Review of Episode 4, Season 5 "Hell Bound" Steve DeKnight has some scary things rattling around in his brain. He has swiftly become the “go-to guy” when it comes to dark and disturbing (i.e. “Dead Things,” “Seeing Red,” “Apocalypse Nowish,” and “Inside Out”) at Mutant Enemy and his latest Angel writing and directorial effort, “Hell Bound” plays to those strengths. Steve twists the contemporary halls of Wolfram & Hart into a wicked haunted house for Spike to lurk as something in the basement tries to suck him into hell. Terrifically atmospheric and effectively taunt and suspenseful, “Hell Bound” is a creepy tale with a liberal dose of horror kitsch. Watching Spike navigate the darkened halls in confusion as disembodied voices and graphically mauled ghosts taunt him is well-played and done to good effect. Speaking of which, FX house, Almost Human must have been beside themselves with glee getting to play up the disclaimer inducing gore. And I have to say, the nasty, extended finger chopping sounds got to me – Ew! It all leads to a climax, which allows Spike to finally kick some ass (sorely missed) and take a little control of his destiny even if the results are a letdown. And the lack of payoff for GhostSpike is officially getting tiresome now. But the monster in a box ending for the villain, Pavayne, at the hands of an increasingly grayed up Angel was fun. For all the creeps, the most memorable scenes came down to what the show does best – exploring the characters and their relationships. Angel and Fred’s heated conversation over her intense push to re-corporalize Spike was exceptional. Amy Acker played the scene with passion and admirable strength. Her delivery of, “It’s about doing what’s right, remember?” flew out like a veritable glass of cold water to the face. Fred and Spike also got some good moments to bond - giving Spike a much needed ally and the opportunity to show some of the warmth that is a big part of his character. Another highlight was Angel and Spike’s discussion about the inherent hopelessness of their quest to overcome their past and their natures. It was a rather bleak exchange but both men provide intriguingly distinctive perspectives on their fates. It’s a pure joy watching Boreanaz and Marsters effortlessly shift from serious to comedic all the while giving resonance and respect to their characters plights and histories; you can’t help but be hooked. I give it... Review by Staff Writer, 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!

Fred: I've been working on a theory. Well, more of a hunch, actually, but I think I'm getting close. Spike: To making me a real boy again? Fred: Heh. As real as a vampire with a soul can be. It won't be like Angel's thing with the prophecy, but... Spike: What prophecy? Fred: The shan-shoe-ha something or 'nother. Says that if Angel helps enough people, he gets to be human again. Spike: Oh. Really. Good for him. Lorne: (into his cell phone) Bubie, I negotiated that deal with my own two horns. Second billing right after Gwyneth. Yeah. No, stop crying, stop crying. It's ok you put on a couple of pounds since casting. Yeah, they can't just--no, no, no, no. Just put the pills down. I'll straighten this out. If I can't, I'll take a handful myself. Angel: I just want you to be careful, Fred, because I know how charming Spike can be. Eve: He is quite the dish, with those eyes... Fred: And the hair and the cheeks and--what do you think I am, stupid? I know he's been playing me with the looks and the smiles. I'm not some idiot schoolgirl with a crush. Angel: Then what is it? Fred: It's about doing what's right. Remember? Spike: Never much for small talk, were you? Always too busy trying to perfect that brooding block-of-wood mystique. God, I love that. Angel: Not as much as I loved your nonstop yammering. Spike: The way you always had to be the big swingy, swaggerin' around, barkin' orders... Angel: Never listening... Spike: Always interrupting... Angel: And your hair. What color do they call that, radioactive? Spike: Never much cared for you, Liam, even when we were evil. Angel: Cared for you less. Spike: Fine. Angel: Good. (they sit in silence) There was one thing about you... Spike: Really? Angel: Yeah, I never told anyone about this, but I--I liked your poems. Spike: You like Barry Manilow. Gunn: (re: Spike disappearing) Give him 20 minutes. He'll be popping up next to you in the bathroom making cracks about your -- (odd looks from Fred and Wesley Am I the only one he does that to? Fred: You don't know what Spike's dealing with, where he goes when he disappears, he told me, (dramatic pause) it's Hell. He's slipping into Hell. Gunn: (nonchalantly) Kinda figured. Wesley: Of course. Gunn: Where else would he be headed? Angel: Last conduit took the form of that creepy little girl. No telling what the new one's decided to look like. Gunn: Actually it's not that bad... (animal growls and snuffles) if you like cats. Angel: I'm kind of a dog person. Spike: You're right. I do deserve to go to Hell. But not today. (he punches Pavayne) Pavayne: You dare! Spike: Quite a bit, mate. Reality bends to desire. That was it, right? That's why I could touch Fred, write your name in the glass. All I had to do was want it bad enough. (his clothes rematerialize) And guess what I want to do now, you prissy son of a bitch! Spike: No. I'm not gonna end up like Pavayne--cheating Hell any way he could, no matter who it hurt. Fred: Just proves what I've been telling everybody. Spike: That I'm a handsome devil who brightens the place up? Fred: That you're worth saving. Quotes by Staff Writer, BCangel