Review of Episode 18, Season 5

"Origin"


The entire basis of this season, Angel's decision to save his son in exchange for taking the reigns of Wolfram & Hart, comes back to haunt him in the flesh this week with the surprising return of Connor. As written by Drew Goddard, "Origin" is a witty, thoughtful and emotionally satisfying resolution to the big question lingering over the entire season - was Angel's choice really worth it? Any parent will tell you that a choice made to benefit your child, even at the expense of oneself, is always worth it. Easy to say, but sometimes not so easy to swallow without proof and we finally get it. Gone is the surly, seething young man everyone had trouble embracing for a season and a half. Now we get the new and improved Connor glimpsed in "Home." This is the kid Angel always wanted him to be and for the audience, a version of the character finally worth liking and supporting. Vincent Kartheiser makes his triumphant return to the show playing Connor as a shy, sweet, happy young man, who understands he is different, further proving he is the polar opposite of his former self.

Father and son are reunited through the clever machinations of a demon bent on using Connor to fulfill a prophecy that will bring down his foe and another familiar face, the demon Sahjhan (last seen in season 4). When Connor survives a lethal car crash, his new parents follow-up on a tip and bring him to W&H for an explanation. Thus Angel and his unknowing son are reunited and the pair gets acquainted in the halls of W&H. Connor gets to "meet" the rest of the gang, learns of his "enhanced" abilities and accepts the fight for the demon. The story sags a bit from Connor's almost too easy-going acceptance of Angel and the demon-world, but it's not a story-breaker.

The sub plots of the episode involve a glimpse at Gunn's new hell and continuing atonement, of which he refuses to give up even when offered a reprieve a deal from new liaison, Hamilton. Wonderfully played by Adam Baldwin, you get more power and malice in just a few of Hamilton's verbal volleys with Angel than Eve was ever able to convey all season. Elsewhere, Spike is ascertaining the extent of Illyria's powers and hilariously getting his butt-kicked. Amy Acker continues to dazzle with her unearthly portrayal of the increasingly frustrated Old One. She makes you miss Fred a little less each episode. On the other hand, Wes is still a mess of despair as he sinks deeper into a bottle of Scotch. Yet, he is aware enough to follow the clues about Angel's secret agreement with the Senior Partners and ultimately, in a fit of paranoia and simmering resentment over Angel's inability to save Fred, exposes and negates the mind wipe imposed on himself and Connor. It's a plot turn sure to make a difference as we head towards the finale.

David Boreanaz gives another excellent performance showing such vulnerability and resolve as a parent trying to protect his son. And it wouldn't be Angel without a bittersweet ending. In a nicely understated last few moments, Connor gives his father the silent gift of understanding and appreciation, even as he returns to the happier life his father provided for him. Perfectly played, it packs an emotional wallop, like so many episodes this season that lingers long after the fade to black.

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!




Wesley: Illyria can be...difficult. Testing her might be hard without getting someone seriously hurt.
Angel: We'll make Spike do it.
Wesley: Good.

Illyria: You break so easily. Why do you bother getting back up?
Spike: Right. We need to set some ground rules. First off--no more punching me in the face. Secondly, when I punch you in the face, you tell me how you feel so I can write that down on my clipboard. Third--no touching my clipboard. Fourth--
Illyria: I enjoy hurting you.
Spike: Well, we're gonna have to fix that, 'cause-- (Illyria kicks Spike in the face. Spike punches her. Illyria punches him across the room)
Wesley: How goes it?
Illyria: I've been hitting the half-breed. He makes noise.

Wesley: I had a ....slight disagreement with Angel.
Spike: Oh, old broody-pants got you wound up, eh? Keep in mind, he can't get laid without maybe going crazy. Makes it funny.
Illyria: In my time, a leader would punish your insolence with death.
Wesley: We're not being insolent, Illyria.
Spike: I am.

Hamilton: Let's be clear about this. Things run differently now. I'm not a little girl. You and I won't be making love on this couch anytime soon. Now, with that in mind, how can I help you?

Connor: Do you spend all your time making out with other vampies, like in Anne Rice novels?
Angel: No. Uh--I used to, but...
Connor: You have a girlfriend at least?
Angel: Can't afford to.
Connor: Must be lonely.
Angel: I keep busy.
Connor: Right.

Illyria: I'd like to keep Spike as my pet.
Angel: Connor, this is Sike and Illyria. Guys, this is Connor.
Connor: Hi. umm...I like your outfit.
Illyria: Your body warms. This one is lusting after me.
Connor: Oh...no, I--I--it's just that it's the outfit. I guess I've had a thing for older women.
Angel: (under his breath) They were supposed to fix that.

Cyvus: I turned your son into a healthy boy. And now, I need you...to turn him back into a killer.

Wesley: Fred's memories were changed?
Illyria: In places.
Wesley: Can you see what they were before?
Illyira: No. They're gone. Does this change your view of Fred? Is she still the person you thought she was?
Wesley: No. None of us are.

Connor: Right. Well, before you start trying to kiss me, I should probably tell ya...you and I, we're uh...supposed to fight.
Sahjahn: Is that right?
Connor: Yeah.
Sahjahn: Now, why would you want--ah...you're him.
Connor: Yeah. I'm me. Hi. You can take a moment, if you want. There's some weapons and stuff over here if you think you'll need them.
Sahjahn: Thanks.

Angel: Connor.
Connor: Whoa! You see that? I went a little hard-core there for a second. That guy made me really cranky.
Angel: Are you OK?
Connor: Yeah. I guess. I don't really like people touching my neck, you know?

Connor: Anyway...I just wanted to say goodbye. I gotta go back to my life now.
Angel: Oh...do you really have to leave? I mean, right now?
Connor: I kinda think I should. I need to take care of my parents. This isn't their world. They really don't feel safe here. You gotta do what you can to protect your family. I learned that from my father.

Quotes by Staff Writer, BCangel