Innocence S2 E14 (Buffy and the Art of Story)

Posted on May 11, 2020May 17, 2021 by admin

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...

Bad Eggs S2 E12 (Buffy and the Art of Story)

Posted on April 27, 2020May 17, 2021 by admin

Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast Cover

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story: Bad Eggs (Season 2 Episode 12 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer): This podcast episode covers (1) two intersecting storylines that lack emotional weight; (2) unclear plot points in both stories; (3) a pace that lags a bit; (4) a theme of responsibility that doesn't quite play out; but (5) fun moments and strong foreshadowing of the upcoming pivotal two-episode story. As always, the discussion is spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). ...

Inca Mummy Girl S2 E4

Posted on March 2, 2020October 8, 2020 by admin

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story: Inca Mummy Girl (Season 2 Episode 4 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer) This podcast episode covers (1) a clear Inciting Incident; (2) how a very flawed character draws the audience in; (3) emotional arcs with major commitments; and (4) a new character - Oz! As always, the discussion is spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). Next Up: Reptile Boy S2 E5 Last Week: School Hard S2 E3 Work On Your Story Download the 5-Point Story...

School Hard S2 E3

Posted on February 24, 2020October 8, 2020 by admin

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story: School Hard (Season 2 Episode 3 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer). This podcast episode covers (1) very strong story structure despite no striking midpoint commitment by Buffy; (2) the concept of the worthy adversary; (3) mother-daughter conflict; (4) embedding story questions; and (5) so much foreshadowing about Spike (in the Spoiler section). As always, the discussion is spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). Next Up: Inca Mummy ...

When She Was Bad S2 E1 (Buffy and the Art of Story)

Posted on February 10, 2020May 17, 2021 by admin

This week on the podcast Buffy and the Art of Story: When She Was Bad (Season 2 Episode 1 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer). For the Season 2 pilot we’ll cover (1) how the major plot points, despite all the action, are emotional ones; (2) why Giles can hang out with teenagers all the time without it being creepy; and (3) the ways the episode foreshadows so much of Season 2 (in the Spoiler section). As always, the discussion is spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). Next U...

Buffy Season 1 Overview S1 E13

Posted on January 27, 2020May 8, 2021 by admin

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story: Buffy Season 1 Overview. Along with best and favorite plot turns from Season 1 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, this episode covers my favorite (1) One-Off Villain; (2) Red Herring; (3) Single Episode Character Killed & more. As always, the discussion is spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). Sorry, no Season 1 DVD commentary for the Buffy Season 1 Overview. In 2 Weeks: When She Was Bad S2 E1 Last Week: Prophecy Girl ...

Prophecy Girl S1 E12

Posted on January 20, 2020May 8, 2021 by admin

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story: Prophecy Girl (Season 1, Episode 12 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer). This pivotal story for Buffy begins in Xander's point of view. We'll explore that as well as (1) creating multiple characters the audience identifies with; (2) using actions to demonstrate characters’ feelings; (3) a very layered Story Spark/Inciting Incident; and (4) a strong midpoint and three-quarter plot turn. As always, the discussion is spoiler-free, except at the end (with ple...

Out of Mind Out of Sight S1 E11

Posted on January 13, 2020May 8, 2021 by admin

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story: Out of Mind Out of Sight (Season 1, Episode 11 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer). Along with plot turns about an invisible girl, this episode covers (1) scene transitions (done so well!); (2) flashbacks (maybe not done so well) (3) theme; (4) strong dialogue; and (5) a midpoint that's not so strong. As always, the discussion is spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). Sorry, no Season 1 DVD commentary for Out of Mind Out of Sight. ...

Nightmares S1 E10

Posted on January 6, 2020October 8, 2020 by admin

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story: Nightmares. (Season 1, Episode 10 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.) Along with story structure and plot turns, this episode covers the way the writers escalate conflict to maximize the characters' pain and how Nightmares foreshadows many significant emotional arcs in the series. As always, the discussion is spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). Story Elements in Nightmares In this podcast episode we’ll look at: Plot Turns ...

The Puppet Show S1 E9

Posted on December 30, 2019May 8, 2021 by admin

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story: The Puppet Show. (Season 1, Episode 9 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.) In addition to plot turns, we'll talk about (1) how characters on the protagonist's side can still push against her and create conflict; (2) the excellent use of hints and red herrings while still playing fair; (3) a new character opposed to Buffy who might or might not be evil (Principal Snyder!), a replacement character who is very different from his predecessor (also Snyder). As ...