This time on Buffy and the Art of Story, Shadow, where Joyce waits for answers and Buffy fights a cobra demon who could reveal the truth about Dawn. This podcast episode recaps Shadow (Season 5 Episode 8 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer) and focuses on:

(1) the way the episode weaves the cobra demon main plot into the subplots about Riley's and Buffy's inner conflicts; (2) how Buffy's pursuit of the demon shows the viewers her emotional turmoil; (3) different ways to read Buffy's need to keep it together v. Riley's need to be needed; and (4) more about Riley in a conversation with special guest Roberta Lipp.

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

Last Episode: Fool For Love S5 E7

Next Up: Listening To Fear S5 E9

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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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Buffy and the Art of Story Season One: Writing Better Fiction by Watching Buffy

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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.