This week on Buffy and the Art of Story, Faith's story continues on Five by Five (Season 1 Episode 18 of Angel), a Buffy the Vampire Slayer/Angel crossover where an evil law firm hires Faith to kill Angel. This podcast episode looks at: (1) Creating a sympathetic villain; (2) Flashbacks that might not be necessary but convey theme; (3) Using conflict to reveal backstory; and (4) An organization – Wolfram & Hart – as antagonist. Spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning)....

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story – Who Are You? (Season 4 Episode 16 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), where Faith and Buffy literally walk in one another's shoes. This podcast episode looks at: (1) Faith as both protagonist and antagonist; (2) the way the Adam season arc weaves into and turns the main plot; (3) external obstacles that show Faith's inner conflict; and (4) how two three beats convey theme, show characters evolving, and move the story. Spoiler-free, except at the end (wit...

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story – This Year's Girl (Season 4 Episode 15 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), where Faith awakens from her coma. This podcast episode looks at: (1) telling the story and building character through setting and objects; (2) the opposite of Show Don't Tell - powerful scenes and moments we don't see; (3) strong conflict that conveys exposition without slowing the pace; and (4) who is the protagonist? Faith or Buffy? Spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty o...

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...