School Hard S2 E3

Posted on February 24, 2020October 8, 2020 by admin

Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast Cover

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story: School Hard (Season 2 Episode 3 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer). This podcast episode covers (1) very strong story structure despite no striking midpoint commitment by Buffy; (2) the concept of the worthy adversary; (3) mother-daughter conflict; (4) embedding story questions; and (5) so much foreshadowing about Spike (in the Spoiler section). As always, the discussion is spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). Next Up: Inca Mummy ...

Some Assembly Required S2 E2

Posted on February 17, 2020July 8, 2020 by admin

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story: Some Assembly Required (Season 2 Episode 2 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer). In this podcast episode, we'll talk about (1) the lack of a strong Midpoint commitment or reversal; (2) a jumble of antagonists; (3) whether flashbacks might help develop the character relationships; and (4) if the theme works. As always, the discussion is spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). Next Up: School Hard S2 E3 Last Week: When She Was Bad S2 ...

When She Was Bad S2 E1 (Buffy and the Art of Story)

Posted on February 10, 2020May 17, 2021 by admin

This week on the podcast Buffy and the Art of Story: When She Was Bad (Season 2 Episode 1 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer). For the Season 2 pilot we’ll cover (1) how the major plot points, despite all the action, are emotional ones; (2) why Giles can hang out with teenagers all the time without it being creepy; and (3) the ways the episode foreshadows so much of Season 2 (in the Spoiler section). As always, the discussion is spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). Next U...

Buffy Season 1 Overview S1 E13

Posted on January 27, 2020May 8, 2021 by admin

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story: Buffy Season 1 Overview. Along with best and favorite plot turns from Season 1 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, this episode covers my favorite (1) One-Off Villain; (2) Red Herring; (3) Single Episode Character Killed & more. As always, the discussion is spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). Sorry, no Season 1 DVD commentary for the Buffy Season 1 Overview. In 2 Weeks: When She Was Bad S2 E1 Last Week: Prophecy Girl ...

Prophecy Girl S1 E12

Posted on January 20, 2020May 8, 2021 by admin

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story: Prophecy Girl (Season 1, Episode 12 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer). This pivotal story for Buffy begins in Xander's point of view. We'll explore that as well as (1) creating multiple characters the audience identifies with; (2) using actions to demonstrate characters’ feelings; (3) a very layered Story Spark/Inciting Incident; and (4) a strong midpoint and three-quarter plot turn. As always, the discussion is spoiler-free, except at the end (with ple...

Out of Mind Out of Sight S1 E11

Posted on January 13, 2020May 8, 2021 by admin

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story: Out of Mind Out of Sight (Season 1, Episode 11 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer). Along with plot turns about an invisible girl, this episode covers (1) scene transitions (done so well!); (2) flashbacks (maybe not done so well) (3) theme; (4) strong dialogue; and (5) a midpoint that's not so strong. As always, the discussion is spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). Sorry, no Season 1 DVD commentary for Out of Mind Out of Sight. ...

Nightmares S1 E10

Posted on January 6, 2020October 8, 2020 by admin

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story: Nightmares. (Season 1, Episode 10 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.) Along with story structure and plot turns, this episode covers the way the writers escalate conflict to maximize the characters' pain and how Nightmares foreshadows many significant emotional arcs in the series. As always, the discussion is spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). Story Elements in Nightmares In this podcast episode we’ll look at: Plot Turns ...

The Puppet Show S1 E9

Posted on December 30, 2019May 8, 2021 by admin

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story: The Puppet Show. (Season 1, Episode 9 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.) In addition to plot turns, we'll talk about (1) how characters on the protagonist's side can still push against her and create conflict; (2) the excellent use of hints and red herrings while still playing fair; (3) a new character opposed to Buffy who might or might not be evil (Principal Snyder!), a replacement character who is very different from his predecessor (also Snyder). As ...

I, Robot…You, Jane S1 E8

Posted on December 9, 2019October 8, 2020 by admin

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story: I, Robot...You, Jane. (Season 1, Episode 8 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.) This podcast episode covers using prologues to raise the stakes, whether the demon here is a compelling antagonist, and how I, Robot weaves in action in quick bursts. As always, the discussion is spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). Story Elements in I, Robot In this podcast episode we’ll look at: Raising the stakes through a prologue Learning a...

Angel S1 E7

Posted on December 2, 2019October 8, 2020 by admin

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story: Angel, Season 1, Episode 7. This episode covers how season-long antagonist The Master is the protagonist in the main plot. Also how the episode intertwines that plot with 2 subplots - one with Buffy as protagonist, one with Angel. And the way the episode serves as a Season Midpoint. As always, the discussion is spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). Story Elements in Angel In this podcast episode we'll look at: How the mai...