This week on Buffy and the Art of Story – Pangs (Season 4 Episode 8 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), where Buffy strives to make a perfect Thanksgiving dinner and deal with an avenging spirit, Spike seeks help, and Angel lurks. This podcast episode looks at:

(1) weaving in exposition through conflict;

(2) clever dialogue that links one scene to the next seamlessly;

(3) whether the plot justifies Angel’s presence;

(4) characterization of Buffy that makes her obsession with Thanksgiving dinner work; and

(5) the interplay of tone and theme.

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

Next Up: I Will Remember You (Angel S1 E8 and Buffy crossover)

Last Episode: The Initiative (S4 E7)

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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. She also wrote the Q.C. Davis mysteries, as well as numerous short stories. Her non-fiction includes books on writing craft under L. M. Lilly. She also founded WritingAsASecondCareer.com.