Lies My Parents Told Me S7 E17 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

Posted on December 16, 2024December 11, 2024 by admin

Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast Cover

In Lies My Parents Told Me (Buffy the Vampire Slayer S7 E17), Robin Wood aims to kill Spike and Giles is in on the plan. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on: interweaving three plots – Robin v. Spike, Giles v. Buffy, Spike v. himself; whether Giles’s choices fit his character; how William becomes Spike; point of view and protagonists; and a (hopefully) unintended episode theme. Get more content, including access to the self-study course How To Plot ...

Grief in the Buffyverse (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

Posted on October 21, 2024October 18, 2024 by admin

Grief in the Buffyverse asks how grief affects the characters we love in Buffy the Vampire Slayer from Season 1 on. With Tyffany D. Neiheiser, Author of Not Dead Enough. Topics include: (1) what motivates Buffy's choice to face death (and the Master) in Season 1; (2) what Willow needs from her friends when facing loss; (3) why Buffy withdraws and tries to go it alone; and (4) how the need to deal with their grief affects the Potentials, Willow, and Xander in S7 Empty Places. Last Episode:...

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...

Never Leave Me S7 E9 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

Posted on August 12, 2024August 30, 2024 by admin

In Never Leave Me (S7 E9 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Buffy interrogates Spike, Xander and Anya play good cop/bad cop with Andrew, and Principal Wood acts strangely. Along with the recap of Never Leave Me, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) the challenges of using a group as protagonist; (2) setting the rules in a supernatural story; (3) filling in a lack of plot developments with fun and humor; and (4) building to a key revelation. Last Episode: Sleeper Next Episode: Bring On The N...

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) ...