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

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

Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast Cover

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...

Season 6 As A Whole (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

Posted on February 5, 2024February 2, 2024 by admin

In Buffy Season 6, Buffy the Vampire Slayer takes a new approach to storytelling. This podcast episode looks at the season arc as a whole. Along with the season recap, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) how to write a group as protagonist; (2) themes and Dark Willow; (3) whether Buffy's growth rings true; (4) which Buffy Season 6 plot turns are most compelling; and more. Last Episode: Grave Next Episode: Bonus - Wolfram & Cast looks at Angel Episode Blind Date Latest Release:...

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...

Two To Go S6 E21 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

Posted on January 8, 2024February 2, 2024 by admin

In Two To Go (S6 E21 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Buffy and friends put themselves in peril to stop Willow from killing Andrew and Jonathan, Dawn seeks out Rack, and Spike faces trials. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) Willow’s shift from antagonist to genuine, three-dimensional villain, (2) deeply-felt emotions and other reasons Willow, the villain, is so much more intriguing than Buffy, and (3) whether the repetitive dialogue here creates a theme or slows the stor...

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...

Seeing Red S6 E19 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

Posted on October 30, 2023December 16, 2023 by admin

In Seeing Red (S6 E19 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), the geek trio feuds, Spike assaults Buffy, and Warren strikes a fatal blow. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) how Spike’s actions fit his character arc; (2) themes of trust, misogyny, and being a “real man”; (3) episode bookends that maximize the heartrending final moments; and (4) an unclear main plot despite all the drama and conflict. Last Episode: Entropy Next Episode: Villains New Release: Buffy and t...

Doublemeat Palace S6 E12 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

Posted on July 24, 2023August 18, 2023 by admin

In Doublemeat Palace (S6 E12 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Buffy gets a job and Willow struggles when Amy gives her magic as a gift. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) how to create a fair fight between a villain and a superstrong protagonist; (2) layered dialogue (like Hallie’s and Anya’s) that reads differently each time you hear it; (3) when it’s okay for someone else to save your hero; (4) writing a subplot with strong, clear plot turns; and (5) why realism matters...

Wrecked S6 E10

Posted on May 22, 2023May 17, 2023 by admin

In Wrecked (S6 E10 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Willow meets Rack and dives into dark magic as Buffy deals with the fallout from her night with Spike. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) repetition and pacing; (2) Wrecked as a full story or Part 2 of Smashed; (3) conveying emotion through actions and indirect dialogue; and (4) how well the Willow/Rack/addiction story fits in the Buffyverse. Download free Story Structure worksheets Support the podcast and get bo...

Tabula Rasa S6 E8 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

Posted on April 24, 2023February 2, 2024 by admin

In Tabula Rasa (S6 E8 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Willow tries another forgetting spell with consequences that are fun at first and then devastating. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) what the characters don't say that gives the dialogue so much power; (2) themes and metaphors that work – and don’t – and why; and (3) a super-clear plot structure for the first three quarters that blurs toward the end but hits all the right emotional notes. Last Episode: Once More ...

Bargaining Part 1 S6 E1

Posted on January 16, 2023January 26, 2023 by admin

In Bargaining Part 1 (S6 E1 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Buffy’s friends struggle to deal with her death—and to bring her back to life. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) conflicts that bring the audience into the brand new world without Buffy; (2) story questions that keep viewers on edge; (3) actions that show characters’ emotions in powerful ways; and (4) protagonist and pacing issues because Bargaining: Part 1 includes so many viewpoints and covers so much ground....