Review of Episode 2, Season 3 "THAT VISION THING" That Vision Thing marks the début of a new member to the writing staff, Jeffrey Bell who is another former X-Filer (joining Tim Minear), with his first foray being a nicely done Cordelia-driven episode. Jeff's already in classic form with just the right mix of humor and horror and that all-important Angel message. I really liked this episode, mostly because, like Heartthrob, there's a lot going on. The subplots are developing, there are subtle hints here and there, and characters are forming and moving forward. And there's just enough misdirection to keep you guessing. I have a feeling this will be a complex season as we go along, but one that we will look back on at the end and go, 'Ah, I see! That was cool.' Thinking ahead is what Joss does best! The characters are already further advancing into their rolls; Fred has begun to take her 'little steps' back into the world, as we know it. What I like about Fred, and I think this will follow her throughout the course of the season, is that as she adjusts to civilization she has moments of clarity that justify her place on the team. Remember she is a former physicist. And the Gunn and Fred relationship dynamic is starting to form. Although this episode centers around Cordy's visions and their developing intensity, once again I think we are being led into a false sense of complacency that all is well at the end. I have a feeling more pain will be coming Cordy's way. Give Kudos to the Charisma though, she obviously has a severe case of laryngitis during this week of filming but just incorporated it into the situation of the character! 'Welcome to the demon dimension.' And as far as prison guards go, Skip [David Denman] - you either are gonna love him or hate him! I'm not sure if this was Jeff's idea or Joss's, but to give one of the most menacing looking beasts to appear on Angel your typical down-to-earth, guy-next-door persona was brilliant writing and acting! Then there's Gavin Park [Daniel Dae Kim] as Wolfram & Hart's new thorn in Angel's side. We first saw Gavin towards the end of last season; I didn't care for him then and I don't care for him now. His scene with Lilah, prelude to the idea that they may be the new anti-Angel duo, leaves you begging for Lindsey's return. They just don't have the same dynamic. Daniel is too deadpan, there's no threat, there's no intrigue to what he's planning. His best line is, "New player?" when he sees Fred for the first time, reminiscent of Dear Boy and Kate's exact dialogue on first seeing Gunn. Props must go out to Dayne Johnson and Robert Hall this week for the outstanding Horror make-up and Special make-up effects!! Cordy looked like she went through Hell, literally, and the Skip creation along with the other demons were outstanding. Once again Wolfram & Hart bring something back in a box! 'Oh come on, I know you were thinking it!' There's a big evil a-brewing with mister sinister sneer guy. Joss and Co. certainly know how to bait a fish. And then there's Darla . . . I give it Review by CoA Council member, Swoop

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: (admiringly about Gavin) Okay, minion of darkness, Satan’s toadie. But that is a nice suit. Angel: Fred! Good to see you out and about. Fred: It is isn’t it. Out and about. I’ve been forkin’ with Gunn. Gunn: Five herb shops in Chinatown; we’ve been to four. How come whatever we’re searching for is always in the last place we look? Wesley: I suppose it’s one of the unwritten laws of being a dick. Uh, um, sleuth, a gumshoe, Sherlock. Gunn: All I know is you use the word dick again, and we’re gonna have a problem. So what’s the name of this place anyway? Wesley: Van Hoa Dong. Gunn: Oh, so you think some fancy flipping and a little hollering can intimidate guys like us? (old couple sprout claws) Okay, that creeps me out. (after the ensuing battle, out of breath) Damn, grandma and grandpa got game! Lilah: I have this office because I earned it. As did Lindsey. He sacrificed his flesh and blood for this company, literally had his hand cut off fighting against Angel. What are you doing? Building code violations. Gavin: I’m fighting Angel in my own way. Lilah: (sarcastically) I bet he’s really terrified. Cordelia: (to Fred) Wow, you know? Next to you I am downright linear. Fred: Hey, has anybody ever told you you’re exactly like Lassie? You’re like Angel’s Lassie. Sure, he does most of the saving, but it’s your visions that tell him that Timmy’s stuck in the well or the robbers are hiding in the barn. He really needs and depends on you. Cordelia: (stunned) Well, thanks. I’d be flattered except for the Lassie being a dog part. Dennis, a little help here! (ushers Fred out) Fred: I know you’re probably disappointed that you couldn’t go fight that thing with Angel. Gunn: (facetiously) Right. Cause why would I want to walk with a cute young woman on a beautiful night when I could be out hackin’ and slayin’ a ugly boil covered monster and getting myself killed. Fred: (seriously) I can’t apologize enough. Gunn: Hey, I just follow orders, no matter how tough the job. The Host: (on tracing Cordelia’s visions back to the source) Way outside my area of expertise, I should caution. But hey, who knew William Shatner could sing? (laughs, but sees he’s the only one) Okay, bad example. Cordelia: Sure, I hate looking and feeling like this, but if I lose the visions, I wouldn’t be able to help you anymore. You wouldn’t need me. Angel: That’s not why I need you. You’re important. The visions are just after-market extras, like a Hurst shifter or Krager wheels. Cordelia: (a little appalled) Did you just compare me to a car? Angel: It was a very nice car. Cordelia: I guess it’s better than a dog. Wesley: Something you probably won’t like to hear is that both artifacts are considered objects of good. Angel: So the Chines guy and the boil guy? Wesley: Also aligned with the forces of good. Angel: Damn, it’s so hard to tell these days. You know, they should wear lapel pins or something. Angel: (regarding the flaming prisoner) How come he’s not screaming in pain? Skip: Oh, he is. My will prevents him from being heard. I mean, there’s only so many oh my God, the pain, please make it stops you can listen to before it starts to bug the crap out of you. Angel: I see your point. Skip: (sniffs) You’re a vampire, right? (Angel nods) How come it smells like you work for the Powers That Be? Angel: Cause I do. Skip: But you’re here to try to rescue this guy? But we’re on the same side. Shouldn’t you be helping me keep him in here? Angel: I know, I know. Long story; it involves a girl. I don’t like it any better than you do. Lilah: It’s just business. Angel: Right, just business. (throws an iron rebar through the limousine window and through the demon’s head, killing him) (seriously, up close to a terrified Lilah) Don’t you come at me through Cordelia ever again. You play that card a second time, and I’ll kill you. Quotes by Council member Seeker.