Angel

SOULESS

The Good;
Love Connor sticking it to the tourist vamps. The rest of the ep is very Hannibal Lecter (you should only watch Manhunter, the rest are crap) and it's interesting how it emotionally affects the rest of the team.

The Bad;
The whole idea of Angelus being able to remember something whilst Angel can't is stupid (it's reminiscent of Buffy not being able to read his thoughts in Earshot). That said you wonder does he know the truth about Dawn?

Best line:
Angelus (on Connor's Oedipal dilemma) "There should be a play"

Jeez, how did they get away with that?
An entire family wiped out

Apocalypses: 5

Angel Cliches
In disguise; 8

DB get's his shirt off; 12

Cheap Angel; 6

Fang Gang in bondage: When they bring back Angelus he's tied to the table. So why did they let him up?
Cordy: 5
Angel: 13
Wes: 6
Gunn; 4
Lorne; 4
Fred; 2

Fang gang knocked out:
Cordy: 13
Angel: 16
Wes: 5
Doyle; 1
Gunn; 1
Lorne; 4
Groo; 1

Kills: Connor kills at least 4 vamps. I know he's pretty much an unpopular character but he is heroic, fighting the good fight on the streets.
Cordy: 5 vamps, 3 demons
Angel; 41 vamps, 57 and 1/2 demons, 5 zombies, 8 humans
Doyle; 1 vamp
Wes; 12 demons+3 vamps, 5 zombies, 2 humans
Kate; 3 vamps
Faith; 16 vamps, 6 demons, 3 humans.
Gunn; 11 vamps+ 12 demons, 5 zombies, 1 human.
Groo; 1 demon
Fred; 3 vamp+ 1 demon, 5 zombies
Connor; 12 vamps, 5 zombies, 2 demons

Fang Gang go evil: Angel big time
Cordy: 2
Angel: 3
Gunn; 1
Wes; 1

Alternate Fang Gang:
Cordy: 4
Angel: 10
Fred; 2
Wes; 1
Gunn; 1

Characters killed: the poor Sver family
255

Recurring characters killed;
8;

Total number of Angel Investigations:
Angel, Gunn, Fred, Lorne, Wes, CC

Angel Investigations shot:
Angel: 11
Wes; 1

Packing heat;
Wes; 7
Doyle; 1
Angel; 3
Gunn; 1

Notches on Fang Gang bedpost: Wes and Fred kiss at last, the effective end of Frunn
Cordy: 5 ?+Wilson/Hacksaw Beast+Phantom Dennis+Groo+Connor
Angel: 5; Buffy, Darla and The Transcending Furies
Wes; 3; Virginia, the bleached blonde and Lilah
Gunn; 1 Fred
Fred; 1 Gunn
Groo; 1Cordy

Kinky dinky:
Angel refers to Buffy as a 'pistol'. He refers to his 'first nun' and the gypsy girl he got cursed for as a virgin. He thinks the sword in Angel's fantasy as phallic. He imagines Fred as a schoolgirl (as did Lilah) and thinks about bending her over the kitchen counter. Note when he remarks on 'different strokes' he moves his finger suggestively on the bar. He also comments on CC having a 'rack to write home about' which is certainly true. Angelus says he's sure that Angel like's CC on her knees and that Cordy looks good on everyone, is a screamer and a better ride than a Mustang. Angelus also claims he used to hear Fred and Gunn com-shuking but he might be lying. The rest of the gang find out about Connor and CC. CC offers herself to Angelus in return for his info. The translation of the Beast in ancient runes is 'big hard thing'.

Captain Subtext;
Angelus considers Angel 'candy-ass'.

Know the face, different character; 4

Parking garages;
6,

Buffy characters on Angel; 16
Wetherby, Collins and Smith. Angel, Cordy, Oz, Spike, Buffy, Wes, Faith, Darla, Dru, The Master, Anne, Willow and Harmony

Questions and observations;
When Angelus is teasing Wes he refers to Faith who is of course coming up. Angel refers to Oedipus which was also referenced in the Buffy ep 'The Puppet Show'. We see Angelus in Prussia in 1789 making his way to Austria. This places him just after Darla abandon's him to Holtz in the barn, they'd agreed to meet in Vienna.

Marks out of 10; 8/10 but it only get's better from here in.

Soulless was a very intriguing and entertaining episode of Angel. I really enjoyed this episode as we got to see more of the other side of Angel through the presence of Angelus who distorts the truth to hurt the gang. Everyone now knows about Cordelia and Conner which makes things awkward. I thought it was interesting to see how Angelus knew the Beast from the past, and the incorporation of the priestesses. I thought the ending was very mysterious and I really look forward to watching how the story plays out in the next episode. Now that Angel's soul is missing anything could happen!!!!!

Soulless is a brilliant episode that doesn't have much action and doesn't really develop the plot much but Angelus is such a good villain that you can't help but love it!



Angelus is just so creepy. Cordelia made a very good point about him here- "He lies with the truth". All throughout this episode he takes things and twists them around to make them perverted or evil. This has a very interesting effect on our characters and we can se how visibly shaken they get. Angelus can tear up relationships and cause violence without even lifting a finger. He's highly frightening and there's just an overall sense of fear in the cage scenes- he may be locked up but you know when he gets out it's going to be very, very bad. He reveals the gang's innermost secrets in the most grotesque fashion and you are constantly shocked at the things he says and the twists he puts on things. Another thing that makes him seem so powerful is that he just doesn't seem to care about what happens- he looks utterly nonchalent the entire episode. Not many villains can do that and get away with it- it just comes off phony but Angelus pulls it off. He also has a comeback for everything and the rest of the gang's words look silly next to his. His manipulation of the gang is excellent to watch.



The whole Gunn/Fred/Wesley love triangle is starting to irritate me though and I must admit Fred is the cause for a lot of it. She should just make a choice instead of playing with both their feelings. I thought Wesley was wrong here- he shouldn't have made a move on Fred when she was vulnerable and I agreed with Gunn on all accounts. Fred is with Gunn and Wesley should see that and accept it instead of continually throwing jealous looks about like a schoolboy.



Connor was another annoyance here with his whole "Angel is the cause of my problems" riff. He comes across just as a whining brat and I was so glad Angelus verbally assaulted him- someone needs to put that brat in his place and remind him he isn't centre of the universe.



Soulless is a frightening and sometimes disturbing episode that has you on the edge of your seat the whole way throughout. Angelus causes thrills all around and this episode should not be missed.

Soulless



We open with a shot of the newspaper. If there's a small blurb on the side of the newspaper that reads "Crime Wave Shut's Down City" what does the main headline read? Anyway, Connor fights some out-of-towners from Tucson. What are vampires doing living in Tucson? The sun is way hotter over there… I guess it's all the same to them. Anyway, on the BtVS episode that aired with parallel to this one (Showtime) Andrew asks why the Slayer is always female but he's wrong 'cause this episode starts off with a male Slayer. Connor has everything a Slayer has with a little bit extra. I gotta admit, I liked this scene very much. Back to the Gang. Wesley carefully places the Jar O' Soul in a wall safe as the rest look on. Wesley boosts morale by telling them all that if Angelus gets out he'll kill 'em all. Lorne mentions the puppy nailed to the wall that Giles told Buffy about in BB&B (I :heart: continuity) and apparently Cordelia saw it on the Omniscient Higher Plane Channel. Wesley tries to emphasize that Angelus will distort the truth and that all he wants is to turn them against each other I guess not even Wesley was paying attention to himself in this scene. Hee! Teddy Bear Picnic.



Exposicion A morir… er… um I mean Exposition Galore. Wesley and Angelus go back and forth but only do my ears perk up when Angelus mentions Faith. Yay. I :heart: continuity. Angelus ain't even in the same room with Gunn and yet he's managed to get to him too. Blah, blah, blah… Bony Fred. Blah, blah, blah…Bald Gunn. Blah, blah, blah…Cordy's boobs. Blah, blah, blah…Creepy Connor. But wait! Things get interesting when Angelus reveals that Cordelia "banged" Connor. Eeew. Connor comes in looking all cool and beaten up and he gets hit with a sock full of awkwardness as well. Heh. Now it's Fred and Gunn's turn to get picked on. Othello and Desdemona. Ha! Gunn enters holding a crossbow? If Angel can catch an arrow fired at him, while his back is turned, in mid-air don't you think that he'll be able to stop one fired at him up front? Then he'll have something to throw at you! Stupid Gunn. Fred then stupidly pushes the cart past the red line and naturally Angelus has her. Enter the hero with the brains. That's what you need people tranquilizers. Fred runs into Gunn's arms and Wesley is jealous like always. Wesley is doing some research then he starts to do some research on Fred's lips if you know what I mean. Too bad they're interrupted by Gunn who doesn't happen to see the kiss yet he still knows what went down. Aaand they fight. Wesley doesn't have his collapsible sword this time but he still manages to get a few hits. Fred also manages to hit Gunn's elbow with her face… Oh, that's not what happened? Ok, Gunn hit Fred then. Poor Fred everyone looks at Gunn with disgust 'cause he's black… Oh, that's not why? Ok, because he hit Fred then. Angelus got his way. Cut to Connor and Angelus. Blah, blah, blah… Cordy's easy. Blah, blah, blah…Darla. Blah, blah, blah… Daddy issues.



It's Cordelia's turn. She manages to get the info out of Angelus by giving him what he wants, her. Everyone wonders what she offered Angelus but Cordy ain't spilling the beans 'cause she's you know… evil. Angelus confesses that the Svear Priestesses banished the Beast and Gunn is the one who finds them. Cut to Pacoima, the Svear Priestesses' house to be exact too bad they're too late. Aww… little boy. Connor is greatly affected by the sight and Cordelia pretends that she is too. They're all out of ideas so they want to bring back Angel. Only thing is that the Jar o' Soul ain't there no more. Shocker. Cordelia tells Angelus that he won't be able to dive into those "nice ripe thighs" of hers. She goes up and sees that the soul's gone and she acts surprised 'cause she's you know… evil.

Soulless-Angel's soul has been removed, and Angelus has come to the fore. Now, in the middle of a city shrouded in eternal night, the gang must try to get information from one of the most dangerous vampires ever to roam the earth.



An very dark and impressive episode with a chilling performance from David. He immediately recaptures the sinister and cold attitude that made Angelus such a highlight in Buffy's 2nd season. It's great to see Angelus as he tortures the whole gang with the truth, yet using lies and deception to create tension in the group. Like the Gunn-Wesley-Fred triangle that been going on since last season and watching the tension explode between them is hard to watch. From Wesley kissing Fred for the first time, to Gunn walking in after it, to Wesley and Gunn fighting each other only for Fred to get hurt in the crossfire. There is also shocking scenes like Angelus strangling Fred, to Cordelia offering herself for him to the oracle family being found slaughtered. I got to say Wesley was solid throughout going toe to toe with words at Angelus, just goes to show how strong he has become with Alexis giving a wonderful performance. The episode ends with a big cliffhanger as just when the gang decides to bring Angel back, his soul is gone! All and All, a superb episode with strong acting, great writting and a lot of tension.

Like I said, I love Angelus. Granted, he is souless, manipulative killing machine, but hey everyone has their faults. Seriously though, whenever Angelus shows up you know it's going to be a good time.



The gang decided it would be a good idea to lose their hero in the middle of an apocalypse. Yeah, real smart. Angelus tries to make the gang turn on eachother and drive them crazy. They decide to put his soul back, but there is just one small problem. His soul is gone.



Overall the only thing this episode has going for it is that Angelus is in it. That's it.

The legendary Angelus is freed again, that'll end well! I get why they had to do it, totally necessary and completely warranted but you just know that Angelus will figure out a way to make them all regret it. "He lies with the truth", there's a lot of truth in that. All from his little cage Angelus manages to get Wes to make a move on Fred, bring Gunn and Wes to blows, blows Connor and Cordelia's big dirty secret, and almost manages to Connor to slip up. Thank goodness for Cordy though, this is the episode where I started to really think that something was up with Cordy. No way would she make that offer otherwise, not a chance.



But the big moment of the episode is the last, they somehow managed to lose Angel's soul.

Angelus is back, the ritual worked. This is definitely *not* a cause for celebration even though that is what the gang wanted. They find out the hardway that even when Angelus isnt maiming and murdering that he can cause a whole boatload of hurt by just running his mouth, which is what he loves to do a great deal of the time (just not about the right things) One by one he knocks eachof our characters on their butts with his scathing version of the truth and how he sees them. What finally causes him to open up with some real info is Cordy, she offers herself to him if he will give her the info to save the world. He tells her about some Priestesses who can banish the beast. Wes, Cor and Connor head out to Pacoima (yup) and find the priestesses and their family dead. A miss to say the least. They reconvene at the hotel and decide to restore Angels soul, and surprise...the Moa Ping holding the soul is GONE. Other things to note that happened in this ep: Fred kisses Wes and Gunn and Wes come to blows but unfortunately the blow hits Fred.

a very well written episode and angelus is back and now torturing everyone with words. he's so evil that guy!



angelus makes wesley feel misirable and makes gunn fight with fred and almost makes connor attack him. but cordelia is too strong for him and she makes him an offer but it turns out to be nothing. when they try to give him back his soul it's suddenyly gone. the episode was amazing so well written and it absorbes you in until it ends

Soulles



Another amazing season 4 episode. The episode that is mostly only talk and the dialog is amazing and ground braking. Angelus is evil and lies with the truth and it was awesome seeing him making everyone crazy. I love what they did to Connor again but Angelus did the most. His soul was stolen at the end of the episode. This episode is very tough to swallow for some people so you have to have a strong mind for it.



cut to Connor in a place fighting lots of vampires who just arrived to LA and Connor killed them but there are more coming. cut to the gang with Angel's soul and they don't know if they are doing the right thing and they put the soul in a jar. Wesley is going downstairs and he tells them not to let him play on their emotion and that he's smarter than them. Cut to Angelus in his cage singing.



the credits start



Cut to Wes in the addict talking to Angelus. Wesley says that he has waited for that moment for being with him and it's a game for Angel. Wesley asks about The Beast and Angelus says he doesn't know why Angel doesn't remember about The Beast. Angelus says that Angel killed the Beast in his fantasy and he knows that everyone wants something and says that Wes wants to impress Fred. The gang is watching and Fred and Gunn know what Angelus is talking about. Cordy says that Angelus lies with the truth. Angelus says that Wes isn't fooling anyone and that Wes is still the same loser. Wes goes very mad and he goes upstairs and Angelus isn't dumb and fall for any tricks of him. Then they talk about kids and then Wes begins to talk about Cordy and then Angel begins to talk bad about Cordy and then he says to everyone that Cordy banged Connor and then everyone else realised.



Then Connor arrives all bloody and there are too many to fight and everyone looks weird at him. Cut to Fred and Gunn going downstairs and Angelus says that Fred is inlove with Wesley. Fred is going to feed him and Angelus is a pig to them. Then Fred comes close but Angelus hits something that makes him grab her. Then Gunn tries to save her but Wesley shoots Angelus twice and then he lets Fred go and he falls on the ground. He tells Fred to never drop her weapon and Fred hugs Gunn. Cut to Connor and Cordy and she gives him Angel's clothes and he is going back and he says that everyone still looks at him and she says it was because they slept together. Connor doesn't care and he isn't gonna listen to Cordy.



Cut to Fred going over to Wesley and to than him for what he did. Fred says that there is nothing wrong and then Wes kisses her and she stops and then Gunn comes in and he noticed what was going on and he gets upset and asks what happened and he knows about Wesley. Angelus is listening and he says it was fast and Connor is going downstairs. Wes and Gunn keep fighting and he says Gunn can't give her what she wants and Gunn hits him and they fight and Gunn accidentally hits Fred. Then Cordy sees Connor going to Angel. He says that Cordy looks good on everybody. Angelus tells Connor about Darla that she killed herself and that Holtz killed himself because he was disappointing in him and now that Connor is inlove and that Cordy was like his mother. But Connor doesn't care what he says but that Angel isn't his real dad but Angelus is his real dad. Connor comes close but Cordy comes in and she tells Connor to go upstairs.



Cordy turns off the camera. she wants to make a change and she wants to give herself for information. Angelus is trying to forget how to be a champion and she says to tell her about the beast and she will give herself to him. Cut to Cordy telling then gang about what he is going to do but she doesn't tell what she did. Cut to Wesley talking to Angel and he begins to tell and all those bodies everywhere. And he says The Beast killing someone and he had been watching him and that there were some female priests and The Beast wanted Angelus to kill them but Angelus didn't want to join so the beast knocked him out but he heard something that those women wammied him and was banished. Then they find those women and are going to their home.



cut to the gang at the door but no one is home and they go inside and Connor sees pictures and the moms are priests and Cordy smells something and then she sees the dead family and the gang sees it too. They are too late again but Wes says that they are dead. They find that they were gonna try to get rid of him and Connor sees something about a dad's birthday and he runs out and pukes outside. Cordy sits next to him and he cries because it was a family and then they are attacked by vampires and they fight and one hits Cordy and a car bump’s into one and they go. Cut to the hotel and Angelus is singing and Lorne says they don't want to know what Angelus is thinking. The gang comes back and they say the bad news and Angelus doesn't know anything and they have to bring back Angel and Connor goes upstairs. Cordy goes downstairs and she says that everyone were dead and se says The Beast killed them. Angelus wants her now and she says that the deal was if he gave them information to save the world so he won't get her. Cordy says they are putting his soul back and he says it's not gonna happen and she says he’s never coming back and she says he's just a disease. Then she goes back and he says that the longer she pisses him off the longer he will keep her alive. she goes upstairs and the gang tell her that the soul is gone.



Black Out

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Best episode quotes:



Wesley: Angelus.

Angelus: Wes. Why the long face? Aren't you happy to see me?

Wesley: Should I be?

Angelus: Well, if it wasn't for you and your shaman friend, I wouldn't be here. I'm feeling the love.

Wesley: The choice was Angel's.

Angelus: Angel, schmangel. You're the man with the brain.

Wesley: You're comfortable?

Angelus: Nice acoustics. Wouldn't hate a chair.

Wesley: You'll have to forgive the accommodations. The last time you were free, you terrorized Sunnydale.

Angelus: That slayer- she's a pistol.

Wesley: I've imagined this moment many times. Years of study, research... I've read everything ever written about you...

Angelus: Stop, I'm blushing.

Wesley: To be one-on-one with the legendary Angelus. As a former watcher, it's a high point.

Angelus: Buttering me up. Getting me all relaxed, hm? Not the most innovative interrogation technique, but... OK, I'll play.

Wesley: Is it a game?

Angelus: Hey, open book. Anything you want to know. How sweet that virgin gypsy tasted. The special smell of a newborn's neck. My first nun- now that's a great story.

Wesley: We could start there.

Angelus: Don't be coy, Wes. You're just dying to know about the big Beastie. Fire away.

Wesley: All right. Did you know the beast?

Angelus: Well, now that's a question. Not a great question. Not even an insightful question. Not a Wyndham-Pryce-worthy question-

Wesley: If you knew the Beast, why wouldn't Angel remember?

Angelus: I don't know. Maybe he doesn't remember the good times. Maybe he won't let himself. So like him. Here's one for you: what's he deal with Angel and the Raiders of the Lost Ark?

Wesley: The movie?

Angelus: The "perfect day" fantasy he came up with. Caves, booby traps, the requisite phallic sword.

Wesley: He fought the Beast in the fantasy?

Angelus: Real candy-ass.

Wesley: The Beast?

Angelus: Angel. Not enough to be the hero- couldn't be happy unless the whole gang's pitching in.

Wesley: So, he killed the Beast in this fantasy.

Angelus: Had to. To get what he wanted. We all want something, Wes. It's the way of the world. Everybody's got an agenda.

Wesley: And you want to tell me mine.

Angelus: You want to come down here, get your vital stats on lava boy, play the big hero-

Wesley: I want to know how to kill the Beast. It has nothing to do with being a hero.

Angelus: Sure it does, but why now? Can't be because there's an apocalypse coming- always one of those around the corner.

Wesley: Enlighten me.

Angelus: "Foul rag-and-bone shop of the heart." That's where you live.

Wesley: Meaning?

Angelus: You want to impress the girl. Move in, get her to love you, and after a couple days of flowers and chocolate covered cherries, you'll bend her over the kitchen counter-

Wesley: That supposed to rattle me?

Angelus: Kinda bony for my taste, but different strokes...

Wesley: The Beast called you an adversary.

Angelus: Bet he loves to rub that shiny bald head against her soft, milky skin. Mmmm...good... Come on, Wes. Not like your schoolgirl crush is a secret.

Fred: Charles, remember, we can't believe anything Angelus says.

Gunn: How 'bout the stuff that's true? (looks at Fred) Can we believe that?

Cordelia: He distorts everything. He lies with the truth. It's part of what makes him so dangerous.

Lorne: Yeah, don't let him get to you, kiwi.

Gunn: He's not the only one that's gettin'.

Fred: Charles...

Gunn: I know. I know.

Fred: It's just words.

Wesley: You've found a vulnerability, exploited it. Well done. Can we move on now?

Angelus: I'm just getting started. Tell you this- all that digging you've been doing on the horny giant- wrong place.

Wesley: And the right place?

Angelus: I could tell you. Wouldn't be sporting.

Wesley: But you were adversaries- you and the Beast.

Angelus: Guy like me... friends, enemies...hard to keep track.

Wesley: If he was an enemy, I'd be doing you a favor in destroying him.

Angelus: You know, you're not fooling anyone. Get some new clothes, cool haircut, hit the gym- you're still the same loser none of the other kids wanted to sit with at lunch.

Wesley: Yet you're locked in that cage, and I'm out here.

Angelus: So? You've got no leverage. What are you going to do? Kill me?

Wesley: If I have to.

Angelus: Wait 'til they drop, Wes, then try that line again.

Wesley: I'll put your soul back. You won't talk, no problem- we'll bring Angel back and be no worse off than we were.

Angelus: Making you a failure again.

Wesley: You want to waste my time, you can rot down here.

Angelus: Nice stamina, Wes. No wonder Fred's not interested.

Wesley: Whatever your connection to the Beast, clearly you don't know anything that can help us.

Angelus: Is this the part where I'm supposed to get defensive, start talking to prove you wrong? What else you got?

Wesley: You must hate it- that Angel fights evil.

Angelus: Eats you up inside, doesn't it. Seeing all those idiots flock around him, calling him a champion. Anyone ever call you a champion?

Wesley: I do my part.

Angelus: Right. Like letting Lilah suck Lorne's brain. Or, here's an oldie but a goodie: Faith. Good job being her watcher. She turned out to be a peach.

Wesley: And you managed to get your soul back, not once, but twice, saving the world several times in the process. Nobody's perfect.

Angelus: Then there's kidnapping the fruit of my loins. Smooth.

Wesley: He survived.

Angelus: I guess you just can't understand that special bond between dad and son, given that your own father's ashamed of you-

Wesley: And Connor's ashamed of you. The universe's way of maintaining order, I guess.

Angelus: Twerp really gives me the creeps. You?

Wesley: In Cordelia's vision, you and the Beast were standing on a field-

Angelus: Oh, God, yeah. Let's talk about Cordy, shall we? Now, there's a rack to write home about. Too bad about the personality, though. "Yap, yap, yap, yap, yap! Oh, God. Oh, Angel. Angel, we can't. I love you, but you were so bad. You ate babies." Chicks.

Lorne: Sticks and stones, sweet potato.

Gunn: We don't have to l-

Cordelia: No, I'm OK.

Fred: Like you said- just little bitty bits of truth twisted all up into lies.

Angelus: Which do you think is worse, Wes? Stealing my kid like you did, or banging him, like Cordelia. All that bumping and grinding. Fire raining in the sky. Quite a picture. Well, more of a snapshot, 'cause Connor-

Fred: Now, that's just ridiculous. Connor's Angel's son. It'd be like sleeping with your own- Oh.

Angelus: At least you thought you were doing the right thing. Hey, who's a guy gotta kill to get a drink around here?

Cordelia: Connor, what happened? Are you all right?

Connor: They're coming from all over. Too many to fight. What?

Wesley: He wants blood.

Fred: I'll get it.

Gunn: Me too.

Angelus: Othello and Desdemona. My favorite couple. Oh, wait, Desdemona wasn't in love with the other guy. So much for stand by your man. Then again, you probably like her on her knees.

Gunn: Keep talking. I'll sweep out the cage when I'm done.

Angelus: Oh. Provocative. Get me all riled up. You think that's what your boss would want?

Gunn: Don't have a boss.

Angelus: You might want to tell Wesley that. Ah, Fred. You look all fresh and sweet, but I hear you at night in your room with Gunn. The things you say. I'm lying there, listening, hands under the covers... I can't help myself. It's so... gripping.

Gunn: This coming from a guy who can't get any. Ever.

Fred: You're a pig.

Gunn: Step back.

Angelus: Might get some now. I like the way you move, Fred. Do it just a little to the left.

Fred: Charles...

Gunn: Get off her!

Angelus: Come on, Charles, save her! Come on! Save, her Charles!-

Gunn: Are you OK? Did he hurt you?

Fred: No. I'm sorry. That was so stupid, I- I should've-

Wesley: It's not your fault. Angelus is unpredictable. He'll take any opening, no matter how small. It's understandable, but you played right into his hands. Never drop your weapon.

Fred: Thanks.

Gunn: So you're OK?

Fred: Yeah. I'm just glad you're here.



Cordelia: Hope you, uh, like black.

Connor: Thanks. This is his.

Cordelia: Well, if you don't like it, I could ask Lorne.

Connor: It's fine.

Cordelia: You're not going back out.

Connor: Somebody has to.

Cordelia: Connor, you're exhausted. You said yourself there were too many-

Connor: I want to get out of here, OK? Everybody still looks at me like I'm the one who's connected to the Beast.

Cordelia: No. The looking earlier- that wasn't about the Beast. It was because of us. Angelus said some things about the night we- you know. The weirdness is because everyone knows.

Connor: Good.

Cordelia: Connor...

Connor: Angel doesn't care if everyone knows. Why should I?

Cordelia: It's not Angel. Anyway, you should get some rest.

Connor: You don't want to be with me- fine, you're not, but don't tell me what to do.



Fred: Hey.

Wesley: Hey. Angelus mentioned something about a sword in Angel's fantasy. I thought...

Fred: I wanted to thank you. If you hadn't've come in when you did...

Wesley: He's not there.

Fred: It's- Charles heard what Angelus said. The stuff about-

Wesley: Me.

Fred: Yeah, and-

Wesley: How I feel about you.

Fred: Yes, which is very sweet. There's nothing wrong with i-

Wesley: Yes there is.

Gunn: Hey, who's watching the monitor? What's going on?

Fred: Nothing.

Gunn: Did he just?

Fred: Of course not. Charles, you're right- the monitor.

Gunn: You better tell me what the hell I just walked in on.

Fred: We were just-

Gunn: What? Researching?

Wesley: You want to do this, deal with me. Leave Fred out of it.

Gunn: You ought to be leaving Fred out of it!

Fred: Hello, I'm here.

Gunn: You think I don't see the way you look at her?

Fred: Charles, please.

Gunn: And you, running off to him every time you need help, like I'm not good enough.

Fred: No, that's not- This isn't the time.

Gunn: I'm telling you- stay away from her.

Angelus: That was fast.

Gunn: long time since you were out for anyone but yourself.

Wesley: I owe you nothing. Not anymore.

Gunn: You just take what you want, huh-

Fred: Come on.

Gunn: no matter who it belongs to.

Wesley: I didn't realize Fred came with a deed.

Fred: Stop it! What's wrong with you?

Gunn: You don't realize a lot of things, like the fact that nobody wants you here.

Wesley: 'Cause you do such a bang-up job without me.

Lorne: Hey, hey, come on, guys. Let's not say anything that-

Gunn: Shut up, Lorne! Great idea, Wes, stealing Angel's kid. Oh, was losing him a part of your plan, too?

Wesley: Go ahead. Throw some more blame around. It's what you're best at.

Gunn: You want to say that again?

Fred: Oh, God.

Wesley: Face it, Gunn, you can't give her what she needs.

Fred: Charles! Stop it! This is insane! You're doing exactly what Angelus wants.



Connor: Everyone's afraid of you.

Angelus: Is that my shirt?

Connor: Not anymore.

Angelus: Looks good on you, son.

Connor: So did Cordy.

Angelus: She looks good on everybody.

Connor: Angel warned me about you. Said I should remember you're not my real father.

Angelus: Yeah, that was a nice speech. Touching. I think it ended with you promising to kill me.

Connor: I remember.

Angelus: Kind of unnecessary, don't you think? I mean, with your track-record, I'll be staking myself by the end of the day.

Connor: It's fine by me.

Angelus: Darla felt the same way. It made her sick, you squirming inside her. So, she jammed a stake in her own heart, just so she wouldn't have to hear your first whiny breath.

Connor: You don't know anything.

Angelus: Then there was Holtz. It disappointed him so much that he stabbed himself in the neck.

Connor: My fa- Holtz was a good man. All he ever wanted was for you to get the punishment you deserve. And you will.

Angelus: And now my boy's in love. All hearts and flowers. But, doesn't it freak you out that she used to change your diapers? I mean, when you think about it, the first woman you boned is the closest thing you've ever had to a mother. Doing your mom and trying to kill your dad. Hm. There should be a play.

Connor: You think I care what you say? Angel told me how you'd try to hurt me, how you aren't my real dad, just some animal in a cage. Angel's my dad.

Angelus: I'm gonna cry.

Connor: That's what he told me. And he thought I believed him. The truth is, Angel's just something that you're forced to wear. You're my real father.

Angelus: I'm right here. All you have to do is come and get me.

Connor: You'd like that.

Angelus: You couldn't take me anyway.

Connor: We'll see.

Angelus: Promises, promises. Don't make 'em, if you can't keep 'em.

Connor: I wouldn't think of it.

Angelus: It might be your best chance. Don't disappoint daddy.

Cordelia: Connor. Go upstairs.

Connor: No.

Cordelia: Please, go upstairs.

Connor: It's your lucky day.

Angelus: Yeah. Go to your room, mama's boy. Cordy. Cordy, Cordy. Just couldn't stay away.

Cordelia: It's been a long day, and I think you've done enough damage.

Angelus: So, no hug?

Cordelia: You and I are gonna make a deal.

Angelus: Tough. Did you practice that in front of the mirror a few times? Lemme guess. You want to know about the Beast.

Cordelia: Everything you know.

Angelus: Oh. And in return, I get what? Wouldn't mind a car. I hear the new Mustang is nice.

Cordelia: Something better.

Angelus: What's a better ride than a Mustang?

Cordelia: Me.

Angelus: You?

Cordelia: That's the offer. No more stalling, no more games. You tell us what you know, you get me.

Angelus: Must be some confusion. You took out the soul. Still have the brain.

Cordelia: Then use it. The Beast, the darkness- the world is falling apart. We're out of time, we're out of ideas. You're the end of the line.

Angelus: Wes was better at buttering me up.

Cordelia: You know what it means to be a champion.

Angelus: I'm trying so hard to forget.

Cordelia: Sometimes a sacrifice needs to be made.

Angelus: And you're the little lamb. Not that there aren't a few things I wouldn't mind doing to that body- other than the obvious.

Cordelia: Tell us about the Beast, and you can do whatever you want.

Angelus: You're lying.

Cordelia: Look in my eyes. Angel knows me. You know me. Better than anyone. So, when you look at me, you know I'm not lying.



Wesley: All right. Shall we start from the beginning?

Angelus: Why not?

Wesley: The year.

Angelus: 1789.

Wesley: So, you were in Prussia.

Angelus: You have been doing your homework. Hmm... those Prussian girls. Must be the pastries. Worth the trip- all that sweetness gets into their blood.

Wesley: Very interesting. At some point, the Beast would appear?

Angelus: Patience, Wes. I was taking a shortcut on my way to Vienna. Started feeling like someone was watching me. There were troops around. I'd run into them now and then. Not as sweet as the girls, by the way. But, the little massacre I ran into- seriously lacking in military precision. Bodies, bodies everywhere, and not a drop to drink. So, I followed the trail, and there was your friend. The one you so cleverly call "The Beast." We had a lot in common, but he already knew that. He'd been watching me. He staged the carnage to impress me.

Wesley: So, he sought you out. Why?

Angelus: Girl trouble. Thought I might be able to help him with a situation.

Wesley: How?

Angelus: You've heard of the Svea Priestesses? Very powerful, big into banishing.

Lorne: Vanishing?

Fred: Banishing.

Angelus: The Beast was next on their list. He couldn't touch them- some kind of mojo- but a vampire could.

Wesley: So, he wanted you to kill them?

Angelus: We had it all worked out. I'd scratch his priestesses, and he'd scratch my back somewhere down the line. A limited partnership.

The Beast: You need not be my enemy. Join with me, Angelus.

Wesley: And?

Angelus: I declined. And he didn't ask twice. I probably could have been more diplomatic with my refusal, but I'm not big with teamwork. I thought that was going to be the end of me. But, like I said- girl trouble- So, they just started up the whammy, and there you have it.

Wesley: The Beast was banished. How?

Angelus: Don't know. I was busy with the passing out.



Angelus: Here I thought you'd be halfway to Georgia by now.

Cordelia: I told you I'd be back. I'm back.

Angelus: How'd the little field trip turn out? Priestesses still feisty?

Cordelia: We found a little boy, his sister, mom, dad, grandma- all dead.

Angelus: Oh, God. I'm always missing the fun stuff.

Cordelia: The Beast butchered them.

Angelus: So? Did you bring me back a souvenir? Maybe a stray baby toe? Come on, Cordy. Where's your sense of humor?

Cordelia: Guess I lost it.

Angelus: Well, don't blame me for our little debacle. I told you everything I know.

Cordelia: Too late.

Angelus: And who's fault is that? Doesn't matter. I showed you mine. Now it's time to show me yours.

Cordelia: The deal was: you give us information, we save the world, you get me. Well, world not saved.

Angelus: You're not thinking I'm just gonna let this go.

Cordelia: Not seeing a whole lot of other options. With the big steel cage and all.

Angelus: Won't be in here forever.

Cordelia: 'Bout another hour. Forgot to tell you the best part. We're putting your soul back.

Angelus: Not gonna happen.

Cordelia: Oh, but it is. Just in time for the primo apocalypse that's coming. Too bad. I know how you love those.

Angelus: Been looking forward to it all day. Still am.

Cordelia: Thing is, you're never coming back. Angel's going to make sure of that.

Angelus: We'll see.

Cordelia: What you don't get, Angelus, is that you're nobody. Just a disease. And Angel can't wait to be rid of you.

Angelus: I think I'll start with the twins. I just love a woman with nice ripe thighs.

Cordelia: Not even close.

Angelus: The more you piss me off, the longer I'll keep you alive. Oh, something tells me she's a screamer.



----------

Story: 10

Acting: 10

Writing: 10

Picture: 10

Gripping: 10

My Rank: 10

----------

Total: 10

Angelus is one of the single greatest characters ever to grace my screen, he reminds me a much like Spike in some ways, with how he acts and comes out with those one liners, the difference is when Spike has a soul, he's pretty much the same, when Angel has a soul he doesn't know how to enjoy himself.



Angelus becomes ultimately pointless when he gives nothing about the beast, but he kills it instead which is cool I guess.



They should do a series with just Angelus, Spike, Darla and Drusilla, at least a few episodes with nothing but that, there's a lot of history there that hasn't been explored.



This is also a true start to the beginning of the end for Cordy.

I forgot to mention this in the last episode discussion, but Angel tells Wesley he's never met Angelus, only read about him.



Even the //show// is tacitly suggesting that the events of "Eternity" never took place. :)



As for this episode ...



I'm actually intrigued by this.



They bring forth Angelus, release the shaman from the cage and get Angelus untied so he can ... move about freely in the cage (because that's, I guess, a priority) ...



And they set up their little closed circuit thing so they can keep an eye on him ...



And very sensibly, Wesley is the one to take the interview.



There's a little bit of background and Angelus suggests he does know something about something. A little groundwork is laid and Wes leaves him to stew.



Angelus needs blood, so Fred and Gunn go to feed him. Angelus says a few disruptive things, makes a scary move and takes a tranq for his troubles.



And his psychological warfare seems to be making its inroads. There's Fred kissage, there's confrontation, there's fighting, and it's "The Yoko Factor" all over again.



But the only way //that// worked is because no one talked to each other. Here the far-too-insightful vampire saying the naughtily disruptive things is in the basement and everyone can hear what he's saying all at the same time.



There's still less communication than there might be, but everyone's hearing the same things. Maybe ...



... well, I can't say it isn't enjoyable to watch.



The Cordy offers herself, which is a good clue that something is up. Higher being, demon-infused, Cordy was never that open to self-sacrifice. Angelus isn't sufficiently evil with her, tho -- she actually out-darks him, which is telling. If she'd had so much as a scrap of her humanity left, her reactions would've been ... different.



Anyway, he saves his really orchestral pain for Connor. The Oedipus Rex reference was nothing short of brilliant because it suggested that what had been happening up to this point in the season was deeply insightful classical reference-filled storytelling and not cheap sensation and faded glory starring characters we fell in love with once upon a time now masquerading as high, op-erratic art.



//There oughta be a play.//



Not that I haven't enjoyed "Angel." I really have. And not that I in any way don't think they're up to explaining how five beings of whatever order of mystical magnitude stuck sitting out here on a damp speck of dust are going to have any kind of even //localized// effect on the Sun.



And I //really// enjoy Angelus. He shorts a whole buttload of triangles and picks up a lot of pace in what had been kind of a ploddish season (even one with a violent, unassailable Beast and no one getting along very well).



But this is where promises start getting made. Writers promise viewers that this will all be explained, this is all going to make perfect sense. We're building up to something huge here, just kick back and enjoy the ride.



I think this is the one where Lilah shows up with a book that talks about the Beast. It's also the one where she shows up with a crowbar. It may already be the one where they invite her to make coffee but I'm thinking that's the next one in which her inner megalomaniac makes an appearance.



For now, she's just crazy wounded crowbar lady.



Best revelation: Angelus tells Fred about Wes and Lilah.



Coolest something or other: Angelus sings "Teddy Bear Picnic" -- or maybe that's in "Cavalry."



Weakest thing: Angelus doesn't spill much about the Beast. At all. For all that work, he's not especially useful.



Except to Cordy, of course, who tracks the Svear and kills them because ...



WACKY! CRAZY wackiness. * sigh * Why are we even //asking// this stuff anymore?



She knew who might be able to banish the Beast because she's the one who wiped everyone's memories. //Oy.//



JASMINE WATCH: Even weaker thing than all that: Cordy is able to steal the soul and hide it.



I'm pretty sure we're supposed to understand that she's being noble and self-sacrificing in her conversation with Angelus. But this gives away how much power she's trucking around with her and I'm glad we find out she's evil for sure in the next episode because all of this puddyfooting around is getting pointless, and analyzing every word, every nuance and all of the manipulation in her conversations is just getting so tedious.



Just make with the Big Bad Beastmaster already!



* sorry -- it's been a long season with her already * :)