In the Last 5 Buffy Episodes Ever Caleb is introduced and Faith comes to Sunnydale. These episodes wrap up Buffy the Vampire Slayer the series, but do they form their own separate story arc, too? Along with the recap of Chosen, this podcast episode focuses on:
(1) how well the major plot turns in Dirty Girls, Empty Places, Touched, End of Days, and Chosen work to bring the series to a close; (2) what events start and finish the 5-episode story arc; and (3) why the writers may have made the c...
Read More
podcast
Chosen S7 E22 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)
In Chosen (S7 E22 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Buffy, her friends, and the potentials bring the series to a close and engage in one final battle with The First. Along with the recap of Chosen, this podcast episode focuses on:
(1) the challenges of winding up a seven-season story; (2) deep character development that makes the finale gripping; (3) inconsistency that undermines some of the finale’s impact; (4) whether the scythe’s magic is too convenient; and (5) writing a happy endi...
Read More
End Of Days S7 E21 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)
In End of Days (S7 E21 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Buffy King-Arthurs the scythe from a rock, the gang tries to save wounded potentials, and Buffy faces Caleb again. Along with the recap of End of Days, this podcast episode focuses on:
(1) choosing which characters to highlight at the end; (2) indirect dialogue and actions that resolve character arcs; (3) whether Willow’s magic, Caleb’s strength, and another new character are consistent with Buffy's history; (4) the perils of new...
Read More
Touched S7 E20 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)
In Touched (S7 E20 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Faith takes over as the leader, Spike reaches out to Buffy, and disaster looms. Along with the recap of Touched, this podcast episode focuses on:
(1) the mayor and Giles as foils for one another; (2) the way The First evolves as a season antagonist; (3) Faith’s emotions, doubts, and growth shown through action and dialogue; (4) recurring episode themes; and (5) why some unanswered questions drive a story and others distract from ...
Read More
Empty Places S7 E19 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)
In Empty Places (S7 E19 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer) Faith takes the potentials on a night out and everyone pushes back against Buffy’s plan to attack Caleb again. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on:
(1) why an antagonist doesn't need to be a villain; (2) strong foreshadowing early in the story; (3) why Faith and Buffy's history affects how Buffy sees the conflicts and her choices; (4) what role grief plays in the final confrontation; and (5) what Empty Places sa...
Read More
Dirty Girls S7 E18 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)
In Dirty Girls, S7 E18, Faith arrives in Sunnydale and Buffy takes an army of potentials to battle a super-powered misogynistic preacher. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on:
(1) how to keep it fun when characters need to exchange information viewers already know; (2) foreshadowing a tragic climax; (3) how story structure affects pace; and (4) what Buffy's choices and Caleb's character say about the episode themes.
Get more content, including access to the se...
Read More
Orpheus Angel Crossover (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)
In Orpheus, Buffy/Angel crossover S4 E15, Angelus and Faith battle it out and Willow comes to L.A. to try to restore Angel’s soul. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on:
(1) Seemingly separate storylines that converge into one gripping plot; (2) how to use multiple characters as the antagonist and a group as a protagonist; (3) whether Willow is a different character on Angel than she is in Buffy Season 7; and (4) how dramatic irony adds tension and keeps the audienc...
Read More
Release Angel Crossover (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)
In Release, Angel crossover S4 E14, Faith and Angelus battle, Fred has a crisis, and Cordelia implores Connor to keep their secret. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on:
(1) how the writers draw on backstory from both Buffy and Angel; (2) true vs. false conflict; (3) many storylines – but is there a main plot? and (4) cliffhanger or gamechanger and when it matters.
Get more content, including access to the self-study course How To Plot Your Novel: Fr...
Read More
Salvage (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)
In Salvage (Angel crossover S4 E13), Angelus meets The Beast (a powerful demon terrorizing L.A.) and Wesley persuades to Faith break out of prison. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on:
(1) showing internal conflict (Wesley’s) through imagined dialogue; (2) who the protagonist is in a group with the same goal and two leaders (Wesley and Faith); (3) the challenges and pluses of a conflict engine character (Connor); and (4) subplots that resolve issues or raise stakes in...
Read More
Top And Bottom 5 Buffy Episodes Ever (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)
This podcast episode covers the Top 5 and Bottom 5 Buffy episodes ever, plus some Honorable Mentions. See if you agree. Happy Holidays and best wishes for the New Year!
Get more content, including access to the self-study course How To Plot Your Novel: From Idea To First Draft, by becoming a patron: https://www.patreon.com/lisamlilly
Download free Story Structure worksheets:
https://www.writingasasecondcareer.com/worksheets
Looking for a winter read? Try The Charming Man,...
Read More
