Review of Episode 21, Season 2

"Through the Looking Glass"

We've gotten as far away from the dark and broody boy as we can get since the first three-quarters of this season and are tiptoeing on the pinnacle of the season finale with this third installment of what is the four-part closing arc of the season.

Just when you thought Wolfram & Hart was out of the picture, they show up, of all places, in Pylea! Just goes to show you how far Lawyers will travel for a win, but as evil goes so goes the Power That Be. Not withstanding the realization that 'not all that glitters is gold', we find The Host's home dimension a bit unnerving and yet full of surprises.

As throughout this entire season, Andy Hallett [The Host] shines and Charisma Carpenter [Cordelia] proceeds to endear us to her wonderful multitude of layers as an actress. These two talents give this episode its boost from 'finale set-up' to one where we find there's more going on than we think. More mystery, more trouble for Angel and more horrors abound. And we're not just talking hair issues!

Writer and executive producer, Tim Minear, directs this episode as well and gives us some of the best one-liners he can get away with! A wit to rival that of Joss himself, Tim knows just how far to take 'the funny' and still pus
h the threshold of shock! With one episode to go we can only imagine what other heads will roll!

Fun Fact:

For many an Angel and Buffy viewer there is that triumphant 'Dance of Joy' when, as a true fan, we can say, "Hey, that's Chris Beck!" [Restless], or "Was that David Fury sheering those goats?" [Reprise] and now we can say, "Holy Dance of the Macabre! That freaky guy is Joss!"

That's right kids! The creature, ah I mean actor, I mean . . . hmmm. Okay, the guy playing The Host's brother Numfar who was performing the Dance of Joy was indeed, none other than Angel and Buffy creator Joss Whedon! Now we know what he really does on the set. We sure hope you taped this episode because it is so worth the re-watch, again and again and again . . .

  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!



Angel: (looking in the mirror at his hair) Okay. This is because of going through the portal right?
Cordelia: No. It always looks like that.

Angel: No, I mean. Why didn't anybody tell me about this?
Cordelia: Oh. You look good.
Angel: (Looking in the mirror again) You're not just saying that are you?

Angel: (After they take his coat) No wire hanger cause that's leather. (They put him in Warriors clothes) Oh. Hey. Wow, this isn't really... nice.

Cordelia: What does that mean?
Wesley: I have no idea.
Gunn: Sounds dirty to me.
Cordelia: Nobody did.


Priest: The Comshok is a mating ritual.
Gunn: I told you it was dirty.
Cordelia: (flustered and scared) Yes. Exactly. The mating ritual. Which is great. (Laughs) It's been a really long time since I've had a good Comshok.

Cordelia: If you ever figure out how to get us out of here I want you to find me a dimension where some demon doesn't want to impregnate me it's spawn. Is that just too much to ask? What is it about me anyway? Do I put out some kind of Comshok me vibe? I mean you'd tell me right.


Cordelia: Why can't go through the front door?
Gunn: Do you really think you're going to be able to get your booty through the door?
Cordelia: Hey!
Gunn: I mean that booty! (pointing to the crowns in her arms)
Cordelia: Oh. I just wanted something a little something to remember my reign by. Is that so wrong?


Angel: Cordy? She's fine. They made her a princess.
Fred: Really? Oh. When I got here... they didn't do that. Well. That's nice for her.

Cordelia: Oh. Baby. (Removing gag) Are you okay?
The Host: (Looking at the Grusalug) Not as good as you obviously.
(Cordelia laughs) Should I call them back? You could borrow the cuffs.





Quotes by Council member Sasha.