Selfless S7 E5 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

Posted on April 29, 2024April 26, 2024 by admin

Buffy and the Art of Story podcast cover

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...

Blood Ties S5 E13 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

Posted on July 18, 2022July 18, 2022 by admin

In Blood Ties (Buffy the Vampire Slayer S5 E13), Dawn learns the truth about her origins, no one keeps Spike in the loop, and Buffy faces Glory. Along with the breakdown of Blood Ties, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) how Blood Ties tells a fast, gripping story despite that Buffy and Glory don’t face off until the end; (2) the way Dawn’s arc deftly weaves subplot points and turns into the main plot; (3) story questions that keep viewers tuning in even after reveals about Dawn and Glory; ...

Checkpoint S5 E12 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

Posted on July 4, 2022July 23, 2022 by admin

In Checkpoint (Buffy the Vampire Slayer S5 E12), the Watchers Council refuses to help Buffy defeat Glory unless she endures its grueling review. Along with the episode recap, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) unevenly placed major plot turns in Checkpoint that throw off the pace; (2) subtle character and dialogue choices that tell the story of the Watcher’s Council and the theme of power; (3) using minor conflict to reveal exposition and set up later scenes; and (4) the ways Checkpoint t...

Triangle S5 E11 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

Posted on June 6, 2022June 23, 2022 by admin

In Triangle (Buffy the Vampire Slayer S5 E11), Anya and Willow conjure an evil troll as Buffy deals with post-Riley life. This podcast episode recaps Triangle, focusing on: Anya, Willow, and Xander are in a troll triangle and it's Buffy's show – so who is the protagonist? running season arcs but no subplots for Spike, Xander, Buffy, and Dawn; what less dramatic plot turns do to the episode's pace; and should you break your characters for a joke? Spoiler-free, except at the end...

Into The Woods S5 E10 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

Posted on May 23, 2022June 23, 2022 by admin

In Into The Woods (Buffy the Vampire Slayer S5 E10), thanks to Spike, Buffy learns about Riley's dark side. This podcast episode recaps Into The Woods, focusing on: a shadow subplot for Riley about his life's mission; hooking the audience by ending scenes just before Buffy or Riley reacts to a startling revelation; what it means to be an antagonist (here, Riley) in romantic relationship plot; a conversation with Roberta Lipp, co-host of the They Coined It Mad Men podcast, about why...

Listening To Fear S5 E9 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

Posted on May 9, 2022June 23, 2022 by admin

In Listening To Fear (Buffy the Vampire Slayer S5 E9), Joyce prepares for brain surgery as a dangerous alien stalks her. The podcast episode recaps Listening To Fear, focusing on: opening conflict grounded in Buffy's new normal – taking care of Joyce in the hospital; Riley's disappearing act shows the audience his inner turmoil – and puts the gang in grave danger; the challenges of a protagonist (Buffy) and antagonist (the demon from outer space) not knowing about each other until the...

Fool For Love S5 E7 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

Posted on April 11, 2022June 23, 2022 by admin

This time on Buffy and the Art of Story, Fool For Love (Season 5 Episode 7 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), where Buffy goes to Spike for answers about how he killed two slayers. This podcast episode recaps Fool For Love and focuses on: (1) an origin story told in flashbacks; (2) Spike resolves his feelings for Buffy in a surprising way; (3) using action and setting changes to keep scenes moving; and (4) characters asking questions they don't truly want answered. Spoiler-free, ex...

Family S5 E6 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

Posted on March 28, 2022June 23, 2022 by admin

This time on Buffy and the Art of Story, Family (Season 5 Episode 6 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), where Tara puts her friends in danger to try hide who she fears she really is. This podcast episode recaps Family and focuses on: (1) characters asking questions when the audience needs answers; (2) linking scenes with images, language, and theme; (3) repeating words to convey theme and character growth; plus (4) special guest Elena Campobassi address themes of family, teen identity, and communit...

No Place Like Home S5 E5 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

Posted on March 14, 2022June 23, 2022 by admin

No Place Like Home Podcast Episode Cover

The Buffy and the Art of Story podcast looks at story elements in No Place Like Home (Season 5 Episode 5 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), where Buffy strives to learn what's making her mother ill, confronts Dawn, and faces a new foe. This podcast episode recaps No Place Like Home, focusing on: (1) making life harder and harder (and harder) for the protagonist; (2) climax questions that reveal plot; (3) how to write an ephemeral antagonist; and (4) anger management as a theme. Spoiler-free...

Spike Bonus S5 E4B (Buffy and the Art of Story podcast)

Posted on February 28, 2022June 23, 2022 by admin

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) Work On Your Story Download free Story Structure worksheets Super Si...