Episodes

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story – Enemies (Season 3 Episode 17 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), where Buffy engages in a dangerous charade to expose Faith. (1) Does the episode play fair with the audience – or not? (2) Escalating conflict between Buffy and Angel; and (3) What makes Faith, as an antagonist, complex and compelling? As always, the discussion of Buffy the Vampire Slayer is spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). Next Up: Earshot (after a holiday break) Last Ep...

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story – Doppelgangland (Season 3 Episode 16 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), where Vampire Willow returns. This podcast episode looks at: (1) the first scene – initial conflict or prologue? (2) is Willow both protagonist and antagonist? (3) a very subtle Midpoint; and (4) using subplots and story questions to keep viewers coming back. As always, the discussion of Buffy the Vampire Slayer is spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). Next Up: Enemies...

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story – Consequences (Season 3 Episode 15 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), where Buffy deals with the fallout after an untimely death. This episode includes: (1) setting up believable conflict among friends; (2) fast pacing through escalating tension and multiple plot twists; (3) when to leave a character out of a storyline; and (4) conflict based on characters’ life philosophies. As always, the discussion of Buffy the Vampire Slayer is spoiler-free, except at the ...

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story – Bad Girls (Season 3 Episode 14 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), where Buffy tries out Faith’s approach to life and slaying. This podcast episode talks about: (1) an interloper who brings out different sides of our core characters; (2) expressing theme and exploring philosophy through conflict; (3) how this Faith/Buffy story differs from the Buffy/Kendra story; and (4) two game changers for the season and for Faith personally. As always, the discussion of Bu...

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story – The Zeppo (Season 3 Episode 13 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), where Xander has a very strange night. This podcast episode talks about: (1) why Xander is the protagonist; (2) whether a scene can be from the point of view of a character not in it; (3) the effect of a deliberately unfinished subplot; and (4) character growth through conflict. As always, the discussion of Buffy the Vampire Slayer is spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). L...

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story – Helpless (Season 3 Episode 12 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), where Buffy turns 18 and faces a grueling test. This podcast episode talks about: (1) weaving in seemingly insignificant details that make later plot developments work; (2) the dangers of sacrificing character for plot; (3) metaphors, theme, and pace; and (4) the demands of writing with a short turnaround time (really short). As always, the discussion of Buffy the Vampire Slayer is spoiler-free,...

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story – Gingerbread (Season 3 Episode 11 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), where the adults become paranoid and turn on their children. This podcast episode talks about: (1) themes, including mob rule, parenting, and the danger of fear; (2) strong story structure; (3) whether the episode changes the arc of Season 3; and (4) fantastic and fun dialogue. As always, the discussion of Buffy the Vampire Slayer is spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). ...

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story – Amends (Season 3 Episode 10 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer). This podcast episode talks about: (1) is this a Christmas Carol & series pilot for Angel? (2) challenges identifying the protagonist; (3) use of flashbacks and dreams; (4) a Deus Ex Machina ending; and (5) very clear subplots plot turns. As always, the discussion is spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). Last Episode: The Wish Next Up: Gingerbread Amends was written and directed...

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story – The Wish (Season 3 Episode 9 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer). This podcast episode talks about: (1) whether a character who dies partway through can be the protagonist; (2) events that shape a character’s personality; (3) a story about a character who never appears; (4) who serves as the antagonist; and (5) clothes that matter. As always, the discussion of Buffy the Vampire Slayer is spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). Last Episode: L...

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story – Lovers Walk (Season 3 Episode 8 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer). This podcast episode talks about: (1) how a side character (Spike!) changes our main characters’ story arcs; (2) major plot turns in some unusual places; (3) protagonist questions; and (4) whether Spike is the most emotionally healthy character in this episode. As always, the discussion is spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). Last Episode: Revelations Next Up: The Wish Lov...

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story – Revelations (Season 3 Episode 7 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer). This podcast episode talks about: (1) a new character (Gwendolyn Post) revealed through every dialogue line; (2) themes of guilt, vulnerability, and isolation; (3) whether anyone is acting out of character; (4) a few plot questions; and (5) many layers for rewatching. As always, the discussion of Buffy the Vampire Slayer is spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). Last Episode...

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story – Band Candy (Season 3 Episode 6 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer). This podcast episode talks about: (1) Writing a role reversal story without the body switching; (2) Subtle commentary on the SATs; (3) Fun dialogue lines that serve multiple purposes; and (4) Buffy’s character growth through conflict. As always, the discussion is spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). Last Episode: Homecoming Next Up: Revelations Work On Your Story Download ...

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story –Homecoming (Season 3 Episode 5 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer). This podcast episode talks about: (1) How Buffy’s competition with Cordelia interweaves with the action plot (2) Unspoken conflicts that ratchet up tension (3) Key scenes and dialogue lines that develop relationships (4) Mr. Trick as a villain As always, the discussion of Buffy the Vampire Slayer is spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). Last Episode: Beauty and the Beasts Nex...

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story – Beauty and the Beasts (Season 3 Episode 4 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer). This podcast episode talks about: (1) a very subtle Midpoint turn; (2) what is plot and what is subplot; (3) the challenges with the metaphor to abuse within a relationship; (4) point of view and playing fair with the audience; and (5) use of voiceover. As always, the discussion of Buffy the Vampire Slayer is spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). Last Episode: Fai...

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story – Faith, Hope & Trick (Season 3 Episode 3 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer). This podcast episode talks about: (1) exposition and key plot information handled in a fun, engaging way; (2) sowing subtle seeds of conflict early in the episode; (3) how late and missing plot turns affect the story; and (4) the most compelling emotional arc in Buffy. As always, the discussion of Buffy the Vampire Slayer is spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). Las...

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story – Dead Man’s Party (Season 3 Episode 2 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer). This podcast episode includes: (1) how the zombie plot turns connect to the emotional story line; (2) whether our characters act consistently with what we know of them from Seasons 1 and 2; (3) is the conflict between Buffy and her friends false conflict; and (4) is that mask angry at the room? As always, the discussion of Buffy the Vampire Slayer is spoiler-free, except at the end (with ...

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story – Anne (Season 3 Episode 1 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer). This podcast episode includes: (1) how the premiere’s tone differs from the rest of the season; (2) hazy early plot turns; (3) multiple themes that raise a question on what the story’s about; and (4) whether the stakes are high enough for Buffy to be the protagonist. As always, the discussion of Buffy the Vampire Slayer is spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). Last Episode: Buffy ...

Two announcements for the podcast Buffy and the Art of Story: Buffy and the Art of Story Season 3 begins next Monday (August 10, 2020) with the Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 3 premiere, Anne. The second Patron-Only Q&A has been posted on Patreon. (You can become a patron here for a dollar or more a month.) What’s in the Q&A? key writing lessons learned from watching Buffy Seasons 1 and 2 so closely which episodes I’m most looking forward to watching for the podcast (hint: 3 of them are from ...

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story Buffy Season Two In Review (a discussion of Season 2 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer as a whole): This podcast episode covers (1) how Season 2 uses the bookends technique; (2) Season 2 themes; (3) character arcs; and (4) how Season 2 foreshadows Season 3 and beyond. As always, the discussion is spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). Last Week: Becoming Part 2 Next Up: Anne Work On Your Story Download free Story Structure worksheets. Or you ...

This week on the podcast Buffy and the Art of Story Becoming Part 2 (Season 2 Episode 22 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer): This podcast episode covers (1) why the pace of Part 2 is so fast compared to Becoming Part 1; (2) how to show emotion through a character’s actions; (3) the elements of a pyrrhic victory; (4) and how the episode plays out Season 2 themes and foreshadows future relationships. As always, the discussion of Buffy the Vampire Slayer is spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of...

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story Becoming Part 1 (Season 2 Episode 21 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer): This podcast episode covers (1) use of recurring images and actions to link characters’ stories together; (2) major plot points through the Midpoint for the 2-episode story arc; (3) how those points intertwine with episode plot turns; and (4) in spoiler section, how this episode sets up the next one, Season 3, and Willow’s series arc. As always, the discussion is spoiler-free, except at the...

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story: Go Fish (Season 2 Episode 20 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer). This podcast episode covers (1) how the episode undercuts its light tone by treating disturbing issues as a joke; (2) some of the most fun lines in Buffy to date – including “Oh forgive me your Swimteamliness”; (3) an unexpected Midpoint twist; and (4) major plot turns at unusual places. As always, the discussion of Buffy the Vampire Slayer is spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warnin...

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story: I Only Have Eyes For You (Season 2 Episode 19 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer): This podcast episode covers (1) the interplay of plot and emotion; (2) surprising major turns after the three-quarter point in the episode; (3) whether the pop scares fit the narrative; and (4) seemingly insignificant scenes that turn into a subplot with a twist of its own. As always, the discussion is spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). Last Week: Killed By ...

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story: Killed By Death (Season 2 Episode 18 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer). This podcast episode covers (1) what causes this episode’s slower pace; (2) whether the flashbacks are needed; (3) fuzzy major plot turns in unusual places; (4) just-in-time backstory; and (5) very subtle advances in the season 2 arc. As always, the discussion is spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). Last Week: Passion Next Up: I Only Have Eyes For You Work On Your Stor...