Buffy and the Art of Story

In Untouched (S2 E4 of Angel), Angel tries to help a runaway teenager with uncontrolled telekinetic powers that Wolfram & Hart is trying to exploit. Along with the recap of Untouched, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) whether the growth of key character Bethany is believable; (2) does the Darla subplot distract from Bethany’s story? (3) when holding back information aids suspense and when it undermines it; (4) how to humanize a villain (Lilah); and (5) an episode rating from 0 to 10. Get mo

In First Impressions (S2 E3 of Angel), Cordelia’s vison shows Gunn in danger and she must help him herself. Along with the recap of First Impressions, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) how Angel and Gunn changed when we weren’t looking; (2) the costs and risks of being a protector; (3) storytelling through dreams; (4) weaving together plot, subplot, and theme; and (5) an episode rating from 0 to 10. For more help with your novel read or listen to The One-Year Novelist: A Week-By-Week Guide

In Are You Now or Have You Ever Been (S2 E2 of Angel), Angel asks the team to investigate an abandoned Hollywood hotel where it a darker version of Angel lived in the 1950s. Along with the recap of Are You Now or Have You Ever Been, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) themes of shame, forgiveness, and fear; (2) how the 1952 and present-day story weave together; (3) 1952 Angel as a transition between Angelus and Angel; and (4) the episode rating from 0 to 10. Check out Unmeasured Words: A Stor

In Judgment (S2 E1 of Angel), the Angel Investigations team is in top form until Angel makes a deadly mistake. Along with the recap of Judgment, this podcast episode focuses on: (1) how body language illustrates character growth; (2) foreshadowing that signals Angel and his team are on the wrong path; (3) a strong theme that all the same evokes little emotion; (4) why the woman Angel strives to protect doesn’t engage the audience; and (5) the episode rating from 0 to 10. Check out The Awakenin

At heart, are Willow Rosenberg and Rory Gilmore the same character? And why do so many fans love them both? This between-seasons podcast bonus episode focuses on: (1) how Rory and Willow differ in their love of books and learning; (2) a challenging Season 6 for both characters; (3) social skills, introversion, and having an extroverted, popular best friend; (4) comparing Rory’s ambition and Willow’s drive; and more. Check out The Awakening Complete Supernatural Thriller Series box set by Lisa

All of Angel Season 1 is covered this time on Buffy and the Art of Story. Along with a discussion of the plot turns for the entire season this podcast episode focuses on: (1) themes of disconnection, found families, mundane human evil, and more; (2) character growth for Angel, all the key characters, and side characters like Kate and Lindsey; (3) how Angel the series establishes a world that both differs and draws from the world of Buffy the Vampire Slayer; and (4) a rating of Season 1 as a who