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

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

Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast Cover

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...

Normal Again S6 E17 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

Posted on October 2, 2023September 29, 2023 by admin

In Normal Again (S6 E17 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Buffy hallucinates that she’s in a psychiatric facility and her parents are still alive. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) why a kind, compassionate character can make a scene more chilling; (2) conveying exposition the characters already know; (3) how to add new backstory to an old timeline; (4) can your plot be strong without a clear single midpoint moment? Last Episode: Hell's Bells Next Episode: Entropy...

As You Were S6 E15 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

Posted on September 4, 2023September 4, 2023 by admin

In As You Were (S6 E15 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Riley returns in search of a demon and forgets to tell Buffy key information. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) what seeing life through Riley’s eyes does for Buffy; (2) in character or out: Spike, Riley, and the perfect Sam; (3) why Riley looks taller – literally; and (4) at last, the cause of Buffy’s angst about Spike. Last Episode: Older And Far Away Next Episode: Hell's Bells Download free Story Struc...

Older And Far Away S6 E14 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

Posted on August 21, 2023September 4, 2023 by admin

In Older and Far Away (S6 E14 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Dawn’s feeling left out and it’s Buffy’s birthday – what could go wrong? Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) how small moments create deep conflict; (2) protagonist problems; (3) two demons – no antagonists? (4) a slow story with a lot going on. Last Episode: Dead Things Next Episode: As You Were Download free Story Structure worksheets Get more content while supporting the podcast by...

Smashed S6 E9

Posted on May 8, 2023June 7, 2023 by admin

In Smashed (S6 E9 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Willow brings Amy back, the Trio uses a freeze ray, and Buffy and Spike bring down the house —literally. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) why and how Buffy finally acts on her desire for Spike; (2) whether Smashed is complete or one half of a story; and (3) how Buffy’s and Willow’s storylines reflect one another and where they diverge. Download free Story Structure worksheets Support the podcast and get bonus ep...

Once More With Feeling S6 E7

Posted on April 10, 2023May 5, 2023 by admin

In Once More With Feeling (S6 E7 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Sunnydale bursts into song, Spike and Buffy are drawn together, and Dawn is once again in peril in the Buffy musical episode. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) how a tight plot structure, including subplots, gives Once More With Feeling emotional power; (2) escalating conflict that keeps the story moving; (3) whether misdirects about Xander and Dawn play fair with the audience; (4) why it might not matter ...

All The Way S6 E6 (Buffy and the Art of Story)

Posted on March 27, 2023March 27, 2023 by admin

In All The Way (S6 E6 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Dawn ducks out of Xander’s and Anya’s engagement party on Halloween and puts herself in peril. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) who the protagonist is – Dawn, Buffy, someone else? (2) which is the main plot: Tara/Willow, Xander/Anya, Dawn's adventure, Buffy's struggles? (3) are all these story lines subplots, partial season arcs, or both? (4) when misdirection and subverting expectations works best; and (5) how not ...

Life Serial S6 E5

Posted on March 13, 2023March 27, 2023 by admin

In Life Serial (Season 6 Episode 5 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Buffy tries to figure out what to do with her life and gets stuck in a magical loop. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on: when stretching or breaking the characters undermines the plot why internal logic matters for spells and the story in character vs. out of character humor the effect of magic without consequences Last Episode: Flooded S6 E4 Next Up: All The Way S6 E6 Download free Story...

Flooded S6 E4 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

Posted on February 27, 2023March 23, 2023 by admin

In Flooded (S6 E4 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), the basement floods, Buffy struggles over too many bills, and the trio sends a demon after her. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) the challenges of an intangible villain (like debt and falling property values) in a fantasy story; (2) false conflict vs. character-based conflict between Buffy, Giles, and Willow; (3) what works and doesn’t with cartoony villains like the trio; and (4) is slaying a metaphor for women’s unp...

After Life S6 E3

Posted on February 13, 2023March 10, 2023 by admin

In After Life (S6 E3 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), a demon Buffy’s friends think she brought back from hell torments everyone. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) plot turns and protagonist questions that make After Life more of a continuation than a standalone story; (2) why monsters need rules and whether the demon here follows any; (3) hints the writers weave in to tell us Buffy is hiding things from her friends; and (4) seeds for season-long character and relationsh...