Review of Episode 8, Season 5 "Destiny" Wow! Does Angel get any more epic than this week’s, “Destiny”? The episode, co-written by David Fury and Steve DeKnight, is the culmination not only of the first third of this season, but issues of seasons past and more importantly, the centuries old conflict between Angel and Spike. Fans got flashbacks, mayhem, arguably one of the greatest fight scenes ever, the return of Dru (albeit briefly) and a hell of a surprise reveal in the last seconds of the show making for the best episode of the season (to date) and one, many might say, of the series. While the overall spiraling chaos at W&H made for interesting background material, the meat of the episode was all about those two vampires with souls dealing with their long simmering issues. The story is set into play by an almost annoyingly easy fix as Spike regains his corporeal status by a “flash of light” sent in the mail. His new solid status is immediately put in jeopardy by the very fact he exists again, which according to Eve, has caused such a rift in the balance of existence that all hell is breaking loose. The much alluded to Shanshu prophesy comes front and center as it is explained that the reward of humanity applies to only one souled vamp champion and whichever one it is destined for must drink from The Cup of Perpetual Torment languishing out in the desert of Nevada. Before you can say “Ready, Set…,” the two are racing off to have the first sip. But the real drama lies not so much in the Cup or the prophecy but in the bad blood festering between Angel and Spike the length of their un-life times. Through nicely interspersed flashbacks, we finally see that even though Dru made William to be her plaything, Angel took equal interest, unleashing his particular brand of sadism on the fledgling with glee. In the brilliant dialogue that ensues between the men as they ruthlessly fight for the Cup, Spike makes Angel face the fact that the monster Spike became was a reflection of Angel, born when Angel bedded Dru giving William a second-best complex that has plagued him through the ages. Amongst wickedly staged battles with rebar, crosses and fists, they strike deeper wounds hurling brutal insults at one another about their strengths and weaknesses, the women they both loved (including Buffy) and the root of who is more worthy for redemption – a vampire who was given a soul or one that earned it by choice. For fans of both characters and the mythos of the show, it‘s an embarrassment of topical riches many hoped would someday be explored but most never expected to burst forth at all once in such dramatic clarity and significance. The biggest surprise being the twist of Spike finally besting Angel by sheer force of will and want – a earth shattering smack in the face to Angel who is left questioning his own destiny. Serious ovations to David Boreanaz and James Marsters for just rocking the house with their sheer intensity and emotional depths of performance. These guys are bringing out the best in one another's vast talents. As if that wasn’t enough, back at the W&H ranch, J. August does a fantastic job when Gunn gets the rage and goes crazy on Eve, throttling the little lady within an inch of her life trying to get the truth about her real motives. It elicited about a millisecond of pity for her, which quickly melted away in the last moments of the show when she revealed her true colors and her secret partner in a jaw-dropping stunner - another, familiar-faced player who is working the bad mojo from behind the scenes – Lindsey (the uncredited Christian Kane)! Thus, the stage is set for the arc of the season. Does it get much better than this? I don’t think so. 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!

Drusilla: (to Angelus) Look what I made. It's called Willy. Spike: William. Spike: At least give me Wesley's office. I mean, since he's gone. Angel: He's not gone. He's on a leave of absence. Spike: Yeah, right. Boo-hoo. Thought he killed his bloody father. Try staking your mother when she's coming on to you! Harmony: Well...that explains a lot. Gunn: Hey, what's going-- Spike: (hugs Gunn) I'm back, Charlie Boy! That's what's going! Eve: This town might not be big enough for the both of you. Spike: Well, screw this town, then. Screw this devil's funhouse, Angel, and screw you for good measure. I think I'll take the new flesh and bones across the pond back to Europe. Gunn: (disturbed) I just went to the white room to see what the big cat had to say. Angel: And? Gunn: Cat's gone. Eve: Gone? Gunn: The white room, too. Elevator just opened up into a howling abyss. You ever heard a howling abyss? Terrible sound. Sirk: You didn't read the prophecy. Angel: I didn't? Sirk: You read a translation of the prophecy. It's like comparing the King James Bible with the original Aramaic, the Hebrew. Much of the flavor, the subtlety of usage, the historical context has been stripped away. (scoffs) Read the prophecy. You may as well have read a 12-year-old's book report on the subject. Gunn: I miss Wesley. Eve: (re: prophecy) So there's a cup. Spike: Perpetual torment? Just know that's gonna taste very good. Angel: Is that what you think you are--a hero? Spike: Saved the world, didn't I? Angel: Once. Talk to me after you've done it a couple more times. Spike: You had a soul forced on you--as a curse. Make you suffer for all the horrible things you'd done. But me...I fought for my soul. Went through the demon trials. Almost did me in a dozen times over, but I kept fighting. 'Cause I knew it was the right thing to do. (jumps up to Angel) It's my destiny. Angel: Really? Heard it was just to get into a girl's pants. Spike: Take a long look, hero. I'm nothing like you! Angel: No. You're less. That's why Buffy never really loved you: because you weren't me. Spike: (throws Angel against the wall) Guess that means she was thinking about you...all those times I was puttin' it to her. Spike: Yeah, well...meantime...this souled ex-ghost vampire's got some corporeal drinking to catch up on. What do ya say, Charlie-boy? Feel like gettin' pissed? Gunn: No. No, my head feels like it's gonna split open and toss my toys and candy all over the floor. Spike: You're way ahead of me. Fair enough. Quotes by Staff Writer, BCangel