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
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Buffy the Vampire Slayer
New Release Buffy and the Art of Story Season Three Part 1
New Release: Buffy and the Art of Story Season Three Part 1: Write More Gripping Plots, Characters, And Themes By Watching Buffy
What can you learn about fiction writing from Buffy the Vampire Slayer?
How about how to create gripping plots, characters, and themes that speak to the audience decades later?
This book delves into each episode of the first half of Season Three of the cult TV series. Each chapter includes questions to help you improve your own writing and storytelling....
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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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As You Were S6 E15 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)
In As You Were (S6 E15 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Riley returns in search of a demon and forgets to tell Buffy key information. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on:
(1) what seeing life through Riley’s eyes does for Buffy; (2) in character or out: Spike, Riley, and the perfect Sam; (3) why Riley looks taller – literally; and (4) at last, the cause of Buffy’s angst about Spike.
Last Episode: Older And Far Away
Next Episode: Hell's Bells
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Older And Far Away S6 E14 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)
In Older and Far Away (S6 E14 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Dawn’s feeling left out and it’s Buffy’s birthday – what could go wrong? Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on:
(1) how small moments create deep conflict; (2) protagonist problems; (3) two demons – no antagonists? (4) a slow story with a lot going on.
Last Episode: Dead Things
Next Episode: As You Were
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Dead Things S6 E13 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)
In Dead Things (S6 E13 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), the trio tries to frame Buffy for murder, and Buffy’s sure she came back from the dead wrong. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on:
(1) whether Spike’s and Buffy’s actions fit their characters as portrayed in earlier seasons; (2) how committing crimes shapes Jonathan, Andrew, and Warren; (3) ways Buffy’s story calls back to Faith's character arc; and (4) a murder subplot enmeshed in a main plot where Buffy strives to unders...
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Doublemeat Palace S6 E12 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)
In Doublemeat Palace (S6 E12 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Buffy gets a job and Willow struggles when Amy gives her magic as a gift. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on:
(1) how to create a fair fight between a villain and a superstrong protagonist; (2) layered dialogue (like Hallie’s and Anya’s) that reads differently each time you hear it; (3) when it’s okay for someone else to save your hero; (4) writing a subplot with strong, clear plot turns; and (5) why realism matters...
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Gone S6 E11 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)
In Gone (S6 E11 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), a social worker visits the Summers house and the trio makes Buffy something that rhymes with "blinvisible." Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on:
(1) the storytelling challenges of an unengaged protagonist like Buffy; (2) why lots of conflict doesn’t always equal a strong plot; (3) season hooks that don’t really hook (the stolen diamond); and (4) small moments that show subtly building conflict between Buffy and Xander but also sh...
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Wrecked S6 E10
In Wrecked (S6 E10 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Willow meets Rack and dives into dark magic as Buffy deals with the fallout from her night with Spike. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on:
(1) repetition and pacing; (2) Wrecked as a full story or Part 2 of Smashed; (3) conveying emotion through actions and indirect dialogue; and (4) how well the Willow/Rack/addiction story fits in the Buffyverse.
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