This week on Buffy and the Art of Story – The Freshman (Season 4 Episode 1 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), where Buffy faces a whole new world - college. This podcast episode looks at: (1) a new world for Buffy the character – and the show; (2) whether the antagonist is vampire Sunday or that whole new world? (3) less metaphor than we usually see in Buffy; and (4) so much foreshadowing. As always, the discussion of Buffy the Vampire Slayer is spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of w...

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story – Doppelgangland (Season 3 Episode 16 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), where Vampire Willow returns. This podcast episode looks at: (1) the first scene - initial conflict or prologue? (2) is Willow both protagonist and antagonist? (3) a very subtle Midpoint; and (4) using subplots and story questions to keep viewers coming back. As always, the discussion of Buffy the Vampire Slayer is spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning).   ...

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story – Consequences (Season 3 Episode 15 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), where Buffy deals with the fallout after an untimely death. This episode includes: (1) setting up believable conflict among friends; (2) fast pacing through escalating tension and multiple plot twists; (3) when to leave a character out of a storyline; and (4) conflict based on characters’ life philosophies. As always, the discussion of Buffy the Vampire Slayer is spoiler-free, except a...

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story – Bad Girls (Season 3 Episode 14 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), where Buffy tries out Faith's approach to life and slaying. This podcast episode talks about: (1) an interloper who brings out different sides of our core characters; (2) expressing theme and exploring philosophy through conflict; (3) how this Faith/Buffy story differs from the Buffy/Kendra story; and (4) two game changers for the season and for Faith personally. As always, the discussion...