The Buffy Method

I've talked about how Angel doesn't really have seasons, since all of the episodes blend together. Buffy is almost the exact opposite. Buffy has very clearly defined seasons. So much so that there is a loose formula that each season follows. So I introduce :

The Buffy Method

Step 1: The first 1-3 episodes should deal with the previous season. Dealing with the aftermath of the giant fight, or repenting wrongs. Skip this step for the first season.

Step 2: The next 4-12 episodes establish what the season is about and set up the mindset of the characters in the season.

Step 3: Once the theme is established- enter big bad. The main villain will get an episode about him/her with lots of dramatic twist music cues.

Step 4: After the villain is introduced the next 10-15 episodes will continue with the theme of the season. The main villain will occasionally be involved in episodes, but for some reason stays mostly away.

Step 5: The final 2-3 episodes of a season are the big climax and short resolution. There is a final showdown, the main villain is defeated, probably killed.