Review of Episode 4, Season 2 "Untouched" One amazing aspect of the continued ingenuity of Angel is its ability to captivate on a multitude of levels. Here, in her debut episode, Meredyth Smith (having stepped up in the ranks to full-fledged staff writer) epitomizes one of the more psychological struggles that Angel goes through. As he deals with the desires of his dreams and enjoying the pleasures he can safely have in them with Darla, the implications are being put upon his everyday un-life. Stepping into this struggle is Bethany Chaulk [exceptionally portrayed by Daisy McCrackin] in a subplot that even runs beneath the main subplot of Lindsey’s ‘project’ -- taking his well-deserved revenge upon Angel. As Bethany struggles with her telekinetic abilities, we see that Angel continues to battle the enemy within and that of the human monster. Bethany is quick to observe, "You love the people. You love them so much you’ve got a hundred rooms to be all alone in." This is so much a part of the struggle that keeps Angel from his redemption and yet he is continually forced to intervene and help others when he is the one in need. As always, not all evil is covered in scales and green puss. Lilah Morgan [Stephanie Romanov] adds a nice twist to keep Wolfram &Hart in the mix while recruiting their assassin talent. Holland Manners [Sam Anderson] makes a brief but entertaining appearance to remind us that we’ve yet to see the upper echelon of the evilness behind the interventions of W&H. Just who are they really? Joss Whedon’s first episode of the season in the director’s chair leaves an open ending that provides us with interest that Bethany may return in the future to lend Angel a return favor. With her powers under control, that might just be very interesting. Look forward to more of Joss in the director’s chair! The Cordy and Wesley dynamic continues to entertain, as does the ongoing challenge of the human condition as Angel takes a tumble into an apartment! And hey, it’s impalement time again! Fun note: Fortune favors the brave! Mere Smith can attest to that, "Who'd a thought," she posted Tuesday night in the Bronze after her episode aired, "three years ago at this time, I was living in Brooklyn, watching Buffy admittedly rabidly on a TV set that wasn't even mine. Now I'm living in Los Angeles, watching Buffy admittedly rabidly on a TV set that I own who happens to write for Angel. Life, my dear friends, is nothing short of... really freaking weird." 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!

Darla: There's nothing so lovely as dreams, everything’s in them -- everything hidden. Open those chambers and you can truly understand someone and control them. Lila: What's hidden in Angel's secret chambers? Darla: Horrors. Cordelia: No think, pay! That's an order! Angel: Hey, how about we pretend that you work for me. Cordelia: You are really unpleasant in the morning. Angel: They why don't we pretend that you don't. Cordelia: You can't fire me; I'm Vision Girl. Angel: Hey, you wanna get behind the tape? You wanna gawk, go home and watch a high-speed chase on FOX. Cop: No one but our Mr. Bills. Ohhh nooo, it's Mr. Bill. Angel: Okay, maybe she can hurt me a little. Cordelia: I can't get this bandage to… stop moving. Angel: I'm not moving. Cordelia: Then stop breathing. Angel: I don't breathe. Cordelia: Then stop flexing your manly boob muscle. Angel: Do you know how hard it is to think straight with a rebar through your torso? Cordelia: Actually, I do. Benefits of a Sunnydale education. Cordelia: Just a girl that could kill your ass by blinking. Gunn: The fair Cordelia. You still saving my life? Cordelia: Every minute. Gunn: So, how's that working out? Cordelia: You're alive, aren't you? Angel: I'm going to bed, it's been a long day. Cordelia: You've been up for three hours. Cordelia: You shouldn't worry. Angel does this kind of thing all the time. Bethany: Makes tea? Cordelia: Helps people. Ya know, helps people with problems. Bethany: So what's wrong with you? Wesley: Where to begin. Cordelia: There's something. She's got a vibe, I'm getting a vibe. She's vibey. Wesley: I'm sorry, but there are people out there who need us. People with much more serious problems than impulse-control issues. Angel: That's enough. Wesley: Why doesn't she go back to her friend’s and toss the furniture about. Or maybe we should send you home… to your father. Cordelia: She wouldn't be crying, you wouldn't be bruised and Angel wouldn't have had a near melba toast experience. Angel: You’re gone. Cordelia: You can't fire Wesley. I'll quit, too. Unless you’re firm. Angel: I'm not firing anyone. Angel: I don't know. I like ‘em. In the time I've lived, I've seen some horror, scary behavior and some fashion trends I pray to forget. But I've seen them try. Bethany: Looked like a pretty happy dream; or maybe the covers were just rumpled. Bethany: What, like I'm some frightened little mouse? I've done stuff. I can make you happy. Angel: You wouldn't like me when I'm happy. Angel: I guess someone's off the critical list. Cordelia: Don't bone my boss. Bethany: What? Cordelia: Angel. He's strictly a no bone. Lila: I was trying to make you stronger. Bethany: Good job. Angel: You gotta learn to lose, sweetie. Lilah: Did I mention you’re not invited? Lilah: He is a vampire you know. Bethany: Weird. Angel: Looks like you'er gonna have to find someone else’s brain to play with. Lilah: Yeah, we have someone in mind. Angel: Goodnight Lilah. Lilah: Sweet dreams.