Review of Episode 9, Season 4 "Long Day's Journey" Like the title implies, Long Day's Journey is an episode that takes the audience on a slow-building journey where the arc of the season finally comes to "light." Angel Investigations is together again (if not harmoniously) in a race against The Beast to take the little they know and piece it together to determine The Beast's ultimate plan for LA. It's a dense episode overflowing with new and returning characters, witty one-liners and lots of exposition culminating in one shocker of an ending. Plus writer Mere Smith gets to bring back the electric (literally) thief, Gwen Rayden [Alexa Devalos]. Gwen makes a tart and feisty return in the first act as she begrudgingly adds her skills to Angel's crew. Astute and smart, she proves to be quite adept at judging the situation as well as the soft underbellies of the A.I. team. Throw in her catty banter, sexy self-assurance and superhero moves, she delivers a jolt of adrenaline into the company while providing a perfect foil for alpha female Cordy (plus, she's got a bitchin' lair!). Speaking of whom, we get a decidedly remorseless Cordelia this week as she faces up to her actions with Connor to Angel. Something's not right with Cordy but rather than getting answers - we get her visions back. I'm just happy to see Cordelia back in the mix as a functioning member of the group rather than the helpless, rudderless woman she's become of late. Back at the Hyperion, the conflict continues to brew amongst Fred, Gunn and Wesley. The "brains" of the operation - Fred and Wes take the research into overdrive uncovering the Rah Tet. Sharing close quarters and reestablishing their connection may be good for the group but not for Gunn. J. August is showing depth in the role riding a fine line of male bravado and genuine heartache over the thought of losing his Fred. All of this dissension in the ranks isn't just for fun. Joss and the writers have cunningly woven a path that ably illustrates that for all the immense evil they are facing at the hands of The Beast, the smaller evils are taking their toll as well. So, we may have the team back together but they certainly aren't at their best. They may be constantly one step behind, scared and frustrated but when Wes utters " We need Angelus," a cold chill ran down my spine with the realization they are on the cusp of making their worst decision ever. Closing Credits: "In Loving Memory of Glenn Quinn 1970-2002" I give it... Review by CoA Staff member, Phoenix

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!

Lorne: And you may not find perfect happiness with Cordelia, but Angelface, you've got to remember. There's other fish in the sea. Cordelia: (in the doorway) It's me. I know I don't have to be invited in, but it is polite. Angel: (with contempt) Go away, Cordelia. Cordelia: Well, you know that never works. Gwen: Demon, OK? The whole nine: cloven feet and horns and teeth and... (pauses as she sees Lorne) He wasn't wearing lamé though. Lorne: The evil ones can't pull it off. It gets camp. Gwen: (to a noisy Angel) Geez. Where were you when they taught stealth in superpower school? (falling into Angel's arms) I did that on purpose. Angel: That's pretty pathetic. Gwen: (coyly) If it's a lie or if it's the truth? Angel: What are you doing here? Manny: Standing in the remains of my fallen brethren trying not to have an anxiety attack. Who are you two? Angel: I'm Angel. That's Gwen. You got a name? Manny: I am Manjet. Sacred guardian of the Shen, keeper of the Orb of Ma'at, and devotee of light. Off hours I like Manny. Manny: Look, it's probably just a few hours til this guy catches up with me. I want to spend my last moments with my oldest, dearest friends down at the, uh, Pink Pony Lounge. (leers at Gwen) I'll buy you a lap dance if I can watch. Angel: Forget that. We can take you someplace safe, Manny. We can protect you. Manny: (cynically) Right, Superhunk and Spandexia. This thing takes out Mesektet, and you two are going to protect me? Angel: I don't see anyone else lined up for the job. Manny: (leaning into Angel) You think she'd give me a lap dance? Cordelia: Why did the smelly, yucky man say that? Wesley: As far as evil plans go, it doesn't suck. Manny: Never trust the books or the bookies, kid. Real ju-ju takes place on the Q-T. Gwen: OK then, I'll take Denzel. Gunn: Actually, it's Gunn. Not that I mind the freakishly accurate comparison, but you will keep your hands to yourself. Gwen: I'm just saying it never would have happened on my watch. Cordelia: Gosh no, because you're Supertramp. Wesley: There's only one way we're going to defeat the Beast. We need Angelus. Quotes by CoA Council member, Seeker