Jossathon

March 10, 1997

2007-03-10T23:29:48Z

Hello Jossathon members!

Well, today is an important day in Buffy the Vampire Slayer history. Ten years ago our beloved little show premiered. Whether you watched from the beginning or not, this show has now been a part of the world for a decade. Quite a milestone, don't you think? Back then I doubt anyone believe it could become what it did.

Sadly, we planned nothing for today and for that we apologize. However, if you're feeling up to it, perhaps a viewing of Welcome to the Hellmouth and The Harvest is in order! Or, if you can get a hold of a copy, this wonderful person by the name of Luminosity has created a fanvideo called Scooby Road. It goes through the entire Beatles Abbey Road album with scenes from the show. I'm not normally one to enjoy fan videos, but this one is fabulous. The download is huge, but I think it well worth it. You can find a link here and you'll have to e-mail her for it. Hopefully she won't mind us recommending it.

Now, as for the future of this community. We want everyone to know that we're going to plan some summer viewing! So please keep on the look out for that!

So, from myself as well as cooldecade and spidermansays, we wish you a happy Buffyversary!

Final Wrap Up

2006-08-02T13:51:55Z

"Well ... here I am."
"Yeah, Buffy. What are we gonna do now?"
"Let's go to work!"

Hi everyone! Well, we've finished Jossathon, and this is our final wrap up post!

First of all, I wanted to say that I have loved re-watching these shows with you all. Personally, I've found the experience of watching all the episodes in order -- something I'd never done before since I only really started watching Angel in the middle of season 3 -- very interesting, and I've enjoyed reading all your thoughts on the episodes. I know my co-moderators cooldecade and verycleanindeed feel the same way, and we would all like to thank you very much for participating with us! :D

From our perspective, everything went pretty much according to plan, but we would like to know how you felt about the experience -- the way the community was run, the discussions, etc. -- and what you feel you got out of it. Has it changed your perspective on the shows at all? Did you start to think of things in new ways? If you have any comments, please do leave them on this entry because we'd love to hear them.

Now, a bit of unfinished business from yesterday: our weekly poll has Not Fade Away as our unanimous choice for favourite episode (not surprisingly) and The Girl in Question as the almost unanimous choice for least favourite (also not surprisingly).

Speaking of polls, we have one final one for you to fill out. It asks for your opinions on the shows one last time, plus there are a couple of questions related to your participation in the community. We would appreciate it if you'd take a moment to fill it out. :)

View Poll: Final Poll!

Finally, related to that last poll question -- we would like to bring this community back to life in some form, though we are not sure exactly when that will happen. We thought that instead of doing the same thing over again, we would revamp the "mission statement," so to speak, of the community. Our idea is to take suggestions from members each week for Jossverse "mini-fests" -- that is, groups of episodes (probably 3-8 per week) all centred around a certain theme. For example, I would probably suggest a minifest based around evil twins and body snatchers, and my mini-fest could feature the Buffy episodes Doppelgangland, The Replacement, Intervention, and Who Are You along with Carpe Noctem and maybe The Girl in Question from Angel. The theme of the mini-fest could be anything you can think of, whether it be something story-related (a common story element: betrayal? character death?), ship-related (a Willow/Tara fest), or character-related (Xander-centric episodes). We think that would be a fun and probably thought-provoking way to look at things, but we'd love to know your thoughts on the subject. Does that sound like a good idea or do you have another suggestion of something we might do? Please comment and let us know!

Okay, that's about it! If you want to reach us for some reason while the community is on hiatus, just comment on this post and we'll see it. Once again, thank you very much for your participation. It's been awesome!

spidermansays, cooldecade, and verycleanindeed

Weekly Recap: July 27 - August 2

2006-08-01T12:00:39Z

Links to This Week's Episode Posts
Time Bomb
The Girl in Question
Power Play
Not Fade Away
Serenity (movie)

This Week's Polls
(We've left Serenity out of the poll so it's just the Angel episodes.)

View Poll: Weekly Recap Poll: July 27 - August 2

Member Contributions This Week

By cooldecade:

By verycleanindeed:

By spidermansays:

Rewatching Angel, my favorite characters and episodes have remained the same, but I've gained a new perspective on certain events and I've also really enjoyed reading what other people think about each episode. Angel wasn't a show afraid to take risks -- Doyle's death, the move to the Hyperion, the birth of Connor, evil "Cordelia," the move to Wolfram and Hart, and the death of Fred -- those shakeups all majorly changed the feel of the show, and even though some worked better than others, it certainly kept things interesting.

Like Meaghan did in her Buffy recap post, I'm going to share some of my Angel favorites. :)

Character: Angel, definitely. I love his story of fighting for redemption and fighting for good. It's something I find very inspiring, and yet, Angel doesn't always do the right thing, which makes him even more interesting! I'm all about Angel. My other favorites are Connor, Illyria, Fred, Wesley, and Lindsey.

Season: I believe the show got stronger every season, my favorite being 5, then 4, 3, 2, 1. I much prefer the arc-heavy format of the later seasons (even season five -- there was an arc hidden in there) than the mostly case-of-the-week format of season one, and even though I love the main arc of season two, it has a lot of clunky episodes. There are almost no seriously below-average episodes in the later seasons, IMO.

Episode: I can't choose between Smile Time and Not Fade Away for my favorite episode. My other favorites include Benediction, Darla, Epiphany, Reunion, Home, and Deep Down. I could go on a while so I'll stop there. ;)

Moment: The final scene in Not Fade Away. Angel and Connor in Home. Connor running to find Holtz at the end of Benediction. Angel's epiphany in Epiphany. Puppet Angel!

Lines: "If there is no great glorious end to all this -- if nothing we do matters -- then all that matters is what we do. 'Cause that's all there is." - Angel in Epiphany; "Nothing in the world is the way it ought to be -- it's harsh, and cruel -- but that's why there's us. Champions. It doesn't matter where we come from, what we've done or suffered, or even if we make a difference. We live as though the world was what it should be, to show it what it can be." - Angel in Deep Down

Relationship: I'm not very 'shippy with this show, but I like Angel/Cordy and Fred/Gunn. I love the non-romantic relationships much more. Angel and Connor, Angel and Lindsey, Angel and Spike, Angel and Wesley, Wesley and Gunn -- they are all fascinating.

What about you? What are your favorites?

So, that's the end! We have finished Jossathon! Can you believe it? It's been a really good experience for me rewatching these shows that I love so much. Tomorrow we're having a wrap-up post with more polls and we'll tell you about some future ideas we have for the community, so don't go anywhere just yet. :)

Movie Post: Serenity

2006-07-31T16:44:28Z

Movie Info
Written by: Joss Whedon
Directed by: Joss Whedon
Release Date: September 30, 2005

Synopsis
With an Alliance operative on their tail, the Serenity screw discovers what River knows that the Alliance wants kept hidden.

Relevant Links
Transcript: here
Screencaps: here
Fanlisting: Belief

The Mods' Sad Attempt to Start Discussion
Well, here we are, the Big Damn Movie.

First of all, that first shot of Serenity is just beautiful. Paired with the music, it just gives you chills. To see her up there on the big screen, it's just gorgeous. Even if you waited to see the movie on DVD it's amazing. It does stand for something, the Browncoats made it somewhere far. I know I felt thrilled going into this film and thrilled watching it. I wasn't disappointed with it. Obviously, with such a large cast Joss can't give everyone the proper attention they deserve but everyone made the most of their time. Book and Inara are the ones that strike me the most, they really get the least amount to do here.

Book... Who knows if we'll ever figure out who he was before his time on Serenity. Speculation is that he was an operative and it seems likely. Though his part here is very small, he does something very important for Mal. That last scene between the two of them is just so beautiful and heartbreaking. Ron Glass and Nathan Fillion are so wonderful in it. Not to mention, once Book dies, you really feel safe for everyone else, don't you? You really don't see Wash's death coming! Of course, then Wash dies and you don't feel safe for anyone! That Joss Whedon is an evil genius.

Really, though, the focus on this one goes to Summer Glau and Nathan Fillion. Mal struggles with believing in something and finally comes to it. When it starts he's much more jaded and nasty than he was on the show. It's a nice switch of gears, I enjoy seeing it. I like seeing the toll of what the Alliance has done on River. Summer does a really nice job. She manages some great facial expressions, not just as she's struggling but also as she has some rather comical moments. The scene during the robbery at the beginning with Zoe comes to mind and also when Simon asks if he's talking to Miranda.

Well, this is my final Jossathon post. Thank you everyone, it's been a blast!

"I am a leaf on the wind. Watch how I soar."

Previous Episode Posts This Week
Time Bomb
The Girl in Question
Power Play
Not Fade Away

Episode Post: AtS - 5x22 Not Fade Away

2006-07-30T14:47:05Z

Episode Info
Written by: Joss Whedon and Jeffrey Bell
Directed by: Jeffrey Bell
Original Airdate: May 19, 2004

Synopsis
As they prepare to take down the Circle of the Black Thorn, the gang takes one last day to themselves.

Relevant Links
Transcript: at BuffyWorld
Screencaps: at Screencap Paradise
Fanlisting: Slay the Dragon

Extra Info
This is the final episode of Angel.

The Mods' Sad Attempt to Start Discussion
I really like seeing how everyone decides to spend their final day. Of course Wesley and Illyria really have nowhere to go so they're left alone. I like seeing that Gunn goes to Anne's, though. It's nice to see her, she's a character who's been with not only this show but with Buffy for such a long time. Also, with all of the change Gunn went through it brings him back to his roots. The scenes between Angel and Connor are nice as well. It's nice to see Vincent Kartheiser get to be a teenager. I like the place that their relationship has ended up. As for ended up, and I'll talk more about it later, it's interesting to see where Lorne has ended up. He's very stoic here and spends his day at a karaoke bar. Spike reciting poetry is classic.

I like everyone taking part in the plan. They know what they have to do and they accept it. As cheesy as it sounds, they all take their roles as champions. I remember being completely shocked at seeing Lorne kill Lindsey. I understand why Angel would ask Lorne to do it, Lindsey would never see it coming. He clearly doesn't, he tells Eve that he doesn't. It's something from Lorne we've never seen before and you can understand from that why he'd need to leave and never have any part of this anymore. It's just not in him.

Illyria brings a lot to the final battle. She feels grief, she doesn't want Gunn to die. She's feeling attached to these people and she also feels anger at being beaten up. It's been a fascinating arc. It's been well written and Amy Acker has written it so well. She and Alexis do such a nice job during that final scene between Wesley and Illyria when she asks him if he'd like her to lie to him now.

I find it a memorable ending and an inspirational one.

Previous Episode Posts This Week
Time Bomb
The Girl in Question
Power Play

Episode Post: AtS - 5x21 Power Play

2006-07-29T14:40:42Z

Episode Info
Written By: David Fury
Directed By: James A. Contner
Original Airdate: May 12, 2004

Synopsis
Angel's strange behaviour convinces the gang that he's joined an elite group of evildoers called the Circle of the Black Thorn - a group he could only have joined by killing one of his own.

Relevant Links
Transcript: at Buffyworld
Screencaps: at Screencap Paradise
Fanlisting: Somewhere a Clock is Ticking

The Mods' Attempts to Get the Discussion Going
The first time I saw this episode, I think I had the reaction the writers intended -- I had no freaking idea what Angel could possibly be up to and was very disturbed by his behaviour. Now that I know what was going on, I watch it in a different light (obviously), but I still enjoy watching the rest of the team piece together the version of events Angel has set up. Those scenes with Wes, Lorne, Spike, Gunn, and Lindsey (and I really like that they've brought him back for the ending) or Drogyn are really well done. The Circle of the Black Thorn thing kind of comes out of nowhere, but it makes sense that such a group would exist and I like that they've brought back all these apparently random characters we've seen over the course of the season. Do we think they had this planned all along or did they pull it out of a hat? I don't know, but I choose to think it was planned because ... I want to believe. lol.

The ending of this episode is one of my favourite scenes. I love that Angel uses the glamour to hide what's going on in the room. I don't know why, but I just really like that plot device. The whole conversation that takes place in there is fantastically done, and I find it really exciting when Angel reveals his plan. The moments when they're all thinking it over and when they start raising their hands -- it's like you see so much of each character in their reactions. I think it's extremely well done, and it also has the effect of getting me very, very hyped for the finale. Clearly, much of the point of this episode is to do just that: build up to the big events to come. But I think it's also a very good episode in its own right.

Also, Illyria and Drogyn playing Crash Bandicoot KILLS ME. Every. Time. :)

Links to Previous Episode Posts This Week
Time Bomb
The Girl in Question

This is my last episode post! I can't believe it!

Episode Post: AtS - 5x20 The Girl in Question

2006-07-28T14:50:35Z

Episode Info
Written By: Steven S. DeKnight, Drew Goddard
Directed By: David Greenwalt
Original Airdate: May 5, 2004

Synopsis
As Fred's parents arrive to visit their daughter, Angel and Spike fly to Rome to save Buffy from her new evil lover who they're convinced has her under his equally evil spell.

Relevant Links
Transcript: at Buffyworld
Screencaps: Bellissimo
Fanlisting: Movin' On

Extra Info
Last appearances for Julie Benz and Juliet Landau as Darla and Drusilla. Also, Tom Lenk makes his second and final appearance as Andrew. This is the last Buffy/Angel crossover and the last episode to feature flashbacks to Spike and Angel's past.

The Mods' Attempts to Get the Discussion Going
All the stuff with Angel and Spike in Italy in this episode is ridiculously stupid and funny. I don't know that I think there's much point to it -- it doesn't offer much of a resolution to the story and we get yet another cheesy SMG stand-in -- but I enjoy it nonetheless. Flashbacks on Angel are always fun, and it's never a bad thing to see Darla and Dru, even if it's only for a few minutes (though it is a bit sad to think that this is the last time we'll ever see those two ... such amazing characters, and it's not much of a finale for them really). The barfight scene when Angel and Spike start beating each other up really makes me laugh, as do the image of Angel putting his arms around Spike's waist on the scooter thing and their argument over how many times they've saved the world ("She killed you! I helped her! That one counts as mine.") and Spike complaining about losing his "second skin." Angel looks so uncomfortable in that new jacket. LOL. In general I think this is just a fun episode for that relationship, which has been one of the most entertaining things about the season.

... and then on the flipside, there are the scenes with the Burkles at Wolfram and Hart, which I find totally crushing. They are such nice people -- really the only likeable parents in the entire Buffyverse other than Joyce Summers -- and it's very difficult to watch them be so happy to see Fred and totally oblivious to what's actually going on. When Trish asks Wes if he's got a woman in his life ... it's harsh. Really tough, and such a huge contrast with the rest of the episode. They do like to mess with us, don't they?

Links to Previous Episode Posts This Week
Time Bomb

Episode Post: AtS - 5x19 Time Bomb

2006-07-27T18:23:35Z

Episode Info
Written By: Ben Edlund
Directed By: Vern Gillum
Original Airdate: April 28, 2004

Synopsis
Although Illyria rescues Gunn, Angel realizes she must be killed after her body begins a deadly physical breakdown which could unleash enough power to destroy the world.

Relevant Links
Transcript: at Buffyworld
Screencaps: at Screencap Paradise
Fanlisting: Time Bomb

Extra Info
The pregnant woman is played by David Boreanaz's real life wife, Jaime Bergman.

The Mods' Attempts to Get the Discussion Going
I like this episode because I really enjoy Illyria. I think she's a very interesting character and I like watching her try to find her way in her reduced state of being. The writers and Amy Acker do a great job of making her into someone we can almost kinda relate to, or at least sympathize with. It's quite remarkable really the way Amy Acker manages to show that this being with the power of a god who is constantly talking about her own greatness is actually really scared, vulnerable, and confused underneath it all. I like the way they present her travels through the timeline in the episode, too, and the scene where she takes out the whole team in like 10 seconds is very exciting and shocking, until we realize what's actually going on. I like how the episode itself feels disorienting -- we're lost with Illyria.

The ending, where Angel lets the woman sign her baby over to the Brethren, is very disorienting too. It feels so strange seeing Angel do something like that and not really knowing what he's thinking. Of course eventually we find out that he's working on his big plan, but right now it's confusing and a bit upsetting seeing him act that way. Those conversations between Angel and Illyria about what a king should do certainly end up having a big influence on Angel's behaviour through these last few episodes.

"Secret Demon" stalking "Blue Bird" around the office cracks me up every time, lol.

Weekly Reminder: July 27 - August 2

2006-07-27T08:27:03Z

This Week's Episodes
5x19 Time Bomb
5x20 The Girl in Question
5x21 Power Play
5x22 Not Fade Away
Serenity (Movie)

Notes
Our favorite episode last week (and what a great week it was) was a tie between Smile Time and A Hole in the World, possibly the funniest and saddest episodes of the series! I voted for Smile Time, but I love them both. Least favorite episode was overwhelmingly Why We Fight, which is, in my opinion, decent enough, but obviously the weakest link in the bunch.

This is our last week! :-0 I can't believe we've come this far in our marathon. It was sad to see the Buffyverse vanish from TV, but I think the end of Angel is a fantastic way to go out. Not Fade Away, indeed (here we are, years later -- the Jossverse endures). I'm really looking forward to rewatching these episodes. When we finish Angel, we're going to wrap-up with Serenity. Enjoy the week! :)

Weekly Recap: July 20 - July 26

2006-07-26T13:38:46Z

Links to This Week's Episode Posts
Why We Fight
Smile Time
A Hole in the World
Shells
Underneath
Origin

This Week's Polls

View Poll: Weekly Episode Polls

This Week's Member Contributions

by verycleanindeed:

by cooldecade:

by spidermansays:

This is really an exceptionally strong week. I think it's quite possibly the strongest block of episodes we've seen from Angel, and on just about any other week I think Origin, A Hole in the World, Shells, or Underneath could absolutely crush the competition in the favourite episodes poll. Sadly, this is also the week of Smile Time, an episode that is not only completely hilarious and fun to watch but also a brilliantly executed satire. So! Smile Time gets my vote for favourite episode but nearly everything else is excellent, too. :) (I'll be shocked if Why We Fight doesn't get least favourite, lol.)

I can't believe next week is our last week! It's going to be great watching this last bunch of episodes, but also rather sad because Angel does go out on such a high note in terms of quality which makes the cancellation even harder to take. Stupid WB.

Episode Post: Angel - 5x18 Origin

2006-07-25T12:03:27Z

Episode Info
Written by: Drew Goddard
Directed by: Terrence O'Hara
Original Airdate: April 21, 2004

Synopsis
When Connor and his new parents show up at Wolfram and Hart asking for help, Angel refuses, leading Wesley to uncover how Angel had everyone's memory altered.

Relevant Links
Transcript: at BuffyWorld
Screencaps: at Screencap Paradise
Fanlisting: Fractured Reality

Extra Info
Vincent Kartheiser returns for the first of two guest spots in season five.

The Mods' Attempt to Start Discussion
This is such a fantastic episode, and so rewarding for fans who had been watching the show for years. I love it so much. I've always been a Connor fan, and all season long I'd been wondering how and when he would return and the memory-wipe would be revealed, and it did not disappoint me at all. The new version of Connor is so sweet and well-adjusted, it's hard to believe it's the same kid who trapped Angel in a box and pushed him into the ocean. I love his reactions to the crazy world of Wolfram and Hart, and his determination to protect his family (I guess that's in his blood). "Here's how it works. I kill this Sahjahn thing, and we walk. You come near my family again, and I'll slit your throat. And if that doesn't kill you, I'll chop your whole head off. And if that doesn't work, I'll just keep stabbing you till you bleed to death. Understand?" (I love Angel straightening his collar before he fights!)

What Angel did to his friends by having their memories changed was certainly wrong, and for Wesley, discovering the truth creates unbearable doubt. Would they have still taken the deal to work at Wolfram and Hart? Would Fred have died? Would she have ever loved him? Seeing Wesley ready to break the Orlon Window, unsure if Angel had caused Fred's death, or worse -- bargained with it -- is heartbreaking and exciting and exactly the kind of confrontation I'd been hoping for. The shared look between Angel and Wesley after his memories come flooding back says so much. Wesley is beyond broken at this point.

Vincent Kartheiser is fantastic, and when the Orlon Window is broken, he plays the change in Connor so well. From the look on his face when he rises up and turns around to take down Sahjahn, you can see the Connor we knew is in there somewhere. He knows. I like that we aren't told outright what happened (at least, not yet). The final scene always makes me cry. "You gotta do what you can to protect your family. I learned that from my father." I'm such a sucker for the Angel and Connor storyline, it's so good. I think this episode is a perfect resolution to Connor's story. The follow-up in Not Fade Away makes it even better. :)

Previous Episode Posts This Week
Why We Fight
Smile Time
A Hole in the World
Shells
Underneath

This was my last episode post! It's been fun. :D

Episode Post: Angel - 5x17 Underneath

2006-07-24T22:18:05Z

Episode Info
Written by: Sarah Fain, Elizabeth Craft
Directed by: Skip Schoolnik
Original Airdate: April 14, 2004

Synopsis
Angel takes Gunn and Spike with him on a mission to rescure Lindsey from the hell dimension created by the Senior Partners, totally unaware that Gunn has his own hidden agenda.

Relevant Links
Transcript: at BuffyWorld
Screencaps: at Screencap Paradise
Fanlisting: Bizzaro World

Extra Info
Starting with this episode, the credits change to include Mercedes McNab as a regular and to incorporate shots of Amy Acker as Illyria. Also, this is the first appearance of Adam Baldwin as Hamilton.

The Mods' Attempt to Start Discussion
I love this episode, and it has a bit of everything, being sad, funny, and exciting. It also does the impossible in making me not hate Eve. Sarah Thompson does a much better job playing this version of Eve than the bitchy Lilah, Jr. version. Hamilton is awesome (and well-dressed, indeed). Eve, Lorne, and Harmony screaming when he punches through the security guard is hilarious.

"I walked worlds of smoke and half-truths, intangible. Worlds of torment and of unnamable beauty. Opaline towers as high as small moons. Glaciers that rippled with insensate lust. And one world with nothing but shrimp. I tired of that one quickly."

I love the reference to the shrimp-world. The scenes between Illyria and Wesley are beautifully done (aside from the fake city backdrop). I don't think they are boring at all, though I've read a lot of complaints about them. I really enjoy what they talk about, and I love the way Illyria speaks.

The hell dimension is great, too, and how disturbing is it to see the little boy wielding an uzi? It's sad for Gunn to stay behind, but I like that he made that choice. It's quite a turn of events to have Lindsey, of all people, reminding Angel of what heros do. Lindsey is no hero, but he sees the big picture. What Lindsey says is nothing new -- it's basically what Holland told Angel in season two -- but it's what Angel needs to hear to get back on track.

Previous Episode Posts This Week
Why We Fight
Smile Time
A Hole in the World
Shells

Episode Post: Angel 5x16 - Shells

2006-07-24T01:32:27Z

Episode Info
Written by: Steven S. DeKnight
Directed by: Steven S. DeKnight
Original Airdate: March 3, 2004

Synopsis
As Illyria, the ancient god now occupying Fred's body, gets used to her new world, Wesley uncovers Gunn's part in approving the customs document for the sarcophagus.

Relevant Links
Transcript: at BuffyWorld
Screencaps: at Screencap Paradise
Fanlisting: Effigy

The Mods' Attempt to Start Discussion
When this episode first aired, it really affected me. I hated it! I think it was too much to handle. I don't really hate this episode -- I love it, in fact -- but it's like a knife in the heart. I admire the show for taking the characters to such lows after taking the Wolfram and Heart deal, and the toll that decision has taken on the team is never more obvious than in this episode. Fred is gone, in part because of Gunn's selfish ambition. Wesley has totally lost it. Lorne has given up. Angel is in denial. Everything has fallen apart. Wesley stabbing Gunn is so sad -- they used to be such good friends.

Amy Acker does a brilliant job playing Illyria, and what a fascinating character she (he?) is. A once powerful god king now trapped in a world ruled by humans, disgusted by their emotions but at the same time burdened by an all-too-human sense of loss over her long-dead kingdom. Plus, she's got cool blue hair. The fights in this episode are impressive. I love the time-bending effect.

I think Harmony is a little too nice in this episode. Sure, she can be "good" to fit in, but here she's so sympathetic and helpful. It seems overdone. I also don't like that Fred's soul was destroyed. It's a reality check that Fred is gone and there's no point in trying to get her back, but how depressing. As is the flashback at the end. *sigh*

Previous Episode Posts This Week
Why We Fight
Smile Time
A Hole in the World

Apologies for the late post, I couldn't get online earlier.

Episode Post: AtS - 5x15 A Hole In the World

2006-07-22T07:08:16Z

Episode Info
Written by: Joss Whedon
Directed by: Joss Whedon
Original Airdate: February 25, 2004

Synopsis
Fred opens a sarcophagus sent to Wolfram and Hart and is infected with a parasitic demon named Illyria. The gang must race to save her before her organs are liquified and Illyria can take over.

Relevant Links
Transcript: at BuffyWorld
Screencaps: at Screencap Paradise
Fanlisting: Deeper Well

Extra Info
This is the last episode directed by Joss Whedon and the last one that he wrote by himself.

The Mods' Sad Attempt to Start Discussion
Amy Acker and Alexis Denisof are absolutely heartbreaking in this episode. I really think Amy Acker is an actress with enormous range, as we'll come to see in the next episode (and with what she does on Alias). She has a lot to do on Alias, a lot she hasn't had to do before and she handles it with such grace and dignity. The Fred and Wesley relationship is something that has been building since the beginning of the third season and once it finally comes it isn't given a lot of time at all. But I think what it is given here is done very nicely. I can't say how a Fred/Wesley fan would feel about that, I'm not one of them. But I do really feel the relationship in this episode. I feel the love there, I think it comes through very well. Though it's short, I think it's handled well.

The reactions of everyone are handled well too. They really spring into action. You know Fred is important to all of them, you've seen it grow and you've seen from the beginning of their relationship with her that they've taken her in and have so much love for her. Really, of all people to see this happen to, Fred is the one that it hits hardest for the other characters. Wesley's reaction obviously makes the most sense because his feelings have always been the most clear. Gunn's reaction to finding out what he inadvertently did is, to me, really sad. I feel really bad for him. The reaction I really like is Spike's. He's known her for such a short amount of time but she's made such a mark. She believed he was worth saving and his first instinct is to return the favor. Of course, it's not even returning the favor because for both it wasn't a favor, it's just because they genuinely like each other and it's the right thing to do.

And last but most certainly not least, I'll ask that you choose. Cavemen or astronauts? I go with astronauts. Even without weapons, they are a more advanced group. The cavemen pretty much get as far as bludgeoning. Astronauts are better with strategizing.

Previous Episode Posts This Week
Why We Fight
Smile Time

Episode Post: AtS - 5x14 Smile Time

2006-07-21T15:49:07Z

Episode Info
Written by: Ben Edlund
Directed by: Ben Edlund
Original Airdate: February 18, 2004

Synopsis
While investigating a series of accidents occuring to children as they watch a television show airing in the Los Angeles area, Angel finds himself turned into a puppet.

Relevant Links
Transcript: at BuffyWorld
Screencaps: at Screencap Paradise
Fanlisting: Puppet Angel

Extra Info
Producer David Fury plays the role of Framkin.

The Mods' Sad Attempt to Start Discussion
In the hands of a lesser show, this could have been a disaster. But, this is Angel and not only is it Angel, it's a good season of Angel. I love this episode. It's easily one of the funniest of the entire series. It might actually be the funniest. I really love everyone's reaction to Angel being turned into a puppet. I really just think he's completely adorable. From his hair, to his little hands, to his clothes and the way he walks. Spike's reaction is just priceless. That's just comic gold. I also like Lorne's reaction after Angel is mauled by Nina. "Is there a Gepetto in the house?!"

Despite the hilarity of the puppet plot, I think Gunn losing his lawyer smarts deserves some attention here because it clearly comes back to bite us in the ass soon. I think it's interesting that the senior partners had it last such a short amount of time for Gunn. I do think that while he may not have earned it the old fashioned way by going to school and studying for the smarts, Gunn has done a lot and did earn this more than the muscle mantle. Of course, he's now getting used to it and he likes it and he's made a deal and there are consequences he doesn't realize. We'll find those out soon.

Previous Episode Posts This Week
Why We Fight

Episode Post: AtS - 5x13 Why We Fight

2006-07-20T16:02:37Z

Episode Info
Written by: Steven S. DeKnight and Drew Goddard
Directed by: Terrence O'Hara
Original Airdate: February 11, 2004

Synopsis
During World War II, Angel helped the Navy recover a German submarine with American sailors on board, as well as three vampires. Sixty years later a member of the crew whose life Angel saved by turning into a vampire, shows up at Wolfram and Hart seeking revenge.

Relevant Links
Transcript: at BuffyWorld
Screencaps: at Screencap Paradise
Fanlisting: Ask For Answers

Extra Info
The Prince of Lies is played bu Camden Toy. He also played one of The Gentlemen in Hush.

The Mods' Sad Attempt to Start Discussion
This episode reminds me of Are You Now Or Have You Ever Been?, I guess because of the flashbacks although it's a different decade. The last block of episodes are pretty hard to live up to and I just don't think this one does it. This one just kind of feels like it's hanging in the middle of a great, great block of episodes. Especially with the episodes that follow it.

One thing I enjoy about it is Spike on the submarine. Wanting to be called captain and all. He's just very amusing. It's pretty much classic Spike, having fun through the situation.

Weekly Reminder: July 20 - July 26

2006-07-20T13:35:21Z

This Week's Episodes
AtS - 5x13 Why We Fight
AtS - 5x14 Smile Time
AtS - 5x15 A Hole in the World
AtS - 5x16 Shells
AtS - 5x17 Underneath
AtS - 5x18 Origin

Notes
Last week's favourite episode: You're Welcome, with about 70% of the votes. Least favourite was Lineage by a small margin -- 42% compared to Harm's Way's 29%. Destiny and Soul Purpose also received a vote each. Damage was the only episode not to receive a vote for either favourite or least favourite, heh. I almost voted for it for least favourite but decided that I like Lineage less. :)

This is an eventful week for Angel. There is hilarity, but mostly there is overwhelming sadness. (They put the show's funniest episode right before the saddest, the bastards.) For me, this is where things get really excellent. I think the season got off to a slow start -- the first half is decent but not brilliant; starting with You're Welcome is where I think things really start to shine, and I'm very much looking forward to getting into this part of the show, even though it will depress me.

Weekly Recap: July 13 - July 19

2006-07-19T23:08:59Z

Lineage
Destiny
Harm's Way
Soul Purpose
Damage
You're Welcome

View Poll: This week's favorite episode

Once again, I am late. I was sitting here and thinking, "Wow, someone sure is late with the recap this week." I then realized that it was me. I'm sorry! The good news is, that it's the last time I'll ever be late with the recap!

I think we had a really great week this week and I'm going to have a very tough time voting. We had a good mix of some fun episodes, a sad but fitting one and a huge milestone for the show where the gang realized something big.

Episode Post: AtS - 5x12 You're Welcome

2006-07-18T14:18:55Z

Episode Info
Written By: David Fury
Directed By: David Fury
Original Airdate: February 4, 2004

Synopsis
Cordelia returns to help her friends one last time after an old nemesis shows up determined to defeat Angel by overriding a secret failsafe created by the Powers That Be.

Relevant Links
Transcript: at Buffyworld
Screencaps: at Screencap Paradise
Fanlisting: Last Goodbye

Extra Info
The 100th episode of Angel and Charisma Carpenter's final appearance on the show.

The Mods' Attempts to Get the Discussion Going
This is one of my favourite episodes. I could take or leave the whole failsafe plot, but this episode is all about the characters for me. Even though I was very glad to see Cordelia gone by the end of season 4 and I never actually bought her transformation from shallow, bitchy Cordelia of Sunnydale to Cordy, the shining saintly heart of Angel Investigations ... I have to say this is the one episode where I think she really works well in that role as Team Angel's soul (almost literally). David Fury manages to make her both likeable and believable where they've never been able to do so before, in my opinion (though I am positive many disagree, heheh). It's great to see the effect this has on Angel. He's so uncertain throughout the episode, and then he really does seem rejuvenated by the end. I like it when he says "I'm Angel. I beat the bad guys." It reminds me of Buffy saying "I'm Buffy, the vampire slayer" in Anne. :) David Boreanaz does a great job of showing the change in Angel's emotional state.

I also think this is just a well-written and very entertaining episode. The dialogue is dead on, the action is fun (Angel/Lindsey swordfight?? Sweet!), and the ending has just the right emotional impact. I think it's one of my favourite deaths in Jossverse (and I mean that in a nice way, not a ding dong the bitch is dead way). It's all written in such a way that I think we kind of see it coming but that makes it work even better. I've been critical of Charisma Carpenter's acting, but I really like her in the last scene here. I think she does a great job of conveying what it might be like to be in Cordelia's situation ... I get a lot of emotion from her when she says you're welcome, and I love it when Angel says thank you. It's a lovely ending to a great episode and a really nice sendoff for Cordelia.

Links to Previous Episode Posts This Week
Lineage
Destiny
Harm's Way
Soul Purpose
Damage

Episode Post: AtS - 5x11 Damage

2006-07-17T16:37:28Z

Episode Info
Written By: Steven S. DeKnight, Drew Goddard
Directed By: Jefferson Kibbee
Original Airdate: January 28, 2004

Synopsis
When Angel and Spike try to help a young woman who escaped from an asylum, they discover she's actually a potential slayer empowered by the spell Willow cast back at the Hellmouth in Sunnydale.

Relevant Links
Transcript: at Buffyworld
Screencaps: at Screencap Paradise
Fanlisting: Once Upon a Time

Extra Info
Tom Lenk (Andrew) makes the first of his two appearances on Angel.

The Mods' Attempts to Get the Discussion Going
This is an episode that I think is quite overrated. I once watched a countdown on the Space network of the viewers' choice top ten Angel episodes, and this was in it. To me that doesn't make a lot of sense; I think it's a fairly good episode, but one of the best of the series? Hardly, unless maybe you only enjoy Angel for the Buffy crossovers.

The idea of a crazy slayer is interesting and I like the way they follow up a bit here on the spell that gave all the potentials powers; however, having said that, I think the followup seems slightly out of place on Angel, which is after all a separate show that has very little connection to slayer mythology. Combine all the slayer stuff with Andrew's appearance, the focus on Spike (who is of course the only character on Angel with a real connection to the spell), and the rehashing of old jokes and lines from Buffy ("vam-PIRES," "Sorry love, I don't speak Chinese," Andrew coughing after smoking his pipe), and this really just feels to me like an episode they made for fans who'd started watching Angel only after Buffy went off the air.

It strikes me as odd that in this attempt to get into the slayer thing, they make such a big deal of an aspect of slayer lore that was never even mentioned on Buffy that I can recall: the slayer's dreams of other slayers. That device was used a lot in the original Buffy movie, but I thought it had kind of stayed there. On the show, Buffy has prophetic dreams and her dreams of the potentials in season 7, but those both seem like different things to me and we never feel that she has any connection to past slayers except the original one (raised by the spell in Primeval -- again, nothing to do with anything inherent to the slayer) and I wonder why they bring up the dreams at this point. Convenience, I guess. :)

Links to Previous Episode Posts This Week
Lineage
Destiny
Harm's Way
Soul Purpose

Episode Post: AtS - 5x10 Soul Purpose

2006-07-16T13:11:17Z

Episode Info
Written By: Brent Fletcher
Directed By: David Boreanaz
Original Airdate: January 21, 2004

Synopsis
While Spike assumes the role of vampire-killing vigilante, Angel begins suffering from horrific dreams that seem to center around his inner fears and insecurities.

Relevant Links
Transcript: at Buffyworld
Screencaps: at Screencap Paradise
Fanlisting: Stay Forever

The Mods' Attempts to Get the Discussion Going
Weirdest episode of Angel? I think possibly. (This is just a random thought, but does it seem to anyone else that whenever the star of a show writes or directs an episode it ends up being incredibly cracked out and strange? I'm thinking of Ben Browder's outings on Farscape and David Duchovny's X-Files episodes as well as this one.) I remember my entire reaction the first time I saw this could be summed up as "WTF??" and it's pretty much the same now, lol.

There are things I like about it, though, and I do think it gives good insight into Angel's fears about his becoming irrelevant now that Spike is back, and his doubts over whether he really should have taken the Wolfram & Hart deal. I gather all the parasite did was trap Angel in his sleep state, so all the dreams came from his brain, which is sad. Watching Lindsey's plan develop is interesting. I remember being totally shocked that he was calling himself Doyle the first time I saw this. Definitely a good way to piss Angel off.

A couple of things I don't like about this episode ... well, I just don't like Eve, and really I think Sarah Thompson is a large part of the reason why. She kind of reminds me of Jennifer Garner, but she's like wannabe sub-Jennifer Garner, and that's irritating. The absolute worst thing about this episode for my money is the incredibly cheesy use of old Buffy dialogue clips which don't even make sense within that dream sequence. If you can't get SMG (or Jennifer Garner, for that matter), just freaking deal with it. Don't insult us.

Links to Previous Episode Posts This Week
Lineage
Destiny
Harm's Way

Episode Post: Angel - 5x09 Harm's Way

2006-07-15T21:00:01Z

Episode Info
Written by: Elizabeth Craft, Sarah Fain
Directed by: Vern Gillum
Original Airdate: January 14, 2004

Synopsis
Harmony finds herself in over her head and desperate to keep her job after she wakes up in her bed next to a dead man with vampire bites on his neck.

Relevant Links
Transcript: at BuffyWorld
Screencaps: at Screencap Paradise
Fanlisting: none

The Mods' Attempt to Start Discussion
This is a fun episode. It's silly and a little predictable, but I like it. I think Mercedes McNabb does a great job carrying the episode, and it's nice to see her in the spotlight since she's been part of the Buffyverse for so long. It's also an enjoyable change of pace to see Wolfram and Hart from another point of view and the effect the change in management has had on the regular employees.

Harmony is still a sheep, just like she was as a human high school kid. She doesn't seem particularly evil, but it's not because she is good or really wants to be good -- she wants to fit in, but the popularity she had in high school doesn't come easily anymore. She tried and failed at being evil (as we saw in Real Me). I like to think Harmony's lack of evil deeds has to do with her idiocy making her body a bad choice for a vampire to inhabit. The demon inside her must be frustrated.

The demon summit is hilarious. Angel's reaction to "Filthy man whore!" is classic and "Whore man has failed!" is one of my favorite lines. I also love Harmony piling up witnesses in the janitor's closet. A very funny episode.

Previous Episode Posts This Week
Lineage
Destiny

Episode Post: Angel - 5x08 Destiny

2006-07-14T18:13:02Z

Episode Info
Written by: David Fury, Steven S. DeKnight
Directed by: Skip Schoolnik
Original Airdate: November 19, 2003

Synopsis
Spike opens a package that makes him corporeal again, turns the firm's employees into bloody-eyed monsters, and pits him against Angel in a race to drink out of the Cup of Perpetual Torment.

Relevant Links
Transcript: at BuffyWorld
Screencaps: at Screencap Paradise
Fanlisting: Nothing Is Yours

Extra Info
Alexis Denisof does not appear in this episode (he was off marrying Alyson Hannigan).

The Mods' Attempt to Start Discussion
I love this episode. A showdown between Angel and Spike has been a long time coming, and the big fight scene doesn't disappoint me at all. The use of flashbacks to tie the current story to Angel and Spike's history is fantastic. They aren't just fighting for the Shanshu, but for Drusilla, for Buffy -- for everything they have ever vied for. Honestly, I can't choose who I think deserves to win, or if either of them do, and that complexity makes it all the more interesting. But I love that Spike wins, because it makes Angel question himself and his destiny, leading to interesting issues later in the season.

It's nice to see Spike corporeal again. "Is this otter?" cracks me up every time. As does the posessed guy full of rage about toner. "TONER" written in blood on the wall is classic. Eve is so annoying. I hate the way she talks. I hate the nicknames she uses. I enjoy Gunn throttling her. The ending is a bit ridiculous, but it's fun to see Lindsey again even if his season five arc is a little disappointing. I don't really understand his motivation here, because I can't imagine him wanting Spike to kill Angel, at least without Angel knowing who was behind it. (The way Eve says "Spike didn't kill Angel, but..." makes me think that was an outcome they would have been happy with.)

"Look what I made. It's called Willy."

Episode Post: Angel - 5x07 Lineage

2006-07-13T18:43:48Z

Episode Info
Written by: Drew Goddard
Directed by: Jefferson Kibbee
Original Airdate: November 12, 2003

Synopsis
Cyborg assassins attack the offices of Wolfram and Hart for a magical device that will give them control of Angel. Wesley is surprised by the arrival of his estranged father, who has come to evaluate Wesley for possible reacceptance to the Watcher's Council.

Relevant Links
Transcript: at BuffyWorld
Screencaps: at Screencap Paradise
Fanlisting: Lineage Fanlisting

The Mods' Attempt to Start Discussion
I really enjoy this episode. I think it's the best of the season so far (though quickly overshadowed). We've seen hints of Wesley's daddy issues for years, so it's interesting to finally meet his father... er, or a cyborg version of his father. No matter -- it's Wesley's reaction that is interesting. His "father" really is as awful as the hints have suggested, and I find it painful to watch Wesley's confidence drop as he struggles with his father belittling him and reminding him of past failures.

When his father threatens to kill Fred, Wesley shoots him multiple times without hesistation. It's an incredible scene. Only afterward is the truth revealed -- his "father" was a cyborg. But it doesn't matter. Wesley shot his father, who is probably just as ruthless as the cyborg impersonating him, and he didn't hesitate for a second. A shame we never find out for sure who is behind the cyborg ninjas. Perhaps they would have resurfaced if the show had continued.

It amuses me that the show has multiple characters who have also killed their parents and are able to come to Wesley and offer their thoughts. I like the talk between Angel and Wesley, with Angel realizing Wesley's motivation in kidnapping Connor, reflected in his words of consolation. "You do what you have to do to protect the people around you. To do what you know is right, regardless of the cost. You know, I never really understood that. You're the guy who makes all the hard decisions, even if you have to make them alone."

Weekly Reminder: July 13 - July 19

2006-07-13T15:48:06Z

This Week's Episodes
AtS 5x07 - Lineage
AtS 5x08 - Destiny
AtS 5x09 - Harm's Way
AtS 5x10 - Soul Purpose
AtS 5x11 - Damage
AtS 5x12 - You're Welcome

Notes
Our votes were all over the place this week and I can really understand why. However, our favorite episode was Life of the Party and our least favorite was Unleashed.

Things sure move quickly when you're only watching one show, don't they? This week we see two people return, someone from Sunnydale visit and the show's 100th episode! I think it's a pretty good week!