Chicago Knows How To Rebuild

Posted on February 15, 2022February 15, 2022 by admin

One reason I love writing the Q.C. Davis mysteries is they highlight what I love about Chicago, where I live. The news is full of bad news about the city (but that's what news is, right?). But Chicago also is home to fantastic restaurants, striking indoor and outdoor art, and beautiful buildings. Sometimes when I'm walking at twilight I stop and stare at the skyline and think how lucky I feel to live here. What you may not know is that this abundance of stunning (and sometime...

The Replacement S5 E3 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

Posted on February 14, 2022June 23, 2022 by admin

This time on Buffy and the Art of Story, The Replacement (S5 E3 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), where a demon targets Buffy and creates Xander's evil twin. This podcast episode looks at: (1) a fakeout that plays fair; (2) a defining moment between Buffy and Riley; and (3) two main plots that intertwine – or is it one plot and one subplot? Spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). Last Episode: Real Me (S5 E2) Next Up: Out of My Mind (S5 E4) Support The Podcast Bec...

Real Me S5 E2 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

Posted on January 31, 2022June 23, 2022 by admin

This time on Buffy and the Art of Story, Real Me (S5 E2 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), where Dawn and Buffy clash and Harmony returns. This podcast episode looks at: (1) Starting in media res – in this case in the middle of Dawn's world; (2) Who is the protagonist – Dawn or Buffy? (3) Creating suspense by holding back from the audience; and (4) A little sister who's young for her age. Spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). Last Episode: Buffy vs Dracula (S5 E1) Next...

Buffy vs Dracula S5 E1 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

Posted on January 17, 2022June 23, 2022 by admin

Buffy and the Art of Story podcast cover

This time on Buffy and the Art of Story, Buffy vs Dracula (Season 5 Episode 1 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), where Buffy faces off against the famous count. This podcast episode looks at: (1) Buffy as both protagonist and damsel in distress; (2) major plot turns that affect the pace; (3) how Buffy vs Dracula resets the series for the new season; and (4) gamechangers versus cliffhangers (with the gamechanger of all gamechangers at the episode end). Spoiler-free, except at the end (with plen...

Bonus Giles and Buffy S4 E24 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

Posted on December 20, 2021February 18, 2022 by admin

Buffy & the Art of Story Podcast Buffy and Giles Bonus Podcast Episode

This time on Buffy and the Art of Story, a Season 4 Bonus: Buffy and Giles – Comparing The Dark Age and A New Man. This podcast episode looks at: (1) Season 4 A New Man, where Ethan turns Giles into a demon whom Buffy aims to kill; (2) Season 2 The Dark Age, where Buffy learns of Giles's dark past, which literally comes back to haunt them all; and (3) how the two episodes compare, including the ways Buffy's and Giles's relationship evolves. Some spoilers! Last Episode: Season 4 Story A...

Season 4 Story Arc S4 E23 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

Posted on December 6, 2021February 26, 2022 by admin

This time on Buffy and the Art of Story, a look at the overall story arc of Buffy Season 4. This podcast episode looks at: (1) a opening conflict for Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 4 that pays off in its Climax; (2) a season arc that's more theme-based than plot-based; and (3) whether the one-off episodes muddle the season story arc. Spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). Last Episode: Restless Next Up: Bonus - Giles & Buffy (A New Man and The Dark Age) Work ...

Restless S4 E22 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

Posted on November 22, 2021February 18, 2022 by admin

This time on Buffy and the Art of Story, Restless (Season 4 Episode 22 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), where after battling Adam Buffy and friends are attacked in their dreams – and meet The Cheese Man. This podcast episode looks at: (1) dreams as a vehicle for story; (2) whether there's an overall plot structure for this 4-dream episode; and (3) how Restless both serves as a coda for Season 4 and foreshadows the rest of the series. Spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). ...

Primeval S4 E21 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

Posted on November 8, 2021February 26, 2022 by admin

This time on Buffy and the Art of Story, Primeval (Season 4 Episode 21 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), where Buffy must fight not only Adam but the military complex that created him. This podcast episode looks at: (1) how the episode sums up the themes of Season 4; (2) more repetition than we usually see in a season finale and a slower pace; (3) thematic bookends for Yoko Factor (Part 1) and Primeval; and (4) whether Adam is a strong antagonist. Spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty o...

The Yoko Factor S4 E20 (Buffy and the Art of Story)

Posted on October 25, 2021November 19, 2021 by admin

This time on Buffy and the Art of Story, The Yoko Factor (Season 4 Episode 20 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), where Adam and Spike collude to separate Buffy from her friends. This podcast episode looks at: (1) episode themes that are key for Season 4; (2) subplots disconnected from main storyline (unlike in New Moon Rising); (3) an Angel side plot that's fun yet slows the pace; and (4) setting up Part 2 of the season finale. Spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). Last E...

New Moon Rising S4 E19 (Buffy and the Art of Story)

Posted on October 11, 2021July 7, 2023 by admin

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story – New Moon Rising (Season 4 Episode 19 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), where Oz returns and Willow must make a choice. This podcast episode looks at: (1) a multifaceted main plot that includes action and intense emotion; (2) nesting doll subplots that weave into the main story; (3) a climax after the action plot resolves; and (4) layers of meaning in dialogue and gestures that emphasize emotion. Spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning)....