This week Angel retrospective podcast Wolfram & Cast visits Buffy and the Art of Story, looking at Angel S1 E21 Blind Date. In Blind Date, Angel tries to stop a blind assassin. Along with the recap, host Steven Youngkin focuses on:
(1) navigating the treacherous waters of destiny, free will, and the all-too-human struggle between redemption and power; (2) dissecting the intricate relationship between Angel and Lindsay MacDonald; (3) the sinister intricacies of Holland Manners, brought to ...
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Buffy and the Art of Story
Season 6 As A Whole (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)
In Buffy Season 6, Buffy the Vampire Slayer takes a new approach to storytelling. This podcast episode looks at the season arc as a whole. Along with the season recap, this podcast episode focuses on:
(1) how to write a group as protagonist; (2) themes and Dark Willow; (3) whether Buffy's growth rings true; (4) which Buffy Season 6 plot turns are most compelling; and more.
Last Episode: Grave
Next Episode: Bonus - Wolfram & Cast looks at Angel Episode Blind Date
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Grave S6 E22 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)
In Grave (S6 E22 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), the gang tries to stop Willow from ending the world and Buffy and Dawn battle beneath the earth. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on:
(1) a protagonist shift from Buffy to Giles to Xander; (2) why Xander is the one and only character who could save the world; (3) Xander’s worst traits - same as his best traits? and (4) how Buffy’s subplot fits with the larger story (if it does).
Last Episode: Two To Go
Next Episode: Season...
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Two To Go S6 E21 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)
In Two To Go (S6 E21 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Buffy and friends put themselves in peril to stop Willow from killing Andrew and Jonathan, Dawn seeks out Rack, and Spike faces trials. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on:
(1) Willow’s shift from antagonist to genuine, three-dimensional villain, (2) deeply-felt emotions and other reasons Willow, the villain, is so much more intriguing than Buffy, and (3) whether the repetitive dialogue here creates a theme or slows the stor...
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A Very Buffy Holiday Episode (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)
This bonus A Very Buffy Holiday, compares all 6 Buffy holiday episodes. Plus one Buffy the Vampire Slayer holiday flashback.
Last Episode: Villains
Next Episode: Two To Go
New Release: Buffy and the Art of Story Season Three Part 1: Write More Gripping Plots, Characters, And Themes By Watching Buffy
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Villains S6 E20 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)
In Villains (S6 E20 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Warren flees, Buffy and friends grapple with Tara’s death, and Willow’s out for revenge. Or is it justice? Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on:
(1) whether Villians is Buffy’s story or Willow’s; (2) why viewers might not love Season 6 Buffy as a character; (3) seamless scene endings and beginnings that move us through the story; (4) how Warren’s evil deeds contrast those done by others, first for fun, then for sympathy.
La...
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Seeing Red S6 E19 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)
In Seeing Red (S6 E19 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), the geek trio feuds, Spike assaults Buffy, and Warren strikes a fatal blow. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on:
(1) how Spike’s actions fit his character arc; (2) themes of trust, misogyny, and being a “real man”; (3) episode bookends that maximize the heartrending final moments; and (4) an unclear main plot despite all the drama and conflict.
Last Episode: Entropy
Next Episode: Villains
New Release: Buffy and t...
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Entropy S6 E18 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)
In Entropy (S6 E18 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Anya and Spike connect over being rejected and Xander is once again horrible to everyone. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on:
(1) locked or unresolvable conflicts in key relationships; (2) how Xander/Anya and Buffy/Spike mirror one another; (3) why Dawn is interesting and likeable in this episode; (4) engaging exposition; and (5) scene cuts for maximum emotional impact and a fast pace.
Last Episode: Normal Again
Next Ep...
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Normal Again S6 E17 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)
In Normal Again (S6 E17 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Buffy hallucinates that she’s in a psychiatric facility and her parents are still alive. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on:
(1) why a kind, compassionate character can make a scene more chilling; (2) conveying exposition the characters already know; (3) how to add new backstory to an old timeline; (4) can your plot be strong without a clear single midpoint moment?
Last Episode: Hell's Bells
Next Episode: Entropy...
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Hell’s Bells S6 E16 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)
In Hell's Bells (S6 E16 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Xander and Anya head for the altar – give or take a demon or two. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on:
(1) mirrors in Hell's Bells that reflect characters’ internal lives; (2) which is the main plot: Xander facing his demons, real and figurative, or Anya getting ready to be married; (3) subtle, thematic scene transitions; and (4) the return of Season 5 Spike (for now).
Last Episode: As You Were
Next Episode: Normal ...
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