This week on Buffy and the Art of Story: School Hard (Season 2 Episode 3 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer).

This podcast episode covers (1) very strong story structure despite no striking midpoint commitment by Buffy; (2) the concept of the worthy adversary; (3) mother-daughter conflict; (4) embedding story questions; and (5) so much foreshadowing about Spike (in the Spoiler section). 

As always, the discussion is spoiler-free, except at the end (with plenty of warning).

Next Up: Inca Mummy Girl S2 E4

Last Week:  Some Assembly Required S2 E2

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Additional Episode Links from School Hard

Interview of James Marsters on Buffering the Vampire Slayer

Season 2 Buffy DVDs

Buffy DVD Complete Box Set

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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 and the Q.C. Davis mysteries, as well as numerous short stories. She also writes non-fiction, including books on writing craft, under L.M. Lilly. She is the founder of WritingAsASecondCareer.com.

Episode Transcript for School Hard

Hello and welcome to the podcast Buffy and the Art of Story Season Two. If you love Buffy the Vampire Slayer and you love creating stories – or just taking them apart to see how they work – you’re in the right place.

I am Lisa M Lilly, author of the Awakening supernatural thriller series and the Q.C. Davis mysteries and founder of WritingAsASecondCareer.com

This week we’re talking about Season Two Episode Three School Hard, in which we meet Spike.

Story Elements Discussed

In particular, I'll talk about:

the story structure, which is very strong despite a subtle Midpoint that I almost missed;

the concept of the worthy adversary;

mother-daughter conflict, which is built so well and resolves so dramatically;

and so much foreshadowing about Spike (if you hang around for the spoiler section).

As always, there will be no Spoilers except at the end to talk about foreshadowing, but I'll give you plenty of warning.

Okay, let's dive into the Hellmouth.

School Hard was written by Joss Whedon and David Greenwalt and directed by John T. Kretchmer.

Opening Conflict In School Hard

Our Opening Conflict starts with Principal Snyder saying that some people say should think of the principal as your pal. He says to think of him as “your judge, jury and executioner.” He is in his office, and he's talking to two students, debating which causes more trouble.

And we see Buffy and Sheila, who we have not met before. Principal Snyder quickly brings us up to speed on her by saying that on the one hand, Buffy has never stabbed a horticulture teacher with a trowel.

Sheila smiles and corrects him that it was with pruning shears.

On the other hand, Principal Snyder says Sheila never burned down the school gym. Buffy tries to protest, saying the fire marshal said it could have been mice. And in my first quote of the week she says, “Mice that were smoking?”

Snyder tells them both that they are in charge of Parent-Teacher Night. The banners, the refreshments, making the student lounge friendly for adults. One of them asks what the winner gets (because they are ...