Buffy

Into The Woods S5 E10 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

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In Into The Woods (Buffy the Vampire Slayer S5 E10), thanks to Spike, Buffy learns about Riley's dark side. This podcast episode recaps Into The Woods, focusing on: a shadow subplot for Riley about his life's mission; hooking the audience by ending scenes just before Buffy or Riley reacts to a startling revelation; what it means to be an antagonist (here, Riley) in romantic relationship plot; a conversation with Roberta Lipp, co-host of the They Coined It Mad Men podcast, about why...
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Listening To Fear S5 E9 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

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In Listening To Fear (Buffy the Vampire Slayer S5 E9), Joyce prepares for brain surgery as a dangerous alien stalks her. The podcast episode recaps Listening To Fear, focusing on: opening conflict grounded in Buffy's new normal – taking care of Joyce in the hospital; Riley's disappearing act shows the audience his inner turmoil – and puts the gang in grave danger; the challenges of a protagonist (Buffy) and antagonist (the demon from outer space) not knowing about each other until the...
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Shadow S5 E8 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

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This time on Buffy and the Art of Story, Shadow, where Joyce waits for answers and Buffy fights a cobra demon who could reveal the truth about Dawn. This podcast episode recaps Shadow (Season 5 Episode 8 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer) and focuses on: (1) the way the episode weaves the cobra demon main plot into the subplots about Riley's and Buffy's inner conflicts; (2) how Buffy's pursuit of the demon shows the viewers her emotional turmoil; (3) different ways to read Buffy's need to keep it t...
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Fool For Love S5 E7 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

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This time on Buffy and the Art of Story, Fool For Love (Season 5 Episode 7 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), where Buffy goes to Spike for answers about how he killed two  slayers. This podcast episode recaps Fool For Love and focuses on: (1) an origin story told in flashbacks; (2) Spike resolves his feelings for Buffy in a surprising way; (3) using action and setting changes to keep scenes moving; and (4) characters asking questions they don't truly want answered. Spoiler-free, ex...
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Family S5 E6 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

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This time on Buffy and the Art of Story, Family (Season 5 Episode 6 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), where Tara puts her friends in danger to try hide who she fears she really is. This podcast episode recaps Family and focuses on: (1) characters asking questions when the audience needs answers; (2) linking scenes with images, language, and theme; (3) repeating words to convey theme and character growth; plus (4) special guest Elena Campobassi address themes of family, teen identity, and communit...
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No Place Like Home S5 E5 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

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The Buffy and the Art of Story podcast looks at story elements in No Place Like Home (Season 5 Episode 5 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), where Buffy strives to learn what's making her mother ill, confronts Dawn, and faces a new foe. This podcast episode recaps No Place Like Home, focusing on: (1) making life harder and harder (and harder) for the protagonist; (2) climax questions that reveal plot; (3) how to write an ephemeral antagonist; and (4) anger management as a theme. Spoiler-free...
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Spike Bonus S5 E4B (Buffy and the Art of Story podcast)

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This time on Buffy and the Art of Story, a bonus podcast episode explores Spike v. Spike and his emotional arc in Out of My Mind (Season 5 Episode 4 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer). The episode looks at: Major subplot plot turns Spike's unconscious mind as the antagonist Spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). Last Episode: Out of My Mind (S5 E4) Next Up: No Place Like Home (S5 E5) Work On Your Story Download free Story Structure worksheets Super Si...
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Out of My Mind S5 E4 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

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This time on Buffy and the Art of Story, Out of My Mind (Season 5 Episode 4 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), where Riley has a crisis and Spike and Harmony team up to try to kill Buffy. This podcast episode looks at: (1) blending episode and season-long stories; (2) building character through action; (3) the powerful difference between showing and telling; (4) revealing exposition through conflict; and (5) how to misdirect the audience. Spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning)...
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The Replacement S5 E3 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

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This time on Buffy and the Art of Story, The Replacement (S5 E3 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), where a demon targets Buffy and creates Xander's evil twin. This podcast episode looks at: (1) a fakeout that plays fair; (2) a defining moment between Buffy and Riley; and (3) two main plots that intertwine – or is it one plot and one subplot? Spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). Last Episode: Real Me (S5 E2) Next Up: Out of My Mind (S5 E4) Support The Podcast Bec...
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Real Me S5 E2 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

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This time on Buffy and the Art of Story, Real Me (S5 E2 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), where Dawn and Buffy clash and Harmony returns. This podcast episode looks at: (1) Starting in media res – in this case in the middle of Dawn's world; (2) Who is the protagonist – Dawn or Buffy? (3) Creating suspense by holding back from the audience; and (4) A little sister who's young for her age. Spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). Last Episode: Buffy vs Dracula (S5 E1) Next...
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