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; ...
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Buffy Season 5
The Gift S5 E22 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)
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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The Weight Of The World S5 E21 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)
In The Weight Of The World (S5 E21 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Willow uses magic to reach a catatonic Buffy while the gang hunts for Dawn, who’s been captured by Glory. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on:
(1) conflict between Buffy’s friends that brings the audience up to speed; (2) a powerful main plot entirely in Buffy’s mind; (3) Glory and Dawn show what works best - showing or telling exposition, emotion, and character; and (4) it’s all about guilt - Ben’s, Glory’...
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Spiral S5 E20 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)
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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Intervention S5 E18 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)
In Intervention (Buffy the Vampire Slayer S5 E18), Buffy searches for meaning, Glory grills Spike, and the Scoobies meet the BuffyBot. Along with the recap, this podcast episode focuses on:
(1) how all plot and subplot roads meet at the BuffyBot; (2) Glory as a not very scary hell god; and (3) why the BuffyBot can slay and love but Buffy struggles.
Spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning).
Last Episode: Forever S5 E17
Next Up: Tough Love, S5 E19
Work On Your Story
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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...
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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...
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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 ...
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Buffy vs Dracula S5 E1 (Buffy and the Art of Story Podcast)
This time on Buffy and the Art of Story, Buffy vs Dracula (Season 5 Episode 1 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), where Buffy faces off against the famous count. This podcast episode looks at:
(1) Buffy as both protagonist and damsel in distress; (2) major plot turns that affect the pace; (3) how Buffy vs Dracula resets the series for the new season; and (4) gamechangers versus cliffhangers (with the gamechanger of all gamechangers at the episode end).
Spoiler-free, except at the end (with plen...
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