In Older and Far Away (S6 E14 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Dawn’s feeling left out and it’s Buffy’s birthday – what could go wrong? Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on:
(1) how small moments create deep conflict; (2) protagonist problems; (3) two demons – no antagonists? (4) a slow story with a lot going on.
Last Episode: Dead Things
Next Episode: As You Were
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Dead Things S6 E13 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)
In Dead Things (S6 E13 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), the trio tries to frame Buffy for murder, and Buffy’s sure she came back from the dead wrong. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on:
(1) whether Spike’s and Buffy’s actions fit their characters as portrayed in earlier seasons; (2) how committing crimes shapes Jonathan, Andrew, and Warren; (3) ways Buffy’s story calls back to Faith's character arc; and (4) a murder subplot enmeshed in a main plot where Buffy strives to unders...
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Doublemeat Palace S6 E12 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)
In Doublemeat Palace (S6 E12 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Buffy gets a job and Willow struggles when Amy gives her magic as a gift. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on:
(1) how to create a fair fight between a villain and a superstrong protagonist; (2) layered dialogue (like Hallie’s and Anya’s) that reads differently each time you hear it; (3) when it’s okay for someone else to save your hero; (4) writing a subplot with strong, clear plot turns; and (5) why realism matters...
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Gone S6 E11 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)
In Gone (S6 E11 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), a social worker visits the Summers house and the trio makes Buffy something that rhymes with "blinvisible." Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on:
(1) the storytelling challenges of an unengaged protagonist like Buffy; (2) why lots of conflict doesn’t always equal a strong plot; (3) season hooks that don’t really hook (the stolen diamond); and (4) small moments that show subtly building conflict between Buffy and Xander but also sh...
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Wrecked S6 E10
In Wrecked (S6 E10 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Willow meets Rack and dives into dark magic as Buffy deals with the fallout from her night with Spike. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on:
(1) repetition and pacing; (2) Wrecked as a full story or Part 2 of Smashed; (3) conveying emotion through actions and indirect dialogue; and (4) how well the Willow/Rack/addiction story fits in the Buffyverse.
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Smashed S6 E9
In Smashed (S6 E9 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Willow brings Amy back, the Trio uses a freeze ray, and Buffy and Spike bring down the house —literally. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on:
(1) why and how Buffy finally acts on her desire for Spike; (2) whether Smashed is complete or one half of a story; and (3) how Buffy’s and Willow’s storylines reflect one another and where they diverge.
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Tabula Rasa S6 E8 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)
In Tabula Rasa (S6 E8 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Willow tries another forgetting spell with consequences that are fun at first and then devastating. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on:
(1) what the characters don't say that gives the dialogue so much power; (2) themes and metaphors that work – and don’t – and why; and (3) a super-clear plot structure for the first three quarters that blurs toward the end but hits all the right emotional notes.
Last Episode: Once More ...
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Once More With Feeling S6 E7
In Once More With Feeling (S6 E7 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Sunnydale bursts into song, Spike and Buffy are drawn together, and Dawn is once again in peril in the Buffy musical episode. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on:
(1) how a tight plot structure, including subplots, gives Once More With Feeling emotional power; (2) escalating conflict that keeps the story moving; (3) whether misdirects about Xander and Dawn play fair with the audience; (4) why it might not matter ...
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All The Way S6 E6 (Buffy and the Art of Story)
In All The Way (S6 E6 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Dawn ducks out of Xander’s and Anya’s engagement party on Halloween and puts herself in peril. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on:
(1) who the protagonist is – Dawn, Buffy, someone else? (2) which is the main plot: Tara/Willow, Xander/Anya, Dawn's adventure, Buffy's struggles? (3) are all these story lines subplots, partial season arcs, or both? (4) when misdirection and subverting expectations works best; and (5) how not ...
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Life Serial S6 E5
In Life Serial (Season 6 Episode 5 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Buffy tries to figure out what to do with her life and gets stuck in a magical loop. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on:
when stretching or breaking the characters undermines the plot
why internal logic matters for spells and the story
in character vs. out of character humor
the effect of magic without consequences
Last Episode: Flooded S6 E4
Next Up: All The Way S6 E6
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