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
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Spike and Buffy
Life Serial S6 E5
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
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After Life S6 E3
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...
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Glory As The Big Bad S5 E23 (Buffy and the Art of Story podcast)
In Glory As The Big Bad (a bonus Buffy and the Art of Story podcast episode), host Lisa M. Lilly talks with Rachel Wharton of Kobo Writing Life about Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 5 and more. The conversation focuses on:
(1) Glory as a powerful, stereotypically feminine Big Bad who reflects series’ themes; (2) how the “Death Is Your Gift” message affects Buffy’s view of herself and her mission in Season 5; (3) whether Season 4 ranks as the least best season despite many excellent episodes; ...
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Spike Bonus S5 E4B (Buffy and the Art of Story podcast)
This time on Buffy and the Art of Story, a bonus podcast episode explores Spike v. Spike and his emotional arc in Out of My Mind (Season 5 Episode 4 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer). The episode looks at:
Major subplot plot turns
Spike's unconscious mind as the antagonist
Spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning).
Last Episode: Out of My Mind (S5 E4)
Next Up: No Place Like Home (S5 E5)
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