A Hole in the World
Angel Episode Review
In which we should never open mysterious boxes on TV.
What Happened
Fred gets a big box that spits air at her. The particularly nasty side-effects show up right as Wesley is inviting her to dinner. Judging from the bloody spittle, Fred may have lost her appetite.
In between the mystical mumbo-jumbo, the guys figure out that Fred has a day to live. Wesley buries his nose in the books and shoots anyone who interrupts him. Gunn goes to the White Room to see the conduit, who smacks him around. Angel, Spike and Lorne go to Lindsey's apartment, where they find Eve.
She sings for Lorne, (who gleefully informs her that her future isn't bright) then spills a few clues: the sarcophagus may be that of an Old One, one of the demons that came before human-kind. Fred is being "hollowed out" to be used as a vessel for Illyria. The only place to go is the Deeper Well, a prison for the dead that can draw the demon back into its dungeon.
Gunn, meanwhile, finds out that Knox arranged for Fred's little possession. Knox is an acolyte of Illyria and predicts that Angel will not save Fred: he's going to let her die. He also explains to Gunn that it was the deal Gunn made to get a brain re-boost that got the sarcophagus through customs, so, you know, thanks for that.
Luckily for Angel, the guy in charge of the Deeper Well is an old friend. He explains that he keeps watch of thousands of the Old Demons; he thinks Illyria's disappearance was fated. Dragging It back is an issue, because every person between LA and England will be infected as they do.
What We Learned
- Fred's Dad slept in a drawer until he was three, didn't harm him none.
- Spike isn't happy about stabbing Angel He much prefers hitting Angel with blunt instruments.
- Mummies can be a lot more trouble than you'd think.
- Don't touch things. Ever.
- The Gunns hopefully are not going to get their mime on.
- Nothing's written in stone... lately.
- Don't ask questions of the Keeper. He doesn't like questions.
- Knox would not have his God hatched out of some schmuck.
- There's a hole in the world. Feels like we ought to have known.
Best Lines
Spike: "Self analyzing wankers!" (That goes in with 'unholy fruit baskets.')
Angel: "This isn't working. You and me."
Spike: "Are you saying we should start... annoying other people."
What Did I Think?
The "Fred's so smart! Fred's so special!" got old, and I did make note of the obvious Evil!Willow vibe about Illyria, but other than that? Fantastic.