War Zone S1 E20 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast – Angel)

Posted on June 29, 2026June 26, 2026 by admin

Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast Cover

In War Zone (S1 E20 of Angel), Angel gets in the middle of a war between vampires and street kids who hunt vampires, led by new character Charles Gunn. Along with the recap of War Zone, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) how well the origin story for new character Gunn works as a twentieth episode of Angel the series; (2) ways the plot and subplots connect through theme more than story; (3) how much practical reality should your fantasy hero deal with? and (4) the episode rating ...

Sanctuary S1 E19 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast – Angel)

Posted on June 15, 2026June 12, 2026 by admin

In Sanctuary (S1 E19 of Angel), Angel tries to help Faith save herself, Buffy has other ideas, and the Watcher's Council offers Wesley a deal. Along with the recap of Sanctuary, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) exposition revealed through strong, values-based conflict; (2) choosing what backstory to omit or include; (3) character growth for Faith and Wesley; (4) themes of redemption, empathy, and vengeance; and (5) the episode rating from 0 to 10. Check out The Awakening (...

Five By Five (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast – Angel)

Posted on June 1, 2026May 29, 2026 by admin

In Five By Five (S1 E18 of Angel), Angel strives to stop Faith after Wolfram & Hart hires her to assassinate him. Along with the recap of Five By Five, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) Angel and Wesley arcing in opposite directions; (2) creating a tightly written, interweaving plot and subplot; (3) themes expressed through conflict and action; and (4) the episode rating from 0 to 10. New Release by Lisa M. Lilly, The Desperate Man: https://lisalilly.com/desperate Do...

Who Are You Revisited (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast – Angel)

Posted on May 18, 2026May 15, 2026 by admin

In Who Are You (S1 E16 of Buffy), Faith makes a desperate bid to survive, devastating Buffy, in the second of two episodes that eventually lead to her visiting Los Angeles–and Angel. Along with the recap of Who Are You, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) is Faith both protagonist and antagonist? (2) weaving the season arc (about Adam) seamlessly into the Faith/Buffy main plot; (3) external obstacles that show Faith's internal conflict; and (4) how the body switching metaphor ...

This Year’s Girl Rerelease (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast – Angel)

Posted on May 4, 2026May 1, 2026 by admin

In This Year's Girl (S1 E15 of Buffy), Faith awakens from a coma in the first of two episodes that eventually lead to her visiting Los Angeles--and Angel. Along with the recap of This Year's Girl, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) telling the story and building character through setting and objects; (2) the opposite of Show Don’t Tell – powerful scenes and moments we don’t see; (3) strong conflict that conveys exposition without slowing the pace; and (4) who is the protagonist? ...

Eternity S1 E17 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast – Angel)

Posted on April 20, 2026April 17, 2026 by admin

In Eternity (S1 E17 of Angel), Angel is drawn to a popular actress he saves from a stalker, and when she learns his secret it could be deadly for everyone. Along with the recap of Eternity, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) whether Angel or the actress is the protagonist; (2) does the humor break Cordelia's character? (3) is this really how Angel's curse works? and (4) the episode rating from 0 to 10. New Release by Lisa M. Lilly, The Desperate Man: https://lisalilly.com/de...

The Ring S1 E16 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast – Angel)

Posted on April 6, 2026April 3, 2026 by admin

In The Ring (S1 E16 of Angel), a missing person case leads to Angel being enslaved by gamblers running a gladiator-like boxing ring of demons. Along with the recap of The Ring, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) themes of found family and leadership; (2) foreshadowing twists; (3) Cordelia and Wesley grow - separately and together; and (4) the episode rating from 0 to 10. Try The Awakening (Book 1) by Lisa M. Lilly free at https://lisalilly.com/free/ Download free Story St...

The Prodigal S1 E15 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast – Angel)

Posted on March 20, 2026 by admin

In The Prodigal (S1 E15 of Angel), Angel is haunted by visons from his past as he investigates Kate’s father, potentially changing her life forever. Along with the recap of The Prodigal, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) flashbacks that tell their own story; (2) themes about humanity; (3) is Wesley still a Watcher at heart? and (4) the episode rating from 0 to 10. Try The Awakening (Book 1) by Lisa M. Lilly free at https://lisalilly.com/free/ Download free Story Structur...

I’ve Got You Under My Skin S1 E14 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast – Angel)

Posted on March 9, 2026March 6, 2026 by admin

In I've Got You Under My Skin (S1 E14 of Angel), the team tries everything, including an exorcism, to help a family plagued by an ancient demon. Along with the recap of I've Got You Under My Skin, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) generic vs. layered characters; (2) what the soul means in the Buffyverse; (3) false and surprise endings; and (4) the episode rating from 0 to 10. Get The Awakening (Book 1) free at https://lisalilly.com/free/ Download free Story Structure wor...

She S1 E13 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast – Angel)

Posted on February 23, 2026February 20, 2026 by admin

In She (S1 E13 of Angel), Angel clashes with a woman warrior from another world fighting to save the enslaved women of her homeland. Along with the recap of She, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) the antagonist twist; (2) a slow moving plot; (3) unintentional themes about women and sexuality; and (4) the episode rating from 0 to 10. Get The Awakening (Book 1) free at https://lisalilly.com/free/ Download free Story Structure worksheets: https://www.lisalilly.com/worksheet...