Episode 60: Why stories need good dialogue

The Middleman and his co-conspirator Wendy discuss their job fighting monsters.

When two characters have an intense conversation, it deepens a story the way nothing else can. Dialogue is key to worldbuilding, and in this episode we talk to illustrious TV writer and showrunner Javier Grillo-Marxuach (The Middleman, The 100, The Dark Crystal) about how to do it right. We explore quippy barbs, fake accents, and what happens when every character in a story talks like they are the same person. That’s right: We’re having a dialogue…about dialogue. And yeah, it’s going to get meta.

Notes, Citations, & etc.

The Middleman, created by Javier Grillo-Marxuach

The Dark Crystal (2019 series), co-executive produced by Javier Grillo-Marxuach

Cowboy Beebop (upcoming Netflix series), co-executive produced by Javier Grillo-Marxuach

The 100 (2014 series), developed by Jason Rothenberg

& more citations to come!