| Review
of Episode 6, Season 3
"Billy"
It has been pretty obvious that this season is going to be intense. Episodes like, "That Old Gang of Mine" and "That Vision Thing", had set a dark, ominous tone. Jeff Bell and Tim Minear team up to bring us another brilliant, yet jarring episode. "Billy" proved to be one of the darkest and most powerful ANGEL episodes of the series.
We immediately get some great interaction between Angel and Cordelia as they train. Their personalities are such polar opposites that when they clash it is always enjoyable. Charisma is doing a great job with this season's character arc - Cordelia is become much more independent, responsible, and aware of her vital position in the group. It's great that Charisma is being given these chances to expand her character and really show off her acting abilities. Likewise, each member of the Angel crew has been emphasized this season rather than just relying on Angel. We are able to tell that their experiences together have molded them all into a family-like team.
It seems that some sparks are flying between Wesley and Fred. Their personalities would mix well together, but there are a lot of things that they would have to work through, mainly him trying to kill her. Alexis is doing a stellar job with subtly portraying the inner conflicts of Wesley. Even single lines that he delivers are flawless, such as when he said, on the verge of tears, "I'm so sorry." I'm sure we will see some extensive internal development with Wesley in the future, especially concerning the idea of leadership. The very last scene where Fred visits Wesley to offer her strength to him was both powerful and ironic since Wesley's leadership is supposed to be the pillar of support.
Then we get the vision, and thus, the introduction of the dark subject matter. The idea that Billy likes to watch women suffer is so disturbing because it rings so true. It was a very dangerous and delicate subject to tackle. And there is also the fact that he spreads his sick perversion onto other men. There was something just so horrific about watching Wesley stalk Fred because there was nothing supernatural about it. I really appreciate how the writers have been alluding to real life 'demons' rather than sticking to fangs and slime.
I've said it before, but this season is become more 'real' than ever. With the introduction of political corruption (Billy's Congressman Uncle), the writers seem to be establishing the idea of 'evil' on multiple levels. Shades of gray are more prominent than ever. Not every character can be labeled 'truly evil'. Consider Lilah, she is a horrific person, and yet she comprises her position by shooting Billy. Ultimately the show is becoming more about the human condition and a lot less about demons.
Season Three is shaping up to be the most artistic, well written season yet. Everyone involved with the show is delivering amazing work. The writers are producing great scripts, the actors are delivering their lines with more passion than ever before, and the directors are intricately piecing it together with astounding cinematography. "Billy" is an example of the ANGEL team working together and coming up with an episode that leaves the audience stunned.
I give it . . .
Review by CoA Staff member, BCangel
|
