Potential S7 E12 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

Posted on September 23, 2024December 27, 2024 by admin

Buffy and the Art of Story podcast cover

In Potential (S7 E12 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), where Buffy trains potential slayers and Willow’s spell to find a new one takes a surprising turn. Along with the recap of Potential, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) building to a surprising yet inevitable twist; (2) revealing inner conflict – here, Buffy’s about Spike – through dialogue and action; (3) small moments that convey Dawn’s emotional journey; (4) changes to Buffy, Xander, and Dawn over the seasons; and (5) how questions abou...

Showtime S7 E11 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

Posted on September 9, 2024October 3, 2024 by admin

In Showtime (S7 E11 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), more potential Slayers arrive in Sunnydale and Buffy fights the Turok Han, this time with an audience. Along with the recap of Showtime, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) weaving foreshadowing into your story; (2) just-in-time world building; and (3) how the character relationships gradually evolve in believable ways. Last Episode: Bring On The Night Next Episode: Potential Get more content, including access to the self-study co...

Conversations with Dead People S7 E7 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

Posted on May 27, 2024June 10, 2024 by admin

In Conversations with Dead People (S7 E7 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Buffy, Willow and Dawn talk with the dead (or the undead) — maybe — and Spike’s story takes an ominous turn. With special guest Steven Youngkin, host of the Angel retrospective podcast Wolfram & Cast. Along with the recap of Conversations with Dead People, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) connecting seemingly unconnected vignettes; (2) character arcs and themes; (3) pop culture references; and (4) behind-the-s...

Selfless S7 E5 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

Posted on April 29, 2024April 26, 2024 by admin

In Selfless (S7 E5 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Anya returns to her demon life with a vengeance, forcing Buffy to make a terrible choice. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) why choice is key in the Buffyverse; (2) flashbacks at their best; (3) character motives and exposition revealed through gripping conflict; and (4) how the themes of Selfless affect Anya's story. Last Episode: Help Next Episode: Him Get more content while supporting the podcast by becomi...

Help S7 E4 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

Posted on April 15, 2024May 9, 2024 by admin

In Help (S7 E4 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), a Sunnydale High student insists she will die in a few days though she doesn't know why and Buffy strives to save her. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) Surprising the viewer while playing fair with a second — and third — ending; (2) foreshadowing or overshadowing plot turns and Season 7 themes; (3) callbacks or rehashes? and (4) what makes an opening scene compelling. Last Episode: Same Time Same Place Next Episode: ...

Same Time Same Place S7 E3 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

Posted on April 1, 2024March 29, 2024 by admin

In Same Time Same Place (S7 E3 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Willow returns to Sunnydale, a victim is flayed, and no one can find anyone else. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) how coincidence affects story; (2) why the doubled scenes are so engaging; (3) what happens when rules--for demons or spells--are unclear; (4) pacing problem or thematic choice? and (5) many, many metaphors. Last Episode: Beneath You Next Episode: Help New Audiobooks How To Write A N...

Beneath You S7 E2 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

Posted on March 18, 2024April 12, 2024 by admin

In Beneath You (S7 E2 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), a giant worm demon terrorizes Sunnydale and Buffy learns Spike’s secret. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) how well “from beneath you it devours” works in this episode; (2) the oddness of Spike with a soul; (3) repetitive exposition that slows the pace; and (4) well-constructed exposition that adds fun. Last Episode: Lessons Next Episode: Same Time Same Place Latest Release: Buffy and the Art of Story Seas...

Lessons S7 E1 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

Posted on March 4, 2024March 1, 2024 by admin

In Lessons (S7 E1 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Buffy tries to prepare Dawn for high school and to fight vampires, zombie ghosts attack, and Spike returns. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) does Lessons work better as a season pilot than an episode? (2) challenges of the “I’m just evil” antagonist; (3) episode v. season themes; and (4) whether we buy the way Buffy and friends have grown and changed since last season. Last Episode: Blind Date (Wolfram & Cast) ...

Grave S6 E22 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

Posted on January 22, 2024January 23, 2024 by admin

In Grave (S6 E22 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), the gang tries to stop Willow from ending the world and Buffy and Dawn battle beneath the earth. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) a protagonist shift from Buffy to Giles to Xander; (2) why Xander is the one and only character who could save the world; (3) Xander’s worst traits - same as his best traits? and (4) how Buffy’s subplot fits with the larger story (if it does). Last Episode: Two To Go Next Episode: Season...

Villains S6 E20 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

Posted on November 13, 2023January 4, 2024 by admin

In Villains (S6 E20 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Warren flees, Buffy and friends grapple with Tara’s death, and Willow’s out for revenge. Or is it justice? Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) whether Villians is Buffy’s story or Willow’s; (2) why viewers might not love Season 6 Buffy as a character; (3) seamless scene endings and beginnings that move us through the story; (4) how Warren’s evil deeds contrast those done by others, first for fun, then for sympathy. La...