Storytelling
Cobra Kai: How to Build Character Through Internal Conflict
Cobra Kai’s pilot episode shows why every villain thinks he’s the hero of his own story… and why he’s also his own worst enemy.
Storytelling
The Mystery Box Is Broken, and Here’s How to Fix It
From Lost to Game of Thrones to The Rise of Skywalker, the “mystery box” style of storytelling is coming up short. Here’s why — and how to fix it.
Storytelling
Game of Thrones’s Biggest Surprise of All Was… a Satisfying Ending?
The final episode of Game of Thrones leaves no one entirely happy… and that’s exactly the way it should be.
Storytelling
How “The Bells” Ruins Several Major Character Arcs in Game of Thrones
In the penultimate Game of Thrones episode “The Bells,” the show explores the ugly side of war, power, and consequences — but is it good storytelling?
Storytelling
Why Game of Thrones’ Battle of Winterfell Is Such Disappointing Storytelling
In “The Long Night,” Game of Thrones — a story built on unpredictability, mystery, and sacrifice — has now completely diverged from what made it great.
Storytelling
This Lazy Dialogue Habit Is Making Game of Thrones Funny By Accident
Overusing this soap opera writing trope will turn your story’s drama into comedy.
Armchair Sociology
Steve Harrington, Jaime Lannister, and the Secret to Writing a Redemption Arc
How did Steve Harrington become one of the most popular characters on Stranger Things?
Storytelling
What Makes the Best Pilot Episodes in TV History Tick?
From The Sopranos to Westworld, how the 10 of the best TV shows displayed their game-changing brilliance from their very first episodes.
Storytelling
What Makes Game of Thrones So Addictive?
Every “must-see” TV show uses some of these addictive story tricks, but only Game of Thrones combined them all to create a runaway hit.
Armchair Sociology
Westworld: Reality, A.I., and the God Problem
When I was about 5 or 6, I had a thought that both exhilarated and terrified me. I was riding in the car with my parents, looking out the window, and I thought… How do I know if I’m real? Beyond that… how do I know if “reality” even exists? Read more…