In Glory As The Big Bad (a bonus Buffy and the Art of Story podcast episode), host Lisa M. Lilly talks with Rachel Wharton of Kobo Writing Life about Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 5 and more. The conversation focuses on:
(1) Glory as a powerful, stereotypically feminine Big Bad who reflects series’ themes; (2) how the “Death Is Your Gift” message affects Buffy’s view of herself and her mission in Season 5; (3) whether Season 4 ranks as the least best season despite many excellent episodes; ...
Read More
Buffy and Spike
Forever S5 E17 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)
In Forever (Buffy the Vampire Slayer S5 E17), Angel returns and Dawn tries to resurrect her mother. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on:
(1) why Forever feels like a one-off but moves the season arc in so many ways; (2) real, genuine conflict between Tara and Willow arising from their values and foreshadowing Season 6; (3) how Buffy’s fears of being vulnerable drive Dawn to take desperate action and fuel a Buffy vs. Buffy subplot; and (4) characters who push against Dawn and...
Read More
The Body S5 E16 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)
In The Body (Buffy the Vampire Slayer S5 E16), Buffy and friends deal with Joyce’s death. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on:
(1) the group as protagonist and death as antagonist (2) storytelling through physicality, sounds, and lighting (3) whether The Body lacks metaphor or is entirely a metaphor (4) how and why The Body changes on rewatching and more.
Spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning).
Last Episode: I Was Made To Love You S5 E15
Next Up: F...
Read More
Crush S5 E14 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)
In Crush (Buffy the Vampire Slayer S5 E14), Buffy rejects Spike and Drusilla returns to Sunnydale set on bringing him back to his old self. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on:
(1) how his actions reveal a Spike vs. Spike subplot and his character growth; (2) why the story structure works well despite fluid, subtle major plot turns; (3) what keeps the pace fast though much of Crush focuses on overall Season 5 arcs; and (4) a podcast patron who dives into Buffy’s and Spike’s ...
Read More
Fool For Love S5 E7 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)
This time on Buffy and the Art of Story, Fool For Love (Season 5 Episode 7 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), where Buffy goes to Spike for answers about how he killed two slayers. This podcast episode recaps Fool For Love and focuses on:
(1) an origin story told in flashbacks; (2) Spike resolves his feelings for Buffy in a surprising way; (3) using action and setting changes to keep scenes moving; and (4) characters asking questions they don't truly want answered.
Spoiler-free, ex...
Read More
Spike Bonus S5 E4B (Buffy and the Art of Story podcast)
This time on Buffy and the Art of Story, a bonus podcast episode explores Spike v. Spike and his emotional arc in Out of My Mind (Season 5 Episode 4 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer). The episode looks at:
Major subplot plot turns
Spike's unconscious mind as the antagonist
Spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning).
Last Episode: Out of My Mind (S5 E4)
Next Up: No Place Like Home (S5 E5)
Work On Your Story
Download free Story Structure worksheets
Super Si...
Read More
Out of My Mind S5 E4 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)
This time on Buffy and the Art of Story, Out of My Mind (Season 5 Episode 4 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), where Riley has a crisis and Spike and Harmony team up to try to kill Buffy. This podcast episode looks at:
(1) blending episode and season-long stories; (2) building character through action; (3) the powerful difference between showing and telling; (4) revealing exposition through conflict; and (5) how to misdirect the audience.
Spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning)...
Read More
