Angel

The Girl in Question

Season 5, Episode 20, Aired 5/5/04

Episode Summary

Angel and Spike travel to Rome with plans to rescue Buffy from their old nemesis The Immortal. While in Italy, they also attempt to retrieve the head of a fallen demon leader to prevent a perilous power struggle between several warring demon clans. Fred's parents come to visit.moreless

8.2

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Cast & Crew

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David Boreanaz

Angel
Alexis Denisof

Wesley Wyndam-Pryce
Andy Hallett

Lorne

Fan Episode Reviews (27)

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The last glimpse of Buffy

8.0

"Great"

By joxerlives, Jan 22, 2012 Report Abuse

THE GIRL IN QUESTION

The Good;
Personally I think it's worth it just to see 50s Spike and Dru in their chic Fellini phase. Also stunning to see Amy Acker switch from Fred to Illyria and back in the blink of an eye. Love the slow-motion fight in the nightclub.

The Bad;
DB's Irish accent, thankfully the last time we'll hear it.

Best line;
Ilona; "The gypsies are a filthy people and we shall talk of them no more!" (the line that stays with you from this ep)

Jeez, how did they get away with that?
Mucho racism against gypsies! And against Americans (which of course neither Spike or Angel are) and some great cliches about Italians both negative (feckless, excitable, untrustworthy) and positive (cultured, stylish, charming). Also it's a little bad taste for Spike to have kept Nicky's jacket all these years, especially when Robin Wood was around.

Apocalypses: 5 Spike queries that defeating the Mayor or Jasmine really counts as saving
the world?

Angel Cliches
Subverting the Hollywood cliche; our cool heroes Spike and Angel are defeated and humiliated by the infinitely cooler Immortal.

In disguise; 8

DB/JM get's his shirt off; 20 shirtless Spike but oddly not Angelus?

Cheap Angel; 8

Fang Gang in bondage:
Cordy: 5
Angel: 15
Wes: 8
Gunn; 8
Lorne; 6
Fred; 5
Spike; 6

Fang gang knocked out:
Cordy: 15
Angel: 20
Wes: 10
Doyle; 1
Gunn; 4
Lorne; 8
Groo; 1
Connor; 1
Faith; 1
Fred; 7
Spike; 5

Kills;
Cordy: 5 vamps, 3 demons
Angel; 48 vamps, 72 and 1/2 demons, 5 zombies, 12 humans, one werewolf and one cyborg
Doyle; 1 vamp
Wes; 16 demons+5 vamps, 5 zombies, 4 humans, 2 cyborgs
Kate; 3 vamps
Faith; 18 vamps, 6 demons, 3 humans.
Gunn; 11 vamps+ 15 demons, 5 zombies, 1 human.
Groo; 1 demon
Fred; 3 vamps+ 14 demons, 5 zombies
Connor; 16 vamps, 5 zombies, 4 demons, Jasmine
Spike; 21 vamps, 12 demons+1 human+one parasite

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

Alternate Fang Gang;
Cordy: 4
Angel: 12
Fred; 3
Wes; 1
Gunn; 2
Connor; 1
Lorne; 1

Characters killed: Angelus kills one of the Immortal's lackeys.
2265

Recurring characters killed;
12

Total number of Angel Investigations; 5,
Angel, Gunn, Lorne, Wes, Spike

Angel Investigations shot: no but Spike and Angel get blown up
Angel: 15
Wes; 2
Spike; 1

Packing heat; Spike says they'll need lots of guns which may be a Matrix ref.
Wes; 13
Doyle; 1
Angel; 4
Gunn; 3
Fred; 5

Notches on Fang Gang bedpost: Angel describes himself as 'Seeing Nina' but denies she's his girlfriend. The Immortal of course is an eternal being who may or may not be evil, just as Buffy likes them. Spike says he knows he hasn't a shot with Buffy but still loves her. The bartender comments that the Immortal's girlfriends come and go. So this makes Buffy's track record;
Buffy: 4 confirmed; Angel, Parker, Riley, Spike. 4 possible, Dracula+RJ+Shadowmen's demon and The Immortal(?)
almost certain that Buffy and the Immortal have sex but we've never see it so unconfirmed, all we're told is that they snuggle. But then she's done that with Scott Hope, Owen and Jeffery.
Cordy: 5 ?+Wilson/Hacksaw Beast+Phantom Dennis+Groo+Connor plus possibly the Beast
Angel: 6; Buffy, Darla, The Transcending Furies, Eve
Wes; 3 definite; Virginia, the bleached blonde and Lilah, 2 possible, Justine, Fred
Gunn; 2 Fred and Gwen.
Fred; 1 Gunn, 1 possible Wes
Groo; 1Cordy
Spike; 3-Buffy, Anya, Harmony

Kinky dinky:
Spike tells Angel to 'Wank off!' The Immortal seems to have enjoyed a threesome with Darla and Dru which the pair are reluctant to do with Spike and Angelus. The Immortal didn't hurt Darla until she asked him to and describes him as insatiable and their sex as really great fornification. Dru refers to playing 'Pony'. Angelus once again declares that nuns are 'his thing'. The bartender describes Buffy as a 'girl gone wild'. Spike thinks that sex makes a relationship if you do it enough (good thing he never tells Angel about him and Buffy getting to fifth base on the balcony at the Bronze!). Trish Burkle seems very fond of Wes.
WR&H Rome CEO is a knockout. Literally, I think her amazing breasts would knock you out if you got too close (but what a way to be rendered unconscious!). She also seems like a past amour of The Immortal and considers their dealings 'most satisfactory'. Angel refers to The Immortal eating Buffy's cookie dough. Andrew appears to be going on a date with a pair of beautiful Italian girls, has he become a Casanova or.....?

Captain Subtext;
....are they his '*** hags' to quote Will and Grace? Loads of Spike and Angel bonding despite Angel commenting it's not 'About us' and referring to themselves as 'Partners'. Angelus' threat to shove the henchmen's arrows 'slowly up their arses' is rife with not so subtle gay innuendo as is the use of the phrase 'had us tossed'. Dru and Darla enjoy a threesome with the Immortal and then like to bathe together. Dru likes Darla to hold her underwater? Spike calls the Immortal a ponce. When they're on the scooter Spike tell Angel not to hold so tight. The male demon admits he's in love with the Immortal.

Know the face, different character; 7

Parking garages;
10,

Buffy characters on Angel; 17
Wetherby, Collins and Smith. Angel, Cordy, Oz, Spike, Buffy, Wes, Faith, Darla, Dru, The Master, Anne, Willow and Harmony. POSSIBLY The First Evil, Andrew.

What the fanficcers thought; .
Lot's of fic where the Immortal saves everyone from every possible fate that has befallen them. Lot's more slashfic when we see him with Spike and Angelus and sometimes both at once. Also a lovely one where Dawn has The Talk with The Immortal just as Joyce had with Angel, telling him that if he loves Buffy he must let her go.

Missing scenes;
Rumour has it that SMG was willing to appear in this ep but Joss declined as he thought that the ep should be about the Angel characters alone and she would steal the show. Also rumoured that the Immortal would be played by Freddie Prinze aka Mr SMG or Christian Slater meaning that Buffy had fufilled her ambitions in the movie of graduate, go to Europe, marry Christain Slater and die. Then again maybe the Immortal is more of a Hugh Hefner/Errol Flynn sort of character and Buffy is just his latest Girl of the Immortal's Mansion? (RJ aside she always did have a thing for older men)

Questions and observations;
We never see Gunn in his suit again. Lorne seems to be drinking a lot, we hardly ever see him now without a glass in his hand. Did Wes never tell Fred's family what happened to her? So is this really Buffy? According to the comics this is actually a decoy she set up because she's actually in Scotland but maybe that's AFTER this episode? Surely Spike and Angel would be able to tell her by her scent alone? Sadly the last time we'll see Darla, Dru and Andrew. What does 'Ragazza' mean? The chase scene may be a homage to The Pink Panther. Spike refers to 'shemps' from the 3 stooges. Illyria appears to be developing human feelings. Personally I agree with Wes, as long as Illyria can always keep up the pretence it's kinder to the Burkles to have them think that Fred is still alive.
I think a lot of people dislike this ep as we see our cool heroes humiliated by the much cooler Immortal but I think it's great. Andrew says that Buffy loves both Angel and Spike which the comics bear out. Personally I think Buffy/human Angel with resouled/human Dru as the girl for Spike, Spike in all honesty knowing he's not the guy. You must remember that the Immortal is not the long term guy as he doesn't age and Buffy does, as the bartender and Andrew point out they can't be together for long.
Marks out of 10; 8/10
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Hilarious perfection, touching side plots and characters

10

"Perfect"

By Mishkyn, Sep 23, 2011 Report Abuse

I understand the bad reviews as this episode seems pointless given that the series is nearing an ending both do not want to watch yet are anxious to learn what happens to everyone.
And this episode does nothing to further the series along to its inevitable ending.
However, being a writer, I am sure the writers needed a "filler" story while they worked out all the many details of how such a lengthy series filled with characters we all grew to love, would finally end.
And this was the perfect filler or stand alone story.
The chemistry between Angel and Spike is off the charts on the perfection scale. They manage to work some things out while still bickering like little old ladies. The slow motion fight in the bar to a Dean Martin ballad had me howling.
The little old Italian lady--and her servant: again, perfection and laugh out loud hilarious.
The CEO of Rome's W and H offices: another perfect performance. For some reason she was labeled a vampire in the recap here; this was never established, and she was a gem.
I loved the flashbacks and I understand those who did not want Darla and Drusilla to go out with such minor parts, but again, I feel this was a filler episode held until a stall was needed; and as I mentioned earlier, the writers needed time to polish the ending of the series and this was the result.
Ilyria turning into Fred to see Fred's visiting parents was a superb acting job by Amy Acker, and Wesley's reactions were so poignant.
All in all a brilliant episode in every way: guest characters were not just wonderfully entertaining actors, their makeup was as bizarrely entertaining as their performances.
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The Writer In Question

5.2

"Mediocre"

By lenzinoH20, Sep 13, 2011 Report Abuse

The Girl In Question-Angel and Spike travel to Rome with plans to rescue Buffy from their old nemesis The Immortal. While in Italy, they also attempt to retrieve the head of a fallen demon leader to prevent a perilous power struggle between several warring demon clans. Fred's parents come to visit.

Okay, so we've had a run of dark episodes and Angel's last 2 episodes sure can't be light fun! So the writers thought it would be fun to make " the calm before the storm" episode where cast can have fun before the big finish, but there is nothing fun about this episode! Watching Angel and Spike act like a couple of love sicked school boys is not a good way pass an hour. Sure, it's Buffy, but Angel haven't you been concerned with Nina, what about Cordelia? Spike, you slept with Harmony just as fast as the moment you could touch something again. I know SMG missed another chance for her to return to the Buffyverse as Buffy again, but this was no way to work around it. Watching a Buffy stand in, again, is just silly. What's even sillier is the whole Immortal plot. Not to mention, the final appearences of Darla and Drusilla on the series is completely anti-climatic! Here they are and here they go in the matter of seconds! Another thing, how did Angel describe Buffy's appearence wrong? Have they writing team forgotten what SMG looks like? She has green eyes, not blue! The Italian Wolfram and Hart even Andrew returning didn't help this storyline out!

But there are some great things about this episode like the sub-plot with Fred's parents coming for a visit. As soon as you see them your just heartbroken that they will find out the turht but then Fred appears to welcome them. Wesley is shocked but it's Illyria, who seems to have another power which she can look like whatever she choses. How conveninent yet watching Illyria play Fred is amazing to watch. Especially that even without her Illyria make-up and outift, Amy Acker is still creepy playing the character. I just love how she switches between perky and monotone with ease. Wesley's reaction is understandable as Illyria's hidden ability could allow him to see Fred but he knows it's all a lie and she'll never be her. All and All, besides the great sub-plot, "A Girl In Question" tries to be a fun filler but ultimately is a dull dud. Like Andrew siad, "Buffy has matured, you guys should probably, too." Amen, Andrew, AMEN!moreless

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5 4
This is by far the funniest episode I could've hoped to see from this series. Boreanaz and Marsters demonstrate their flawless chemistry here, and engage in some both hilarious and poignant moments.moreless

10

"Perfect"

By NickMichalak, Mar 25, 2011 Report Abuse

This is by far the funniest episode I could've hoped to see from this series. Boreanaz and Marsters demonstrate their flawless chemistry here, and engage in some both hilarious and poignant moments. Everything regarding The Immortal, especially the flashbacks, are pure gold. I frequently enjoy this episode, and it was a nicely placed one just before the conclusion of the series. I can't imagine David & James not having a great time shooting this one.

I think I prefer that they couldn't get Sarah Michelle Gellar to guest star in this episode. I believe that forces the writers to have Angel & Spike work out their issues amongst themselves instead of directly with Buffy because they really don't need to do that. Having Tom Lenk guest star here helped drive the points across further, and to make the fellas realize they need to move on, despite the fact that they will always love the same woman. The episode served its purpose, and allowed the fans to see both of these beloved characters make a mends from their childish quarrelling (as humorous as it was).

On a final note, it was nice to have Julie Benz & Juliet Landau come back, even in flashback. Nice final curtain call for the ladies on this show, but might I say that James Marsters has the best, the funniest delivery of a line, ever with "SON OF A B----!!!" I crack up every single time to that. This is a treasure of an episode, and in a series that is centered around a lot of darkness and grim foreboding, this is a welcome pleasure. Thanks to all who made this one happen!moreless

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2 1
So much for getting to see Buffy one last time.

1.0

"Abysmal"

By Spaize, Mar 25, 2011 Report Abuse

What a let down. Instead of shelling out the money for Gellar to make a cameo as the Buffy spinoff winds to a close, the producers clam up and opt to simply show the back of some blonde girl who is dancing with "The Immortal."

I had always hoped Angel and Buffy would find a way to be together, but I hated how Spike and Angel were reduced to lovesick puppies, pining over their lost fling (at least in the case of Spike, it was a fling).

In hindsight, I'd have preferred they simply leave Buffy out and helped wrap up the Angel storyline with a plot of actual substance. This episode does not set up the masterpiece of a finale like it should have.moreless

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Trivia, Notes, Quotes and Allusions

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Trivia
ADD TRIVIA
- When Angel gets the call about Buffy, Spike asks: "What is it this time? Uber-vamps, demon-gods, devil robots?" The first of those is a reference to Buffy's season seven, in which they were part of the First's army. They have never appeared on "Angel", only the other two have(Illyria and the cyborgs from "Lineage" respectively).
  Edit
- Spike's jacket gets blown to pieces in this episode. He gets another 10 from Bianci of Wolfram & Hart Rome, but its not the same exact jacket. Edit
- Andrew makes it very clear at the end of Damage that he and Scoobies think that Angel is evil and yet he has no problem inviting him into his apartment? He's not even worried that the now "evil" Angel would be angry that Andrew double-crossed him? Edit
Notes
ADD NOTES
- This episode received a 3.8/5 in the overnight ratings. Edit
- This was the last time that any character crossed over from Buffy to Angel. Edit
- David Greenwalt returns to direct this episode after leaving the show after Season 3. Edit
Quotes
ADD QUOTES
- Wesley: Stop it! Change back. Be blue. Be anything. Don't be her. Don't ever be her. Illyria: As you wish. Edit
- Angel: Gunn, we didn't get the head. Start preparing the troops for war. Gunn: The head is here. Angel: What? Gunn: The head's on your desk (Angel reads the note with it) Angel: "With regards, the Immortal." I really hate that guy. Edit
- (Spike pulls up on a motor scooter to Angel) Spike: Hop on, little mama. Angel: I'm not riding on the back. Spike: He's getting away! Edit
Allusions
ADD ALLUSIONS
- Angel: We're gonna need a chase helicopter, assault team... Spike: And guns. Lots and lots of guns. In the movie The Matrix, the main character Neo delivers a popular line almost identical to Spike's line here. Like Spike, Neo also frequently wears a leather trenchcoat. Edit
- Spike: Best fit you for a pair of antlers. Been made the right cuckold, you have.
  A cuckold is a man with an unfaithful wife. The idea of a cuckolded man wearing ceremonial or symbolic antlers or horns goes back a long way, but has lost origins. This is also the origin of the still-known practice of insulting someone by holding up two fingers behind their head. Edit
- Andrew's shirt:
  The image on Andrew's T-Shirt is "Strong Bad," one of the main characters featured on the Homestar Runner website. Edit