Thursday, November 3, 2011

My Analytical Foundations

My final "30 Days of Buffy" post works as a perfect transition into my next endeavor. After looking at what I believe makes Buffy so great, I can look in greater depth at each episode of the show.

So, what happens when a teacher-to-be decides to analyze every episode of the Buffyverse but wants to be consistent in doing so? A rubric is created. I've worked for a few months now to come up with what it is that, for me, makes Buffy so great. This is the rubric that resulted:


Category
Description
Points Possible
Points Achieved
General Categories
Quotables
The episode contains significant or memorable quotes. These may be humorous or meaningful, monologue or dialogue.
15

Humor
The episode contains good humor. These may be essential to the episode or simple comic relief. Rated on their effectiveness. Extra weight given to true moments of Joss Whedon humor.
10

Character Development
The episode displays something new about one or more characters as individuals. This may be in the form of back story, new information, or character growth/decline.
15

Relationship Development
The episode displays something new about one or more relationships between two or more characters. This may be in the form of back story, new information, or relationship growth/decline.
10

Continuity Significance
The episode is important to past or future events in the series. This could be in the form of referring to past episodes, tying up loose ends, effective cliff-hanging, adding to the season’s story arc, or contributing to themes of the series as a whole.
15

Emotional Impact
The episode packs an emotional punch. The emotions of the characters are felt in the moment. The emotional draw is memorable.
20

Miscellaneous Pros
The episode has positive aspects not listed elsewhere.
5

The Extra Punch
These elements are a part of the cherry on top, things that bring a Buffy episode from good to great. At least 15 points must be achieved in this category for an episode to receive a perfect rating.
Significant Moment
The episode contains a particularly meaningful moment. This moment likely has the tendency to taint my subjective view of the episode as a whole.
10

Series-Changing Moment
The episode contains a moment that transforms some aspect of the series for a significant amount of time.
5

Foreshadowing
The episode contains a significant element of foreshadowing.
5

Risk
The episode successfully takes an artistic risk.
5

Plot Twist
The episode takes an unexpected turn.
5

Suspense
The episode keeps me at the edge of my seat. This may include significant cliff-hangers
5

Superb Acting
The episode contains moments where actors go above and beyond the call of duty.
5




Other discussion will include my overall thoughts/comments, miscellaneous pros/cons, episode quotes, and my favorite aspects of the episode.


Based on total points given in the above categories, the following grades will be given.
  • P : 90 points in General Categories, 15+ points in The Extra Punch, and no Miscellaneous Cons; a perfect episode
  • A+ : 100+ points, but not a perfect episode
  • A : 93-99 points
  • A- : 90-92 points
  • B+ : 88-89 points
  • B : 83-87 points
  • B- : 80-82 points
  • C+ : 78-79 points
  • C : 73-77 points
  • C- : 70-72 points
  • D+ : 68-69 points
  • D : 63-67 points
  • D- : 60-62 points
  • F : 59 or fewer points

No comments:

Post a Comment