Review of Episode 1, Season 2 "Judgement" Forever one to embark on a journey of the unexpected, Joss Whedon and David Greenwalt have once again, disappointed us, not! In this season opener of their second season, which promises to be on track with purpose and prophecy for our brooding, soul-guy, vampire hero, starts out in, of all place, a Karaoke bar!? That’s right! Seems the Powers That Be have found a new source to convey their cryptic messages. When the customer sings, Anagogic can see into their soul and guides them in their rightful path. Okay, having a little grasping issue here? Where as Angel has three things he doesn’t ever do, David (Boreanaz) should have his own list: dance, tell that chicken story and sing! All in good, painful fun of course. Let’s point out some fun highlights that got my attention. Seems Cordelia has been brushing up on her acting skills! Bravo. Nice to see that this part of her is not being abandoned now that she is committed to her cause in the fight against evil. Charisma (Carpenter) is on top of her game here when she heart-to-hearts it with Angel. This may lead to some interesting sub-stories in the near future. Wesley maintains his ever-evolving demeanor and yet holds onto that charming quirkiness that won over a lot of fans last season. Looking forward to much Alexis’ (Denisoff) potential. Lyndsey is sporting a new hand, but in this day and age you would think it would be more robotic tech and less mannequin surplus. The introductions of Darla (Julie Benz) and Gunn (J. Agustus Richards) as a new regular were a nice tease to prepare us for the shaking of things up and the urban version of Robin, consecutively. Come on, when Darla says, "Angel, it’s been a long time!" ya just saw the sparkle in her eye right? Oh, good things to come there! Also, a hint to the new location of Angel Investigations. Phantom Dennis, we all love this actor! Here’s a little fun . . . in the scene where our dynamic trio are researching, Phantom Dennis throws the book out to Wes and Cordy screams. Watch David, he loses character just for a second as he tries to hide his laughter. Shout Out time to Loni Peristere of special effects. The new vampire dusting technique is in full force now (first seen in last season’s finale ‘Shanshu’) and you’ll be seeing some spectacular things this season from him and his amazing staff! Kudos to the editing team! No reflection when Angel and the gang storm through the mirrored gym. Even more brilliant work while Angel talks with Faith. Note her reflection in the glass but not his, although we do see his phone cord and another visitor who passes behind him as the scene closes. Royal Shout Out to Joss for the surprise ending with Faith, (Eliza Dushku). Her name didn’t even appear in the opening credits to give us that extra ‘Ah!’ Very nice to cap off her sitch and not leave us hanging for 11 episodes as Buffy did last season with her coma. It’s hard to want to set up everything and everyone for the new season when there is so much to tell. One thing is clear, things are going in new directions and all for the better. This is a typical Angel saves the girl scenario with a bit of look ‘inside yourself’ and deal. What becomes apparent is the bond our three main characters have created and will depend upon. With all the evilness arising on the fringes, hang on kids, it’s going to be a wicked ride! I give it...

CoA Stakes Rating Guide = Disappointing, stake it, bury it! = Not too bad, Lacking a few graves. = Typical Dark Avenger saves the day Saga. = Better still, Quality Headstones. = Outstanding! Reward it with mortality!

Cordelia: Sorry, duty calls. Angel: Huh, no reflection. I'll fix that. Gym Guy: That guy has horns. Angel: Steroids. Not good for you. Angel: You've got your steam, you've got your sauna, your hot towels, how bad can it be? Cordelia: You shower with a bunch of men. Angel: I'll always be a loner. Lilah: Of course, if you don't sign we'll sue your ass off and kill your children. Darla: He killed me. I remember now. With a soul in his heart. Darla: Angel. It's been a long time. I'd love to see that boy. Cordelia: Don't yell like that. You will scare him. Wesley: Scare him? Cordelia: Dennis is very sensitive. He's just trying to help. He more of a person than a G-H-O-S-T. Cordelia: Oh goodie - a pit bull. Cordelia: Maybe it's time to visit your stooly. Make with the chin music until he canaries. I've been watching a little noir festival on Bravo. Anagogic Guy: How fabulous would I look in that coat? Angel: I help people. Wesley: What, are we supposed to think that a creature like that can suddenly change it's modus operandi overnight and turn into some noble protector and defender of… oh God. Gunn: You should probably go home now. Gunn: Picture of health and harmony. Look at you, dog, you haven't aged a bit. Angel: Yeah look, I got cards and an office -- well the office blew up, but we're working out of this apartment on Silver Lake. Wesley: Listen up, whoever you are. We're well armed and know how to do battle. So if you know what's good for you… Gunn: My name is Gunn, Angel sent me. Cordelia: "Gun." It really lets them know you mean business. Gunn: It's my name. Gunn: I saw you in bed. Cordelia: What? Wesley: I can see that this is none of my business. Gunn: You too. Wesley: Now wait just a moment. Gunn: At the hospital. After Angel's building blew, he sent me there to keep an eye on you. Cordelia: You can't see everything. You're just a vampire like everyone else. That didn't come out right. Cordelia: Yeah, we all got a little cocky didn't we. It's gonna be a long while until you work your way out. But I know you well enough to know you will. And I'll be with you until you do. Angel: What about your inevitable stardom? Cordelia: I'm not saying I won't have a day. Anagogic: Hey how about that, a performer. Why don't we just call him Angel, the vampire with soul. Anagogic: My question first, and tell the truth because you know I'll know: Why "Mandy?" Angel: I know the words. And, I think it's kinda pretty. Tribunal Judge: Your life is forfeit - you have no champion. Angel: Yes she does. Angel: Nice horse. Try not to make me look stupid out there. Angel: I move to appeal that ruling. Angel: How you doing? Faith: Pretty good i guess, I did sign up for this. Angel: Regretting the choice? Angel: I had to sing Barry Manilow. Faith: You're kidding. Angel: In front of people. Faith: And here I am, talking about my petty little problems. Angel: Just wanted to give you a little perspective. Faith: "Copacabana?" Angel: "Mandy." I don't wanna dwell on it. Faith: The road to redemption is a rocky path. Angel: That it is. Faith: Think we might make it? Angel: We might.