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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Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered S2 E16 (Buffy and the Art of Story)

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This week on Buffy and the Art of Story: Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered (Season 2 Episode 16 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer). This podcast episode covers (1) using humor to convey theme; (2) conflict that causes character growth (for Cordelia); (3) foreshadowing significant plot developments without giving anything away; and (4) intertwining many plotlines seamlessly. As always, the discussion is spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). Last Week: Phases Next Up: Pa...
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Phases S2 E15 (Buffy and the Art of Story)

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This week on Buffy and the Art of Story: Phases (Season 2 Episode 15 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer): This podcast episode covers (1) why Buffy is the protagonist despite this being a key episode for Oz and Willow; (2) using humor and character development to hide clues; and (3) who Buffy feels she is allowed to kill and why. As always, the discussion is spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). Last Week: Innocence Next Up: Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered Work On ...
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Innocence S2 E14 (Buffy and the Art of Story)

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story: Innocence (Season 2 Episode 14 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), the conclusion of a two-part story: This podcast episode covers (1) the most heart-breaking Midpoint Reversal in all of Buffy; (2) how setting affects a scene’s emotional impact; (3) making the audience love your characters; and (4) why sometimes it’s good to write yourself into a corner. As always, the discussion is spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). Last Week: S...
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Surprise S2 E13 (Buffy and the Art of Story)

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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...
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