Review of Episode 15, Season 4 "Orpheus" If there's one thing I love about Angel it's the writings of Mere Smith! Add in the continued return of rogue slayer, Faith [Eliza Dushku], and a crossover from Buffy the Vampire Slayer's Willow [Alyson Hannigan] and you've got the culmination of one of the best episodes of the season. But wait, there's more. Angelus vs. Angel, ya can't beat that! By now, Joss Whedon's influence of William Shakespeare is fairly well known among his fans but even with Willy-boy and Ovid's past treatments of the "Orpheus" saga, this tale of interwoven twists and turns, and multiple dimensions takes us on a new and compelling ride. Several compliments must be credited to Terrence O'Hara (director) in the use and placement of slow-motion takes, the composition shots between Angel and Angelus, and the look and feel of the multiple period pieces. Deserving special praise this week also is Rob Kral (musical composer), especially during Faith's comatose arrival and the chaining of Angelus. He uses a complimenting infusion of kettledrums and strings for just the right transition between jump cuts establishing both themes with intensity and mood. Mere brilliantly weaves together several tales into a complex network of ideas to form her own creative story and bring the conclusion of the Angelus arc to a nicely knit end. The most evident of these tales is in the main title, Orpheus (a Greek Myth), who was willing to go to Hadas to rescue his wife Eurydice, much as Faith was willing to do whatever it took to save Angel. Unlike Orpheus who failed, Faith prevailed, but she and Angel are not the only Orpheus complex here. Willow, who is more reluctant to use her magic in Sunnydale, does what she must for her contribution in Angel's redemption. And even Connor is willing to sacrifice his father (good or evil) in order to protect Cordelia and their unborn child. It's made clear in terms of Wesley's explanation, that Orpheus is a mystical and enchanted drug "which leads you down to hell". The use of the drug metaphor allows for the creative illusions that the user experiences. This opens the door for Faith's self-imposed, A Christmas Carol reference in way of Jacob Marley's ghost. But it's unclear why Angelus must relive Angel's good deeds unless to fully stress that he indeed is in a hell and establish the ongoing battle these two entities are always at conflict with. The action kicks in right where we left off but with a twist, what we thought would happen while Faith was being fed on--Wesley coming to her rescue and tranq.'ing Angelus--doesn't. Instead the first of many twists to come; here Faith has willingly drugged herself and forfeited her life rather than lose Angel. Mere gives us an abundance of great one-liners and Sunnydale's back story tie-ins with such references to Faith's previous coma, Willow's re-ensouling of Angel, and even the Willow/Wesley travels-with-my-dark-side comparisons. Alyson and Alexis' true-life romance not withstanding, their onscreen time together was priceless. Of these last three episodes to feature Faith, Mere has done the best job of nailing the character's original dialogue, bringing her fiery and quick witted nature to the foreground and the right touch of Whedon's Buffy-speak. As always Mere captured the 2/3 act break with perfection as the dime turned on the ongoing theme for both series this season (you know, the one with that other slayer), which seems is mystical embodiment; the optimal word being "corporeal". This is certainly the most outstanding episode thus far. Finally Charisma gets back into her acting groove. I've been agreeing with Phoenix that her approach to Cordy has been lacking a little luster. She hasn't fully embodied the evil side of this enigmatic entity but she had an inspired performance this episode. Call it pregnancy hormones, call it an 'icky' storyline but I know Charisma can do better. Props to little touches are awarded such as in Angelus' rising from the ground ala Nosferatu and the ultimate confrontation fans have been eager for. Although Tim Minear (writer/producer) had commented the two would never meet, after all Angel battles with Angelus ever day of his unlife, this seemed to be the perfect opportunity for the encounter. The new Master may not be as powerful as we thought - Willow kept its parlor tricks pretty much at bay but we all know that Joss will have something more up his sleeve, or under Cordy's blouse as the case may be! With only 7 episodes left in the season, and the ratings on the rise, we can only imagine where we can go from here! To, ah, quote a song. I give it... Review by CoA Staff member, Swoop

CoA Stakes Rating Guide = Disappointing, Stake it, it's Dust! = 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 speaking of sense, have you gone on a permanent sabbatical from yours? Tell me you did not shoot that girl full of junk and then feed her to Angelus? Wesley: It was her choice. Faith knew the risks. Cordelia: A coma? Connor: Yeah. That's what it looked like when Wesley brought her in. Cordelia: Huh. Like she hasn't pulled that one before. Connor: (re: Faith's comatose condition) Magic. This is what it gets you. Angelus: All right, so what is this, Puff the Magic Dragon city? Fairyland? Faith: You'd think. Me, I'm guessin' it's more like, "Angelus, This is Your Life", because lack-of-hygiene world? It sure ain't mine. Faith: (laughs) You know what the definition of "Insanity" is, baby? Performing the same task over and over and expecting different results. Learned that in murder rehab. Angelus: This sucks! Why do you get to be Marley's Ghost? Faith: 'Cause I'm dyin', dumbass. Angelus: Not soon enough. Faith: Way I figure, I got one last job--baby-sit the psycho til they shove a soul up your-- Angelus: Not gonna happen. Faith: Then I'm--whatever! Dust in the wind. Candle in the wind. There'll be a general wind theme. Faith: (re: Angel saving a dog from a speeding car in the 1920's) Dude, you just rescued a puppy. Angelus: I'm in hell. This is hell, and I'm in it. Connor: She's a witch. Willow: Yes. Hi. You must be Angel's handsome yet androgynous son. Connor: It's Connor. Willow: And the sneer's genetic. Who knew? Willow: Oh, and it's the Marlboro Man. Or at least his extra stubbly, mentally unstable, insomniac first cousin--oh--for the love of Hecate, somebody stop me. Fred: Oh, it's ok. I'm a yammerer from way back. Willow: How have you been? Cordelia: Higher power. You? Willow: Ultimate evil. But I got better. Cordelia: You heard about Faith? Willow: Coma again. Faith: Mandy, huh? It must kill you he's got a jones for the power ballads. Willow: Come on, everybody loves fetal pigs. Wesley: Sorry. I think my sense of humor is trapped in a jar somewhere. Willow: It does seem like you've given into the grumpy side of the force. Wesley: Well, I never...flayed. I had a woman chained in a closet. Willow: Oh, well, hey. Wesley: No, it doesn't compare Willow: No, Dark--That's dark. You've been to a place. Wesley: You seem exactly the same as when I left. No other major changes I'm not up on? Willow: Just little things. So, uh, Fred--what's her story? Angelus: It'll all be worth it. Is that what you try to tell yourself, Faithy? Is that the nasty little lie that kept those thighs nice and warm in your prison bunk? Faith: You kiss your mama with that mouth? Angelus: No, but I ate her with it! Faith: Angel, It's good to see you. Hate the hair. Fred: Connor shouldn't have run off like that. Wesley: I'm sure he's just worried about Cordelia. Fred: Do you ever think their relationship is maybe a little bit. . . icky? Angelus: Anybody notice a battle with your alter ego going on here? Faith: Break me off a switch, son. There's about to be a whuppin'. Angel: I have a lot to thank you for. Faith: Well, that vice is plenty versa. I even start, it's only gonna lead to hugging and-- Angel: No. We can't have that. Faith: No. (laughs) Connor: All right, I get it. I messed up. Faith: Hey, cheer up, punk. That just makes you one of us. Gunn: You headed out? Faith: Hey, no tears, big guy. Gunn: Nah, I'm good. I just wish I could've seen you kickin' the crap outta junior here. Faith: It was pretty funny. Faith: (approaches to say goodbye) Wes. Wesley: Faith. Faith: See? Brits know how to say goodbye. Angel here wanted a hug. Angel: No, I didn't. Fred: I have to say, someday I'd love to bend your ear about the Pergamum Codex. I think some of the really obscure passages are actually Latin translated from a demonic tongue, and they're kind of a hoot. (laughs) All this stuff about bacchanals and spells, and - actually I think it's probably funnier in Latin. You know how that is sometimes. (laughs) Willow: I'm seeing someone. Willow: Oh, um, next time you guys resurrect Angelus, call me first, OK? Quotes by CoA Council member, Phoenix