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...
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Buffy season 7
Showtime S7 E11 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)
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
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Bring On The Night S7 E10 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)
In Bring On The Night (S7 E10 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Giles returns to Sunnydale with potential vampire slayers and Buffy fights an ubervamp. Along with the recap of Bring On The Night, this podcast episode focuses on:
(1) making new characters’ choices believable; (2) why goals matter (and what happens when they’re not clear); (3) Buffy and friends treat Andrew badly – what does that say about them? and (4) when open story questions frustrate the audience.
Last Episode: Never Leave...
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Never Leave Me S7 E9 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)
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...
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Him S7 E6 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)
In Him (S7 E6 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Dawn falls in love - or falls under a love spell - and Buffy refuses to take her seriously until it’s almost too late. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on:
(1) always making things worse for the protagonist (Dawn); (2) is Buffy under a spell or acting out of character? Or both? and (3) hints of a theme that may be there or coming soon.
Last Episode: Selfless
Next Episode: Conversations With Dead People
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Selfless S7 E5 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)
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
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Help S7 E4 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)
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: ...
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Same Time Same Place S7 E3 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)
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
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Beneath You S7 E2 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)
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
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