So Joss FINALLY decided to clear up the happiness clause thing… and the answer heralds both good and bad news for B/A shippers. On one hand, Angel turns bad only when he does the deed with Buffy, for only she (well at least, to date) brings him true happiness. On the other hand, that means that Angel is free to shag any one he wants, free from any cursed clause consequences. Oh well, at least that might open a door to more naked Angel shots…

But to the actual episode: Bravo! The reason for my recent lack of reviews has been the severe badness of the last several episodes - but this one is applause worthy at last.

Angel:

It was awful seeing Angel pining in the shadows for Rebecca - instant betrayal factor there in terms of Buffy's memory - an a contradiction of Angel's whole overwhelmingly-devoted personality trait.
Grrr, bad Angel! Have you forgotten IWRY?!! Christ almighty, how could he fall for a helpless, self-centred, vain, actress?! He was in love with the Slayer for God's sake - and that's the crux of the matter - in love. How soon they forget, tsk tsk tsk. Angel, think with your other brain and listen to that angst-ridden memory of yours that we all adore, willya? Anyone except Buffy is COMPLETELY OUT OF BOUNDS!

Other than that rant, for the most part, he and Rebecca had definite sparkage between them. Still, she seemed to want him more for what he could offer than for who he really was. Idiot woman, what was she, blind? She virtually rejected the Dark Avenger. And since when did Angel become psycho-analysis guy? I thought he wasn't good with people…

The return of Evil Angel: WOO-HOO!!! YIPPEEEE!!! I LOVE YOU ANGELUS!! (Big kisses, jumping up and down.) The violence, the sarcasm, the sexy smiling EVIL!!! ROAR!

Ah, but what a damn waste! Now they've used up Angel's evil potential for the season, giving us Angelus worshippers a mere three minutes of his drool-worthy presence. Sigh. Indeed, the transformation back to goody-goody Angel was quite anti-climactic. I'm sick of this stoic flawless sunlight-lover guy.

Rebecca was a big ol' disappointment too, with her whimpering shock response. And I don't see why Angel had to apologise to her if she was the one playing with the drugs in the first place. Was that tonight's moral: vanity comes at a high price? Oh well, at least we got to smear her with blood, yay ;0))))

Cordelia: As always, a cack and a half - although, perhaps overplaying the hopeful actress routine here with Rebecca. LOL at CC's immediate response to Angel's brush with death after saving the star: "So, what was she like?"
Great Oscar performance opposite Angelus, but I can't believe that he actually fell for her act - we'll put that down to the mind-altering drugs excuse, 'K?

Wesley: Still the stereotype. I can't believe that they're still playing out the no-balls inferiority complex line - get a new issue, willlya - we had this a coupla episodes ago with the poltergeist thingie. But at least Wes recognised the difficulty of Angel's position: "You have a fine line to walk, Angel. I don't envy you."

Moi non plus, mon cher. Poor, lonely, chained up Angel. Time for a crossover, I think….