The One and Only Angel Season 5 Thread

[Guest Brian]

We'll switch things up for Season Three DVD club. How bout we do a disc per week, that way it's still three or four eps per week? Will more people be interested? Reply if you are.

 

Season 2 Overview, part 2:

 

In terms of character development, Lindsay progresses really well. He really gets obsessed with Angel and it's not really the law work that interests him, but rather getting it done so he can get to Angel. Then he moves to Darla, and starts to sour on the whole thing as they betray him.

 

2.7 Darla

Dru: "No. He's head's too full of you, grandmother."

Darla: "Stop calling me that."

She hits a chuckling Angelus and pulls him down the street.

Dru following: "Don't be cross. I could be your mummy."

 

Loneliness:Darla and Angel, kind of a reflection of each other, with Angel getting used to his soul and Darla trying to rid herself of her own.

Mirrors: Smashing the mirrors by Darla, another reference that plays to the Pylea Arc.

Going Evil: Angel seeking Darla when he had his soul is much like him seeking Darla in Reprise. Angel is looking for something to ground him, connect him to his existence.

Awesome how they tied in the idea from the favor in “Guise” with Darla asking for a favor from Angel.

The sun: Also not being able to follow her, running into the sun again.

Darla says her body is decaying.

 

2.8 Shroud of Rahmon

Loneliness: The power of the shroud, to drive you insane, isolate you.

Going Evil: Angel’s lust for human blood is awakened.

Gunn v. Angel: Been brewing for a while though kind of been put on the sideburner. Really comes out at times, and I think it’s one of the strongest attributes of the pre-Season 5 Gunn. Anyways, the shroud and character play allows for a lot of interaction. And Gunn not trusting Angel and Angel having to remind him who he was eerily reminiscent of what goes on with him being evil, and his demon-side in Pylea.

 

2.9 The Trial

Loneliness: All about Darla, and how she’s adjusting. And just when she adjusts, Angel loses her.

Holtz: First mention of Holtz in this episode, from a flashback in 1765.

The Butler asking Angel if the world was a better place without him would be much like the “Reprise” elevator scene.

 

2.10 Reunion

Loneliness: The trio left in the dark by Angel and Darla being turned, at least at first.

In “The Trial”, Darla accepts her fate, and she spends the first part trying to recapture what she had.

Going evil: Angel nearly turns his back on the vision, shuts the doors of the wine cellar, and fires the trio.

Evil Hand: I think Holland telling Lindsay to find some “healthy attachments” was reflective of him getting the hand.

Turning away from human contact was exactly what Doyle recommended against.

 

2.11 Redefinition:

Loneliness: Angel is still too close to Darla to kill her, managing only to light her on fire.

Going Evil: Angel’s not Angel, but not Angellus.

The War: This perspective of Angel will lead him to his revelation, that it’s not about the big picture but the little things.

Wes the leader: Wes takes charge when everyone wishes for Angel.

 

2.12 Blood Money

Mirror: Angel in Lilah’s rearview.

Going evil: The way Angel treats Anne, disregarding her just to go after Wolfram and Hart.

 

2.13 Happy Anniversary

Loneliness: Gene pretty much is it. But Angel also has the really cool line, “It’s a lot colder in here.”

Going good: Angel tries to connect with Gene.

Going evil: In the same respect, Angel saying that Gene was bad at love and nearly destroyed the world is a lot like him in Season 2 of Buffy, and would come into play in “Reprise”.

Shanshu: Angel realizing that he may not be able to be redeemed. And him trying to redeem Darla, and he eventually does when he saves Connor.

Wes the leader: Him going “Perry Mason” was tight.

 

2.14 Thin Dead Line:

Loneliness: Focus is still on Angel, who can’t reconcile with the group. And Merle telling him he didn’t care about anyone.

The Sharps: The eye gets some episodes to flesh out.

Gunn: Rondell tells him he ain’t been around to tell. Showing that Gunn is being disconnected.

 

2.15 Reprise

Reprise is really where it all comes together and turns the corner. Angel, learns that there is no big fight. He learns he can’t score a final victory. And he sinks himself into Darla, hoping to find something. Kate is downtrodden. Wes cuts off Virginia.

[Guest Brian]

2.16 Epiphany

Going Good: Angel definitely turns the corner here. Both the Darla and Kate scenes are awesome.

Wes the leader: Angel submits to Wes at the end of the show.

Gunn: I’ve said earlier that it’s a great part of his character when he clashes with Angel, because he still hasn’t accepted what he is.

 

2.17 Disharmony

Still reaccepting Angel, but not much else.

 

2.18 Dead End

Lindsay: The storyline comes to a boiling point now. Lindsay has no real attachment to Wolfram and Hart anymore.

Warm/Cold: Rudo was talking about this earlier for other shows, but the warm cold metaphor, as a vehicle for loneliness, is pretty good. It’s in Lindsay’s song.

Vision: They’re beginning to take their toll on Cordy, which we’ll see come into effect later.

 

2.19 Belonging

Loneliness for everyone, as there’s still a disjointed feeling with the group. Angel hasn’t found his place, Cordy’s playing through pain, Wes isn’t quite the leader and Gunn is kinda always out of place. George dying was especially pivotal for Gunn finding his way.

Mirrors: First scene out, in the restaurant. Awesome shot of the three, then pan over to reveal all four.

Suin: Angel trying to sunbathe in the artificial light.

 

2.20 Over the Rainbow

Loneliness: Angel coming back into the group has this nice moment of him making sure he doesn’t lose anyone. And Cordy all alone on the other side, as well as Fred.

Sun: Sun comes through in Pylea.

 

2.21 Through the Looking Glass

Loneliness:

Mirrors: Angel and the mirror in the opening scene. And the way the demon hits the reflection in the water, like it couldn’t stand to see itself much like Darla earlier on.

The horse: They go back to Angel riding the horse, a nice touch from Judgment.

Demon within: There’s something worse for Angel, something he’s been trying to control.

 

2.22 No Place Like Plrtz Glrb

Loneliness: Maybe the point is that you don’t have your place. Angel cam back, everything seemed content, the demon in control, and yet he was still alone. Buffy was at one point, his life.

[Guest Brian]

Season 2 Ratings:

 

2.16 Epiphany

Going Good: Angel definitely turns the corner here. Both the Darla and Kate scenes are awesome.

Wes the leader: Angel submits to Wes at the end of the show.

Gunn: I’ve said earlier that it’s a great part of his character when he clashes with Angel, because he still hasn’t accepted what he is.

 

2.17 Disharmony

Still reaccepting Angel, but not much else.

 

2.18 Dead End

Lindsay: The storyline comes to a boiling point now. Lindsay has no real attachment to Wolfram and Hart anymore.

Warm/Cold: Rudo was talking about this earlier for other shows, but the warm cold metaphor, as a vehicle for loneliness, is pretty good. It’s in Lindsay’s song.

Vision: They’re beginning to take their toll on Cordy, which we’ll see come into effect later.

 

2.19 Belonging

Loneliness for everyone, as there’s still a disjointed feeling with the group. Angel hasn’t found his place, Cordy’s playing through pain, Wes isn’t quite the leader and Gunn is kinda always out of place. George dying was especially pivotal for Gunn finding his way.

Mirrors: First scene out, in the restaurant. Awesome shot of the three, then pan over to reveal all four.

Suin: Angel trying to sunbathe in the artificial light.

 

2.20 Over the Rainbow

Loneliness: Angel coming back into the group has this nice moment of him making sure he doesn’t lose anyone. And Cordy all alone on the other side, as well as Fred.

Sun: Sun comes through in Pylea.

 

2.21 Through the Looking Glass

Loneliness:

Mirrors: Angel and the mirror in the opening scene. And the way the demon hits the reflection in the water, like it couldn’t stand to see itself much like Darla earlier on.

The horse: They go back to Angel riding the horse, a nice touch from Judgment.

Demon within: There’s something worse for Angel, something he’s been trying to control.

 

2.22 No Place Like Plrtz Glrb

Loneliness: Maybe the point is that you don’t have your place. Angel cam back, everything seemed content, the demon in control, and yet he was still alone. Buffy was at one point, his life.

[Guest Brian]

For Season Three, the deal is we'll do a disk for the week, and then people can shoot in comments at their own pace. Reply if you're in.

[RavishingRickRudo 0]

I'm in for Season 3, after this week I should be able to breeze right through it.

 

I wouldn't mind reading a essay-esque review of Season 2, hint hint, Brian. I think the 3 big themes are Lonliness/Being Alone, The Demon Within (literal and figurative), Hot/Cold. It would be interesting to see how Season 2 compares to all the other seasons in terms of depth of writing, because I don't even know if Buffy Season 5 has this level of themes (Family: Blood and Love, Death/Life).

[Guest Brian]

I might do a chunk of Season Three quick tomorrow. I making a nice dinner, fresh baguette and braised lamb shank, so I'll probably catch two episodes in betwen working the dough. If I can do that, I'll have an essay up later in the week.

[Mole 0]

Top 25 Episodes

Yeah, this is complete bullshit.

 

No "Spin the Bottle" or "Apocalypse Nowish."

[RavishingRickRudo 0]

Wow, they are absolutely retarded. I mean, shit, retarded.

[Guest Brian]

How the fuck did Disharmony get to number 8?

[RavishingRickRudo 0]

They like the comedy episodes, and not even the funny funny comedy episodes. Their ranking for NFA was criminal.

[RavishingRickRudo 0]

http://www.buffy.nu/article.php3?id_article=7644

 

This was actually a pretty good list (not ranked)

[Guest Brian]

No. 18 - That Ol' Gang of Mine

[RavishingRickRudo 0]

25: Through the Looking Glass

24: Harms Way

23: Billy

22:Guise

21: Loyalty

20: Reunion

19: Sleep Tight

18: That old Gang

17: Lullaby

16: To Shanshu

15: Salvage

14: Birthday

13: Room with a Vu

12: You're Welcome

11: Orpheus

10: Are you now

9: Not Fade Away

8: Disharmony

7: The House Always Wins

6: Somnabulist

5: Darla

4: Waiting in the Wings

3: Five by Five

2: AHITW

1: Smile Time

[Mole 0]

http://www.buffy.nu/article.php3?id_article=7644

 

This was actually a pretty good list (not ranked)

"Buffy vs Dracula" and "Selfless"?

 

Bah.

[Anya 0]

That is top 25 MOMENTS. Buffy vs. Dracula is there, rightfully so, for the very end when Dawn is shockingly introduced.

 

Selfless is there for the best jump cut in the history of the series. Besides, that ep is great. Easily top 10 best ever. Better than ANY Angel ep.

[RavishingRickRudo 0]

"Sorry, Darla, you saved me and I couldn't do the same for you"

 

EPIPHANY~!

 

3 times!

 

"Was I, was it, not good?" ("... No, it was good!" great spin on Buffys reaction to Angelus)

 

"We'll go again!"

 

Perfect Dispair. I love that Angel changed after he gave up, after he dropped all the weight on his shoulders, and that when he did the world didn't end.

 

This scene with Kate is good. No coincidence that he takes her in the shower where she is first to be baptized by the epiphanized Angel.

 

Cordy getting a vision before gets attacked - "THAT WAS HELPFUL!"

 

I need a double barrelled shotgun.

 

The yellow goo~!

 

Wes smiling and the look on his and Angels face, then quickly returning to "oh, right, I hate you". They give you a taste, but then takes the plate away.

 

"Actually, it's kinda funny, but I got a gut wound m'self." Boreanez is fucking god. "Hey, guess who stabbed me???" - "-Darla?"

 

"With your books... you were always so good with your books"

 

"But you don't, you don't know her at all." - Wes lecturing on Cordy is awesome. A turn towards champion Cordy, which is bad, but it still is good.

 

Gunn and Wes doing a handshake over and over again is sweet.

 

"They owe us money"

 

"Let's go"

 

Angel smiling after his lil bang joke. DAVE!

 

Lindsey hitting Angel with the truck, and the follow up, is one of the best scenes in Angel history. There is so much rage in it. Lindsey finally gets mad and even.

 

"One more thing, I'm toppling ovah"

 

I like that Angel writes like a grade 3 teacher in his "thanks" note to Lindsey.

 

"Nothing we do matters" (then all that matters is what we do)

 

I love Angel catching Cordy. Such an awesome moment.

[RavishingRickRudo 0]

"You and I are not friends"

 

OH DIS~! HARMONY!

 

"Do I HAVE TO say it?" "..Yeah"

 

Wes appears to be doing better pretty quickly.

 

 

... good for him

 

Harmony changing from norm to vamp to norm while Cordy is reaching over her, good stuff.

 

Harmony in a nightie? Gooder stuff. Go Denis!

 

The Harmony/Cordy/Lesbian shit is FANTAWESOME!

 

It's amazing how long they keep this up. "All this time I thought she was a great big LESBO! .. Oh yeah, really? Good for you" !!!!

 

It's funny how the difference between a an evil vampire and a popular teenage girl is a set of fangs.

 

Wes trying to kill Harmony (!!!)

 

"It's time to ACTUALIZE your POTENTIAL!"

 

The dramatic music when all of them are walking on the sidewalk and then Harmony being there - much akin to Cousin Eddie admiring the lights in Christmas Vacation.

 

WOW, Harmony just looked insanely fuckable in that shot. Around 30 min, 30-.40 secs.

 

"How long have you been fighting evil?" Jeez, had they just been nice to her for a second...

 

NOW Wes is selling it.

 

"You gave away my clothes!" "..To the needy"

 

Oh MAN, the look Angel has after he says "I'd never do that" is RIGHTEOUS.

 

I guess this does fit into the overall arc of lonliness and belonging and stuff. Kinda weak, though.

 

"You have, like, a GAY mans taste!"

 

"I have nu clothes!"

 

Another top 30 moment... 25... 20.. the look on Daves face, grinning like a motherfucker.

[Guest Brian]

I'm going to be posting Disc 1 of Season Three soon, if that's alright with you Rudo, or am I jumping too far ahead? Who else is in on Season Three?

[Mole 0]

Selfless is there for the best jump cut in the history of the series. Besides, that ep is great. Easily top 10 best ever. Better than ANY Angel ep.

I wonder if you pop pills everyday.

[RavishingRickRudo 0]

I should be able to catch up during the Xmas break, just start slowly

[Guest Brian]

OK. I'm going to post an ep everyday to get the first disk for the week.

 

Heartthrob does a really nice way of setting up the entire season. This season is all about love. From the very first moment there’s the question of how Angel’s reacting to Buffy’s death. You also have Elizabeth and James, the former telling the kid in the car if she’d be willing to sacrifice himself for the girl he loved. Because that’s what it is about, love is sacrifice for the next two seasons. Angel, sacrificing himself against Sahjahn to try and get him out of Quortoth, giving Connor a new life, and how James reacts in this episode. All about Love is sacrifice.

 

Cordy and the necklace that brings out her breasts and Wes and the dagger. Wes is getting badass.

 

Visions are taking their toll on Cordy.

 

Holtz! Motherfucking Holtz. They brought up the barn flashback from last season. I love Angelus’ reactions, “This is where love gets you.” I love the second half of the flashback. “Especially the wife, she repeated on us a few times. You know, I repeated on her a few times as well.” You know, it’s awesome that Holtz not only has the vampires running in fear of him but also the humans.

 

Wesley taking the money from Merle when he hears the price is gonna change. Getting badass.

 

“You mean back in the day.”

 

“The woman I love is dead.” And I love James questioning that. “You don’t know what love is.” Oh, but he will.

 

Heroic shot together. Than Darla. Pregnant. Awesome.

 

IMO, Season Three and Four are one whole, larger arc about love. From this episode, you get the love is sacrifice, which will come up again later in the season but also alot next season, including that final sacrifice. I know that by the time baby Connor comes around, Joss is going to leave me balling at times with how great it is to see Angel happy and how much of a horrible turn things are destined to take.

[Guest Brian]

Does anyone else find it realy interesting that not only in Season Two and Season Five of Buffy that not only does she have to kill the person she loves, but also that blood stops and ends the ritual?

[Guest Brian]

Boreanaz gets to flesh out a lot of the Angel character in this ep. He’s had five seasons to explore the whole character and this is it at its best.

 

I like the unassuming Chinese couple. Nice to see that once in a while.

 

It’s a good theme for the ep that someone can hack into Cordy’s visions, because it’s vital to the Jasmine situation. Could Jasmine have worked with Wolfram and Hart to manipulate Angel and Cordy?

 

A little mention of Lindsay. Nice touch.

 

Fred is motherfucking great. I love when she babbles.

 

Hints of the Gunn/Fred relationship, with Gunn calling her “cute”. And aren’t the fumigators planting cameras and bugs?

 

I love how Wolfram and Hart does things by the books, all legal and shit, then turns around and pulls the demon.

 

Angel sneaking up on Lilah, being all badass. That’s what I like, is that you get this badass side of Angel in this episode. Him throwing the pipe, especially after catching that slight glimpse of the psychic, then sneaking up on Lilah was so fucking cool. In fact, that whole mod scene was tight, with the two cars in a discreet location. And love the look Billy gives Angel.

 

I love Skip. He’s awesome. I like the whole natural lighting-feel of the fight.

 

You know, I don’t think the problem is that Cordy became a champion, it’s that she became too central for the show. Once it emerges that she and him are in love, she gets way too much focus. It’s nice when she’s got a niche in the group but when she gets as much a focus as “Angel”, it’s just not in her character or acting ability to hold such a role. I think that’s where the trouble lies, and not just that they misuse “champion”.

 

Darla is still awesome. Julie Benz is a goddess. I love it when she says not a very good one, in terms of Angel being a vampire, because that’s what the old man says in “Carpe Noctem”. And she’s heading to LA.

[Mole 0]

Does anyone else find it realy interesting that not only in Season Two and Season Five of Buffy that not only does she have to kill the person she loves, but also that blood stops and ends the ritual?

I'd like to respond to this, but I don't understand what you are saying.

[Guest Brian]

The Kafka ritual that Angellus performed required his blood to open the portal, and his blood to stop flowing for it to close. Same with Dawn. I thought it was interesting.

[Mole 0]

The Kafka ritual that Angellus performed required his blood to open the portal, and his blood to stop flowing for it to close. Same with Dawn. I thought it was interesting.

Oh okay.

 

Well it goes back to what Spike says. This is from memory, so it might not be 100% correct.

 

"Blood, blood is life."

 

Ahh, fuck it. I'm looking it up.

 

XANDER: Why blood? Why Dawn's blood? I mean, why couldn't it be like a, a lymph ritual?

SPIKE: 'Cause it's always got to be blood.

XANDER: We're not actually discussing dinner right now.

SPIKE: Blood is life, lackbrain. Why do you think we eat it? It's what keeps you going. Makes you warm. Makes you hard. Makes you other than dead. (quietly) Course it's her blood.

 

If you think about it, the series has a lot to do with blood. Without it, then there would be no reason for Buffy to kill vampires since they drink it.

 

I'd get into it more, but I'm sleepy. But you know what I'm saying.

[Guest Brian]

Oh definately, I just thought it was rather interesting.

[Guest Brian]

That Ol' Gang of Mine

 

I like how they start the episode where it seems like Angel is talking to Darla. But I’m cool with Merle. Especially how Angel’s telling him to take a shot and then uses the sanctuary spell. Because it’s all downhill from here.

 

Lorne needs to be added to the credits, by now.

 

I like how Gunn feels guilty about murdering his sister, because it plays well into his character dynamic, and the tension between him and Angel. Is this really the first demon-murder case they’ve dealt with? Because I’ve never noticed they played up this much tension before, especially when Gunn was in Caritas.

 

At least they’re playing up the tension, because it’s the only thing worth playing up. I loathe the dialogue in this episode. But it’s a strong point that was hinted at in Pylea and I like that they’re running with it.

 

“If I had killed Merle, would I have brought doughnuts?”

 

Ok, “demon or human bit” was nice, and the Rondell/Gunn scene was good. So I can’t totally hate on this episode.

 

When’s the last time they pulled out a gun? Was it Wes in Epiphany? And why does the punk get to carry the MOTHERFUCKING shotgun?

 

I love Wesley standing up. That’s awesome. Wes is just evolving. Talking about taking the bullet for Rondell. And Wes protecting Fred, all noble.

 

Oooh, I love when the demon keeps saying “oh god” and the other says “he ain’t listening”, because it’s so much like what Darla was saying back in “Dear Boy”, and what Angel was saying about the Powers That Be.

 

Lorne’s awesome, the bloody smile is a great touch. He’s reading things just a split second before they’re happening ,with the demon going big and Gunn shooting earlier.

 

Oh, I love Wes in this episode. Especially this:

 

Wesley: "This is madness. Angel has a soul."

Gio: "He's a vampire."

Wesley: "With a soul!"

Gio: "Whatever. - You think that makes him the same as us?"

Wesley: "No. Better. (To Gio) Better than you, anyway. When he did his pleasure killing he had no soul. You can make no such claim."

 

And I love Angel stepping up to the plate and telling Gunn to accept the demon within.

 

And I like the furies. And Fred’s pretty good.

 

And Wes is awesome lecturing Gunn.

 

Angel: "No. - You'll prove that I can trust you when day comes that you *have* to kill me - and you do." Can we say Angelus?

[AnonymousBroccoli 0]

This is a good line from Soul Purpose, at the end of the scene where Fred's scooping out Angel's insides during a dream:

 

 

FRED

Huh!

 

ANGEL

(nervously)

What's wrong?

 

FRED

Nothing. I can't seem to find anything wrong with you. I mean...

(bends over to look in his chest again)

...except that you're empty. There's nothing left. Just a shell.

[Mole 0]

That Ol' Gang of Mine

I'm not a big fan of this episode.

 

The scene with the gang in Lorne's club (can't think of the name) just goes on for too damn long.