I am – Hercules!!

Angel 5.8 FAQ

What’s it called?

“Destiny.”

Who’s responsible?

Teleplay is credited to David Fury (“Just Rewards”) and Stephen S. DeKnight (“Hell Bound”).

What did Coax say about this one back on Oct. 3?

* 5.8 will see the employees of Wolfram & Hart getting some kind of mystical rabies (or something), launching into murderous rages over office supplies and imagined breaches of workplace ettiquette.

* Harmony will be among those who get a case of the crazies, loudly questioning Spike’s decision to choose that “slayer whore” over her.

* The big news is Spike appears no longer to be a ghost at this point. Harmony is able to take a big bite out of Spike’s shoulder. Spike is also able to effortlessly shove employees out of their offices and slug Harm in the kisser.

* I’m guessing Spike stopped being ghosty late in 5.7. A Wolfram functionary seems to be surprised that Spike can toss him around.

* The fabulous Eve is back, and even she has to admit that things are indeed odd, even for a multidimensional law firm. “This is bad,” she confirms. “You think?” replies Angel, ordering the building sealed off.

* Looks like we may get a flashback or two with Angel and Spike in their evil, pre-automobile days.

Ha ha! Hercules was wrong about Spike not being ghostly at the end of last episode! What happened, loser?

We knew Spike turns up solid very early this week. I assumed they wouldn’t squander such a big-deal plot point at the beginning of an episode. I am a fool. Need more reason to mock the mighty Herc? The Eve-Angel dialogue quote above does not manifest.

When does Spike become solid?

In the teaser.

How does Blondie Bear become solid?

Another mysterious package turns up in the Wolfram & Hart mailroom, this time a box addressed to Spike. When he opens it, the office (and perhaps the world) is bathed in a flash of light. The box is otherwise empty. Spike quickly discovers his days of walking through walls are behind him.

Does Spike remain solid at episode’s end?

He does.

Huh. What does TV Guide say?

Drusilla (Juliet Landau) returns in flashbacks that reveal more of Angel and Spike's contentious past as the vamps race to find the Cup of Perpetual Torment in hopes of fulfilling the Shanshu prophesy. Harmony: Mercedes McNab. Eve: Sarah Thompson. Sirk: Michael Halsey.

The big news?

There are talkbackers who automatically give any “Angel” that ends with a huge revelation five stars. This is one of those episodes.

Ooo! Ooo ooo! Give us a hint about this week’s big episode-ending revelation!

Juliet Landau isn’t the only familiar face from the Buffiverse to return this week after a long absence.

The employee misbehavior is connected to the Shanshu prophesy? How does that work?

Some craziness about how the universe (and the Shanshu prophesy) can’t deal with two living ensouled vampires at once.

There were already two souled vampires in the universe before Spike fried. Why is this happening now?

“The key word here is ‘champion,’” it is explained. “Spike gave his life to save the world.”

Who’s this Sirk fellow?

He’s a expert at Wolfram who takes issue with the English translation of the Shanshu.

Angel and Spike compete to find the Cup of Perpetual Torment? Is it anything like “The Amazing Race”?

Very much like the “Amazing Race”! And even a bit like “It’s A Mad Mad Mad Mad World.” The Cup of Perpetual Torment is in Nevada!

When are the flashbacks set?

1880. They depict Angelus’ first meeting with a freshly-vamped William and events immediately subsequent.

Dru turns up in the flashbacks but not Darla?

“Darla and I had a little spat,” expains Angelus. “Her precious master sent for her. You know Darla. Master's pet.” Darla’s absence is very key, for we learn that Spike and Angel endured a romantic rivalry that preceded the birth of Buffy Summers by 100 years.

Any news of Wesley, Charles, Winifred or Krevlornswath?

Wes is wholly absent this week, conveniently taking a leave following the disturbing events with the Wyndam-Pryce-cyborg. Fred immediately shift from trying to solidify Spike to trying to end the all-pervasive chaos. Lorne is attacked by the one of the crazed employees, and Gunn becomes one.

What’s good?

The series may be placing more emphasis on stand-alone episodes, but this ain’t one of them. In fact, I think anyone who never saw a “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” or “Angel” episode before October will be lost as a little lamb.

What’s not so good?

Doesn’t Wolfram & Hart have a private jet Angel could have used?

How does “Angel” 5.8 end, spoiler-boy?

“Well,” states an old friend of Team Angel, “it’s a start.”

Herc’s rating for “Angel” 5.8?

***1/2

The Hercules T. Strong Rating System:

***** better than we deserve

**** better than most motion pictures

*** actually worth your valuable time

** as horrible as most stuff on TV

* makes you quietly pray for bulletins

9 p.m. Wednesday. The WB.

Swing the crebbil!

I am – Hercules!!

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