Reviewed by: Adam Bardwell
Rating: 8/10
On first seeing this episode I thought it was a strong outing - definitely above average. I was very surprised to go on the net and find that no one else seemed to like it. I can take the criticism on board that the plot is more Sci-Fi than normal and in places events seemed way to convenient but these didn't dent my enjoyment of the episode much. In fact I am a big fan of Sci-Fi and didn't find the portals / dimension jumping aspect of the show a problem. To sustain two shows the writers are going to have to explore different kinds of characters and if we need Sci-Fi plot devices to get them then so be it.
The character who is introduced here is a Princes of Oden Tal (an ulternative dimension) who has come to our dimension to find sanctuary for herself and other unmade females. Her names is Jhiera and she is determined to do what is necessary to protect her girls - she is carrying out her fathers forgotten promise. This determination means that she doesn't mind the fact that her girls have been killing humans and near the end of the episode she was prepare to sacrifice Wesley and Cordelia for the sake of her compatriots. The transdimensional females burn their victims from the inside. They do this by accident for they come to our dimension in a fever because of the maturation of there Ko (see below). It is the morality of the character which I think would be worth exploring in future episodes and with perhaps a greater intergratin into human society. She is definitely a character with potential.
What the males are basically doing to the females when they unmake them is to take away there personality and sexual drive. This is contained in bumps on their backs called their Ko. Jhiera still has hers and it glows when she is with Angel indicating that he is a suitable mate for her. He also finds her attractive. The scenes between them suggest that Angel is more than interested but that he is holding back probably because of Buffy. I don't think that from this episode a judgement of whether Angel should get together with Jheara can be made. She is a strong fighter which is one requirement he has but their isn't enough chemistry between them and at the moment Angel doesn't seem ready to move on just yet.
The direction thought is very good. The scene between Angel and Jhiera when she is explaining what is going on is particularly good. I loved though rotating camera moves and I think that the way it was shot really adds to the sexual tension between them. Greenwalt's direction alone has to be a good reason why "She" shouldn't be painted with the same brush as episodes such as "The Bachelor Party" and "I Fall to Pieces" which are weak episodes.
There are some good action scenes here. I liked seeing Angel walk up the wall. I thought it was cool. The fight scenes were also good. I liked the way Jhiera could push people away by holding her hand up to them. OK its Sci-Fi but still a pretty nifty ability. The fight music was a little cheesy but to be honest I just thought it was funny not bad as such just amusing.
Wesley finally joins Angel Investigations here. I'm glad that this occurred for seeing him turn up every week just passing by would gave grated my nerves after a while. However, he couldn't have joined straight away for Angel had issues about having a sidekick since he lost Doyle and Wesley would be seen as a direct replacement instead of someone being employed due to specialised skills (Angel didn't get a choice when he employed Doyle). Wesley's reaction to being employed was to become a huge lick. Seeing him kissing Angels butt (not literal thank god!) was funny but it did seem like a bit of a relapse to his character on Buffy. His falling over and fumbling was also a bit much although I have to admit I chuckled when he tried to jump out of the car!
It was nice to see Wesley and Cordelia use their initiative in finding the males who were after Jhiera and her girls. To work as a successful team this is necessary. At the same time this gave these two more scenes together to help to lay foundations for the sibling relationship which develops over the remainder of the season.
Not all of this episodes humour comes from Wesley. Angel and Cordelia's conversation on the cell phone was amusing as was Angels brief lecture in the art gallery which was a particularly good all-round scene. I thought Wes. and Cord's inability to appreciate why Angel needed a shower after speaking with Jhiera was also very funny. Of course the funniest part of the show were Wesley's dancing and Angel's imagination of him dancing. This has to be one of the most hilarious moments of the season its just a pity that this seems to be the only think that this episode is remembered for.
The big problem with this episode is the contrived aspects of the plot. A lot of the things that happen seem way too convenient. For example Angels ability to pick out the useful card from the dead mans wallet and then go straight to the relevant file in the office shows unbelievable intuition on Angels part. This made finding the girls way to easy although the males found them with even greater ease or lack of an explanation other than someone saying that they have found out where lots of ice is going. Wesley and Cordelia found the males too easily, also, for there is no reference of them checking out other compost heaps and there must be more than one in LA!
Elements of the plot are left completely unexplained. The best example is the question of why the transdimensional girl was at the ice factory. Surely Jhiera would have been better of have ice ready for the girls when they arrived and not have to send them off like objects to have ice added - its just asking for human fatalities!
As you can see I can appreciate the plots short comings yet I enjoy this episode every time I watch it. I'm sure the solid dialogue and great direction help but it is the moral questions, its action and potential for future shows which I think are the main reasons I like it (along with the dancing of course!). With such an open ending I think it would be unforgivable of the writers not to return to the character of Jhiera at least once for she needs closure but the current rumour is that she may be a reoccurring character next season.
Great Angel moment: Has to be the dancing (Angel: "I don't dance!).
In a Nutshell: The events are a little convenient but this is an above average episode which introduces a interesting new character in Jhiera.