Review of Episode 20, Season 4 "Sacrifice" Wow! As Angel barrels towards its season finale, Sacrifice was everything one could hope and wish for in an episode leading us towards that uncertain end. Former Firefly scribe and Tick creator, Ben Edlund makes his Angel writing debut and it's impressive. He deftly weaves action, horror, gore, and humor expertly balancing the elements into a scary and emotionally profound episode. The sense of menace, doom and desperation is palpable this outing as our heroes are literally alone against the overwhelming tide of the tsunami known as Jasmine. Though it was spoken by a demon, the quote of "Love is sacrifice" is the ultimate truth and the core of this episode. Having spent an entire season motivated by his love for Cordelia and Connor, the outcome of Angel's choices and actions have become bleak to say the least. Jasmine is on the cusp of world domination and the inhabitants of the planet are all in her thrall. With no recourse, Angel shuts down the emotions that have been his guide sacrificing his heart so he can make the tough choices including viciously thrashing his son to escape Jasmine and leaving behind his comatoseachie to face a fate without his protection. David Boreanaz plays Angel with a cold precision that only serves to further illuminate the deep sadness he harbors within. Gina Torres continues to impress and chill as her "beautiful" Jasmine continues to grow more frightening as her power spreads unchecked. She emanates dominance and barely contained wrath in every command to Connor now and her gleeful cackle (especially in the last act) is blood chilling. The continuing theme of paranoia sinks in deeper with the highly effective ability of Jasmine's voice to come from any of her followers. Her dulcet voice coming from the smug and thoroughly scary faces of Connor, Matthew and the various patrons at the gas station was an incredibly creepy device. There was so much to love this week: the underground pack of ragtag survivors was a well-utilized means to an end, the flesh magic monster was hideous and gross (kudos Almost Human!) yet an original and unexpected piece to the explanation puzzle. Fred and Gunn's much deserved discussion about the root of their relationship failure was a perfect parallel to Angel's struggle of heart vs. heartless. In the battles they wage daily to save the world, the collateral damage to all their emotional and moral cores is constant but as Fred so eloquently explains their ability to recognize and embrace that keeps them from losing themselves forever. Amy Acker again shows another level of her acting depth as her giddy intel-shy-girl takes a walk-about and the mature, passionate and soulful Fred emerges. Angel is on roll and they are leaving me positively giddy in anticipation of finding out how this will all end. Fun Fact: Did anyone think the voice of the 'Spider Creature' sounded familiar? Well, it was portrayed by actor Jeff Ricketts, a.k.a. Watcher Agent Weatherby from Angel's "Sanctuary" episode in Season 1 and Buffy's "Who Are You" and "This Year's Girl" in Season 4! (Jeff also appeared on Firefly as Blue Glove #1 in the episodes, "Ariel" and "The Train Job"). I give it... Review by CoA Staff member, Phoenix

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!

Female Radio Announcer: "In related news, the L.A. Archdiocese has stated to the press that it will remove all false idols from its churches, replacing them with images of She Who Walks Among Us. Way to go, Catholic Church." Lorne: Speaking of moot, what about us? Anyone else feel like the last feisty wife in Stepford? Jasmine: Every moment that passes, I grow closer to my followers. I feel what they feel; I see what they see. We're fusing together like the cells of a single body. They're my eyes, my skin, my limbs, and if need be, my fists. Lorne: (re: gas station) Oh, I don't know, kids. That's a whole lot of pod people. Angel: Well, it's better than the last three places. We won't make it out of the city without any gas. Gunn: So that's our big plan? Just keep running? Lorne: I hear good things about Belize. Angel: If we don't gut ourselves and burn out everything inside that gives her power over us, then we're lost. Lorne: I hate to say it, Dr. Pep, but I've been lost for, like, two hours. Wesley: Seems strange now. A being of her immeasurable age. You think she'd already have a name. Lorne: Well, maybe it was embarrassing, like Hester or Peanut. Angel: It's okay, they're not under her power. Randall: Her who? Gunn: We'll ask the questions. Wesley: Angel, are you sure? Angel: Well, they're not exactly fighting like a well-oiled, mind-controlled army of love, are they? Fred: (to Randall) It's weird, really, us running into you like this. I mean, we-- we're professional monster killers. Or we were. Angel: Are, Fred. We are. (picks up sword) Randall: Hey, that belonged to Tommy. Angel: Well, now it belongs to me. Let's go get professional on this evil-son-of-a-bitch's ass. Gunn: Heard that. Creature: (re: Jasmine) We loved her first! Wesley: And how does your kind define love? Creature: Same as all bodies, same as everywheres. (pauses) Love is sacrifice. Creature: (with contempt) Ah! You creatures. Throwing your names all over all the time! That's why you're so weak. Too many are knowing your names. Takes your power away. Creature: I just messenger from the ones who love truly. Angel: Well, then, I guess it's time to shoot the messenger. Or, you know, chop the messenger into little bitty pieces. Whatever. Quotes by CoA Council member, Seeker