This week on Buffy and the Art of Story: Killed By Death (Season 2 Episode 18 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer). This podcast episode covers (1) what causes this episode's slower pace; (2) whether the flashbacks are needed; (3) fuzzy major plot turns in unusual places; (4) just-in-time backstory; and (5) very subtle advances in the season 2 arc. As always, the discussion is spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). Last Week: Passion Next Up: I Only Have Eyes For You Work...

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story: Surprise (Season 2 Episode 13 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), the first of a two-part story: This podcast episode covers (1) hooks that keep the audience coming back - especially when the episode ends; (2) exposition through conflict; (3) snappy dialogue that makes drama more intense by contrast; and (4) how the full story arc's plot points intersect the turns in Surprise. As always, the discussion is spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of w...

This week on the podcast Buffy and the Art of Story: What's My Line Part Two (Season 2 Episode 10 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer): This episode covers (1) a Midpoint reversal that spins the story and changes Buffy’s mindset about slaying; (2) why readers don’t always believe something that’s authentic; (3) quickly reminding your audience what happened before; and (4) crafting an episode around a great line. As always, the discussion is spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning)....

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story: What's My Line Part 1 (Season 2 Episode 9 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer): This podcast episode covers (1) how to keep exposition interesting; (2) heightening the threat by changing key characters’ behavior; (3) body language that shows emotion; and (4) Marti Noxon's Harold and the Purple Crayon moment. As always, the discussion is spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). Next Up: What's My Line Part 2 Last Week:  The Dark Age W...

This week on the podcast Buffy and the Art of Story: The Dark Age (Season 2 Episode 8 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer): This episode covers (1) external conflict that causes Buffy and Giles to grow; (2) whether The Dark Age is a Coming of Age story; and (3) what makes a character the protagonist. As always, the discussion is spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). Next Up: What's My Line Part 1 Last Week: Lie to Me S2 E7 Work On Your Story Download the 5-Point Sto...