Angel side plot that's fun yet slows the pace; and (4) setting up Part 2 of the season finale. Spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). Last E...

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story – New Moon Rising (Season 4 Episode 19 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), where Oz returns and Willow must make a choice. This podcast episode looks at: (1) a multifaceted main plot that includes action and intense emotion; (2) nesting doll subplots that weave into the main story; (3) a climax after the action plot resolves; and (4) layers of meaning in dialogue and gestures that emphasize emotion. Spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning)....

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story – Superstar (Season 4 Episode 17 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), where Jonathan changes everything. This podcast episode looks at: (1) beginning in media res; (2) small moments that build a character or a world; (3) who is protagonist: Buffy or Jonathan? (4) why themes and plots resonate differently with different viewers; and (5) unintentional messages in fiction. Spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). Last Episode: Sanctuary (S1...

This time on Buffy and the Art of Story, Buffy crosses over and Faith's story continues on Sanctuary (Season 1 Episode 19 of Angel), where Angel tries to save Faith and turns his back on Buffy. This podcast episode looks at: (1) making things as hard as possible for the protagonist (Angel); (2) conflict-filled dialogue that keeps scenes tense; (3) when to leave out the backstory; and (4) the world, or society, as antagonist. Spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). Last...

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story, Faith's story continues on Five by Five (Season 1 Episode 18 of Angel), a Buffy the Vampire Slayer/Angel crossover where an evil law firm hires Faith to kill Angel. This podcast episode looks at: (1) Creating a sympathetic villain; (2) Flashbacks that might not be necessary but convey theme; (3) Using conflict to reveal backstory; and (4) An organization – Wolfram & Hart – as antagonist. Spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning)....

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story – Who Are You? (Season 4 Episode 16 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), where Faith and Buffy literally walk in one another's shoes. This podcast episode looks at: (1) Faith as both protagonist and antagonist; (2) the way the Adam season arc weaves into and turns the main plot; (3) external obstacles that show Faith's inner conflict; and (4) how two three beats convey theme, show characters evolving, and move the story. Spoiler-free, except at the end (wit...

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story – This Year's Girl (Season 4 Episode 15 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), where Faith awakens from her coma. This podcast episode looks at: (1) telling the story and building character through setting and objects; (2) the opposite of Show Don't Tell - powerful scenes and moments we don't see; (3) strong conflict that conveys exposition without slowing the pace; and (4) who is the protagonist? Faith or Buffy? Spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty o...