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 ...

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story – Beer Bad (Season 4 Episode 5 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), where Buffy discovers beer with unexpected consequences: (1) what happens when no antagonist actively opposes the protagonist? (2) metaphors that don’t quite land and a theme gone astray; (3) parallel characters who behave in contrasting ways; (4) fakeouts to start and end the episode. Spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning).   Next Up: Wild at Heart (S4 E6) L...

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story – Fear Itself (Season 4 Episode 4 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), where Buffy and her friends face their fears in a haunted house. This podcast episode looks at: (1) Buffy’s Post-Parker depression – does it make her angry? (2) whether the fears fit the characters; (3) slow pace, unclear plot turns, and repetition; (4) is there enough story here for a full episode? Spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). Next Up: Beer Bad (...

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story – The Harsh Light of Day (Season 4 Episode 3 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), where Buffy falls for a new guy and an old enemy returns to Sunnydale. This podcast episode looks at: (1) connecting vastly different scenes through dialogue; (2) themes of connection an distance; (3) which is the main plot and which the subplot? and (4) Buffy’s frame of reference for romance. Spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning).   Next Up: Fear...

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story – Living Conditions (Season 4 Episode 2 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), where Buffy's college roommate makes life and slaying tough. This podcast episode looks at: (1) was Buffy purposely written to act out of character – and is it justified? (2) few clear major plot turns until about two-thirds through, then the story rockets ahead; (3) audience misleads; (4)   repeated exposition; and (5) not much in way of episode subplots, but lots of groundwork laid ...

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story – Season 3 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer in Review, where listeners, patrons, and guest podcasters share their thoughts on the season, including: (1) the Mayor's deep love for Faith, and the way he manipulates her; (2) Faith's lack of faith in herself; (3) Xander's family life and his shining moment; (3) Willow's growth, identity, and happiness;  (4) recognition for Buffy at last; and (5) what Buffy Season 3 says about otherness, your crew...

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story – Graduation Day Part 2 (Season 3 Episode 22 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), where Buffy fights her last high school battle. This podcast episode looks at: (1) how character actions convey emotions and move the story; (2) costuming choices that reflect character growth; (3) strong foreshadowing; (4) a pyrrhic ending; and (5) the season arc and theme. As always, the discussion of Buffy the Vampire Slayer is spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty o...

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story – Graduation Day Part 1 (Season 3 Episode 21 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), where Faith poisons Angel and Buffy prepares to fight the Mayor, including: (1) the way the theme (of what graduation means for each character) is woven into this fast-paced story; (2) callbacks to previous episodes that make this almost like part 1 of a series finale; (3) the interplay of key episode plot turns with the major plot twists for 2-episode finale; and (4)...