I am – Hercules!!

Angel 5.15 FAQ

What’s it called?

“A Hole in the World.”

Who’s responsible?

Teleplay is credited to series creator and Buffiverse mastermind Joss Whedon (“Conviction”).

What did Coax say about this one last year?

“[Whedon] revealed he would indeed soon be writing and directing an episode of ‘Angel’ dealing with a ‘setback’ for Fred.”

Huh. What does TV Guide say?

“Angel must choose between saving one friend's life and the lives of thousands when Fred falls desperately ill after examining a mysterious sarcophagus that arrives in the lab. Angel and Spike's investigation leads them to the hiding Eve, who sheds some light on the dire situation in hopes of keeping her location concealed from the Senior Partners; and Gunn has a surprising encounter in the White Room.”

The big news?

This installment represents Whedon’s best Buffiverse work since “Once More With Feeling.”

What else is TV Guide not telling us?

The episode begins with a flashback. And more than one major Buffiverse character may die this week.

Who? Who?

Angel survives the episode. So does Eve. And Harmony.

Is Charles’ deal with Upgrade Guy, as widely rumored, responsible for Fred’s malady?

It is!!

What is Eve’s hiding place? Does she hunker behind a bus-station urinal?

You’re not far off! She’s literally gone to the mattresses, half-naked in a dingy little room covered with those symbols Lindsey was wearing.

Gunn has a surprising encounter in the White Room? With whom? How surprising? Willow’s in there, isn’t she??

It’s not Willow, it’s not the cat, and it’s not the little girl. (Fans of “The Prisoner” and “The Empire Stikes Back” will know what to expect.)

How is it Angel must choose between the young Winifred and thousands? Which thousands? Why are they so great?

Because they live between Los Angeles and England. “If we bring the sarcophagus back to the well, it will draw Illyria out of your friend and into every single person between here and there,” explains the demon-keeper Drogyn, who is handy with the exposition. “It will become the mystical equivalent of airborne. It will claw into every soul in its path to keep from being trapped entire. Tens, maybe hundreds of thousands, will die in agony... if you save her.”

Does Fred’s trouble unleash “Dark Wesley”?

Man. You don’t know the half of it.

Angel and Spike’s investigation? Are they now a crimefighting team?

Man. You don’t know that half of it either.

Any sign of Lindsey? Or “Sean”?

He is referenced. As, of course, is poor Cordelia, for the first time I believe since her passing.

What’s great?

It’s “Family” meets “The Body.” Fred’s peril transforms every one of her teammates – Angel, Spike, Wes, Charles and even Krevlornswath (man, if the Deathwok Clan could see him now!) – into the most badass superheroes you’d ever want or need. If Cordelia’s recent passing left the mighty Herc choked up, this installment had me watery-eyed pretty much all the way through, and absolutely bawling during the episode’s bitter denouement.

It’s particularly and surprisingly gratifying to see Angel and Spike’s mutual animosity evaporate the moment they learn of Fred’s predicament. And it’s exhilarating to see Angel and Spike revisiting strategies they obviously honed under very different circumstances a long time ago. Oh, and it’s worth tuning in just to hear Whedon’s pithy asides spurting out of James Marsters’ mouth again.

What’s not so great?

Angel and Spike jet to England but don’t run into Rupert, Andrew, or anyone else we’d recognize.

How does it end, spoiler-boy?

“Why can’t I stay?” “Please. Please.” “This will do,” says the vaguely Dark Willow-looking girl.

Herc’s rating for “Angel” 5.15?

*****

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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