Angel
Players
original air-date: 03-26-03
Several
of the recent Angel episodes suffered from the same problem:
Repetitive and drawn out scenes left one with the impression
that the writers had stretched a half hour of material into
a full episode.
Thankfully
this episode returns the show to top seasonal form by abandoning
that strategy. Instead, it restores the formula that has worked
well in the past: Shorter, tight scenes that show the characters
in different combinations. The episode also uses the simple
yet highly effective tactic of moving the somewhat tired Cordevil
story into the background and a fresh Gwen plot into the foreground.
That latter
story involves Gwen seeking help from Angel Investigations
to rescue a kidnapped girl named Lisa. Given Gwen's choice
of profession, the audience knows there must be more to her
plan. There is, of course, and the unveiling of that plan
is very enjoyable to watch.
To Angel's
surprise, Gwen chooses Gunn as her partner. He does not let
her down. Gunn looks great in his suit, displays practical
knowledge of Japanese culture (the enjoyment factor thankfully
outweighs the improbability), and dispatches a group of bodyguards
handily (one now understands that yes, maybe he could have
fought off an army of zombies at Wolfram & Hart).
The only
possible flaw in this adventure is his ability to relocate
Gwen so fast after "rescuing" the girl (refreshing
to see a more realistic, not-so-innocent child).
Some audience
members have knocked Gwen as a Faith wannabe. But having just
seen a series of Faith based initiatives (sorry, couldn't
resist), it is clear that Gwen and Faith are two very distinct
characters, both enjoyable in their own ways. Gwen's chemistry
with Gunn is also very natural.
Meanwhile,
back at Fang Gang central, the group researches possible explanations
for Codelia's hyper-pregnancy (and perhaps her recent dismal
fashion sense as well). Thankfully this week the writers only
inflict a single Connor-Cordelia scene, and this time it works
much better. Perhaps because Connor may be wising up. The
scene, however, goes on about thirty seconds too long, unfortunately
just enough time for Cordelia-but-not-Cordelia to get in yet
another dead horse "Connor, I may ask you yada yada yada..."
It is
refreshing for a change not to see Angel brooding in post-Angelus
guilt. And for once he seems to have retained some of his
inner demon's cunning. Angel's scenes with Cordelia are a
delight. Is he still oblivious to her treachery or is he toying
with her?
Yet another
tight scene features Fred and Wes, who finally get around
to discussing Lilah. It is an excellent example of what the
writers can achieve with a single strong scene instead of
a series of repetitive drawn out scenes, e.g., the Cordelia-Connor
pairings of recent episodes.
Lorne
is a minor disappointment here, though he doesn't get beat
up for once. His quips fall a little flat, perhaps due to
the same mystic ailment that has shifted his empathic abilities
into neutral. Still, he does literally get the last laugh.
Overall,
an excellent episode that sets the stage for more audience
treats during the rest of the season.
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