The Gift S5 E22 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

Buffy and the Art of Story podcast cover
In The Gift (S5 E22 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Buffy faces off with Glory for the last time and Dawn’s life—and the fate of the world—hang in the balance. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) call backs that make The Gift a satisfying finale; (2) multiple series themes woven into Buffy’s struggle to save Dawn and the world; (3) exposition, conflict, and foreshadowing that fit the story and don’t slow the pace; (4) an unexpected climax that’s not between Glory and Buff...
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Spiral S5 E20 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

Buffy and the Art of Story podcast cover
In Spiral (S5 E20 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Buffy and friends flee from Glory across the desert in a camper and the Knights of Byzantium follow. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) how Spiral weaves in questions about Buffy’s escape plan, Ben’s & Glory’s origins and more to keep viewers engaged; (2) revealing exposition through conflict between Ben and a minion versus the near monologue General Gregor gives; (3) small moments that foreshadow the shocking end of ...
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Shadow S5 E8 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

This time on Buffy and the Art of Story, Shadow, where Joyce waits for answers and Buffy fights a cobra demon who could reveal the truth about Dawn. This podcast episode recaps Shadow (Season 5 Episode 8 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer) and focuses on: (1) the way the episode weaves the cobra demon main plot into the subplots about Riley's and Buffy's inner conflicts; (2) how Buffy's pursuit of the demon shows the viewers her emotional turmoil; (3) different ways to read Buffy's need to keep it t...
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No Place Like Home S5 E5 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)

No Place Like Home Podcast Episode Cover
The Buffy and the Art of Story podcast looks at story elements in No Place Like Home (Season 5 Episode 5 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), where Buffy strives to learn what's making her mother ill, confronts Dawn, and faces a new foe. This podcast episode recaps No Place Like Home, focusing on: (1) making life harder and harder (and harder) for the protagonist; (2) climax questions that reveal plot; (3) how to write an ephemeral antagonist; and (4) anger management as a theme. Spoiler-free...
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