Ben Blacker
@benblacker.bsky.social
The Writers Panel // Cut+Run: http://bit.ly/CutRunAudible // Hex Wives: http://bit.ly/HWtrade // Thrilling Adventure Hour // Dead Pilots Society
Re:Writing: benblacker.substack.com
Re:Writing: benblacker.substack.com
I remember watching in 1997 and being so surprised they actually killed Principal Flutie. This show had teeth! Which I think shows that the writers were already thinking bigger—in story, metaphor, depth—than maybe the show was fully ready to execute.
Also, that tag btwn Giles + Xander is gold.
Also, that tag btwn Giles + Xander is gold.
November 14, 2025 at 12:56 AM
I remember watching in 1997 and being so surprised they actually killed Principal Flutie. This show had teeth! Which I think shows that the writers were already thinking bigger—in story, metaphor, depth—than maybe the show was fully ready to execute.
Also, that tag btwn Giles + Xander is gold.
Also, that tag btwn Giles + Xander is gold.
Still, there’s stuff that really works. Willow’s crush on Xander is codified, putting Buffy in the middle. And the scene between Willow and Xander when he’s locked up is really lovely.
November 14, 2025 at 12:47 AM
Still, there’s stuff that really works. Willow’s crush on Xander is codified, putting Buffy in the middle. And the scene between Willow and Xander when he’s locked up is really lovely.
I think many of the ideas were better in concept, maybe due to budgetary constraints and maybe not yet having a strong stable of directors.
Dodgeball scene is a fun idea but fails because it’s shot too… traditionally? Obviously? Likewise, when the show leaves its standing sets, it just feels off.
Dodgeball scene is a fun idea but fails because it’s shot too… traditionally? Obviously? Likewise, when the show leaves its standing sets, it just feels off.
November 14, 2025 at 12:45 AM
I think many of the ideas were better in concept, maybe due to budgetary constraints and maybe not yet having a strong stable of directors.
Dodgeball scene is a fun idea but fails because it’s shot too… traditionally? Obviously? Likewise, when the show leaves its standing sets, it just feels off.
Dodgeball scene is a fun idea but fails because it’s shot too… traditionally? Obviously? Likewise, when the show leaves its standing sets, it just feels off.
106 The Pack doesn’t really work, though not for lack of trying. Problem is that the metaphor is muddy. Is it about toxic masculinity? Cliques? Not helped either that Buffy is pretty sidelined.
Still there is some good stuff here.
Still there is some good stuff here.
November 14, 2025 at 12:40 AM
106 The Pack doesn’t really work, though not for lack of trying. Problem is that the metaphor is muddy. Is it about toxic masculinity? Cliques? Not helped either that Buffy is pretty sidelined.
Still there is some good stuff here.
Still there is some good stuff here.
A great new Writers Panel ep today with writer/director LESLYE HEADLAND (creator, The Acolyte, Russian Doll) about individuality and authenticity, loving Star Wars, crediting her team, how Russian Doll began + lots more.
Don't skip it.
Links here: benblacker.substack.com/p/leslye-hea...
Don't skip it.
Links here: benblacker.substack.com/p/leslye-hea...
November 11, 2025 at 6:42 PM
A great new Writers Panel ep today with writer/director LESLYE HEADLAND (creator, The Acolyte, Russian Doll) about individuality and authenticity, loving Star Wars, crediting her team, how Russian Doll began + lots more.
Don't skip it.
Links here: benblacker.substack.com/p/leslye-hea...
Don't skip it.
Links here: benblacker.substack.com/p/leslye-hea...
And in this week's Writers Panel pod, HUNTING WIVES creator Rebecca Cutter discusses why she thinks people have responded so positively to the show, hiring the writers’ room, regulating tone by instinct, quality without “prestige,” + more
benblacker.substack.com/p/rebecca-cu...
benblacker.substack.com/p/rebecca-cu...
November 6, 2025 at 11:32 PM
And in this week's Writers Panel pod, HUNTING WIVES creator Rebecca Cutter discusses why she thinks people have responded so positively to the show, hiring the writers’ room, regulating tone by instinct, quality without “prestige,” + more
benblacker.substack.com/p/rebecca-cu...
benblacker.substack.com/p/rebecca-cu...
I've been traveling and so haven't gotten to post about the past couple of newsletter drops. Right before Halloween, I offered up another round of horror movie recs, this one all about creature features: benblacker.substack.com/p/son-of-a-c...
November 6, 2025 at 11:31 PM
I've been traveling and so haven't gotten to post about the past couple of newsletter drops. Right before Halloween, I offered up another round of horror movie recs, this one all about creature features: benblacker.substack.com/p/son-of-a-c...
SMG has such confidence in this episode too. Maybe the “two people” theme hit home for her who Buffy is. And the writers must have seen her chemistry with Anthony Head (and his comic range as well) because they really lean on it here. All around a great ep, including some fun visual storytelling too
October 25, 2025 at 1:07 PM
SMG has such confidence in this episode too. Maybe the “two people” theme hit home for her who Buffy is. And the writers must have seen her chemistry with Anthony Head (and his comic range as well) because they really lean on it here. All around a great ep, including some fun visual storytelling too
“Buffy wants to be a normal girl but her responsibilities as Slayer prevent her” was surely part of the initial pitch. It’s flirted with in 101-104 but someone must have left Spider-man comics in the writers room because it’s front and center here and that clarity makes the episode sing.
October 25, 2025 at 1:02 PM
“Buffy wants to be a normal girl but her responsibilities as Slayer prevent her” was surely part of the initial pitch. It’s flirted with in 101-104 but someone must have left Spider-man comics in the writers room because it’s front and center here and that clarity makes the episode sing.
Did they figure it out over night? In 104, “Never Kill a Boy on the First Date,” everything clicks together. The characters sound like themselves, the show looks like itself, they’re all STYLED as they would come to be. Most importantly, the personal and monster stories work in harmony.
October 25, 2025 at 12:56 PM
Did they figure it out over night? In 104, “Never Kill a Boy on the First Date,” everything clicks together. The characters sound like themselves, the show looks like itself, they’re all STYLED as they would come to be. Most importantly, the personal and monster stories work in harmony.
It really is fun seeing them figure out the show. You don’t really get that any more. Everything (scripted) arrives in its final form.
So worth watching series that did 22 eps per season for multiple yrs to see how they cracked the show in real time.
You’d never get a pointless shot like this now
So worth watching series that did 22 eps per season for multiple yrs to see how they cracked the show in real time.
You’d never get a pointless shot like this now
October 24, 2025 at 9:43 PM
It really is fun seeing them figure out the show. You don’t really get that any more. Everything (scripted) arrives in its final form.
So worth watching series that did 22 eps per season for multiple yrs to see how they cracked the show in real time.
You’d never get a pointless shot like this now
So worth watching series that did 22 eps per season for multiple yrs to see how they cracked the show in real time.
You’d never get a pointless shot like this now
I like the creature design too! Ultimately, I think the ep is just too ambitious for this early in the run. The pieces don’t quite come together. And they’re still figuring out the parameters of the show. She-mantis is a bit too Dr Who, and it’s a fine line that they haven’t firmly drawn yet.
October 24, 2025 at 9:36 PM
I like the creature design too! Ultimately, I think the ep is just too ambitious for this early in the run. The pieces don’t quite come together. And they’re still figuring out the parameters of the show. She-mantis is a bit too Dr Who, and it’s a fine line that they haven’t firmly drawn yet.
The scene between Buffy and her (late) teacher really works. It’s well written and acted. A lovely little moment with real emotion.
The Angel stuff starts to codify too. Leaning into his brooding/don’t give him too much dialogue. Let the wordless connection do the work.
The Angel stuff starts to codify too. Leaning into his brooding/don’t give him too much dialogue. Let the wordless connection do the work.
October 24, 2025 at 9:34 PM
The scene between Buffy and her (late) teacher really works. It’s well written and acted. A lovely little moment with real emotion.
The Angel stuff starts to codify too. Leaning into his brooding/don’t give him too much dialogue. Let the wordless connection do the work.
The Angel stuff starts to codify too. Leaning into his brooding/don’t give him too much dialogue. Let the wordless connection do the work.
“Teacher’s Pet” doesn’t work. The elements don’t come together. But there’s good stuff in it. Characters are aligning more closely with the actors. You can hear the writers start leaning on Alyson Hannigan/Willow’s pov for some strong comedy.
(Don’t love incel COMIC RELIEF Xander though)
(Don’t love incel COMIC RELIEF Xander though)
October 24, 2025 at 9:30 PM
“Teacher’s Pet” doesn’t work. The elements don’t come together. But there’s good stuff in it. Characters are aligning more closely with the actors. You can hear the writers start leaning on Alyson Hannigan/Willow’s pov for some strong comedy.
(Don’t love incel COMIC RELIEF Xander though)
(Don’t love incel COMIC RELIEF Xander though)
If you want to check out The Thrilling Adventure Hour, this is your chance.
VERY FEW tix remain to the final shows of our 20th anniversary tour.
Links here: thrillingadventure.live
Starring @pftompkins.bsky.social @hallublin.com @joshuamalina.bsky.social @busyphilipps.bsky.social +more!
VERY FEW tix remain to the final shows of our 20th anniversary tour.
Links here: thrillingadventure.live
Starring @pftompkins.bsky.social @hallublin.com @joshuamalina.bsky.social @busyphilipps.bsky.social +more!
October 21, 2025 at 5:29 PM
If you want to check out The Thrilling Adventure Hour, this is your chance.
VERY FEW tix remain to the final shows of our 20th anniversary tour.
Links here: thrillingadventure.live
Starring @pftompkins.bsky.social @hallublin.com @joshuamalina.bsky.social @busyphilipps.bsky.social +more!
VERY FEW tix remain to the final shows of our 20th anniversary tour.
Links here: thrillingadventure.live
Starring @pftompkins.bsky.social @hallublin.com @joshuamalina.bsky.social @busyphilipps.bsky.social +more!
I'm off doing @thrillingadv.bsky.social things the next couple of weeks, so no new Writers Panel pods. I do, of course, have time to watch as many horror movies as possible. In this week's Re:Writing newsletter, some recs for your spooky viewing season: benblacker.substack.com/p/terror-mes...
October 21, 2025 at 5:17 PM
I'm off doing @thrillingadv.bsky.social things the next couple of weeks, so no new Writers Panel pods. I do, of course, have time to watch as many horror movies as possible. In this week's Re:Writing newsletter, some recs for your spooky viewing season: benblacker.substack.com/p/terror-mes...
In today's Writers Panel, the showrunners of DMV discuss pitching + selling the show, what they look for in samples when staffing, how comedy has changed since Friends and How I Met Your Mother (where each began), keeping inspired + more.
Listen: benblacker.substack.com/p/dana-klein...
Listen: benblacker.substack.com/p/dana-klein...
October 14, 2025 at 8:01 PM
In today's Writers Panel, the showrunners of DMV discuss pitching + selling the show, what they look for in samples when staffing, how comedy has changed since Friends and How I Met Your Mother (where each began), keeping inspired + more.
Listen: benblacker.substack.com/p/dana-klein...
Listen: benblacker.substack.com/p/dana-klein...
SHANE BLACK is back on the Writers Panel today to talk about his new movie, PLAY DIRTY, adapting Donald Westlake, how he pushes through imposter syndrome, respectful but playful actors, how production is just “shopping for ingredients” +lots more.
benblacker.substack.com/p/shane-blac...
benblacker.substack.com/p/shane-blac...
September 30, 2025 at 5:37 PM
SHANE BLACK is back on the Writers Panel today to talk about his new movie, PLAY DIRTY, adapting Donald Westlake, how he pushes through imposter syndrome, respectful but playful actors, how production is just “shopping for ingredients” +lots more.
benblacker.substack.com/p/shane-blac...
benblacker.substack.com/p/shane-blac...
I mean, she was really fun to write.
September 26, 2025 at 5:27 PM
I mean, she was really fun to write.
On today's Writers Panel, actor/writer/director/former NFL player NNAMDI ASOMUGHA discusses becoming an actor and now writer and producer, embracing new skills, imposter syndrome, teamwork + just how hard it really is to get a movie out into the world.
benblacker.substack.com/p/nnamdi-aso...
benblacker.substack.com/p/nnamdi-aso...
September 23, 2025 at 5:24 PM
On today's Writers Panel, actor/writer/director/former NFL player NNAMDI ASOMUGHA discusses becoming an actor and now writer and producer, embracing new skills, imposter syndrome, teamwork + just how hard it really is to get a movie out into the world.
benblacker.substack.com/p/nnamdi-aso...
benblacker.substack.com/p/nnamdi-aso...
Well then this is between them, isn't it?
September 19, 2025 at 6:54 PM
Well then this is between them, isn't it?
And this one, including the WELCOME BACK KOTTER GAME is over in less than a day. Put it out of its misery.
ebay.us/m/uE8i9d
ebay.us/m/uE8i9d
September 16, 2025 at 8:50 PM
And this one, including the WELCOME BACK KOTTER GAME is over in less than a day. Put it out of its misery.
ebay.us/m/uE8i9d
ebay.us/m/uE8i9d
The last @thrillingadv.bsky.social shows of our 20th anniversary tour in NY + London!
w @pftompkins.bsky.social @hallublin.com @joshuamalina.bsky.social @busyphilipps.bsky.social @autumnreeser.bsky.social @marcevanjackson.bsky.social + more!
Shows nearly sold out so act now: thrillingadventure.live
w @pftompkins.bsky.social @hallublin.com @joshuamalina.bsky.social @busyphilipps.bsky.social @autumnreeser.bsky.social @marcevanjackson.bsky.social + more!
Shows nearly sold out so act now: thrillingadventure.live
September 9, 2025 at 5:24 PM
The last @thrillingadv.bsky.social shows of our 20th anniversary tour in NY + London!
w @pftompkins.bsky.social @hallublin.com @joshuamalina.bsky.social @busyphilipps.bsky.social @autumnreeser.bsky.social @marcevanjackson.bsky.social + more!
Shows nearly sold out so act now: thrillingadventure.live
w @pftompkins.bsky.social @hallublin.com @joshuamalina.bsky.social @busyphilipps.bsky.social @autumnreeser.bsky.social @marcevanjackson.bsky.social + more!
Shows nearly sold out so act now: thrillingadventure.live
Seven minutes left on this one, friends. Don't let the current bidder get away with it.
www.ebay.com/itm/32674698...
www.ebay.com/itm/32674698...
September 2, 2025 at 10:46 PM
Seven minutes left on this one, friends. Don't let the current bidder get away with it.
www.ebay.com/itm/32674698...
www.ebay.com/itm/32674698...