Review of Episode 19, Season 2 "Belonging" A humorous yet timely episode about where one belongs in one's own existence. Shawn Ryan cascades the preverbal tides with everyone getting in on the our-place-in-the-world issues. We begin with Angel, forced into the pubic arena, besieged with overpriced fish that isn't even cooked, and is still missing out on the Wesley and Gunn bond as he tries to get this thing called humanity. Whether it's the arcane idea of power walking, or Cordy's martyrdom to be a star, Angel battles on a daily basis with his misplacement, always reminded that no matter how hard he tries there is always a Voctar witch waiting to expose him for the centuries old oddity that he is. Wesley, as we're familiar in last season's I've Got You Under My Skin episode, that his relationship with his father was less than stellar as a child. Here, we see Wesley trying, not so much to impress, as to seek a bit of pride from his father for the valiant effort he's put forth. Ain't gonna happen! Respect is a hard thing to come by in the Windham-Pryce family and throughout this entire episode we see Wesley struggle with this issue if only to regain his self worth. Still water runs deep and I think there's a shining moment ahead for Wes's true colors to prove out. Even Cordy has to struggle to fit into her world now. A year ago, she would have been the typical stereotype wanna-be starlet making the Hollywood scene. It doesn't matter who you claw on the way up as long as you're on top. But Cordy isn't the same girl she was in Sunnydale. Things have changed, she has changed and now Hollywood and the superficial reality it offers is less than she can accept. Life is full of evil and we're not just talking Network Executives! She's seen the darker side of Sears and it's a Drokken demon with a platinum Diners Club card. She realizes that her path has changed and that affect is forcing her to look deeper into herself. The Host, or shall we call him Lorne from now on? The genuine, raw talent that is Andy Hallett will keep me watching Angel long into the night! 'Joss, never kill this one!!' It is so cool to get some back story of this character, but is it all sunshine and roses as his demeanor would have us believe. I think it would be interesting to find a dark side to wailing-boy, and we just might, kind of like Giles's Ripper days. But knowing he has issues, okay -- his mom, but don't we all, makes him a richer, deeper thinker than we may have given him credit for previously. And what of this Deathwok Clan and the abilities it offers its people. Lorne just may prove to be quite an asset to Angel. Everyone's looking for his path, but can The Host see his own? Last but not least, Gunn attempts to return to his brotherhood fold. I've been saying for a while now that he's abandoned his street family of vampire hunters. And although we saw his attempt to stay true to them earlier this season, he has definitely been removed from their immediate binds. Here, with the loss of one of his closest, he realizes the fine line he must walk in his fight against evil. By powering up all the main characters we get a sense that they may never be able to solve their own personal issues alone. But understanding they are together in their struggles will keep them together and strong to fight and conquer them.  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: What are you doing here? Angel: Getting a tan. (laughs) Not bursting into flames. Angel: Do you want me to rip that guy's head off for you? Because I can, really. I can actually rip his head right off his body. I can do that. Angel: When was last time Cordy took crap from any of us? Gunn: Never and the day after never! Angel: He's also got her wearing this flimsy swimsuit that covers like... nothing. (they all think of her in the swimsuit) Wesley: Appalling. Gunn: Disgusting. Angel: Right. Seth: I've told you twice you have to bend over more. Cordy: If I bend over anymore, I'm going to fall out of my top. Seth: And then you''ll be out of his light. Angel: Horrible. Cordelia: I know. I saw it in my stupid vision. Remember? Angel: No, not the Hacklar, the power-walkers. I mean, walking I get, but power-walking. Why not just run for a shorter time. Weird. Plus one of them hit him. Cordelia: A power-walker did that? Wesley: Apparently she felt I disrespected the Hacklar's culture by killing him. Cordelia: This town sucks! Loren (The Host): Are you gonna help me or do I need to break out my champion rolodex? Angel: Are you okay? Cordelia: Why does everyone ask me that! Do I look okay? The Host: I prefer Loren. Angel: Loren? Loren: Yes, Loren. If you must. Though, I generally don't go by that because, Green. Angel: Right. Loren Green. (Cordy and Wesley look confused.) Bonanza? 15 years on the air not meaning anything to anybody here? (Still nothing from Cordy and Wes) Okay, now I feel old. Landok: Your mother's burden is terrible. Loren: Misses her little green boo does she? Landok: She rips your images into tiny pieces. Feeds them to the swine. Butcher's the pigs and has their remains scattered for the dogs. Loren: Sounds like ma. Landok: The Draken goes this way. The aura is strong. It's not far. Loren: What do you want a medal? Landok: The Draken has taken more food to consume later. Loren: More food? Oh, you mean people. Oh, you mean people. Angel: (to the Draken) Hey you want food? I can be food. Pretty tasty here. Angel: (still searching for the Draken) Here kitty, kitty, kitty. Here kitty, kitty, kitty. Landok: I feel we will meet again someday. Loren: Oh god, I hope not. Loren: Let's say we all forget this ever happened? Angel: I'm down with that. Wesley? Wesley: Fine with me. Cordy? Cordy? (They look around Caritas for her.) Angel: Cordy? Cordelia: (awakens and looks around at where she has landed) Oh crap! Quotes by Council member Sasha.