Episodes

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...

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story: Passion (Season 2 Episode 17 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer): This podcast episode covers (1) who the protagonist is – Angel or Buffy? (2) weaving together two strong plots; (3) underscoring tragedy by shifting a character’s tone; and (4) dramatic irony that ratchets up emotional pain. As always, the discussion is spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). Last Week: Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered Next Up: Killed By Death Work On Your Stor...

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story: Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered (Season 2 Episode 16 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer). This podcast episode covers (1) using humor to convey theme; (2) conflict that causes character growth (for Cordelia); (3) foreshadowing significant plot developments without giving anything away; and (4) intertwining many plotlines seamlessly. As always, the discussion is spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). Last Week: Phases Next Up: Passion Work O...

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story: Phases (Season 2 Episode 15 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer): This podcast episode covers (1) why Buffy is the protagonist despite this being a key episode for Oz and Willow; (2) using humor and character development to hide clues; and (3) who Buffy feels she is allowed to kill and why. As always, the discussion is spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). Last Week: Innocence Next Up: Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered Work On Your Story Dow...

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story: Innocence (Season 2 Episode 14 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), the conclusion of a two-part story: This podcast episode covers (1) the most heart-breaking Midpoint Reversal in all of Buffy; (2) how setting affects a scene’s emotional impact; (3) making the audience love your characters; and (4) why sometimes it’s good to write yourself into a corner. As always, the discussion is spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). Last Week: Surprise N...

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story: Surprise (Season 2 Episode 13 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), the first of a two-part story: This podcast episode covers (1) hooks that keep the audience coming back – especially when the episode ends; (2) exposition through conflict; (3) snappy dialogue that makes drama more intense by contrast; and (4) how the full story arc’s plot points intersect the turns in Surprise. As always, the discussion is spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning)...

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story: Bad Eggs (Season 2 Episode 12 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer): This podcast episode covers (1) two intersecting storylines that lack emotional weight; (2) unclear plot points in both stories; (3) a pace that lags a bit; (4) a theme of responsibility that doesn’t quite play out; but (5) fun moments and strong foreshadowing of the upcoming pivotal two-episode story. As always, the discussion is spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). Last Wee...

This week on the podcast Buffy and the Art of Story: Ted (Season 2 Episode 11 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer): This episode covers (1) how a seemingly throwaway episode foreshadows key developments for the entire series; (2) many metaphors that might not mix so well; and (3) dialogue that illustrates what works in Buffy’s relationship with Angel. As always, the discussion is spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). Next Up: Bad Eggs Last Week: What’s My Line Part 2 Work On Your Sto...

This week on the podcast Buffy and the Art of Story: What’s My Line Part Two (Season 2 Episode 10 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer): This episode covers (1) a Midpoint reversal that spins the story and changes Buffy’s mindset about slaying; (2) why readers don’t always believe something that’s authentic; (3) quickly reminding your audience what happened before; and (4) crafting an episode around a great line. As always, the discussion is spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). Next ...

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story: What’s My Line Part 1 (Season 2 Episode 9 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer): This podcast episode covers (1) how to keep exposition interesting; (2) heightening the threat by changing key characters’ behavior; (3) body language that shows emotion; and (4) Marti Noxon’s Harold and the Purple Crayon moment. As always, the discussion is spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). Next Up: What’s My Line Part 2 Last Week: The Dark Age Work On Your St...

This week on the podcast Buffy and the Art of Story: The Dark Age (Season 2 Episode 8 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer): This episode covers (1) external conflict that causes Buffy and Giles to grow; (2) whether The Dark Age is a Coming of Age story; and (3) what makes a character the protagonist. As always, the discussion is spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). Next Up: What’s My Line Part 1 Last Week: Lie to Me S2 E7 Work On Your Story Download the 5-Point Story Structure Temp...

This week on the podcast Buffy and the Art of Story: Lie To Me (Season 2 Episode 7 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer). This episode covers (1) a two-part Inciting Incident/Story Spark; (2) a Midpoint reversal Buffy only recognizes in retrospect; (3) characters who talk about everything except what they really feel; and (4) Buffy and Spike reflecting one another and foreshadowing the season final. As always, the discussion is spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). Next Up: The Dark A...

This week on the podcast Buffy and the Art of Story: Halloween (Season 2 Episode 6 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer): (1) why Buffy is the protagonist but someone else saves the day; (2) Willow gains confidence incrementally; and (3) we see another side to Giles that foreshadows future episodes and keeps us coming back. As always, the discussion is spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). Next Up: Lie to Me S2 E7 Last Week: Reptile Boy S2 E5 Work On Your Story Download the 5-Point S...

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story: Reptile Boy (Season 2 Episode 5 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer). This podcast episode covers (1) theme woven into story; (2) a huge turning point for Buffy and Giles; (3) escalating conflict and why the Midpoint of your story matters; and (4) the first of many demon snakes in Buffy. As always, the discussion is spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). Next Up: Halloween S2 E6 Last Week: Inca Mummy Girl S2 E4 Work On Your Story Download the ...

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story: Inca Mummy Girl (Season 2 Episode 4 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer) This podcast episode covers (1) a clear Inciting Incident; (2) how a very flawed character draws the audience in; (3) emotional arcs with major commitments; and (4) a new character – Oz! As always, the discussion is spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). Next Up: Reptile Boy S2 E5 Last Week: School Hard S2 E3 Work On Your Story Download the 5-Point Story Structure Templat...

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story: School Hard (Season 2 Episode 3 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer). This podcast episode covers (1) very strong story structure despite no striking midpoint commitment by Buffy; (2) the concept of the worthy adversary; (3) mother-daughter conflict; (4) embedding story questions; and (5) so much foreshadowing about Spike (in the Spoiler section). As always, the discussion is spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). Next Up: Inca Mummy Girl S2 E4...

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story: Some Assembly Required (Season 2 Episode 2 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer). In this podcast episode, we’ll talk about (1) the lack of a strong Midpoint commitment or reversal; (2) a jumble of antagonists; (3) whether flashbacks might help develop the character relationships; and (4) if the theme works. As always, the discussion is spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). Next Up: School Hard S2 E3 Last Week: When She Was Bad S2 E1 Improve Yo...

This week on the podcast Buffy and the Art of Story: When She Was Bad (Season 2 Episode 1 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer). For the Season 2 pilot we’ll cover (1) how the major plot points, despite all the action, are emotional ones; (2) why Giles can hang out with teenagers all the time without it being creepy; and (3) the ways the episode foreshadows so much of Season 2 (in the Spoiler section). As always, the discussion is spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning). Next Up: Some As...