In Blood Ties (Buffy the Vampire Slayer S5 E13), Dawn learns the truth about her origins, no one keeps Spike in the loop, and Buffy faces Glory. Along with the breakdown of Blood Ties, this podcast episode focuses on:

(1)  how Blood Ties tells a fast, gripping story despite that Buffy and Glory don’t face off until the end; (2) the way Dawn’s arc deftly weaves subplot points and turns into the main plot; (3) story questions that keep viewers tuning in even after reveals about Dawn and Glory; and (4) creating a full and compelling story that stands alone and sets up the rest of the season without feeling complicated or busy.

Spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning).

Last Episode: Checkpoint S5 E12

Next Up: I Was Made To Love You S5 E14

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About Lisa M. Lilly

In addition to hosting the podcast Buffy and the Art of Story and being a huge fan of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and a story coach, Lisa M. Lilly is the author of the bestselling four-book Awakening supernatural thriller series as well as numerous short stories. She is currently writing the latest novel in her Q.C. Davis mysteries. Her non-fiction includes books on writing craft under L. M. Lilly. She also founded WritingAsASecondCareer.com.