Dead Man’s Party S3 E2 (Buffy and the Art of Story)

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  This week on Buffy and the Art of Story – Dead Man's Party (Season 3 Episode 2 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer). This podcast episode includes: (1) how the zombie plot turns connect to the emotional story line; (2) whether our characters act consistently with what we know of them from Seasons 1 and 2; (3) is the conflict between Buffy and her friends false conflict; and (4) is that mask angry at the room? As always, the discussion of Buffy the Vampire Slaye...
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Anne S3 E1 (Buffy and the Art of Story)

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This week on Buffy and the Art of Story - Anne (Season 3 Episode 1 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer). This podcast episode includes: (1) how the premiere's tone differs from the rest of the season; (2) hazy early plot turns; (3) multiple themes that raise a question on what the story's about; and (4) whether the stakes are high enough for Buffy to be the protagonist. As always, the discussion of Buffy the Vampire Slayer is spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). ...
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Announcements Buffy and the Art of Story Season 3

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Two announcements for the podcast Buffy and the Art of Story: Buffy and the Art of Story Season 3 begins next Monday (August 10, 2020) with the Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 3 premiere, Anne. The second Patron-Only Q&A has been posted on Patreon. (You can become a patron here for a dollar or more a month.) What's in the Q&A?   key writing lessons learned from watching Buffy Seasons 1 and 2 so closely  which episodes I'm most looking forward to wat...
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Buffy Season Two In Review S2 E23 (Buffy and the Art of Story)

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This week on Buffy and the Art of Story Buffy Season Two In Review (a discussion of Season 2 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer as a whole): This podcast episode covers (1) how Season 2 uses the bookends technique; (2) Season 2 themes; (3) character arcs; and (4) how Season 2 foreshadows Season 3 and beyond. As always, the discussion is spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). Last Week: Becoming Part 2 Next Up: Anne  Work On Your Story Download free Story Structure w...
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Becoming Part 2 S2 E22 (Buffy and the Art of Story)

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This week on the podcast Buffy and the Art of Story Becoming Part 2 (Season 2 Episode 22 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer): This podcast episode covers (1) why the pace of Part 2 is so fast compared to Becoming Part 1; (2) how to show emotion through a character’s actions; (3) the elements of a pyrrhic victory; (4) and how the episode plays out Season 2 themes and foreshadows future relationships. As always, the discussion of Buffy the Vampire Slayer is spoiler-free, except at the end (with ple...
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Becoming Part 1 S2 E21 (Buffy and the Art of Story)

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This week on Buffy and the Art of Story Becoming Part 1 (Season 2 Episode 21 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer): This podcast episode covers (1) use of recurring images and actions to link characters’ stories together; (2) major plot points through the Midpoint for the 2-episode story arc; (3) how those points intertwine with episode plot turns; and (4) in spoiler section, how this episode sets up the next one, Season 3, and Willow’s series arc. As always, the discussion is spoiler-free, except ...
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Go Fish S2 E20 (Buffy and the Art of Story)

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This week on Buffy and the Art of Story: Go Fish (Season 2 Episode 20 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer). This podcast episode covers (1) how the episode undercuts its light tone by treating disturbing issues as a joke; (2) some of the most fun lines in Buffy to date – including "Oh forgive me your Swimteamliness"; (3) an unexpected Midpoint twist; and (4) major plot turns at unusual places. As always, the discussion of Buffy the Vampire Slayer is spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of ...
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I Only Have Eyes For You S2 E19 (Buffy and the Art of Story)

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This week on Buffy and the Art of Story: I Only Have Eyes For You (Season 2 Episode 19 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer): This podcast episode covers (1) the interplay of plot and emotion; (2) surprising major turns after the three-quarter point in the episode; (3) whether the pop scares fit the narrative; and (4) seemingly insignificant scenes that turn into a subplot with a twist of its own. As always, the discussion is spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). Last Week:  ...
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Killed By Death S2 E18 (Buffy and the Art of Story)

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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...
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Passion S2 E17 (Buffy and the Art of Story)

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This week on Buffy and the Art of Story: Passion (Season 2 Episode 17 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer): This podcast episode covers (1) who the protagonist is – Angel or Buffy? (2) weaving together two strong plots; (3) underscoring tragedy by shifting a character's tone; and (4) dramatic irony that ratchets up emotional pain. As always, the discussion is spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). Last Week: Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered Next Up: Killed By Death Work...
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