Angel

Title: The Magic Bullet In addition to the book store in the episode, and the bullet which pierces Jasmine and then Angel, the title also refers to The Magic Bullet Theory, which originated in the 1920's and 1930's and proposed that as an audience, we were all passive and equally susceptible to media messages. The media were thought to have the ability to shape public opinion and persuade the masses toward nearly any point of view desired by the author of that particular text. In this case Jasmine sort of acts as "author" shaping and persuading society. The Magic Bullet Theory is also the moniker given to the government-approved explanation of how JFK was assassinated. It is so-called because in order for one bullet to inflict all the injuries it supposedly did, the bullet would have had to change direction mid-air several times. The theory is widely believed to be a cover-up. The mystery surrounding JFK's death is also referenced in the next episode, Sacrifice.

Fred: Any monkey business and I'll chop you down like a cherry tree. This is a reference to a story/myth written by Mason Weems for his George Washington biography in 1800. The story claims that a young George chopped down a favored cherry tree of his father's and when asked about it he chose to tell the truth despite the likelihood that he would be severely punished.

Lorne: Any more room in the inn? A reference to the Christian story of the birth of Jesus from the Bible. His parents were turned away from an inn the night Jesus was born, and forced to have the child in a stable.

Lorne: This is The Greatest Story Ever Told. When Lorne finds out that Jasmine likes movies, he says that this is the greatest story ever told. This is a reference to the 1965 film by that name, which was a telling of the life of Jesus. This draws a direct allusion between the story of Jasmine and one possible vision of the gospel narrative.

Gunn: That's some gift you got there, Kreskin.
Kreskin - often referred to as "The Amazing Kreskin" - is an entertaining "mentalist" who had two shows during the 70's displaying his abilities. He still makes predictions and public appearances to this day.

Lorne: You know what they say about people who need people.
Connor: They're the luckiest people in the world.
Reference to the famous Barbara Streisand song "People" of whom Lorne is no doubt a fan.

Jasmine: I sound like the prologue to one of those movies about dwarf people...
Gunn: Hobbits.
This is an obvious reference to the Lord of the Rings (LOTR) movies, in particular "The Fellowship of the Ring" in which Galadriel, Queen of the Elves, talks during a lengthy prologue about the history of Middle Earth, the world in which the LOTR saga takes place. Hobbits are small, dwarf-sized people (they are not dwarves themselves, though) that usually dwell in clean, hole-like homes.

Lorne: Tonight, the role of Judas Iscariot will be played by Krevlorneswath of the Deathwok Clan.
Alluding to the role of Judas in the Bible - the betrayer of Jesus. Although given Lorne's musical leanings, he probably came about this knowledge via Andrew Lloyd Weber's musical Jesus Christ Superstar, where Judas gets most of the best lines and songs.

Fred: Invasion of the bodysnatchers...
The opening sequence with Fred pressed up against a car window and a view from the driver appears to be a homage to the movie "Invasion of Body Snatchers" - both versions use a similar scene with a similar theme of one person on the run from massive mindless confirmity.