The Puppet Show S1 E9

This week on Buffy and the Art of Story: The Puppet Show . (Season 1, Episode 9 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.)

In addition to plot turns, we’ll talk about (1) how characters on the protagonist’s side can still push against her and create conflict; (2) the excellent use of hints and red herrings while still playing fair; (3) a new character opposed to Buffy who might or might not be evil (Principal Snyder!), a replacement character who is very different from his predecessor (also Snyder).

As always, the discussion is spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning).

Story Elements in The Puppet Show

In this podcast episode we’ll look at:

Strong, clear plot turns  
Using red herrings and hints without misleading the audience
Why the protagonist’s friends sometimes must be against her
New and replacement characters

Also: Season 1 DVD commentary from Joss Whedon about his aim in creating The Puppet Show is discussed, as well as the post-credit sequence you may never have seen.

Next Up: Nightmares S1 E10 

Last Week: I, Robot…You, Jane S1 E8

Plotting Your Story

Working through plot issues for your own novel, screenplay, or story?

Try this Story Structure Template, available free to all on my Patreon page.

If you become a patron, you’ll also get access to bonus episodes and content.

Episodes will include Buffy-adjacent stories (such as key Angel episodes). Plus films or TV episodes that are intriguing from a story, theme, or character perspective.

Episode Transcript

Coming Soon. (I promise, as Buffy might say.)

P.S. For more on plotting, you can check out Super Simple Story Structure: A Quick Guide To Plotting And Writing Your Novel (Book 1 in the Writing As A Second Career series).

FYI, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases made through this site, but that doesn’t change the purchase price to you as the buyer or influence my love for the Buffy DVDs and all things Buffy.

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