This week on Buffy and the Art of Story – Goodbye Iowa (Season 4 Episode 14 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), where Adam steps out into the world and Riley fears Buffy is the enemy. This podcast episode looks at: (1) themes that may matter more than the plot; (2) repetition and exposition that slows the pace; (3) the role of dramatic irony; and (4) whether the Initiative is meant to be a less-than-powerful foe. Spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). Next Up: This Year's G...

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story – The I in Team (Season 4 Episode 13 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), where Buffy briefly joins the Initiative with disastrous results. This podcast episode looks at: (1) fluid plot turns; (2) no clear inciting incident; (3) point of view and protagonist questions; (4) advancing season subplots; and (5) a special guest who talks about Frankenstein, feminism, and the phenomenon of corpse porn.  Spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). ...

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story – A New Man (Season 4 Episode 12 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), where Ethan Rayne returns to Sunnydale and Giles undergoes a transformation. This podcast episode looks at: (1) Props that influence the story, set tone, and show the characters' emotions; (2) seeing scenes from varying perspectives and at different times of life; and (3) character questions for Giles, including: Has he spent too much time with the kids?  Spoiler-free, except at the end (...

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story – Doomed (Season 4 Episode 11 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), where Buffy faces another Apocalypse and Riley makes his case. This podcast episode looks at: (1) how coincidences affect plot; (2) similarities to The Zeppo, a Xander-centric episode; (3) a super strong Story Spark but a Midpoint that lacks power; and (4) a well structured Spike subplot with lots of momentum Spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). Last Episo...

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story – Hush (Season 4 Episode 10 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), where The Gentlemen harvest hearts in Sunnydale and no one can say a word. This podcast episode looks at: (1) the ways Hush is more like classic horror than most Buffy episodes; (2) making a story work without dialogue; (3) how the theme about language and communication infuses the plot and subplots; and (4) the purpose of introducing the characters of Tara and Olivia. Spoiler-free, except at ...

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story – Something Blue (Season 4 Episode 9 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), where Willow’s spell endangers all her friends and Buffy gets engaged to Spike. This podcast episode looks at: (1) which plot is the main plot - Willow dealing with her grief or Buffy trying to get information from Spike; (2) what makes a character a protagonist; (3) ways Something Blue is similar to Beer Bad; and (4) themes of romance and grief. Spoiler-free, except at the end (with ...

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story – I Will Remember You (Season 1 Episode 8 of Angel the series), where Buffy crosses over to Angel. The two kill a demon with shocking and heartbreaking results. The podcast episode talks about: (1) images and dialogue lines that foreshadow the devastating ending; (2) is Fate the antagonist – or is it Angel v. Angel? (3) a powerful Midpoint with no major commitment or reversal; and (4) whether the events of this episode affect Buffy’s character going for...

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story – Pangs (Season 4 Episode 8 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), where Buffy strives to make a perfect Thanksgiving dinner and deal with an avenging spirit, Spike seeks help, and Angel lurks. This podcast episode looks at: (1) weaving in exposition through conflict; (2) clever dialogue that links one scene to the next seamlessly; (3) whether the plot justifies Angel’s presence; (4) characterization of Buffy that makes her obsession with Thanksgivin...

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story – The Initiative (Season 4 Episode 7 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), where we finally find out what those military guys are up to: (1) is there a plot or a handful of subplots? (2) who is the protagonist - Spike, Riley, or Buffy? (3) a genre mix of rom/com and secret agent man; and (4) sowing seeds for the rest of Season 4. Spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). Next Up: Pangs (S4 E8) Last Episode: Wild at Heart (S4 E6) Work O...

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story – Wild At Heart (Season 4 Episode 6 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), where Willow notices Oz noticing someone else, and he learns more about his inner wolf. This podcast episode looks at: (1) An intertwined plot and subplot; (2) whether the antagonist is always the bad guy; (3) escalating conflict and the next worst thing; and (4) is the theme here what the writers think it is? Spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning).   Next ...