Angel - Season 1 impressions (episode 10)
Nov. 20th, 2005 06:02 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
thalia_seawoodParting Gifts
For a summary click here.
First of all, let me do the happy "Wesley is back!" dance. Yay!! I really missed him.
- Angel going to the Powers That Be and asking them to return Doyle to him. I don't approve. It's not a good idea to bring back people from the dead, especially when they died for a good cause it's somehow disrespectful. You died for the cause and now we bring you back for a repeat performance. Hm.
Of course, not being able to accept death is a common theme in my fandoms: Harry Potter struggles with the death of his parents or Anakin Skywalker is unable to accept that the people he loves might die and turns to the dark side because of this fear.
I expect Buffy and Angel to bring up the subject of death and resurrection repeatedly.
- Once again this is a wonderful episode for Cordelia. She gets so many goods scenes.
I started to laugh out loud when she called Angel "broody boy".
Angel: “Cordelia, get out.”
Cordy: “What?”
Angel: “I-I mean, of the office. Take the day off. Go live your life a little bit. I can manage here.”
Cordy gets up: “ Don’t think I don’t know what you’re doing, Angel.”
Angel: “What am I doing?”
Cordy: “You’re trying to push me away, close yourself off.”
Angel: “That’s not what…”
Cordy: “Well, I got news for you, broody boy. We’re all we’ve got now. You may not like sharing your grief with others, but that’s the normal, healthy way people deal with loss. I’m not going anywhere, so get used to it. I’m staying right here! (the alarm on her watch goes off) Oops! Got to go. Commercial audition. If it wasn’t a national I’d blow it off.”
Angel: “Well, if you don’t feel up to it then don’t go. Stay here.”
Cordy: “Reverse psychology, very cute, don’t worry. I’m going.”
Angel: “I’m not…”
Cordy: “But don’t get any ideas. I’m coming back!”
Angel: “Right.”
- Another quote to keep handy:
Barney: “I’m sensing a little performance anxiety here. Little trick, picture everybody…”
Cordy: “In their underwear.”
Barney: “I was going to say dead, but hey, if that underwear thing works for you…”
- I love Angel in rant mode.
Barney: “Secondly, I just realized it’s 3:45 in the afternoon. If you’re a vampire, why aren’t you in your coffin?”
Angel takes a deep breath: “Coffin. I hate that stereotype. You’re a demon and you don’t know anything about vampires?”
Barney: “Only what I’ve learned from TV.”
Angel: “Vampires don’t sleep in coffins. It’s a misconception made popular by hack writers and ignorant media. (Gets up) In fact you know, we can and do move around during the day, as long as we avoid direct sunlight. Got it?”
- Cordelia auditioning for the commercial is such a great scene. It's heartbreaking as it's so clear how much she grieves about Doyle's death - but at the same time I had to laugh. Both takes on the commercial are just ... highly unusual.
- Cordelia kissing every male in this episode made me laugh. She really wants to get rid of her new powers - until she finally realises that they are Doyle's parting gift to her. Barney is evil, but at least he helps Cordy with this revelation.
Barney: “I get the impression that Doyle didn’t have much by way of possessions?”
Cordy: “No. No he didn’t.”
Barney: “Seems like he gave you the most valuable thing he had.”
- OMG. Wesley tries to "Spike" himself, i.e. tries to become cool and manly.
selenak showed me Fool for Love to introduce me to the world of Buffy so I already know what Spike was like before he became a vampire. I totally do not regret this spoiler because it's a lot of fun to compare William and Wesley.
They both are equally insecure around others and to cover their insecurity they get wordy - which leads to a lot of meaningless babbling and ultimately results in their making fools of themselves.
They both really can't stand being that way. What they really want to be is strong, brave and heroic.
So they try to remake themselves:
William starts creating a new persona for himself after he becomes a vampire. I think he totally despises his past as William and tries to forget about it. I wouldn't be surprised if he had killed everyone who knew him as William just to wipe out his pathetic past entirely.
For Wesley things are more difficult since he has no demon part that allows him to gain supernatural strength, speed and viciousness. So he makes do with a motorbike and a leather outfit - unfortunately the leather trousers are not the most comfortable choice of clothing.
Wesley: “No. These pants, they tend to chafe one’s (looks at Cordy) – legs.”
Something else I think they have in common:
I have the impression that they both feel things very intensely. Wesley and William try to cover their feelings by being proper and "over-talking" things. Spike does it by always acting overly dramatic and making lots of sarcastic comments. (If you always act like a drama queen, people will have a much harder time to see when you're really bothered by something. It might just be one of your five billions antics about nothing.)
I admit it: These two are my favorite characters so far. I love them all, but so far only Wesley and Spike get me into full meta mode.
- Wesley has now become a man with a mission: He's desperately trying to show his worth and to actually make a difference in the fight against evil.
- In the beginning of the episode, it's very important to Wesley that he's considered as a "rogue demon hunter".
The way he presents it he's the one who decided to leave the council and become an independent fighter. Close to the end of the episode, he finally admits the truth: The council has sacked him, because he lost control over two Slayers.
I still believe that he wasn't happy with the council for a long time. He only lacked the self-confidence to quit. The council releasing him from his duties finally gives him the chance to make his own decisions. It seems to me he gained his freedom.
- His entrance scene made me both happy and sad: Happy because he's back and sad because none of his former acquaintances has missed him at all. He never was important enough for them to be remembered. Also he's still practicing to be fearsome. :-)
Angel with his hands in his pockets: “Wesley.”
Wesley: “I wager you thought, you’d never see me again.”
Angel: “To tell you the truth I hadn’t given it much thought one way or the other. What are you…”
Wesley still pointing the crossbow at Angel’s face: “Hup-up-up! I’m the one asking the questions here. I think it only fair to warn you, any sudden movement and I’d be forced to… (Angel casually bats the crossbow out of his hand) Right. You had a question?”
- The kiss between Cordelia and Wesley is wonderful.
Wesley: “Good Lord. Cordelia? (Cordy gets up and walks up to him) Angel never mentioned… Well, this is nice – (Cordy reaches up and kisses him. Wesley pulls her close and kisses her back. After a moment Cordy pulls away.) – surprise.”
Cordy shakes herself: “It didn’t work!”
Wesley: “No? Hmm. I thought it went considerably better than last time.”
- Cordelia has a lot of courage. I knew that already, but it impresses me every time:
Cordy: “Wait! Ahh! A vision! I’m having a vision. (Barney pulls her up form the table) A demon, a creepy, little – you! It’s definitely you! In great, great…”
Barney: “Danger?”
Cordy knees him between the legs: “Pain!”
- I also love how she tries to prolong the auction and stir up a fight between the auctioneers.
- The Wolfram & Hart lawyer is more creepy than any demon. She's totally devoid of human emotions.
- Such a lovely Angel/Cordelia moment:
Cordy: “I never doubted for a minute that you’d find me.”
- And the ending of the episode is perfect. Which is why I will quote it. :-)
Wesley also shares the drama queen vibe with Spike as can be seen here. The difference so far is that Spike has fun with the drama queen attitude whereas Wesley still uses it because he feels so insecure and if he talks enough about being a hero maybe his wish will come true. :-)
Wesley: “Well, I’ll be off then. Angel. Who knows when our paths will cross again.”
Angel shakes his hand then reaches into the fridge: “Wesley.”
Wesley puts his jacket on.
Cordy: “Do you even know where you’re headed?”
Wesley: “Us rogue demon hunters rarely do. Wherever evil lurks, wherever the forces of darkness threaten humanity, that’s where I’ll be.”
Angel is setting the table and pouring a glass of orange juice for Cordy.
Cordy: “Well, okay. Keep in touch.”
Wesley: “Yes. Yes, I will. (Picks up his bag) But now the evil lurking everywhere bids me onwards. (Looks back at Angel cooking and Cordy drinking her juice) So – I go.”
Cordy turns around: “Take care.”
Wesley: “Yes.”
Wesley slowly disappears around the corner to go up the steps. But after a moment strolls back into the room.
Wesley: “No rest for the wicked fighters. Through storm and rain – heat – famine (looks at Angel putting some scrambled eggs on a plate) deep, painful, gnawing hunger – I go.”
Angel looks over at him: “Breakfast?”
Wesley quickly puts down his bag and takes off his jacket: “Ooh – (eagerly hurries to the table) I suppose so.”
Cordy to Wesley: “One of the perks of the job. After an all-nighter of fighting the lurking evil – we get eggs.”
Angel sets a plate of eggs down in front of Wesley: “Toast?”
Wesley: “Please!”
Cordy: “I’m famished. He’s a good cook for someone on a liquid diet.”
Wesley: “Astonishing, really. Mhm-mm. (To Angel) Did you say something about toast?”
Angel sets a plate of toasted bread on the table, and both Cordy and Wesley grab a slice.
For a summary click here.
First of all, let me do the happy "Wesley is back!" dance. Yay!! I really missed him.
- Angel going to the Powers That Be and asking them to return Doyle to him. I don't approve. It's not a good idea to bring back people from the dead, especially when they died for a good cause it's somehow disrespectful. You died for the cause and now we bring you back for a repeat performance. Hm.
Of course, not being able to accept death is a common theme in my fandoms: Harry Potter struggles with the death of his parents or Anakin Skywalker is unable to accept that the people he loves might die and turns to the dark side because of this fear.
I expect Buffy and Angel to bring up the subject of death and resurrection repeatedly.
- Once again this is a wonderful episode for Cordelia. She gets so many goods scenes.
I started to laugh out loud when she called Angel "broody boy".
Angel: “Cordelia, get out.”
Cordy: “What?”
Angel: “I-I mean, of the office. Take the day off. Go live your life a little bit. I can manage here.”
Cordy gets up: “ Don’t think I don’t know what you’re doing, Angel.”
Angel: “What am I doing?”
Cordy: “You’re trying to push me away, close yourself off.”
Angel: “That’s not what…”
Cordy: “Well, I got news for you, broody boy. We’re all we’ve got now. You may not like sharing your grief with others, but that’s the normal, healthy way people deal with loss. I’m not going anywhere, so get used to it. I’m staying right here! (the alarm on her watch goes off) Oops! Got to go. Commercial audition. If it wasn’t a national I’d blow it off.”
Angel: “Well, if you don’t feel up to it then don’t go. Stay here.”
Cordy: “Reverse psychology, very cute, don’t worry. I’m going.”
Angel: “I’m not…”
Cordy: “But don’t get any ideas. I’m coming back!”
Angel: “Right.”
- Another quote to keep handy:
Barney: “I’m sensing a little performance anxiety here. Little trick, picture everybody…”
Cordy: “In their underwear.”
Barney: “I was going to say dead, but hey, if that underwear thing works for you…”
- I love Angel in rant mode.
Barney: “Secondly, I just realized it’s 3:45 in the afternoon. If you’re a vampire, why aren’t you in your coffin?”
Angel takes a deep breath: “Coffin. I hate that stereotype. You’re a demon and you don’t know anything about vampires?”
Barney: “Only what I’ve learned from TV.”
Angel: “Vampires don’t sleep in coffins. It’s a misconception made popular by hack writers and ignorant media. (Gets up) In fact you know, we can and do move around during the day, as long as we avoid direct sunlight. Got it?”
- Cordelia auditioning for the commercial is such a great scene. It's heartbreaking as it's so clear how much she grieves about Doyle's death - but at the same time I had to laugh. Both takes on the commercial are just ... highly unusual.
- Cordelia kissing every male in this episode made me laugh. She really wants to get rid of her new powers - until she finally realises that they are Doyle's parting gift to her. Barney is evil, but at least he helps Cordy with this revelation.
Barney: “I get the impression that Doyle didn’t have much by way of possessions?”
Cordy: “No. No he didn’t.”
Barney: “Seems like he gave you the most valuable thing he had.”
- OMG. Wesley tries to "Spike" himself, i.e. tries to become cool and manly.
selenak showed me Fool for Love to introduce me to the world of Buffy so I already know what Spike was like before he became a vampire. I totally do not regret this spoiler because it's a lot of fun to compare William and Wesley.They both are equally insecure around others and to cover their insecurity they get wordy - which leads to a lot of meaningless babbling and ultimately results in their making fools of themselves.
They both really can't stand being that way. What they really want to be is strong, brave and heroic.
So they try to remake themselves:
William starts creating a new persona for himself after he becomes a vampire. I think he totally despises his past as William and tries to forget about it. I wouldn't be surprised if he had killed everyone who knew him as William just to wipe out his pathetic past entirely.
For Wesley things are more difficult since he has no demon part that allows him to gain supernatural strength, speed and viciousness. So he makes do with a motorbike and a leather outfit - unfortunately the leather trousers are not the most comfortable choice of clothing.
Wesley: “No. These pants, they tend to chafe one’s (looks at Cordy) – legs.”
Something else I think they have in common:
I have the impression that they both feel things very intensely. Wesley and William try to cover their feelings by being proper and "over-talking" things. Spike does it by always acting overly dramatic and making lots of sarcastic comments. (If you always act like a drama queen, people will have a much harder time to see when you're really bothered by something. It might just be one of your five billions antics about nothing.)
I admit it: These two are my favorite characters so far. I love them all, but so far only Wesley and Spike get me into full meta mode.
- Wesley has now become a man with a mission: He's desperately trying to show his worth and to actually make a difference in the fight against evil.
- In the beginning of the episode, it's very important to Wesley that he's considered as a "rogue demon hunter".
The way he presents it he's the one who decided to leave the council and become an independent fighter. Close to the end of the episode, he finally admits the truth: The council has sacked him, because he lost control over two Slayers.
I still believe that he wasn't happy with the council for a long time. He only lacked the self-confidence to quit. The council releasing him from his duties finally gives him the chance to make his own decisions. It seems to me he gained his freedom.
- His entrance scene made me both happy and sad: Happy because he's back and sad because none of his former acquaintances has missed him at all. He never was important enough for them to be remembered. Also he's still practicing to be fearsome. :-)
Angel with his hands in his pockets: “Wesley.”
Wesley: “I wager you thought, you’d never see me again.”
Angel: “To tell you the truth I hadn’t given it much thought one way or the other. What are you…”
Wesley still pointing the crossbow at Angel’s face: “Hup-up-up! I’m the one asking the questions here. I think it only fair to warn you, any sudden movement and I’d be forced to… (Angel casually bats the crossbow out of his hand) Right. You had a question?”
- The kiss between Cordelia and Wesley is wonderful.
Wesley: “Good Lord. Cordelia? (Cordy gets up and walks up to him) Angel never mentioned… Well, this is nice – (Cordy reaches up and kisses him. Wesley pulls her close and kisses her back. After a moment Cordy pulls away.) – surprise.”
Cordy shakes herself: “It didn’t work!”
Wesley: “No? Hmm. I thought it went considerably better than last time.”
- Cordelia has a lot of courage. I knew that already, but it impresses me every time:
Cordy: “Wait! Ahh! A vision! I’m having a vision. (Barney pulls her up form the table) A demon, a creepy, little – you! It’s definitely you! In great, great…”
Barney: “Danger?”
Cordy knees him between the legs: “Pain!”
- I also love how she tries to prolong the auction and stir up a fight between the auctioneers.
- The Wolfram & Hart lawyer is more creepy than any demon. She's totally devoid of human emotions.
- Such a lovely Angel/Cordelia moment:
Cordy: “I never doubted for a minute that you’d find me.”
- And the ending of the episode is perfect. Which is why I will quote it. :-)
Wesley also shares the drama queen vibe with Spike as can be seen here. The difference so far is that Spike has fun with the drama queen attitude whereas Wesley still uses it because he feels so insecure and if he talks enough about being a hero maybe his wish will come true. :-)
Wesley: “Well, I’ll be off then. Angel. Who knows when our paths will cross again.”
Angel shakes his hand then reaches into the fridge: “Wesley.”
Wesley puts his jacket on.
Cordy: “Do you even know where you’re headed?”
Wesley: “Us rogue demon hunters rarely do. Wherever evil lurks, wherever the forces of darkness threaten humanity, that’s where I’ll be.”
Angel is setting the table and pouring a glass of orange juice for Cordy.
Cordy: “Well, okay. Keep in touch.”
Wesley: “Yes. Yes, I will. (Picks up his bag) But now the evil lurking everywhere bids me onwards. (Looks back at Angel cooking and Cordy drinking her juice) So – I go.”
Cordy turns around: “Take care.”
Wesley: “Yes.”
Wesley slowly disappears around the corner to go up the steps. But after a moment strolls back into the room.
Wesley: “No rest for the wicked fighters. Through storm and rain – heat – famine (looks at Angel putting some scrambled eggs on a plate) deep, painful, gnawing hunger – I go.”
Angel looks over at him: “Breakfast?”
Wesley quickly puts down his bag and takes off his jacket: “Ooh – (eagerly hurries to the table) I suppose so.”
Cordy to Wesley: “One of the perks of the job. After an all-nighter of fighting the lurking evil – we get eggs.”
Angel sets a plate of eggs down in front of Wesley: “Toast?”
Wesley: “Please!”
Cordy: “I’m famished. He’s a good cook for someone on a liquid diet.”
Wesley: “Astonishing, really. Mhm-mm. (To Angel) Did you say something about toast?”
Angel sets a plate of toasted bread on the table, and both Cordy and Wesley grab a slice.
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no subject
Date: 2005-11-20 05:31 pm (UTC)You and I were still in a minority at this point of first watching in this reaction, but rest assured, the days were Wesley love became a universe trait are coming closer.*g* (Back during first broadcast? There was a lot of "how dare that guy replace Doyle!" feeling and even Wesley hate websites, until a later season 1 episode named Five by Five, at which point the fandom at large caved.)
I don't approve. It's not a good idea to bring back people from the dead, especially when they died for a good cause it's somehow disrespectful. You died for the cause and now we bring you back for a repeat performance. Hm.
You're quite right, and whenever someone thinks like this in this universe, he/she either gets dissuaded or finds out that the fulfillment of said wish is a truly bad idea. In defense of Angel, though - he himself came back from that stint in hell. So it's understandable he would think this way in an immediate reaction to Doyle's death, especially since TPTB just fixed his day with Buffy for him. (Another problem: if you let someone believe that it's possible to go for magical fixes, then they'll ask for more and more...)
OMG. Wesley tries to "Spike" himself, i.e. tries to become cool and manly.
See why I was mumbling when you went meta on Wesley a few episodes back?*g*
Wesley has now become a man with a mission: He's desperately trying to show his worth and to actually make a difference in the fight against evil.
*pets Wesley*
And that urge will lead him to an amazing arc.
I, too, adore the final scene, with Wesley just so desperate to belong and so grateful when Angel and Cordelia offer him a new home. It's one of the things I love most about the later half of season 1, the family bond forming between Angel, Wesley and Cordelia.
no subject
Date: 2005-11-21 07:48 pm (UTC)Two very good points. Based on this, his attempt to sway TPTB makes sense. - And I just love it that in this fandom the big decisions are literally made by The Powers That Be. :-)
no subject
Date: 2005-11-24 01:03 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2005-11-24 09:38 am (UTC)Yes, Wesley needs a lot of words and Angel only the minimum. :-)