Buffy and Angel Rewatch part 68

5.17 Underneath
This is a little bit of a disjointed episode. The events of the last episode mean that Wesley can't possibly mix with the rest of the gang whilst they deal with the problem of the week. However, despite Amy Acker nailing her new role, there is little for Wesley and Illyria to do apart from talk, which gets a little boring.
The main story is a lot more interesting. The idea that Lindsey isn't in some standard hell, but a groundhog day suburban nightmare is a neat one and it works very well. Not seeing the cellar torture just adds to the terrifying nature of it.
However having Gunn take Spike's place was just pure genius and it's the perfect way to have him atone for his sins. With Wesley and Lorne severely depressed, we do not need another character brooding.
Eve's storyline was a little less interesting, but it did bring some light humour into an otherwise depressing episode and it was a nice introduction for Hamilton. (8/10)

5.18 Origin
The concept of this episode is a relief to me as it finally addresses the storyline of Connor and one of the biggest problems of the season- the rewriting of everyone's memories. Everything is more or less out in the open and everyone knows the truth behind why the gang cam to W&H (apart from Lorne and Gunn). This is an important aspect considering how much the gang are questioning their motives.Plus all the little references, demonstrate that the show isn't completely trying to scrub out the last the past couple of years, in favour of a new shinier show.
Bringing Connor back was also a much needed necessity; Angel's son is such a huge part of the series (whether fans like that or not) and lets face it, in the Whedonverse he couldn't just get a completely happy ending. The way in which he is brought back is a cool one and it allows Angel the chance to help the helpless and reconnect with his son- with Connor going mad again. Cyvus Vail is an interesting villain- more so than Sahjhan as he seems to have a lot more power- which says a lot considering what Sahjhan put the group through during season 3. Connor fighting Sahjhan also opens up another can of worms in that the prophecy is now well and truly fulfilled and begs the question- what does this mean for the Shanshu?
I'm glad to see Gunn wasn't completely forgotten about and having him decline Hamilton's offer is a nice way of showing that Gunn has truly learnt his lesson. The Spike/Illyria scenes were funny, though it still doesn't completely make sense why she is hanging around W&H. (8.5/10)

5.19 Time Bomb
This is a mixed episode for me. I'm not a fan of the time jumps, but it does address many important issues and generally it's quite enjoyable. This isn't Amy Acker's best performance of Illyria; Fred seems to seep through quite a lot. However by taking away her power, this allows the character to integrate into the group in a way that actually makes sense rather than the hanging around she has been doing in the last few episodes. Wes' growing attachment for her, is as Angel puts it 'weird' but almost understandable, considering who she looks like and although he claims he doesn't love her, I;m guessing that had the show continued that, that wouldn't have been the case any more. The case of the girl giving her baby up to the demon brethren, is again one we've seen before on the show. However it is poignant to bring it up here as this time Angel is fighting on the other side, which makes it a whole lot more significant, especially for the final few episodes. It was nice to see Gunn back to his old self a lot more, fighting for what is right. (8/10)

5.20 The Girl in Question
So close to the finale (series or season regardless) this was was really necessary. Once again the world of Buffy invades the show again, leaving Lorne and Gunn with little to do and Angel and Spike to rehash out old ground. They were pretty pathetic in their relentless pursuit of Buffy with only Andrew to interact with. As a comedic storyline the chasing of the head wasn't too bad, but mixed with the Buffy stuff it was just tiring. Though there were a couple of funny set pieces- in the bar and on the scooter- this storyline was mostly just pretty embarrassing with the cliche Italian characters, the silly flashbacks and Angel and Spike's continuous bickering which got tiring long ago.
The only storyline which kept this episode grounded was the Burkle storyline. I liked seeing Fred's parents again, as they were such sweet characters, and Amy Acker pulled off a blinder switching effortlessly between the two characters. Wesley's pain during the scene was pretty raw to watch, but it served an important purpose in the lead up to the finale. (5/10)

2010 Season Reviews Part 3: Grey's Anatomy

Grey's Anatomy Season 6

Before starting this review, I have to say that this is the first season of Grey's that I've ever properly watched from start to finish. I should also say that during watching this season I caught up on the previous 5 seasons; not in the right order of course (that would be too sensible!). So my opinion on the season probably changed in the course of me watching it.

However I can safely say that this was one of the most enjoyable seasons I have watched this year. It definitely became the programme I look forward too most every week. Many fans of the show dislike the revolving cast, but as it's a medical show, I think a large and changing cast is important to keep the show fresh- especially as all they seem to only be able to form relationships/ sleep with people from the hospital, making it nearly essential to draw in new blood every so often.

Newbies came in the form of the Mercy Wester's- though bizarrely only residents seemed to transfer. The new bunch of residents were a mixed bunch, but they generally grew on me Avery, especially (for obvious reasons perhaps!).


However, the cast first had to be thinned out a little in the form of Izzie and Geroge. Due to their off screen diva behaviour I wasn't that said to see either leave the show. Even back watching the past episodes, for me personally, seeing George die at the beginning of the season wasn't that sad and it actually propelled the story a little (though admittedly by the end of the season he had practically been forgotten). I was a little more sad to see Izzie leave, but mostly because I love her relationship with Alex and the reasons she left weren't amazing so unfortunately that storyline wasn't as enjoyable to watch.

Pretty much all the characters were in 'healthy' relationships for the most part this season- Meredith and Derek, were stable, which frankly is a relief to see. It also gave Derek a chance to become a more interesting character as we saw his ascension and struggles as Chief. In light of the finale (more on that below), I'm not sure how much longer he will continue in that role, but it's been fun to watch.
Christina and Owen were fairly stable until Teddy came along. Unlike most people I don't have a problem with Teddy, but it is a little annoying when she doesn't have enough chemistry with Owen to make you believe in them as even a potential couple.
Callie and Arizona were sweet throughout the season and worked very well as a couple. The tussle towards the end of the season over whether or not to have kids, was a little too conveniently worked out at the end of the finale, but they're such a sweet couple together, I'll accept that.
Mark and Lexie as equally sweet couple also struggled this season, with the arrival of Mark's irritating pregnant daughter. Hers was probably my least favourite storyline of the year, as it seemed a little out of the blue and it was all over the place with her coming and going. I'm rooting for Mark and Lexie to get back together next season though, especially as Alex and Lexie never truly worked together.
I also enjoyed seeing Bailey have a shot at happiness with Ben. I liked her girlish enthusiasm and nerves set against her hard professional persona.
Richard's struggle with alcohol was also interesting to watch, especially in light of the flashback episode. I would've liked to have seen him struggle for longer, but the writers played it quite well.

Ellen Pompeo's pregnancy gave the writers a unique and cleverly capitalized upon opportunity to, show of the rest of the cast and focus on them more. The other cast members shined and the various special episodes (mostly revolving around flashbacks) were well done. My favourite was the medical lectures one in which we got to see Bailey's, Callie's and Richard's and Ellis's pasts. It was a hugely emotional and rewarding episode.

The biggest special episode(s) were undoubtedly the finale. The storyline was cleverly built up, from the disgruntled husband's case of the week storyline to him suing Derek, to eventually him reigning chaos in the hospital. The death's of Reed and Percy were sad, seeing as they were beginning to become likable, but death's were necessary. Alex/Derek/Owen's shootings were each as shocking as the other and even though I knew none of them would ever be killed off- it was still nerve wracking to watch. The two hours were excellent, full of tense drama and emotion, with both cast and writers showing what they are fully capable of. How the show will top that I don't know, but I look forward to them trying next season.

Buffy and Angel Rewatch part 67

5.13 Why We Fight
When I first watched this episode, I most disliked the fact that it came after Cordy's death and there was no reference to that at all. But watching the episode this time, the episode's actual flaws are glaringly obvious. Firstly we've have this episode before- Somnabulist in season 1, wasn't entirely different and the episode wasn't that interesting. Then we have the flashback itself, which completely contradicts the Angel we have seen around that time in past flashbacks (in Are You Now Or Have You Ever Been; Orpheus; Becoming part 1 in season 2 of Buffy). The Angel in the flashbacks (personality wise) wasn't that different from the Angel we know in the show's timeline and is miles away from the reclusive, can't bear to be near humans Angel that we saw a few years later in the flashback for 'Are you Never...'. Though the writers came up with a plausible storyline, it just didn't work with what we've already been given. Finally there's the fact that we saw very little of the gang, the flashbacks, which were pretty boring, took up most of the time and this made the episode very lacklustre for me. (4.5/10)

5.14 Smile Time
This is an utterly silly and yet brilliant episode. The puppet idea, could've gone wrong, but the sheer cuteness of the Angel puppet keeps it going. This is a great demon of the week/ helping the helpless storyline and it gives all the main characters something meaningful to do. It's funny playful and a joy to watch.
There are plenty of side stories to keep the episode from being too much of a flight of fancy. I'm not a fan of the Nina storyline, since her chemistry with Angel is pretty forced. Gunn making a deal with the devil to get his permanent brain upgrade was pretty interesting as it shows huge character change within him. Shame his cockiness and determination to have this super brain doesn't get explored any further. The Fred/Wesley storyline was the sweetest storyline. Wes is such a sweetheart in his devotion to Fred, especially during his conversation with Angel. However it's hardly surprising he failed to pick up on her signals considering how long she has kept him waiting. Regardless of their future, it's a moment of pure happiness to see the two finally together. (9.5/10)

5.15 A Hole in the World
This is a heartbreaking episode. The episode gut-wrenchingly begins happily, with all characters content, before throwing them all for six and breaking theirs and the audiences hearts. Fred's death scenes are not dissimilar from what someone with a terminal disease may go through- mystical style of course. They're horrible and yet brilliantly powerful scenes, made all the more excellent by Amy Acker's and Alexis Denisof's wonderful performances.
One of the most stunning and memorable scenes in on the stairs. The only bit of cute, Wesley and Fred flirting we get before that pure look of horror on Lorne's face after Fred sings, is just shocking.
The Gunn and Knox scenes are also painful to watch, but in a good way. It's almost a relief to see Know be revealed as evil, since he's not been very likable so far and because it's a further sign of the influence of W&H. However seeing Gunn receive the ultimate punishment for his upgrade is devastating and it's something he won't recover from.
Though the Angel/Spike scenes aren't quite as emotive, and the fight scenes kept the episode from being too much of a sobfest. Drogyn was a nice character, though a little backstory here would've been nice. I liked the name check for Cordy, since the show has largely ignored her death. (10/10)

5.16 Shells
Another heart breaking episode, though until the end, this episode perhaps isn't quite as sad as the last. Killing off Fred good and proper, (no soul to bring back) was a necessity because, as Angel said in the episode, death isn't always death in this verse. The job of this episode was to establish that death really was death in Fred's case. The episode therefore is a touch rushed; Illyria's powers are revealed to their full extent, her purpose ruined and she submits herself to Wesley just a little too quickly and easily. Though the gang obviously struggle to control her, it feels too quick. The decision to kill off Fred is a contentious one. It does make the season a lot more interesting, but losing sweet Fred is hard on everyone. It does however give Amy Acker the chance to shine in a really different role.
Thankfully Knox is dispatched off as I don't think I could've taken more of him. The show not so sneakily used the old hotel set for the Illyria stand off which made the scene lose it's impact a little.
Gunn's guilt and Wes' anger/grief is more acutely felt in this episode and it's hard not to sympathise with them both. It's a little shocking to see Wes be so violent, so easily, but he and Gunn have had their fair share of problems so it's believable. There's also the brilliant ending, in which the bookends of Fred leaving her parents and home (started in the previous episode) act as a poignant reminder of who she once was and the journey she has made. (9.5/10)

2010 Season Reviews Part 2: Desperate Housewives

Desperate Housewives Season 6

This was a largely formulaic season for Desperate Housewives. After 6 seasons, the new neighbours with a secret has gotten old and although the Bolens weren't bad, their storyline was pretty predictable. Their story felt very similar to the Mayfairs of season 4; housewives with a dark and secret past, a husband who isn't the biological father of the child but protects them anyway and the insolent child who has been hidden from their biological father. The mystery wasn't that much of a shocker and perhaps sensing this bosses decide to reveal all the dirty secrets quite early on, with many episodes to go before the finale. The ending for the family was quite a sweet one though and it was nice to see the family not linger around for longer than needed. Plus they did manage to integrate the family a lot better than they did with the Applewhites or the Mayfairs. Angie actually made a friend in Gaby and this alliance made it a little more interesting; Danny dated Ana and became friends with the other teens and only Nick didn't mix although he integrated somewhat with Julie!

As for the main housewives, they had mixed storylines. First there was Bree's affair with Karl, which was fun and showed a different side of Bree. However after he died, Bree was a little bit adrift, trying to make her marriage with Orson work and having to deal with the annoying Sam. Dredging up Rex's past was a dirty trick to play by the writers and I guess it did make for some interesting family tension with Andrew.

Lynette had a multitude of storylines this year- the impending pregnancy of her twins and miscarriage, her work problems with Carlos, Preston's marriage to his golddigger and perhaps the most interesting one, dealing with the strangler Eddie. Though I wasn't sure of Lynette's pregnancy, bringing up the issue of how it would affect her career was a good one, even if we had seen it in various forms in the past. Making Carlos the villain n the piece was less appreciated and felt a little out of place.

Gabby mostly had parental storylines this year, with her own girls and Ana (who quickly disappeared), plus dalliances with Bob and Lee and wards with the other housewives. None of her storylines were terribly memorable, but she became a lot less self centered this year, but still retained some of her bitchiness.

Katherine spent a lot of time away from the show it feels. Her breakdown, was done very quickly and I'm not sure why she'd go so potty over Mike of all people, but it was one of the few serious stories and Dana Delaney did her best with it. Her lesbian relationship with Robin was actually quite sensitively handled, though it was a shame to see her quietly shuffled off.

Susan as usual had the most boring storylines, first kicking off with her marriage to Mike, Julie strangulation, Katherine going mad, the strip club and then Mike's finances. Though some of these were interesting, her and Mike are easily the most boring couple on the Lane and her child is the most irritating. Julie's reappearance made her more enjoyable for a while, but this was quickly done away with after Julie's swift exit.

Despite my mostly negative review, there were some great episodes, mostly the special episodes- the dream sequence after the plane crash, Robin's tale and Eddie past revealed. There were some other enjoyable arcs and episodes as well.
However, this season felt exceedingly long this year and this definitely wasn't their best. A slew of new characters and some characters from the past may be good for the housewives next year or it may just be a reminder of how it has declined.

Buffy and Angel Rewatch part 66

5.09 Harm's Way
Though this is an decent enough light-hearted episode, it's also another weird one, as again in foucses on a supporting character and not one of the main ones. Harmony is a very funny supporting character, but as a lead- not as much. The overall story isn't bad and is enjoyable in places- the warring demon clans, the opening W&H advert, the mystery behind who framed Harmony- but this is very much a filler episode. (7/10)

5.10 Soul Purpose
This is another mixed episode. The hallucinations are a little grating at first, though some of them are funny and they do get better later in the episode. The best hallucination was Spike saving the world from the apocalypse as it gives the clearest example of what Angel is feeling.
The more interesting plotline was the Lindsey stuff. For the first time this season and perhaps the only time, Spike has a purpose and Lindsey drives him towards one, making him a lot more exciting. The 'Doyle' references are a great way to remind the audience of season 1 and it sets up nicely for the 100th episode. Lindsey and Eve are also pretty interesting as a couple; Lindsey's plan and aims are clear, but watching them mess with Angel and Spike, is kinda fun! (7/10)

5.11 Damage
I have mixed feelings about this episode. On one hand it's better than I remembered and is actually a quite enjoyable episode. Andrew is funny in places and whilst Spike does look silly trying to play the hero, he comes off better when lying in the hospital bed, realising the bad he has done.
On the other hand, this is a very disappointing episode. Angel has spent 4 and half years trying to establish itself as a show all on it's own, the use of slayer mythology here, demonstrates that once again it's leaning on Buffy to support it, which personally I think is a shame as the show doesn't really need to do that. Plus bringing aboard Andrew and his stories of the what the gang is up to know lessens the impact of Chosen where the future was undecided and this brings the promise of that episode down with a bump. (6.5/10)

5.12 You're Welcome
This is probably my most watched episode of Angel, though this is maybe only the second time I've seen it in context (ie with the episodes surrounding it) and I never tire of it. In what is a lovely tribute to the early days of Angel and the original cast, the episode revisits what makes Angel so great and demonstrates what the show can do. There is a lot packed into this episode with the returns of Cordy and Lindsey and practically every moment of this episode is a highlight. Lindsey's proper return is a good one; I must admit I get a bit of a kick from seeing Lindsey beat up Angel a little and I do feel sorry for him that his plan didn't work.Cordy's return makes me miss the early days of Angel and she definitely is a reminder of what is currently missing from the show. It's a bit of a shame that Cordy doesn't spend more time with the rest of the gang, but she gets decent screen time with Angel and Wesley, plus that little appearance from Doyle makes it special. (10/10)

Buffy and Angel Rewatch part 65

5.05 Life of the Party
Though I love that we got a Lorne-centric episode, I just wish it could've been better. All the pieces were there in the story- the big party, the crazy antics of the gang (especially Fred and Wes who were hilarious), the introduction of some key W&H clients- however something about this episode just didn't quite gel together. Perhaps this is because Lorne was never really a leading character, so the episode struggled with him at the centre. Maybe it's because at the heart of the story- Lorne having his sleep taken out, was very unsatisfactorily resolved, without any input from Lorne as to why he did this. Plus the Lorne monster was a little cheesy. (6.5/10)

5.06 The Cautionary Tale of Numero Cinco
This is a polarizing episode; on one hand it's a rather sweet tale of Mexican folklore (fictional) which nicely plays to Angel's own insecurities. On the other hand, it's cheesy, lazy and pretty all round ridiculous. The ending in the graveyard was silly, though in a way it was a nice way to end the story. Otherwise there wasn't too much to like in this episode. There was a lot of talking and a lot of exposition with Numero Cinco, and the flashbacks felt tacky and not at all that funny.
However it was nice to have the core gang working on the problem, though annoyingly Spike hung around uselessly for most of it as well. I liked the continuity with Numero Cinco as he has appeared in previous episodes and it was a nice touch to bring him back. However it probably would've been preferable to have him as a recurring gag than as a focal point of the episode. Also I have to point out how I didn't like that Angel could call upon the Shanshu prophecy from the book. Yes technology has moved on and no doubt so had magic technology, but there was so much trouble over the scroll in the season 1 finale that this felt a little too easy and well rounded. (6/10)

5.07 Lineage
Wesley is easily one of the strongest characters in the show and therefore his character centric episodes usually turn out fairly well. This is a particularly good one for me and a nice change from the recent average episodes. The cyborg story at the centre of the episode wasn't terribly interesting, especially as there wasn't a resolution, but Wesley's father issues were brilliant to watch. Alexis Denisof, is such a wonderful actor, that every quip from his father could be felt as he battled that fine line between loving and hating your parents. His feelings for Fred were also displayed here and it's heartbreaking to watch Fred leave with Knox after he made that hidden, yet very obvious declaration of his love for her.
Also in this episode we get some nice foreshadowing from Spike and Eve of the role she has played in bringing him back which is nicely underplayed. (8.5/10)

5.08 Destiny
This episode is seen by many as one of the best of season 5 and I really can't understand why. Until the final scene, it's very unfulfilling as it doesn't really offer up an answers and the gang don't seem in a rush to explore the matter in following episodes. The Spike/Angel fight is quite enjoyable though it goes on for a little too long though the flashbacks are quite fun to watch, especially Angel's and Spike original camaraderie.
Spike becoming real is something that was very necessary as he was really starting to grate. Though his little quips are there, at least now he's corporeal, he can actually affect things and become more interesting.
Another character becoming more interesting surprisingly is Eve, whose character they cleverly played making her ambiguously good with until that final reveal. As a big Lindsay fan, I'm thrilled to see him back. Spike was brought on as an antagonist for Angel but he never managed it quite as well as Lindsay has. (7/10)

Bad News for UK Entourage fans

Entourage started last week in the US (although annoyingly it's taking a break this week for 4th July celebrations).

ITV2 had not scheduled showings of Entourage so I emailed to find out why; I got this disappointing reply:

Dear Natalia

Thank you for your email regarding Entourage season 7.

We have no information regarding season 7 being acquired for transmission on ITV.

Sorry we can not assist further on this occasion.

May I take this opportunity to thank you for taking the time to contact us here at ITV.

Regards

ITV Viewer Services - TT

To confirm the news that ITV2 haven't picked up the show is this article posted at tv.com.

This is pretty sad if you ask me. Not just because I have to watch online now if I want to watch the show (also this will make getting the DVD's harder- I need to complete my collection!) but because Entourage is BAFTA winning- how many other shows on ITV2 can say that?

Entourage was the only show I watched on ITV. Now I really have no use for this suite of channels. Sad really.

2010 Season Reviews Part 1: Brothers and Sisters

Season Reviews
Brothers and Sisters: Season 4

This was mostly an underwhelming season for the show. Apart from Holly, all the characters have gone down in my estimation, mostly due to writing and producing problems behind the screens. Surprisingly Holly has actually become more likable, though perhaps that's relative since she was the worst character to start with.

Kitty's cancer storyline has been the highlight of the season. All the actors just nailed the storyline and it was heart-breakingly emotional. Unfortunately, the show decided to end the storyline abruptly with a miracle cure, which was just a little too easy and definitely lessened the impact of the story as a whole. I don't love the idea of Kitty in politics as she has always said she didn't want to go into politics itself and I definitely didn't love Robert giving up his job as it seemed wholly out of character for him. However with Rob Lowe leaving (and Robert dying) at the end of the season, Kitty will keep the Walker's in politics, something which is sorely needed as it is one of the main pillars on which this show is based.

The other pillar of course is the family business, Ojai. After the last 4 years of the business nearly going under, it finally has and I'm sad to see it go. To get there though, we had to go through Dennis York interfering and Ryan helping him (and then disappearing) and then Narrow Lake (which is a storyline very reminiscent of the season 1 storyline in which William owned some mysterious bit of land, but I guess the changing producing team don't remember). I am glad Tommy came to help them finish the storyline as it wouldn't have been the same without him.

Sarah sadly had the most irritating storyline of the season with Luc- the boring Frenchman who she claimed was the 'love of her life' after knowing him for just a couple of months. Through most of the season she sounded like some delusional teen and the others helped her in this encouraging her to marry him without too much thought for her children. Very weird storyline.

Kevin and Scotty have been the most stable couple this year and it was a joy to watch. They had a few issues of the baby making, but I liked that the storyline wasn't easy and that it took them till the end of the season to get pregnant. The one year jump means that sadly we'll miss seeing the birth, but I guess if that means we won;t have to see the irritating Roxy Olin again as their surrogate then I'm all for it.
Kevin's career took another turn for the worse as he found himself unemployed, which was a nice move as his political career was ridiculous as was his friendship with Robert.

Nora continued in over protective mother role, managing one relationship, which they sadly went down the younger man/goldigging route with. I was disappointed with this and really felt they missed an opportunity for Nora to have some fun and enjoyment in her life other than meddling with her children's lives.

Justin and Rebecca managed to argue their way through the season, though surprisingly they managed to both get married and make a baby during it as well. Again I'm disappointed that Justin's medical career faltered. I loved the idea of this storyline before the season began, but they really wrecked it, not because he struggled, but because he practically gave up at the end.

Next season...
As I said they are skipping a year in the B&S universe. Robert is dead and this will allow us to skip Kitty's grieving. Holly was critical in the car accident, but unless Patricia Wettig wants to leave, I'm guessing she'll be okay. Emily Van Camp is leaving so Rebecca and Justin will mostly likely split and he might've gone to Haiti in this as well. Saul has HIV, not sure about this storyline but they might handle it okay. Ryan is out for good, but Tommy will probably return for more episodes than this season. Sarah and Luc are apparently going to be more solid and Scotty and Kevin will have a baby. The season's episode has been cut to 18 so unless the show turns it around, this may be the show's last. On the basis of season 4, this may not be a bad thing.

Buffy and Angel Rewatch part 64

I must say I'm a little sad about beginning this final season of my rewatch. It's a little odd to watch Angel just on it's own and for me personally this wasn't Angel's best season, so it'll be interesting to see how my opinion changes/stays the same this time.

5.01 Conviction
Taking over the evil law firm was always going be a difficult things, for the characters and for the viewers. Whilst we didn't see Wesley struggling too much, Angel definitely had it the hardest as the boss. He battled with Eve and with the overzealous special ops unit as he tried to do what he has always done. Gunn, Lorne and Fred on the other hand seemed to fit in more happily into their new roles. In a way it's a thrill to see Gunn get a little more status in the team, though intrinsically it does change who he is. Fred, though doubtful at first, does learn, very quickly, how to be a leader. The additions of Eve and Harmony to the team are a little irritating. Both characters were brought in to up the female quotient and fill the giant Cordy shaped hole, but quite frankly Eve is far too annoying to do that. She does bring some clarity to the season in which she tells the gang that they have to actually run the business. On first thought shutting the business down would be a great idea, but by having Eve point out why they can't do that, perfectly lays the scene for the season. A decent season opener and a good way to introduce the inside-W&H element of the show. (7.5/10)

5.02 Just Rewards
I'm not a huge fan of the show's decision to bring Spike on board. Whilst James Marsters is a talented actor who brings a lot of charm and humour to the proceedings, Spike's presence on the show is an odd one. Just like on Buffy season 4, Spike hangs around here for no good reason, but another set of plot contrivances that have to be resolved. The it was his chip, now it's the amulet. A lot of this episode is taken up with exposition of Spike and who he is, most of which is is old news to Buffy fans. The sheer amount of talking means that the episode can get pretty bogged down. This is added to the villain of the week in the necromancer, who's pretty downbeat as characters go. It's a shame though because he actually is a nice example of the kind of people Angel will now be dealing with. I would've liked to see more about what this necromancer actually does rather than the bickering we actually got. (6/10)

5.03 Unleashed
The werewolf theme is a little overdone in the Buffy-verse. A lot of what Nina goes through, we have seen before with OZ in Buffy, but I did like the eating werewolf spin they put on it as it kept the story fresher than it was. Casting Nina as a love interest feels like it was clearly a network decision to make Angel 'normal' like other leading men. However since Angel isn't like other leading men, the boys joking about whether Angel is in with her, doesn't quite fit in with the show.
I'm not a fan of the Spike and Fred storyline either. Spike is quite annoying and Fred seems to have fallen under his spell quite quickly, though perhaps that's to be expected.
There were some nice moments of the episode however; Wes' jealousy of Fred as it's always sweet to see Wes passionate for Fred, Lorne reminding Angel to not forget the gang and those group get togethers at the beginning and at the end of the episode where they are almost happy- a rare scene in Angel. (6/10)
5.04 Hell Bound
Whilst this is an interesting episode, it's also an odd one. The role Spike played in this episode, the hero, is the one Angel traditionally plays. He has dealt with spooks before, but it has always been Angel who saves the day not Spike, which makes this episode disconcerting to watch.
Otherwise though this isn't a bad episode; the idea of Pavayne is a neat one and it makes a lot of sense in the context of W&H. Fred also had a nice role to play in desperately trying to free Spike. It was nice also to see the gang solving problems together and keeping them all in the building made for a nice intimate episode which amped up the spooky. I'm surprised there wasn't a bigger mention made of Gunn's relationship with the conduit; he doesn't just have law knowledge in his brain now, he is a trusted member of W&H. It would've been nice if the gang picked up on that a bit more. (6.5/10)