This week on Buffy and the Art of Story – Hush (Season 4 Episode 10 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), where The Gentlemen harvest hearts in Sunnydale and no one can say a word. This podcast episode looks at: (1) the ways Hush is more like classic horror than most Buffy episodes; (2) making a story work without dialogue; (3) how the theme about language and communication infuses the plot and subplots; and (4) the purpose of introducing the characters of Tara and Olivia. Spoiler-free, except at ...

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story – Something Blue (Season 4 Episode 9 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), where Willow’s spell endangers all her friends and Buffy gets engaged to Spike. This podcast episode looks at: (1) which plot is the main plot - Willow dealing with her grief or Buffy trying to get information from Spike; (2) what makes a character a protagonist; (3) ways Something Blue is similar to Beer Bad; and (4) themes of romance and grief. Spoiler-free, except at the end (with ...

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story – I Will Remember You (Season 1 Episode 8 of Angel the series), where Buffy crosses over to Angel. The two kill a demon with shocking and heartbreaking results. The podcast episode talks about: (1) images and dialogue lines that foreshadow the devastating ending; (2) is Fate the antagonist – or is it Angel v. Angel? (3) a powerful Midpoint with no major commitment or reversal; and (4) whether the events of this episode affect Buffy’s character going for...

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story – Pangs (Season 4 Episode 8 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), where Buffy strives to make a perfect Thanksgiving dinner and deal with an avenging spirit, Spike seeks help, and Angel lurks. This podcast episode looks at: (1) weaving in exposition through conflict; (2) clever dialogue that links one scene to the next seamlessly; (3) whether the plot justifies Angel’s presence; (4) characterization of Buffy that makes her obsession with Thanksgivin...

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story – The Initiative (Season 4 Episode 7 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), where we finally find out what those military guys are up to: (1) is there a plot or a handful of subplots? (2) who is the protagonist - Spike, Riley, or Buffy? (3) a genre mix of rom/com and secret agent man; and (4) sowing seeds for the rest of Season 4. Spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). Next Up: Pangs (S4 E8) Last Episode: Wild at Heart (S4 E6) Work O...

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story – Wild At Heart (Season 4 Episode 6 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), where Willow notices Oz noticing someone else, and he learns more about his inner wolf. This podcast episode looks at: (1) An intertwined plot and subplot; (2) whether the antagonist is always the bad guy; (3) escalating conflict and the next worst thing; and (4) is the theme here what the writers think it is? Spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning).   Next ...

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story – Beer Bad (Season 4 Episode 5 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), where Buffy discovers beer with unexpected consequences: (1) what happens when no antagonist actively opposes the protagonist? (2) metaphors that don’t quite land and a theme gone astray; (3) parallel characters who behave in contrasting ways; (4) fakeouts to start and end the episode. Spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning).   Next Up: Wild at Heart (S4 E6) L...

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story – Fear Itself (Season 4 Episode 4 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), where Buffy and her friends face their fears in a haunted house. This podcast episode looks at: (1) Buffy’s Post-Parker depression – does it make her angry? (2) whether the fears fit the characters; (3) slow pace, unclear plot turns, and repetition; (4) is there enough story here for a full episode? Spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). Next Up: Beer Bad (...

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story – The Harsh Light of Day (Season 4 Episode 3 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), where Buffy falls for a new guy and an old enemy returns to Sunnydale. This podcast episode looks at: (1) connecting vastly different scenes through dialogue; (2) themes of connection an distance; (3) which is the main plot and which the subplot? and (4) Buffy’s frame of reference for romance. Spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning).   Next Up: Fear...

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story – Living Conditions (Season 4 Episode 2 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), where Buffy's college roommate makes life and slaying tough. This podcast episode looks at: (1) was Buffy purposely written to act out of character – and is it justified? (2) few clear major plot turns until about two-thirds through, then the story rockets ahead; (3) audience misleads; (4)   repeated exposition; and (5) not much in way of episode subplots, but lots of groundwork laid ...