Angel Season 5 Episode 1

J. August Richards would star in a short lived series of the same name as this episode ("Conviction") almost 3 years later.

T.J. Thyne, who plays a lawyer in the teaser to this episode, plays Dr. Jack Hodgins on Bones, which stars David Boreanaz.

In the DVD commentary, Joss mentions that for most of this episode the left side of Alexis' face paralyzed due to Bell's Palsy. This is why the right side of Wesley's face is almost always facing the camera, though at some points you can see Wes smiling on only one side.

Corbin Fries is the name of Joss's nephew.

In Episode 1.22 "To Shanshu In LA", Lindsey states that it is foretold that Wolfram & Hart would sever Angel's connection to "The Powers That Be". In many ways, this prophecy has come true: Angel now works for Wolfram & Hart, and with Cordelia in a coma, has no connection to "The Powers That Be".

Alexis Denisof has explained in an interview about the spell Angel used to make the rest of Team Angel forget about Connor and how it affects Wes, Fred, Gunn & Lorne: They all still remember the events of last year but to them they turned out a little differently and some of it is a little hazy to them, they all remember that they were fighting a little last year (mainly Wes & Gunn) but they're willing to put their differences aside to concentrate more on their mission. This also explains why Wesley is still dark and broody - like he has been since after betraying Team Angel by letting Holtz take Connor.

The fact that this episode takes place so soon after last season's finale marks a major departure from the normal conventions of the series. Normally new seasons on both Angel and Buffy the Vampire Slayer take place three months after the previous season ended.

Some of the props from The Magic Box from Buffy the Vampire Slayer were recycled to be used in Fred's lab.

This episode received a 4.4/7 in the overnight ratings, or roughly 5.2 million viewers.

The score music in the background in the teaser of this episode has the same melody heard throughout "City Of'"(1x01), including the music heard during the very similar teaser of that episode.

David Fury has said that originally James Marsters was going to be a recurring guest star. However, while negotiations for season 5 were being made, The WB told the producers that if James became a regular the odds of Angel being picked up for a fifth season would improve greatly.

James Marsters (Spike) has been added to the opening credits, he is the third and final Buffy the Vampire Slayer star to join the Angel cast.

David Boreanaz is now the only remaining original Angel cast member.

Mercedes McNab reprises her role as Harmony after being told to leave by Cordelia at the end of "Disharmony" (2x17).

Angel moves out of the Hyperion hotel after nearly 3 years of living there.

This episode marks the first time Joss Whedon has written and directed the season premiere since the pilot.

Charisma Carpenter and Vincent Kartheiser have been removed from the opening credits.