In Listening To Fear (Buffy the Vampire Slayer S5 E9), Joyce prepares for brain surgery as a dangerous alien stalks her. The podcast episode recaps Listening To Fear, focusing on:

opening conflict grounded in Buffy's new normal – taking care of Joyce in the hospital;

Riley's disappearing act shows the audience his inner turmoil – and puts the gang in grave danger;

the challenges of a protagonist (Buffy) and antagonist (the demon from outer space) not knowing about each other until the episode climax; and

seemingly throwaway dialogue sows seeds so the audience buys later character choices and events.

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

Last Episode: Shadow S5 E8

Next Up: Into The Woods S5 E10

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Buffy and the Art of Story Season Two Part 2: Episodes 12-22 – How to Write About Love, Pyrrhic Victory, and Betrayal

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About Lisa M. Lilly

In addition to hosting the podcast Buffy and the Art of Story, 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.