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Angel
Soul Purpose
original air-date: 01-21-04
For many
fans there is something inherently enjoyable about the "what
if" episode. For that reason David Boreanaz had an edge
for his directorial debut. Fortunately, he didn't blow that
lead and delivered a rich, satisfying episode.
That end
result is a pleasant surprise, given a rather shaky opening.
There is a clichéd dream sequence and some poor back
shots of Mr. and Mrs. Bickerson, a.k.a. Gunn and Wes,
as they debate strategy in front of the boss. Even Spike's
character seems a little off in his initial scenes with tattooed
bad boy Lindsey.
But by
the time a sarcastic champion Spike is telling girls not to
wear heels in alleys, DB hits his stride. First Wes shows
up in a creepy well done transition from reality to Angel's
hallucinations. Then other members of the Fang Gang subsequently
appear in an entertaining variety of surreal visions. For
example, Fred offers up a comical vivisection that includes
a cool scene transition as the camera dives into Angel's body.
Later on, Lorne and Harmony (looking scrumptious) turn up
as a Western flavored lounge act. Only one scene that substitutes
Buffy sound bites for the real thing fails to work.
Overall
it's a lot of fun for fans. But for Angel, it's the worst
kind of nightmare, i.e., the kind where you think you wake
up only to find you're still dreaming.
The architects
of this scheme are Lindsey and Eve, who fans last saw in Lindsey's
Senior Partner-proofed apartment. While Lindsey sets out to
convince Spike to play hero, Eve tries to distract Angel's
posse with a rune laden piece of masonry. She also has some
nasty slug-like "pets" possibly left over from the
Starship Troopers set.
The resolution
of this plot raises an interesting question: Did Lindsey set
Eve up? Or was the "failure" and subsequent accusation
of Eve all really part of the plan? In any case it seemed
unbelievable that the Fang Gang would have let her go so easily
despite the claimed connection to the Senior Partners.
Despite
popular opinion, Sara Thompson has done an acceptable job
this season with the very complex character of Eve.
If nothing
else, she continues to keep fans guessing. Hopefully all those
audience members who dislike Eve or Ms. Thompson in general
will at least delight here in her deft manipulation of Wes
and Fred.
Christian
Kane, however, is a bit of a disappointment. It's certainly
nice to have him back. But this Lindsey seems to be missing
some of the underlying passion and drive that made the Lindsey
of the early seasons such a treat. His heart doesn't seem
quite in it. Perhaps maybe Mr. Kane is showing us a more cautious
Lindsey who's doesn't want to lose to Angel yet again.
The regular
cast does an excellent job with the dream sequences. Kudos
to David Boreanaz for not using the director's chair to seize
the spotlight. Instead he lets other shine while no doubt
having a bit of fun.
Well done,
David.
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