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I watched "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" at the end of last year and then ordered "Angel". It arrived shortly into the new year. "Buffy" was a blind buy for me but I enjoyed it a lot. "Angel" is also a blind buy which I am going to watch for the first time now.
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Season 1
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Disc 1
City of ...
Synopsis: Angel left Buffy and Sunnydale because he can't be with her. After he moved into his basement apartment in L.A. he encounters Doyle, a half-demon. Doyle gets visions from "The Powers That Be" that show him which lives Angel must touch to find true salvation. It isn't enough to save lives, he must save the souls as well. During the attempt to help a waitress who is terrorized by a former friend of hers he meets a powerful vampire...
My Opinion: This "The Powers That Be"-arc comes a bit surprisingly because we've already known Angel for three years. But they had to find a way for being Angel not just a Buffy-replacement.
Lonely Hearts
Synopsis: A serial killer haunts the single bars of L.A.. It's a demon who needs a new body on a regular basis until he finds the right one. Angel decides to stop him.
My Opinion: I like this new female cop. It remains to be seen when she will find out who/what Angel really is. But that depends on whether she is a recurring character. I'd like that.
In the Dark
Synopsis: After Buffy took the "Gem of Amara" (a ring that makes a vampire invincible) from Spike she sends it to Angel. But Spike doesn't give up that easily and he follows the ring to L.A.
My Opinion: Love to see Spike bad-ass-phase again, before he became "Hostile 17", before the chip. I alos liked the decission to willingly destroy the ring instead of simply getting it lost somehow.
I Fall to Pieces
Synopsis: Angel helps a young woman who is stalked by her ex-boyfriend (strictly speaking they never were a pair). But this man is a surgeon with a very unique amputation technique.
My Opinion: Freak of the Week. Nothing exceptional.
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I'm going to enjoy reading your rundown of Angel! The same, but different. Some really cool stuff coming up, but I always hated the PTB angle; a whimsical Irish phrase forms the basis of the entire story? Luckily, I think they get better.
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Disc 2
RM W/A VU
Synopsis: Cordelia wants out of the grabage can which she has to call her apartment. Doyle, who has financial problems, makes a deal with Angel: Doyle organizes a new apartment for Cordelia and Angel helps him with his problems. But the apartment Doyle found is not really uninhabited.
My Opinion: Cordelia doesn't change at all - at least not yet. But it was cool to see how she talked the ghost out of her apartment.
Sense & Sensitivity
Synopsis: After Angel helped the cop Kate Lochley to bust a gangster, his attorney forces a senistivity training on the entrie police station. But the trainer has a very special teaching technique.
My Opinion: Angel on an emotional trip and he wants to express his feelings! Hard-ass cops who cry and hug each other. Liked it.
The Bachelor Party
Synopsis: As it comes out, Doyle is married. But his marriage failed because Doyle coulnd't handle being half-demon. Now his wife wants the divorce to marry another man - who is also a demon. But this one has special plans for his bachelor party.
My Opinion: This entire episode was meant to let Cordelia find out that Doyle is a half-demon - only that she didn't. They managed to avoid it somehow. But that aside, it was interesting to see "culturally integrated" demons.
I Will Remember You
Synopsis: The second part of the "Buffy" (4x08)/"Angel" crossovers. After Angel helped Buffy in Sunnydale without revealing himself, Buffy comes to L.A. to confront him. But then something happens which neither expected: Angel becomes human again - and that opens a can of possebillities for both.
My Opinion: Since I've watched all episodes of "Buffy" I could anticipate what would happen. But it was nonetheless nice to see Buffy again even when it didn't last long.
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Disc 3
Hero
Synopsis: A group of pure-blood demons who call themselves "The Scourge" hate all the half-demons and they try to destroy all of them because they "pollute" the demon blood. Angel & co try to help a group of refugees to escape from these demons.
My Opinion: Too bad that Doyle (Quinn) had to leave the show so early, that came a bit unexpected. On the other hand when it comes to Whedon you have to be aware that any main character could die at any time.
The parallels to the Nazis in this episode were quite obvious, although I have to say the the looks and the uniforms of the demons had a much closer resemblance to the Cromaggs from "Sliders" - but they were also characterized as similar to the Nazis.
Parting Gifts
Synopsis: While Angel and Cordelia mourn for their dead friend, Cordelia has to realize that she inherited something very special from him. Now she has the gift to get visions from the "Powers That Be" (PTB). Additionally there is a new demon hunter in town and he is after the newest client of Angel's.
My Opinion: Wesley?! That could become interesting. I presume he will give the show a humorous touch - at least that was my impression after seeing how he behaved in this episode. Let's see what they make of it.
Somnambulist
Synopsis: Angel dreams, that he is killing people again. As it soon becomes clear, this dreams become reality, but it isn't Angel who sucks the blood out of this people. But it is his fault.
My Opinion: Now that he is in the intro I am sure, Wesley (Alexis Denishof) will be a part of the show for quite some time. I also did wonder when someone from Angel's/Angelus's past would appear and I am counting on it that it will happen again. The fact that the detective now knows what Angel is should be a guarantee for some exciting events in the future.
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Now that he is in the intro I am sure, Wesley (Alexis Denishof) will be a part of the show for quite some time. I also did wonder when someone from Angel's/Angelus's past would appear and I am counting on it that it will happen again. The fact that the detective now now what Angel should be guarantee for some exciting events in the future.
:devil:
Just have a little faith, Karsten... ;D
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The fact that the detective now now what Angel should be guarantee for some exciting events in the future.
:bag:
Should have re-read this sentence.
I meant:
The fact that the detective now knows what Angel is should be a guarantee for some exciting events in the future.
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Disc 4
Expecting
Synopsis: Cordelia finally finds the time to go out again. She meets with a nice young guy in a bar and she invites him home. But when she wakes up the next morning, she is alone again - and pregnant in the ninth month.
My Opinion: I like it that they didn't forget about the ghost in Cordelia's apartment. And the OB/GYN won't forget their visit for quite some time.
She
Synopsis: Angel runs across a woman from another dimension who brings refugees from her into our dimension. But she is being hunted and they come closer.
My Opinion: This was a rather serious episode in comparison to the ones we've yet seen - even in comparison to the episode where Doyle died. It was a good change to the usual routine.
I'be Got You Under My Skin
Synopsis: After Cordelia got a vision, Angel saves a small boy from being hit by a car in the middle of the night. But then he has to realize that someone in that boy's family is possessed by an Ethros demon. Thus he has to find a priest who will do an exorcism.
My Opinion: Nice plot twist at the and of the episode. That was a bit unexpected.
The Prodigal
Synopsis: Kate's father is involved in some illegal smuggling but he doesn't know what he's gotten into. We also learn a lot about the time when Angel was still human and how he became a vampire.
My Opinion: The now-time was a standard-demon-kill-episode. But the flashbacks were interesting. We know some of his past from "Buffy" but this far back.
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Disc 5
The Ring
Synopsis: Angel gets lured into a trap by a new "client" and has to fight in a secret "sports event".
My Opinion: Those of you who know the episode "Tsunkatse" from "Star Trek: Voyager" or the episode "Combat" from "Smallville" should be familiar with the basic plot of this episode. With the exception that Angel or Clark are more believeable in that situation than 7 of 9 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/7_of_9).
Eternity
Synopsis: Someone tries to kill a very famous actress but Angel is there to prevent it. While Cordelia can't believe her luck to meet her, the actress can't believe that there is someone like Angel who has never even heard of her. But she also has a problem with the concept of aging and when she finds out, what Angel is, she decides to do something about it.
My Opinion: Angelus. "Nice" to see him again. This episode was most definitively a statement against drugs. But as a man I fail to understand why women have a problem with getting older. I've recently turned 30 and I couldn't care less.
Five By Five
Synopsis: The Slayer's back in town. Too bad that's the wrong one. Faith has come to L.A. and is hired by Wolfram & Hart to kill Angel. Additionally we see how Angel was cursed and how he got his soul back.
My Opinion: Faith can still sweep the floor with Angel. But I didn't like her appearance that much but that's mainly because I didn't like her in "Buffy" either. At least Wesley has become more serious.
Sanctuary
Synopsis: This episode continues where the last one left off. Faith is confused and has no idea what she is supposed to do. Wesley is understandably enraged and now the local police (meaning: Kate), a Watcher's Council commando unit and even Buffy is after her.
My Opinion: Unfortunately this is the last "Buffy"/"Angel" crossover until the "Buffy" series finale because "Buffy" ran on another network from the sixth season on. But I think the change of mind of Faith is hard to believe (given her history). But this was nonetheless an episode of serious decisions. I really liked it when Wesley stood up to the Council and also that Buffy can't rush into Angel's life and tell him how he has to live anymore.
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You didn't like Faith? :o
Which of those last two episodes featured the torture scene? I always felt that was the turning point for Wesley and I think you'll like what they do with his character from now on.
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You didn't like Faith? :o
Nope. Neither visually (I am always surprised when I see :drooling: in combination with the name Dushku) nor the character Faith.
Which of those last two episodes featured the torture scene? I always felt that was the turning point for Wesley and I think you'll like what they do with his character from now on.
That was 5by5 and I hope so.
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Although I usually like Joss Whedon's stuff I don't care for Angel; I particularly don't like Cordela. The first season was okay and I've watched quite a few episodes of the rest but can't ever seeing myself buying one.
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Faith :drooling:
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I wish I could have Faith... :devil:
[trying the joke for the second damn time] :tomato:
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Faith :drooling:
I see your :drooling: and raise you :drooling: :drooling:
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Disc 6
War Zone
Synopsis: A group of youngsters fights on their own account and with self-made weapons against vampires. But the vampires intend to strike back and to strike back hard. Angel has to intervene to prevent a bloodbath.
My Opinion: The words "gang warfare" gets a whole new meaning. But the leader of the humans had to learn the hard way that the price can be high and that it is sometimes too high. This episode shows that very impressively.
Blind Date
Synopsis: A young woman attacks Angel and she can practically anticipate his moves. But there is a catch: she is blind and shouldn't be able to see anything at all.
My Opinion: This reminded me a bit of Daredevil with the exception that she went blind voluntarily. Why? To be able to see more. Unfortunately the attempt of Lindsey to return to the path of righteousness didn't last long.
To Shanshu in L.A.
Synopsis: A demon is summoned by Wolfram & Hart to retrieve the scroll that Angel stole. Additionally he is supposed to hurt Angel's friends.
My Opinion: I wasn't aware of the fact that Darla - Angel's Sire (the vampire who created another vampire) - was dead. If they've mentioned it in "Buffy" I must have missed it. But aside from that the season finale wasn't that interesting. The reason for that is that Angel didn't have a season enemy like it was usual in "Buffy". But at least Lindsey was punished for his betrayal.
The Season - My Opiniotn: To be honest, I am not very thrilled. That it would be different than "Buffy" was a given. But the show hasn't fully taken off yet and I would say this season was weaker than any "Buffy" season. But at least they have given Angel a goal. Now they have to make sure that he gets there.
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I wasn't aware of the fact that Darla - Angel's Sire (the vampire who created another vampire) - was dead.
As far as I remember, she has been staked by Angel in Buffy Season 1 episode 7 "Angel". She has been dead since and was only seen in flashbacks thereafter until this Angel episode where she was resurrected.
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Season 2
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Disc 1
Judgement
Synopsis: After Angel accidentally killed the demon bodyguard of a young, pregnant woman he feels obliged to take his role. But the young woman wants nothing to do with hin. On the other hand she needs a champion for the tribunal she has to face.
My Opinion: Karaoke, I love karaoke. :) It was simply cute to see Angel croaking on that stage. And the jousting on the middle of the main road: great idea. I liked that episode.
PS: Addicted, what have you done to me? Everytime someone sings in an episode I can't help but to think of what you would think.
PPS: Did I mention that I bought the "Once More With Feeling" soundtrack? :D
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Are You Now, Or Have You Ever Been?
Synopsis: Something strange happened in the long-closed Hyperion Hotel. Angel has lived there in the 1950s and something is pulling him back there.
My Opinion: We have seen it in the first season due to Angel's age we are able to see flashbacks into former times and thus connect the past and the present. I've always liked that in "Highlander" and I did like it here, too.
First Impressions
Synopsis: Cordelia gets a vision of Gunn being in mortal danger, but she can't reach neither Angel nor Wesley. Because Angel has sweet dreams about Darla.
My Opinion: It looks like Darla is indeed becoming the season enemy and I think that could become very interesting. After all, Angel was the best enemy Buffy ever had.
Untouched
Synopsis: A young woman has extreme telekinetic abilities when she feels herself endangered. Angel tries to help but Wolfram & Hart has also an elaborated interest in her.
My Opinion: The Darla plot continues. But Angel is able to rain on the lawyer's parade. What I did notice (again) was the fact that in "Angel" much more humans get killed (I mean the humans that get killed by the good guys) than in "Buffy". Granted they are all bad guys but I noticed it anyway.
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LOL.... more times then not... I just ignore the singing... pay it very little (if any) attention. Goes in one ear and out the other. Though it is a bit more difficult when you have episodes like Once More with Feeling. :P
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Disc 2
Dear Boy
Synopsis: Angel runs into Darla "by coincidence" outside of his dreams. But she denies to be this "Darla" person. She even has a husband and can walk into the sunlight. But Angel is quite sure he has the right person in front of him.
My Opinion: Darla is a human again. This could be getting really interesting with her having a soul. And now we've met Drusilla in the past I think it's only a matter of episodes until Spike, I mean William the Bloody, also makes an appearance.
Guise Will Be Guise
Synopsis: Angel seeks for the help of Swami T'ish Magev who was recommended to him by Lorne (the host of the karaoke bar) to discuss his Darla-issue. With Angel being absent Wesley asumes the role of Angel without thinking and gets hired as a bodyguard.
My Opinion: Very funny! Wesley as a vampire and he did all the things a vampire couldn't have done. But it also showed that Wesley has aquired some decent fighting skills.
Darla
Synopsis: Darla - like Angel - has a problem with having a soul again. We see a lot of flashbacks into the past from before and after Angel got his soul back. Additionally she begs Angel to make her a vampire again.
My Opinion: The Darla plot has taken an unexpected turn. In the beginning I thought that she would be his enemy but I don't see how that would be possible anymore. Sadly, Spike didn't got more screen time but the episode wasn't about him after all. I nonetheless liked the fact that they involved the time when Spike killed his first Slayer. Things like this make a fictional universe more whole.
The Shroud of Rahmon
Synopsis: Gunn asks Angel for help because his cousing has gotten into a thing that is getting over his head. Thus Angel helps to rob the "Shroud of Rahmon", a shroud that drives people insane.
My Opinion: I seriously hope that Kate gets over her animosity against Angel. I think the reason why Angel could at least partly escape the effects of the shraud is because he has been fighting his inner demon for more than a century.
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Disc 3
The Trial
Synopsis: As it turns out, Darla has the same illness that she had before she became a vampire. And she will die from it - within the next months. Angel tries anything in his power to prevent that - except for making her a vampire again.
My Opinion: Full circle. Darla sired Angel. Angel sired Drusilla. And now did Drusilla sire Darla. I liked the tests (they had an Indiana Jones touch), but I'm asking myself what kind of guys did try it before Angel, because the first guy didn't really looked unbeatable.
Reunion
Synopsis: Cry havoc and let slip the dogs of war! Angel couldn't prevent the rising of Darla. Dru and Darla waltz through the city and leave a trail of blood and they do a massacre - just like Wolfram & Hart wanted them to do.
My Opinion: This episode totally proves the point I made earlier. Angel has let these people die - willingly, when he could have saved them. Let's see how that develops.
Redefinition
Synopsis: Angel fires Cordelia, Wesley and Gunn and goes on a hunt for his "relatives". In the meantime the three try to do what is supposed to be Angel's job: help the helpless.
My Opinion: Angel can be a badass even without being Angelus. But being on a campaign of vengeance has such results. But it is exciting to watch him.
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Disc 4
Blood Money
Synopsis: Angel tries to find out how a youth shelter is connected to Wolfram & Hart. As it turns out, W&H is hosting a charity party for the shelter, but they intend to keep a great deal of the collected money for themselves.
My Opinion: Nice trap that Lindsey walked into. And I, too, think the question is important: How ethical is it to take money from dubious sources and use it for god purposes. At least in this case the money is "clean" because W&H couldn't take any of it.
Happy Anniversary
Synopsis: A young physicist works on a formula that can "freeze time". But he has - without his knowledge - help from demons who have other plans with that invention.
My Opinion: What bugged me in this episode - or rather in Angel in general - is the mingling of demon world and human world. The demons are so obvious that nobody should be surprised anymore that they exist. Sunnydale was directly over a hellmouth but even there the humans had their bar and the demons had another. There hasn't been a demon that walks into a human bar and the barkeep says that he usually serves only vampires disguised as humans.
The Thin Dead Line
Synopsis: Angel and the other work separately on the same case: A group of cops is out there who arrest and beat up youths with no obvious reason. And they even keep talking after they got beheaded.
My Opinion: There's nothing better than a nice group of zombies. But it is obvious again that good intentions don't necessarily result in good deeds.
Reprise
Synopsis: Angel learns that one of the senior partners of W&H plans to visit the firm. But this "senior partner" is a demon from a hell dimension. Angel plans to kill him and the other partners.
My Opinion: This episode was really depressing, especially the end and the lift to the "home office".
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Disc 5
Epiphany
Synopsis: After Angel has slept with Darla it becomes clear that he hasn't lost his soul and he has got an epiphany. It is now obvious to him which road he has gone down and why. It also becomes obvious to him that he can't go any further this way. But it will be hard to return to his friends because they will soon be dead.
My Opinion: Can't Angel have normal sex like everyone else? ;) At least he has left his warpath. And it seems that the makers of "Angel" actually don't intend to create a season enemy and to defeat him in the end. But I like that, it makes it more unpredictable.
Disharmony
Synopsis: Harmony (who was turned into a vampire in Sunnydale) comes to L.A., to visit Cordelia. While she is staying Cordelia gets a vision of a vampire cult that is growing in numbers.
My Opinion: A very good fun episode with many moments where I had to laugh. It's good to see such an episode once in a while.
Dead End
Synopsis: Wolfram & Hart gives Lindsey a new human hand. But something is wrong with it. The hand has a life of its own and Lindsey tries to find out where this hand came from. During his investigation he runs across Angel.
My Opinion: Lindsey seems to leave L.A.. Let's see if this is permanent, I am not yet willing to believe that. I also wouldn't like it because I think he is a good enemy.
Belonging
Synopsis: After Cordelia got a vision she accidentally opens a portal and pulls a demon into our dimension. But this demon is a cousin of Lorne's. He helps the three to hunt down another demon that came through a similar portal. Gunn on the other hand has to pay his last respects to a good friend.
My Opinion: It's hard to have to choose between two groups, I know the feeling and it's a total lose-lose situation. But now I have to continue watching, I want to know where Cordelia went.
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Disc 6
Over the Rainbow
Synopsis: Cordelia was sucked into the home dimension of Lorne's, to Pylea. Humans are being held as slaves there and are the lowest of all creatures. Cordelia also finds herself in the position of being sold as a slave. But Angel and the gang find a way to Pylea but they can't be of any real help to her.
My Opinion: Interesting change. Nature and daylight. Definitively different than the usual metropolis and night. And Cordelia as a princess, that has to get funny.
Through the Looking Glass
Synopsis: The group gets more or less voluntarily separated, after the princess has annulled the death sentences. Lorne and Angel are going to Lorne's village and Gunn and Wesley can escape though a tunnel. Only Cordelia has to stay behind to fulfill her role as princess.
My Opinion: There was no doubt that the young girl would be Winifred "Fred", but Angel as a full-grown demon was really cool. IMHO, to kill Lorne was a bad idea.
There's No Place Like Plrtz Glrb
Synopsis: Lorne isn't as dead as it looked like. However the entire gang is in mortal danger because killers were sent after them and Cordelia will also die if the high priest wishes it.
My Opinion: That's the main advantage of watching-TV-shows-on-DVD, you don't have to wait another week to see how it continues. I really liked this three-parter because it really was a change, in matters of story as well as location. But the moment Angel walked happily into the hotel I knew they would bring the end of the fifth season of "Buffy" into it.
The Season - My Opinion: I liked this season way better than the first one. It wasn't what I expected but maybe that's the reason. Maybe I was to hard in my evaluation of the first because I compared it to much to a "Buffy" season.
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Season 3
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Disc 1
Heartthrob
Synopsis: "Angel" skips about the same time as "Buffy" did. Buffy has been dead for three months and Angel has been mourning in a monastery in Sri Lanka for about the same time. Now he's back and on his first hunt he kills an acquainted vampire before he recognizes her. But he also knows her boyfriend James and he wants vengeance.
My Opinion: On one hand I find it a pity that they jumped over these three months, on the other hand we would have only seen a broody and solitary Angel. The episode itself wasn't that interesting and a bit weak for a season opener.
That Vision Thing
Synopsis: Cordelia now gets visions that physically hurt her and several of it in a very short span of time. It is unclear why the "Powers That Be" would suddenly hurt Cordelia but Angel does anything in his powers to quickly finish the assignments.
My Opinion: I am quite interested in that prisoner. He could be a formidable enemy or we could never see him again, both is possible in "Angel". If it was not settled until now, now it's clear that it is a bad idea to try to blackmail Angel.
That Old Gang of Mine
Synopsis: A number of demons are arbitrarily killed and there is no pattern to be seen. Some of them are dangerous, some of them are totally harmless. As it turns out, Gunn's old gang is somehow involved in this.
My Opinion: I think it's historic irony that a group of black people tells other living beings that they don't belong here, that they have no right to live. Granted, demons are indeed no humans but blacks also were told that they were less worthy. The world is grey, it's not black/white and neither is it separable into good/evil.
Carpe Noctem
Synopsis: Angel and the gang investigate in a case were a number of men mysteriously died. Everything points to a certain gym - or to the building opposite of it.
My Opinion: I love body-switch episodes. They are always fun because the actors can behave in a way which their usual role doesn't allow. It's also nice to see the confusion that comes out of such switches. The best body-switch episode I've ever seen was a "Farscape" episode (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fD7Uah_QUY).
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Disc 2
Fredless
Synopsis: After Fred's parents have found her in Angel's hotel, she runs head over heels. Angel and her parents - who are oblivious to supernatural phenomena - try to find Fred. And of course they cross path with monsters.
My Opinion: Finally Fred has come out of her self-imprisonment, it couldn't have gone on like this. And I seriously liked the attitude of the parents.
Billy
Synopsis: The man who Angel freed from the demon prison is at large and he uses his evil powers. Both Angel and Cordelia feel obliged to stop him.
My Opinion: That was quick. It's good that Lilah shot the bastard but that shortens the list of possible Angel enemies.
Offspring
Synopsis: Darla is very advanced in her pregnancy and she makes an impact at Angel's hotel. Neither Darla, nor Angel nor Wolfram & Hart (who of course learn of her pregnancy) know how it's possible that a vampire becomes pregnant. And Angel's friends are very disappointed that he lied to them.
My Opinion: Cordelia has gotten her maternal instincts in the very wrong moment. I didn't understand her behaviour from the beginning. Hopefully this story with his son and the vampire hunter is a longer arc.
Quickening
Synopsis: Darla has gone into labour and the gang gets her into a normal hospital. But several different groups have an elaborated interest in getting their hands on both Darla and the child, among them W&H, a vampire cult and the vampire hunter Holtz, who has been ressurected by a demon.
My Opinion: Chosen children never had an easy life, we've seen this on "Xena", on "Star Wars" and it will be no different here. Holtz is obviously stronger than normal men but I get the suspicion that their struggle won't last long because Holtz won't stop hunting Darla/Angel and Angel won't hide from Holtz. I supect that the main plot of the next episodes will be to protect the child. This episode was a good appetizer for that.
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Disc 3
Lullaby
Synopsis: Angel is confronted by Holtz who manages to trap Angel for a short time. But then Lilah bursts in and unwittingly explains to Holtz that Angel has a soul now. In the meantime Darla's water is broken but she seems to be unable to give birth to the child.
My Opinion: Will Lorne's bar ever be re-opened? The episode was OK as an episode of transition.
Dad
Synopsis: As predicted, several groups are after the newborn child and Angel has to care for his son as a single parent. The others offer their help but Angel seems unwilling to accept it.
My Opinion: How suddenly the world changes when one becomes a father. It's also funny to see how adult people resort to baby babbling. And I like the name Connor.
Birthday
Synopsis: Cordelia gets once again a vision but this time she falls into a coma and awakes in an astral body beside her own. The demon Skip explains to her that a human body isn't strong enough to get the visions of the "Powers That Be" for a longer period of time. He gives her a choice, to die or to never have met Angel in L.A..
My Opinion: A "What if" episode. Cordelia has certainly come a long way since her days in Sunnydale or the beginning of "Angel". If you think back of how she despised demons. Not even Doyle dared to open up to her. That makes the step she took even bigger. But I seriously hope that there aren't too many side effects to this.
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Disc 4
Provider
Synopsis: For the first time in his live, Angel has to care for someone, someone that fully depends on him. This responsibility weighs heavy on him and because of this he tries to get new profitable jobs for the agency.
My Opinion: One has rarely seen that Angel handled earthly things and now he has to think about health care and college funds. It was fun to see him complaining about unpaid bills while he was staking vampires.
Waiting in the Wings
Synopsis: Angel and the gang are going to the ballet, in a performance which Angel has seen before, in 1890. But something is strangely familiar. The actors are the very same(!) as a hundred years ago.
My Opinion: I am torn regarding the relationship between Angel and Cordelia. On the one hand I'd really like to see them together but on the other hand I know it won't happen because of the curse. But Wesley clearly hesitates too much and thus it's partly his own fault.
Couplet
Synopsis: The Groosalugg (Cordelia's friend from Pylea) has come to L.A., because he has been cast out of Pylea. Cordelia is of course pleased to see him. In the meantime, Gunn and Fred are going together on a job.
My Opinion: Two relationships and two that are shut out. And both are noble enough the let the others go. As if this would be that easy. But I expect that Angel and Wesley will be soon distracted because of the translated prophecy: "The Father will kill the Son.".
Loyalty
Synopsis: To study their fighting techniques, Gunn and Fred are lured into a trap, into which they walk - but both can fight their way out of it. Wesley on the other hand fears for the life of Connor and he seeks the advice of Loa (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loa). But Loa only confirms his fears.
My Opinion: A talking plastic hamburger! When I saw that I had a positive reminiscence of a certain Marshmallow Man from "Ghostbusters". But I can't imagine that Angel would hurt Connor even if he knew that the cild would bring the end of the world. It remains the question of what Wesley is going to do, but I will know this evening.
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I didn't want to start another disc yesterday evening and so I decided to watch the episode "Angel" again.
Intermezzo
Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season 1: Episode 7: Angel
Synopsis: The Master is really angry because Buffy is killing so many vampires. He sends "The Three" after her and they nearly succeed if it weren't for Angel who intervents, but gets hurt. In Buffy's home it happens: Angel inadvertently shows his "true" face and now Buffy knows what he is: a vampire.
My Opinion: If Angel hadn't help, it wouldn't have gone well for Buffy. That's the reason I don't understand why the Master killed all of The Three. Skeletor killed only one of the mercenaries in "Masters of the Universe" to make his point. And I wished that Angel wouldn't have told Buffy that he has a soul. The entire conversation ("So, what happened?") went to fast in my opinion.
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Disc 5
Sleep Tight
Synopsis: The fight for Connor reaches a climax. Wesley kidnaps the boy to protect him but Holtz as well as Wolfram & Hart want him - alive. Sahjhan on the other hand wants him to be dead.
My Opinion: That Holtz would kidnap the child came unexpected - I love this unpredictability. But Wesley looked rather dead and the episode when Buffy's mother died ended similar. :(
Forgiving
Synopsis: Angel tries everything in his power to open a portal into the hell dimension Quor'Toth, to get his son back. And for this he would stop short before nothing.
My Opinion: Phew, Wesley is not dead - yet. But he and Angel don't have anything to say to each other for quite some time. My assumption is that the Holtz/Sahjhan arc is over for now.
Double or Nothing
Synopsis: Cordelia returns from her vacation but everything has changed. And then there is a certain boss of a casino who wants to collect a soul that was promised to him quite some time ago.
My Opinion: This episode was ok, but I had the feeling that it was a filler. The story was complete in itself, they haven't continued old stories and haven't begun new ones.
The Price
Synopsis: The dark magics Angel used to make Sahjhan solid had unexpected side effects. A swarm of very thirsty creatures tries to break out of the hotel to find water.
My Opinion: There's the new arc (I presume). Conner is back and he has grown a "little". When I saw this I was remined of Hope in "Xena". But what else could they have done with the baby... But except for the last third the story was only average.
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Disc 6
A New World
Synopsis: Connor has found a way back into this world but now he is a teenager under the name of Steven, a name Holtz gave him. Now he tries to find his way through this new world.
My Opinion: They screwed up with the fighting logic in this one and I simply can't let go of something like this. First Connor/Steven fights against Angel, Groo and Gunn and he doesn't look overburdened. Then he jumps off a bridge, 20, maybe 30 meters into the deep. But shortly after that he has a problem to handle four muggers from the streets. Such a thing rankles me over an entire episode.
Benediction
Synopsis: Holtz has also returned into our dimension and Steven regards him as his real father. But Holtz sends Steven to Angel, to learn from him.
My Opinion: Even in dying Holtz is still perfidious. In any case, father and son fight very well together - yet I fail to understand why they've change the camera work (e.g. bullet-time) in the middle of the series.
Tomorrow
Synopsis: Steven has only ostensibly returned to his father because he assumes that Angel has killed Holtz. Lorne doesn't trus Connor/Steven and has also taken a job in another city. Groo leaves Cordelia because he sees that she loves Angel. And Cordelia and Angel want to admit to each other that they love one another.
My Opinion: Wow. This group has fallen apart. Not only are they scatterd into all horizontal directions but also into heaven and hell. Cordelia's ascension into another plane of existence strongly reminded me of Daniel Jackson in Stargate SG-1's fifth (sixth?) season. If they are remotely similar then we won't have seen the last of her.
The Season - My Opinion: This season was like a roller coaster. Darla returns pregnant. Holtz hunts them. Connor is "born". Connor is lost in a hell dimension and returns. And in the middle of it is always Wolfram & Hart. Yes, that was exciting.
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Season 4
(http://doena-soft.de/phpdvdprofiler/images/thumbnails/5039036018678.4f.jpg)
Disc 1
Deep Down
Synopsis: Cordelia and Angel have vanished from the face of the Earth, Lorne is in Las Vegas, Wesley has a life of his own now. Three month have passed and Gunn and Fred try to keep the business running and to care for Connor. But they have never given up the search for their friends - neither has Wesley.
My Opinion: I really like the dark Wesley much more than the duffer he was back in "Buffy" and in the beginning of "Angel". That Angel would be found was obvious. At first I thought he would need some time to recover but they've found a nice way to remind us that he has spend a century in a hell dimension between the "Buffy" seasons 2 and 3.
Ground State
Synopsis: To find Cordelia, Angel plans to steal the "Axis of Pythia", a mystical object to find a soul no matter what dimension it is in. Gunn and Fred are of course helping. But there is another player involved who wants the Axis.
My Opinion: She looked like as if she'd belong to Magneto's group rather than Xavier's. ;) I liked it.
The House Always Wins
Synopsis: Angel decides to go to Las Vegas to visit Lorne and to convince him to return to L.A.. Unfortunately Lorne has got an offer he couldn't reject and soon Angel finds himself irresistibly attrected to the slot machines.
My Opinion: Angel is a Blues Brother! He puts the band back together! Only Wesley is missing but I have the feeling that it still may take a while before he comes back. It was an interesting list of people that Angel claimed to have met. And Andy Hallett's (Lorne) singing was gorgeous again.
Slouching Toward Bethlehem
Synopsis: Cordelia is back, but she has amnesia. She has no idea who or what Angel is or who she is. The gang cautiously tries to re-awaken the memories without going like a bull at a gate. Wolfram & Hart also learn of her return.
My Opinion: It was a lose-lose situation. If they would have been upfront I presume she would have run screaming. Let's see what Connor's plans for Cordelia are. I don't trust him and I have the suspicion that he'll do something to hurt Angel. Wesley blew it once again but as I said I like him as an outsider.
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Disc 2
Supersymmetry
Synopsis: Fred has returned to her work on physics and she has written an article that has been published. Now she is supposed to talk on a science conference where she meets her old professor.
My Opinion: Damn! I would have bet that there would be a plot twist and that the assistant is the true villain. Even though I haven't predicted the end, that makes the story weaker, because it was so straightforward.
Spin the Bottle
Synopsis: To return Cordelia's memories, Lorne gets hold of a potion. They conduct a certain ceremony. Unfortunately now everyone has lost his/her memories.
My Opinion: Don't get me wrong, the episode was good, even if it is a recurring plot in many Sci-Fi/Fantasy series. But I didn't understand why Wesley had to be there but not Connor. That felt forced. I also didn't understand why all people lost a different amount of years of memories.
Apocalypse, Nowish
Synopsis: Cordelia sees the apocalypse coming but it's not the apocalypse that Wolfram & Hart is planning. She and Connor run right into the demon who happens to appear in the very same alley Connor was "born". The gang, including Wesley try to kill the demon.
My Opinion: Cordelia, why? Can one break the heart of a vampire even if it doesn't beat anymore? It certainly looked that way. I like the new demon, it's bound to become interesting.
Habeas Corpses
Synopsis: The gang has to regroup after they've lost the last battle. And this time their attack leads directly into the heart of evil, Wolfram & Hart.
My Opinion: "So I will walk through the fire, cos where else can I turn?" Granted, Buffy sang this in "Once More, With Feeling" but I am sure Angel feels the same way now. While I really like the new demon because we/they know nothing about it, I don't like what the writers are doing with Cordelia. I hope she comes out of it, but so far Whedon's characters (nearly) always did.
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Disc 3
Long Day's Journey
Synopsis: Although the demon killed hundreds of people he seems more focussed on a certain group. Gwen - the electrically charged thief - watches when he kills a guy and pulls somtehing out of him. As it turns out he - the dead - was one of the five "Ta-Ret" and if he gets something from all of them he can shut down the sun, not metaphorically but literally.
My Opinion: Even if Angel has the answer I don't think he is the traitor of the group. I have the suspicion that it is Cordy who is somehow involved. Since her return she seems to be changed and I won't believe that she slept with Connor in a "End of the World" mood.
Awakening
Synopsis: Wesley brings someone that can remove Angel's soul. Angelus would re-emerge and they hope he can tell them how to defeat the demon. Unfortunately the demon has anticipated this move and tries to kill Angel(us).
My Opinion: I am so grateful for the end of the episode. If he would have lost his soul because he slept with Cordelia, I would have been frustrated. Angel can't be that stupid to make the same mistake twice. The quest for the sword did indeed remind me of "Indiana Jones", a fact that is also mentioned by Angelus in the next episode. ;)
Soulless
Synopsis: Angel's soul is put into a glas jar and Angelus is back. To get information Angelus is kept in a cell in the basement until he tells them what he knows about this demon. In the meantime he plays with the feelings of his "guards".
My Opinion: Angelus ist still good at this. What muds the water for me is the fact that his crossing with the demon was rather unimportant to him and very short. Which reason would Angel have to surpress that memory? If they (the writers) needed a reason to let Angelus return they should have come up with something better - if Angelus didn't lie or left something important out. And the stolen soul hardens my suspicions about Cordelia.
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Disc 4
Calvary
Synopsis: The gang is wondering who could have stolen the soul and if they have a traitor in their midst. Angelus is still a prisoner but he perfectly plays the mind games. Then Lilah arrives in the basement and she offers a deal to Angelus.
My Opinion: I knew it! But why had I to be right this time? I also knew somehow that Angelus wouldn't be really Angel after the spell. Nonetheless a good episode.
Salvage
Synopsis: Lilah is dead and Angelus is presumed the murderer. The last duty for Wesley left to do is to make sure that she won't rise as a vampire. But he also has another job, to get reinforcements: he brings the Vampire Slayer.
My Opinion: The son of two vampires is getting a child with who-knows-what-demon. Now it becomes really un-relaxing. But it is a bit suprising that they built up the big enemy over the entire season. If they follow the tradition of "Angel", Cordelia won't last until the season finale, but let's see.
Release
Synopsis: Faith is badly hurt after the fight with the demon, both physically as well as mentally. After Angelus has visted the hotel again both Cordelia and the gang try to find him and get him under control.
My Opinion: "Hearing voices no one else can hear isn't a good sign, even in the wizarding world." (Ron Weasley, "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets") Nice fight Wesley and Faith put up against Angelus but one has seen that she didn't fight wholeheartedly. Otherwise she would have swept the floor with him. Very thrilling. And Wesley can fill out an application for the CTU, they are also in L.A..
Orpheus
Synopsis: Angelus bit Faith but her blood was spiked with a drug. Now both lay in a coma and try to break out of a nightmare. Additionally, Willow has come from Sunnydale to re-implant Angel's soul.
My Opinion: Another exciting episode. A love this arc. The only drawback was that I already knew that Faith wouldn't die because she makes an appearance in the final episodes of "Buffy" which run parallel to this season of "Angel".
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Disc 5
Players
Synopsis: Gwen comes to the hotel to ask for Gunn's help. They try to rescue a little girl who is held captive by a japanese business man. But then everything is different.
My Opinion: Good out-of-the-arc episode, but I thought that Gunn and Fred had made up again. But finally Cordelia's cover has blown.
Inside Out
Synopsis: Cordelia has unwillingly unmasked herself but Conner didn't see it, thus rescueing and hiding her. The gang tries to find out if that is really Cordelia and what happened to her. And Angel has to prevent that the "child" is being born.
My Opinion: Tell me what you want, but I don't believe that they've planned this for several seasons. I think they made that up in the course of the fourth season and simply redefined former events for their purposes. Since Angelus has killed the demon we obviously have a new one now.
Shiny Happy People
Synopsis: The born "child" is a beautifil woman and everyone wants to praise her and honour her. Only a confused man in a street café thinks otherwise. The hotel soon becomes a temple for the worshippers.
My Opinion: What was that? The story drops from one episode to another from "very interesting" to "boring". I like Gina Torres, but I nearly dozed off.
The Magic Bullet
Synopsis: Fred has seen through the mask and she saw the true face of Jasmine. But she is hunted by Gunn and Wesley. Yet she has found a way to break though the mask to show people her true face.
My Opinion: It doesn't get better. OK, the majority of the gang is in the clear now, but kumbaya-Jasmine is simply boring. At least there are only 3 episodes left until the season ends.
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Disc 6
Sacrifice
Synopsis: The gang has to flee from Jasmine and Connor and hides in the sewers of the city. There they meet a group of people that has been there since the days the sun went dark. But there is another and older creature down there, too.
My Opinion: Jasmine is Rumpelstiltskin. Obviously the bad guys do not talk to each other. While Jasmine tries in L.A. to turn the world into paradise, the "First Evil" tries in Sunnydale to turn it into hell. But I liked the episode better than the last two.
Peace Out
Synopsis: Angel is in a dimension which Jasmine has visited before but the others are held prisoner in the very same cage Angelus was in. And today Jasmine wants to bring her message of peace to the entire world - via satellite TV.
My Opinion: That was surprisingly fast with Jasmine's demise and one episode to early. But Angel is right, one cannot force happiness. It may not be a perfect world, but it's our world, formed by our free will.
Home
Synopsis: Angel is offered the L.A. departement of Wolfram & Hart because he destroyed the Ideal World of Jasmine's. Of course he has no intentions of taking this offer.
My Opinion: If Wolfram & Hart really thinks they can control Angel, I think there's a big surprise waiting for them in the fifth season. But the tour was interesting.
The Season - My Opinion: I am in two minds about this season. I really don't like what the writers did to Cordelia and they didn't even wake her up at the end of the season. On the other hand her part was the most interesting. When she fell into the coma she took something with her and jasmine couldn't replace it. I hope Cordelia comes back as herself in the next season. They have built a foundation of why she can't be with Angel and thus avoiding that he gets a "moment of true happiness".
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Season 5
(http://doena-soft.de/phpdvdprofiler/images/thumbnails/5039036022903.4f.jpg)
Disc 1
Conviction
Synopsis: The gang tries to settle in with their new lives at Wolfram & Hart. Angels new assistant is Harmony who doesn't know yet about the fate of her friend Cordelia. Gunn is being re-clothed. And then there is this client of W&H's who threatens to kill all the people of California if he gets convicted for the crimes he has done.
My Opinion: Cordelia has left the show. :( On the other hand, Spike isn't as dead as it looked like at the end of "Buffy" - ok "not as dead" as a vampire can be who additionally is a ghost now. While I liked the season opener, it's pity that they lift Angel's restirctions more and more. The show loses its dark touch a bit. The idea to upload a lawyer's knowledge directly into Gunn's brain was very matrix-y but really cool.
Just Rewards
Synopsis: The gang uses the resources of W&H to find out what happend to Spike who isn't happy with his life as a ghost at all. Despite their mutual despise, Angel and Spike work together to stop a necromancer who gets his dead bodies via W&H.
My Opinion: One can feel how they both really like each other. I liked Spike back in "Buffy" and I like how he badgers Angel - this season has to be good.
Unleashed
Synopsis: A young femal jogger is bitten by a werewolf and the full moon will be up for another two days. Spike on the other hand has the problem that his essence is more frequently and longer being pulled into the direction of hell. He asks Fred for her help, to return him into a body of his own.
My Opinion: Spike won't be a ghost for the entire season, that much is certain now - in my opinion. I presume that he will return to his body within the next few episodes. The story about the werewolf was ok, but currently I am more interested in Spike. Unfortunately Angel has again abandoned a human - even if he had a werewolf bite - even though he knew that he would die. I still don't like that.
Hell Bound
Synopsis: Suddenly Spike is not only a ghost, now he is a ghost no one can see or hear. And he starts to see dead people who are disfigured.
My Opinion: "I never told anyone this, but I liked your poems." - "You like Barry Manilow." Yes, Spike gives the show a new spice. This foru episodes have already made me forget the last season and even Harmony fits in. I am just a bit sad that Angel doesn't belive in his mission anymore.
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I know I haven't really commented much here... but I been reading your posts... and I must say... you are getting me in the mood to watch Angel again!
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Disc 2
Life of the Party
Synopsis: Usually the Halloween party at Wolfram & Hart's is a big event. A lot of demon are coming, there's a ritual sacrifice and other enjoyable things. But this year no one is willing to come because they fear to walk into a trap of Angel's. Lorne restlessly tries to make this party happen.
My Opinion: I often thought if it were cool to not having to sleep anymore. The day would be 7 to 8 hours longer. Average episode.
The Cautionary Tale of Numero Cinco
Synopsis: Angel has to fight an Aztec demon who collects the hearts of heroes and who is looking for an amulet. In this fight he has the help of a mexican wrestler who has lost his four brothers in the fight against the demon.
My Opinion: A good episode to restore Angel's faith in heroes with the help of a guest character.
Lineage
Synopsis: Wesley's father is visiting him at Wolfram & Hart's. He tries to convince hime to join the newly refounded Watcher's Council. But then W&H is attacked by cyborg ninjas.
My Opinion: Now we know why Wesley has been so clumsy in the beginning. But we also see at the end how far he has come and that he is willing to make the hardest decisions. But I would like to know what memories the spell has erased/modified. If they have no recollection about Angel's son, what do they remember about the last two years?
Destiny
Synopsis: Spike has become corporeal but the universe doesn't take that lightly. Now there are two champions, two vampires with a soul, two persons that could be the one from the Shanshu prophecy. But there is a way to find out which one is the chosen one.
My Opinion: We are so lucky that the universe didn't collapse when Trelawney's prophecy could have meant Neville Longbottom and Harry Potter. ;) I liked the episode very much and the return of Lindsay came unexpected. Now the story becomes full circle with the first season.
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Disc 3
Harm's Way
Synopsis: Harmony doesn't feel like she is accepted, neither by Angel nor by her colleagues. When she awakes one day on the side of a dead man - bitten by a vampire - she panics because Angel has a zero tolerance policy when it comes to the killing of humans.
My Opinion: Very funny episode from the POV of a recurring character. But Angel does treat her very dismissively. Unfortunately it's hard to translate episode titles like this into other languages. German episode titles have a tendency to spoil the episode. Not only with this but most TV shows. For example: Imagine a science fiction show episode where someone makes a clone of himself but this would only be revealed at the end of the episode. The original title would be something like "Look Upon Yourself". Most likely the german title would be "Der Klon" ("The Clone").
And I am not alone (http://www.allabouthmpf.com/fs_synchro.htm) in that assessment.
Soul Purpose
Synopsis: Angel has more often and longer lasting dreams that tell him that he is not the chosen one of the Shanshu prophecy. Lindsey on the other hand represents himself to Spike as "Doyle" and declares that it was him who made Spike corporeal again and that he has visions from the "Powers That Be".
My Opinion: If they couldn't get Sarah Michelle Gellar Prinze for a guest appearance, they shouldn't have done this. It didn't felt real. But the rest of the episode was good, I liked the scene where Fred disembowels Angel like a shark.
PS: "Soul Purpose" was the only episode in "Angel" that one of the cast (David Boreanaz) directed.
Damage
Synopsis: A young woman with great strength escapes from a mental institution. As it turns out, she was one of the potential Slayers and is now - thanks to Willow's spell - a Vampire Slayer. Now she's after Spike whom she believes to be her former torturer.
My Opinion: Even Buffy thinks that it was a bad idea that Angel took the job of CEO at Wolfram & Hart's. The episode was average, but the self-reflection of Spike at the end and the appearance of 12 Slayers raised it a bit. It's sad that we haven't met Buffy personally, I thought there would be another crossover after the "Buffy" finale.
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Disc 4
You're Welcome
Synopsis: Cordelia finally awakens from her coma and instantly warns Angel because she had a vision. When Lindsey learns of this he takes up his role as "Doyle" again and tries to convince Spike that Cordy is evil. Then he tries to use a secret ewapon against Angel.
My Opinion: Cordy is dead. :( It was very nice to see her again but now it's final. But I have to say, I didn't miss her as much as I had expected, Spike is a very good replacement.
Still I want to make another remark. When I write these reviews, I read some background info (production notes, etc.) in parallel. I've read that originally it was planned that Sarah Michelle would make a guest appearance instead of Charisma. But Sarah declined and she was absent from the show for the entire season. Some say she wanted to put some distance between her and her role. That's a situation I don't comprehend. Who would know SMG if it weren't for "Buffy"? I know that certain images can stick for a lifetime (Leonard Nimoy - "I am not Spock") but I think that it is a bit ungrateful when you sever all strings.
But Charisma was a wonderful replacement and it remains the question if it would have worked as well with Sarah.
Why We Fight
Synopsis: A vampire threatens Angel's friends. Angel sired him when he already had a soul but it was under extraordinary circumstances during the second world war.. Angel remembers what happened back then.
My Opinion: Spike does has a thing with leather jackets. The episode was ok but the question of why Angel fights was answered neither in the past nor the present.
Smile Time
Synopsis: Several children fall into a stasis after they have been watching a breakfast children's show. Angel investigates in the TV studio but he returns changed.
My Opinion: This episode is based upon an idea that would have fit perfectly into "Farscape". And since I love "Farscape" I loved this episode. The Angel puppet (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/a/a4/S514_Angel.png) was great.
A Hole in the World
Synopsis: Somthing escapes from a sarcophagus from Fred's laboratory and it takes Fred as a host. If they can't get it out again, Fred will die. The gang tries everything to prevent exactly this.
My Opinion: The show comes to an end and Joss starts to kill off the characters. First Cordy, now Fred. And he doesn't seem to like relationships. He often tears them apart in a cruel way (Buffy-Angel, Willow-Tara, Xander-Anya, Angel-Cordy) and now Fred-Wesley. Let's see what happens with Illyria now.
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Disc 5
Shells
Synopsis: Fred is really dead and Illyria has posessed her body. There's no hope of Fred coming back - at least currently. In Angel's world death isn't as final as it seems to be. But Illyria plans to raise her army again.
My Opinion: Wesley has become very merciless even though he can't even remember some the events of the last year(s). Amy's mask and her accent are quite good - I wouldn't have recognized her. The connection between Fred/Illyria and Wesley doesn't seem to be totally broken, thus hope remains.
Underneath
Synopsis: Angel, Spike and Gunn try to rescue Lindsey from a hell dimension to get more knowledge about the coming apocalypse. But they have no idea in what kind of hell he is trapped in: he lives in suburbia.
My Opinion: Average episode. Nothing special happend, except for Gunn taking the path of the penitent.
Origin
Synopsis: An old prophecy shall become true. Connor is supposed to kill Sahjhan, the demon who sent him and Holtz into the Quor'Toth dimension. But thanks to Angel, Connor doesn't know anything about this past. Unfortunately the sorcerer who took that memory is exactly the same as the one who wants to see Sahjhan dead - and he has the power to give those memories back.
My Opinion: Loose ends get tied up. I've totally forgotten about the prophecy. But I feel sad for Wesley. Now he has not only to carry the grief of Fred's death but also the old knowledge of him kidnapping Angel's son and the new knowledge of having brought back those memories. He is evn more than Angel the tragic figure of this show.
Time Bomb
Synopsis: Illyria loses more frequently the control over her body and Angel loses more and more interest in helping the helpless but instead acts more and more like a real Wolfram & Hart employee.
My Opinion: I may be wrong, but I am quite certain that there is a plan behind Angel's actions - especially allowing that young woman to sign the contract. There are only three episodes left and I can't believe that Angel has another crisis of faith - especially since Cordelia has pulled him out of the last one. I wouldn't like that. Unless the show doesn't end with a bad surprise - in the "Buffy" comic "The Long Way Home" none of them is mentioned.
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Disc 6
The Girl in Question
Synopsis: Spike and Angel have to got to Rome, to retrieve the head of a demon clanlord. But there is not just the head in Rome, there is also The Immortal (and old enemy of two), Andrew, Dawn - and Buffy.
My Opinion: Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the episode. But it was another episode about Buffy without Buffy. This becomes a running gag without actually being funny.
Power Play
Synopsis: Angel's friends are more and more concerned about his actions. When the warden of the "Deeper Well" (the prison in which Illyria was held) comes to L.A. and accuses Angel of attempted assassination, they demand answers - including one to the question whether Angel had anything to do with the death of Fred.
My Opinion: Good episode that promises a thrilling finale. Luckily I was right. The show seems to end in a big bang but at least Angel isn't on the wrong side. Now I want to know who is going to die - that someone will die is to be expected by anyone who has seen the finale of "Buffy" and the movie "Serenity".
Not Fade Away
Synopsis: Angel and the gang plan to assassinate each and every member of the "Circle of the Black Thorn". Illyria and Lindsey join their mission in the knowledge that the Senior Partners's revenge will come swift and will be horrible.
My Opinion: "I take it the odds are against us and the situation is grim." (James T. Kirk, "Star Trek: Generations") Wow, what an exit. This was an excellent end to this series because it was no explicit end. Wesley's death was unfortunate but far better staged than the death of Anya. You can only wish that he will find the peace in death that he hasn't found in life. I have already ordered the comic book which will be released in July.
The Season - My Opinion: This was without doubt my favourite season of "Angel". The new setting, the changed situation and Spike did help a lot. Even more than in previous seasons the world has become grey instead of becoming more black/white.
The Series - My Opinion: I liked the series as a whole a great deal, although you have to (even more than in "Buffy") take leave from the idea that it could have played in our world. The demons were way to public for this. The series had a deadbeat in the middle (season 4) but recovered very well with the fifth season. In direct comparison to "Buffy" I prefer the latter one.