Review of Episode 4, Season 3 "CARPE NOCTEM" There's just something about the more light-hearted episodes of ANGEL that strike a chord in me. "Carpe Noctem" was an excellent shift from the deep undertones of "That Old Gang of Mine". Still, while it was more of a whimsical episode it contained the essential element to any great story: tension. This tension was conveyed brilliantly using a technique that Alfred Hitchcock mastered, knowing a crucial fact that the characters do not (Angel not really being Angel). So what we end up with is an enjoyable episode that keeps us laughing and holds our interest in the plot. The episode opened up with a brilliantly casual interaction between Fred and the gang. I have to praise Alexis Denisof on his deliverance of the single word "no" when asked if he was startled. That little tone of sarcasm and his facial expression were priceless. Alexis continued to awe me with his "awkward silence" with Fred. The writers have all mastered this kind of wry, sarcastic sense of humor that is just phenomenal. Throughout the episode Fred reminded me of a Season 1 Willow from Buffy. She was desperately trying to fit in, yet was still a bit insecure and adorably quirky. I'm looking forward to seeing how Amy Acker continues to handle Fred's struggling transition into the real world. I was also a little taken aback by Wolfram and Hart's new player Gavin. There is more going on with him than it seems. I'm glad the writers are tackling the idea of Angel "existing" in modern society. I had always wondered how he pulled that off considering the extensive bureaucracy of our society. How does Angel have a driver's license? How did he buy the hotel? How does he cash his checks? Answering these kinds of questions just follows the theme of making the show more "real" this season. The meat of this episode was in the fake Angel's words and actions. There is something so extraordinarily appealing about seeing someone act out of character. The sheer absurdity of the situations he encountered was absolutely hilarious. When do you ever get to see Angel marvel at his own strength, or take advantage of his charm over women? However, the make-out session with Lilah was wrong on so many levels (sorry Stephanie ), and to have Fred see them! Break my heart! Well, at least he bit Lilah; she totally deserved that one. Episodes like "Carpe Noctem" just remind you that watching television is supposed to be fun. Many television shows attempt to produce these types of episodes but end up making them hackneyed and often downright corny. That is what's so refreshing about ANGEL; even the less serious episodes are delivered with the same care and precision as heart-wrenching emotion twisters. Oh, and one last note. I can't forget the little detail that Buffy is alive. How will our hero react to this new twist? I give it This weeks Review by: CoA Staff Writer BCangel

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!

Fred: (looking at Cordelia’s fashion magazine) Why do girls want to look like that? I spent years in a cave starving, what’s their excuse? Cordelia: (on Fred) She’s got the big puppy love. I mean, who wouldn’t? You’re handsome and brave and heroic, emotionally stunted, erratic, prone to turning evil, and let’s face it, a eunich. Angel: Hey! How can you — I’m not a eunich. Cordelia: Angel, it’s just a figure of speech. Angel: Find another one. Cordelia: I just mean that sex is a no-no for you because of the whole “if you know perfect bliss you’ll turn evil curse”. Really no cure for that, is there? Marcus: (not knowing Fred is a woman) Romance with Fred? So I’m a… (pauses and looks down at his clothing) Obviously. Cordelia: (returning from interviewing hookers) If Julia Roberts ever makes a realistic movie about being an escort, I think it should be called “Pretty Skanky Woman”. Wesley: (about Angel making out with someone on his desk) This isn’t like him. Cordelia: What? This is totally like him. Doing the mystery dance with some cheap blonde? Fred: Brunette. She was a cheap brunette. Cordelia: You’re right. This isn’t like him. Angel: I don’t think you really know what you’re getting into. Marcus: Oh, I know what I’m getting into. You’re the one who doesn’t seem to know what you had. As far as I can tell, you were the world’s worst vampire. Vampires don’t help people, you moron! They kill ‘em. Here, let me show you. Angel: You may have the attitude, and you may have the power, but there’s one thing you don’t have, and never will. Friends. Four of them, standing behind you with big, heavy things. Marcus: Guys. It’s about time. It’s him, he’s the one that’s been casting that spell. Cordelia: You’re Angel? With that cologne? I don’t think so. Cordelia: (after zapping Marcus unconscious with a taser gun) God, I love technology. (to Angel) Are you all right? Angel: I gotta pee. Angel: I’ll tell you why you have a weak heart Marcus. You never use it. Angel: Fred, I’ve been meaning to talk to you about something. Fred: Mm-hmm. OK. (chuckles) Is this about how you’re not like other men, what with that curse and all, and how you’re really fond of me but that’s as far as it goes? Angel: Umm, yeah. Fred: Cordelia explained it to me. She said you’d probably just screw it up. Angel: Oh, she did, did she? Well, she’s probably right. Fred: (sighs) Angel: What? Fred: It’s like something out of Fitzgerald. The man who can have everything but love. Well, maybe in some ways, you’re better off. Because love is, well in a way, it’s everything. But it’s also heartache and disappointment. And those are good things to avoid. Cordelia: (excited) Angel. Willow’s on the phone. She’s alive! Buffy’s alive! (Angel looks at Fred, then runs) Fred: (not understanding) Buffy? Quotes by Council member Seeker.