Are You Now or Have You Ever Been • S02E02 • TPN’s Angel Guide

[@WCWit]

"And you thought you'd made a friend. Newsflash: You had!" That has to be one of the most cutting lines I've ever heard given to a villain-of-the-week

[@connorblake7487]

And then "You look the same" "I'm not" line from the damsel/victim-of-the-week, so great

[@martab5068]

@@connorblake7487 This is one of my favorite lines from this episode, if not the favorite. Angel's whole vampire existence, as the trope should, represents stagnation, being frozen out of time and out of humanity. And yet, even with all his self-doubt and self-deprecation, even he knows what we know very well - that he has come a long way.

[@thomasknash]

I don't know if anyone brought this up, but Angel getting lynched alludes to another thing going on in the 50s - lynchings in the South. It's why I think the demon has a Southern accent - it was the place where fear and paranoia was at its greatest in America during the 50s.

[@jimmy2k4o]

Thomas Nash yeah lynching is the classic method for a vicious hateful mob.

[@Wednesdaywoe1975]

That episode had so many lsyers. Brilliant.

[@christinejanis6552]

Paranoia of the 50s? lol Paranoia of humans in general. People have been, and always will be, paranoid

[@robinorlowski9045]

Angel himself came from Ireland. His father was a merchant who experienced prejudice as a Catholic. Angel realizes he faces barriers as a vampire needing accommodations in order to work as a PI. Most people are afraid of him when they encounter him. So yes, he has experience with bigotry.

[@user-gy3gu3ep3p]

I don't buy the lynch thing. That vicious racism was everywhere but just more celebrated in the south. And they were in California so if it their intention to do a thing were the demon represents a southern black man, they didn't do a good job driving that point home outside of an accent. If the theme or plot involved him getting revenge on white people for the paranoia and evils they've caused against his people, then I'll buy it.

[@MrGeekFreek]

Judy: I don't hear them anymore. Are they gone? Angel: Yeah. Judy: It's you. Angel: Yeah, Judy. It's me. Judy: You look the same. Angel: I'm not. Judy: They killed you because of me. I killed you. Angel: No. No. No. Judy: He kept them from the door. He told me I'd be safe. Am I safe? Angel: You're safe. Judy: Can I go out now? Angel: Yeah. You can go out. Judy gives him a big smile and starts to get up from her chair. Angel helps her up. Angel: Let me help you. Judy: I just need to take a little rest first. Just a little rest. Angel: Easy. Judy: I'm so sorry I killed you. Can you forgive me? Angel: Of course. Judy: I'm just going to rest. Just for a minute...and then...I'm going to go out. Judy closes her eyes and dies.

[@snazzyjo13]

Just reading this made me cry. The writers crafted their connection so well, it always breaks my heart when the relief she's been forgiven seems to be what kills her.

[@jaycievictory8461]

@@snazzyjo13 I do find it both tragic and a little cruel that she doesn't get to leave the hotel before she dies.

[@Greendalewitch]

@@jaycievictory8461 I feel bad for her but at the same time I dont. She lived her whole life out of fear. Even before the hotel she stole money from her employee and went on the run, so the end result is just what she deserved. I feel bad for saying that but Judys nature is self preserveation, even at the cost of bringing harm to other people. Even if she would have gotten away and would have continued to do these things, not out of malice, but out of fear. And that in itself is inexcusable. Is Judy a good person? No, but she is not evil either, making me feel sorry for her. But this is just what she would have brought upon herself, even if she had escaled the hotel at the time. She would have always been running, always been afraid and locked in her own little room inside her mind.

[@Dominiqueuqinimod]

snazzyjo13 It’s a mercy

[@Dominiqueuqinimod]

The Greendalewitch She convinced herself she deserved it. Just like Angel convinces himself that he deserves things he does not, only Judy is quite literally the dark side of Angel in this episode. She has convinced herself that because the world has wronged her, and it has, that the money is part of her reward-that she is owed. Angel feels that he owes the world, and on the other hand, that the world owes him pain. Angel and Judy are the same coin, with two very different and poignantly beautiful sides of it expressed.

[@jgos0]

Holy crap. I wanted that. I needed that. He redeems himself by providing an avenue for redemption for someone else. He pays forward that which he most wants and may never receive to give himself that which he needs and may never have enough of.

[@kentonkruger8333]

I would argue this is the best single episode of Angel. Maybe not my favorite for enjoyment, but it is a perfect, self-contained story.

[@PassionoftheNerd]

Good way of putting it.

[@meris8486]

Yeah makes me remember that Angels best episodes are part of an arc. You're Welcome is great but partly cause it has callbacks to Angel and Cordelia's history as well as a confrontation with Lindsay. Waiting In The Wings is brilliant but relies on Wesley and Gunn vying for Fred which is a lot more impactful if you're already invested in those characters. Forgiving has that amazing scene where Angel tries to kill Wesley, but that relies on the previous three episodes to hit home. Basically, it's hard to pick out one episode to show someone the show at it's finest, Are You Now... is the best for that though.

[@GUV85]

One of the greatest episodes of television ever let alone in the Buffyverse.

[@UTU49]

It's as if the series shuts down briefly in order to show us a short movie that dives headfirst into multiple themes. The staff and guests at the Hyperion are so interesting and so specific that I feel like you could make an entire movie about them without Angel in it.

[@Tim85-y2q]

I just rewatched this recently and would agree (dethroning A Hole in the World) though the same applies in that I think that's an outstanding episode that's a bit too wrenching to be the most entertaining.

[@MrGeekFreek]

When you really stop and think about it the demon is actually more evil and cruel. Judy's been alone in a long empty hotel in a room by herself with nobody but herself and the guilty voices in her head. No TV. No other people. Just her. For 50 years. At least she died happy. It's very upsetting to think about.

[@bloodyawfulpoetry5719]

Yes - in many respects Judy's fate is one of the most upsetting in the Buffyverse. Especially as she tells Angel that she can't go to prison because it would be worse than death - it would be like buried alive. Being trapped in a confined space unable to get out is her nightmare -and then she is buried alive in the Hyperion for 50 years.

[@zemoxian]

I don’t know what made me think about the barkeep from Beer Bad. Is he ever going to see some kind of justice?

[@Textile_Courtesan]

When I first saw this episode I cried for a good long while thinking she missed out on life. I feel so bad for her.

[@userasdf]

This does raise the question of what did she eat... I assume some mystical mumbo jumbo but I can't get the image of the demon going grocery shopping for her for 50 years...

[@zemoxian]

userasdf I just assumed the demon kept her alive mystically while he fed off her. I’m pretty sure that demons don’t concern themselves with the laws of thermodynamics.

[@connorblake7487]

Older Judy: You look the same. Angel: I'm not.

[@connorblake7487]

Oh god I want cry. Moments like Angel and old Judy are what it's about. It's what all the hack and slashing and funny make-up and fangs and soapy love-interest plot lines all serve. It feels so earned. And it's so welcomed when it comes.

[@katthor7311]

Me before pushing play: I will not cry this time. Ian will not get to me. I will stay strong. Me before the video even ends: 😭😭😭

[@katthor7311]

@Tim C I know. What was I even thinking. :D

[@jackyoh971]

I don't even understand your goal I came here to cry, and this video did the job 😭

[@TheRedbedhead]

The demon has no arms. Meaning he doesn’t do the actual damage he influences others to destroy themselves.

[@callumburns9378]

Edits are so good on this one. The hard work you put in always pays off because you just make masterpiece after masterpiece. The Buffy fandom is so blessed to have someone like you making these videos that just sparks a new light of interest in the shows all the time. :D

[@chrissyjoy08]

💯 agree!

[@JustJames83]

Agreed

[@cobbsta88]

"Riley is the worse!" Scott: "Hold my beer"

[@spangelicious837]

Scott was never welcome.

[@redwillow79schippers94]

Connor is the worst character ever in human history.

[@Xehanort10]

@@EmoBearRights Imagine Buffy's reaction to Connor. "Angel how do you have a son? And with Darla? I thought you killed her back when The Master was still alive."

[@annas9016]

This is honestly my favorite episode of Angel. So pumped for this guide.

[@wellyhurricane]

Mine too! And it's one of my favorite episodes of television ever. I was so pumped for this review and it didn't let me down. Ian captures things in these episodes that I didn't even know I felt.

[@saberstrike000]

First off: the Hyperion is definitely superior to the Magic Box. It gives a sense of scale and history and this story casts it as a physical talisman of redemption on Angel's journey. The Magic Box...gave a new set and a new prompt for the magical shenanigans of the week, but affects Buffy the least of all the characters in her show. Part of what makes this episode work is the fact that the Thesalac's not arch, not camp...just thriving on human misery and enjoying it. One of the great themes of Angel is that just because a system (you know, like life) is broken doesn't mean taking advantage of it isn't evil. We delve into that in Lindsey's arc and Angel's during the middle third of the season, but here we get a villain who doesn't want to rule the world and isn't acting out of petty pique...he just fills a role in the ecology of evil. It rides a wonderful line between "the devil made me do it" and "humans are the real monsters" in that neither is an excuse for the choices we make. The same way "I had no choice" or "she betrayed me" don't justify the twin betrayals of the flashbacks. (Minor Spoiler) Remember, the ultimate theme of this season (if not the show) is "If what we do doesn't matter, than all we matter is what we do." (End Spoiler)

[@SRosenberg203]

Very well put.

[@montewilliams2153]

Another transcendent video! Thank you for sharing. Here’s another reference, in case no one else has noted it: Angel’s hotel room is 217, also a pivotal room at the Overlook in Stephen King’s The Shining.

[@Shadowman4710]

I've been waiting for this one for a while. I absolutely love this episode. They manage to capture the paranoia of the 50's and make it a palpable thing here. The writing, acting, directing etc. are just pitch perfect. If this one isn't in my top 5 of all "Angel" episodes it's damned close. Excellent work here, Ian.

[@ericjohnson9623]

In addition to Psycho, another Hitchcock film, Vertigo is about a woman named Judy from Salina, Kansas who has her public and hidden private personas.

[@karenlarkin3786]

Don't forget Marnie - another woman who steals from her employer and reinvents herself to evade the police...

[@connorblake7487]

For me this episode is the pinnacle of what this series can be. I concede there is a regrettable lack of team Angel, but for self contained, 45-minute story, it's so ambitious, and then on top of the that the art department absolutely killed it. I still remember (from when I watched this live as a kid) the creepy physicality of the demon floating up and down on his tentacles as he taunts Angel for becoming emotionally vulnerable for the first time in decades. "You look the same" "I'm not" resonated with me for years growing up. Brilliance.

[@omarelk194]

This is one of the best episodes of Angel. It truly is.

[@thegeek4145]

Hyperion, the father of the Sun Moon and DAWN. The second episode of Buffy season 5 is about Dawn. Gotta love those connections from Joss

[@Smil7001]

That could just be coincidence

[@timminear2675]

@@Smil7001 I lived on Hyperion Ave at the time

[@dusanjosic1295]

@@timminear2675 How was it ? What were your impresions ? I'm genuinely curious btw

[@BigEdTort]

This is one of the best episodes of either series.

[@slashandbones13]

This one always stood out because they successfully made Angel neither hero or villain (in the flashback).

[@jennaramos1229]

and this was the first episode that Angel called Cordelia "Cordy"

[@lailinshale]

"the cajun voice of bad ideas" is KILLING ME im about to laugh a hole in my lung

[@696190]

The demons accent was something the actor came up with because he thought it fit the theme of the episode, by the by

[@sara_sah-raezzat5086]

Beautiful work Ian. This episode means a lot to me (more than I will say in public) and you really did it justice.

[@boo5860]

Editing and jokes feel as crisp as ever, Ian! You're an actual god in human form I swear. Update: I started writing this comment midway through the video but the end is sublime, oh my god.

[@samgonzalez8662]

I love Angel as a character because it’s my personal belief that he is the product of a man constantly fighting a demon. It stands to reason that more than Liam’s soul simply imprisoning Angelus, the soul provides the morality and emotion for a man to control the actions of a monster; Angelus is always there, but Liam- a man who was once weak with such incontinence as to indulge every carnal pleasure- grows stronger, grows to become Angel. It’s a process, an evolution with steps and pitfalls along the way. He shifts from agonizing guilt, to failed attempts to indulge the monster, to crippling passivity, to a misinformed state of absolution in maltreatment and neglect, until finally he achieves a purpose with its own stages of development. Angel is neither Liam nor Angelus, but the product of the two being at odds with one another. That’s what makes him the champion: because he fights a battle he can never win. All the good he can inject into the world will never outweigh the bad, and it definitely will never make up for his own misdeeds. But still he fights even if just for the sake of those brief moments. Because if nothing we do matters, then all that matters is what we do.

[@omalleycaboose5937]

Hyperion>magic box... but the sunnydale high library is the best base

[@Hunterfalke]

Yeah, after thinking a bit about it, I fully agree with you. I really like the magic box as a set piece, but Giles' home felt more of a base than it.

[@Elisheval]

Beautiful Ian. This, like "I only have eyes for you" is much improved by rewatch and if I'm honest, my own personal growth. As a teen watching buffy and angel these one offs annoyed me because they didn't move the plot forward. But now I recognise them for what they really are: Art.

[@YozoraHeart]

I love this episode. I love what it means for this season. The idea you elaborated upon so well in this analysis. We have always been presented with an Angel that is soulless and monstrous or with a soul and miserable. The narrative never considered that having a soul does not inherently make Angel a good man. His soul is not an on/off switch as it has previously been. How chilling it would be if the souled Angel decided to stop giving a shit about being a good person. Luckily we'll never know!

[@jaycievictory8461]

Have you watched the whole of this season? I don't want to say my next comment if it's a spoiler!

[@kendrahicks111]

It's interesting that Angel's room number is 217 which is also the number of the room in The Shining (book not movie) that is haunted by the lady in the bathtub that Danny is haunted by. I wonder if that was done on purpose. Maybe it is meant as a reflection of how Angel is in a way a ghost of the Hyperion Hotel, and the fact that Angel is going to always be haunted by his actions that hurt Judy and scarred her for life.

[@LybrikVladmir]

“Smoking a hardcore brood” is such a mood

[@kate1138]

"And with that act of compassion, if only for that finite moment in time, Angel, is redeemed." I love that episode. And your commentary added to my understanding. I missed that McCarthy prosecution in the TV. Thanks for the great work! Also I have always wanted to say, regarding this episode, I think the editing between current day and past Hyperion reminds me strongly of the Firefly episode "Out of Gas", where the intercut between past and present Serenity emphasizes the history of our characters. Both are Tim Minear episodes. Love the man!

[@captassassin5680]

That was beautiful. What an amazing job! Your breakdowns are so damn enlightening! Seriously, that last line had me fighting tears. Thank you for such top notch content.

[@mardigrasbeads]

I just want to watch the entire series all over again. This ep was definitely one of the best of the 5-year run. Thank you, Ian, for reminding us what a great show "Angel" was and always will be.

[@zaramelyan3057]

Interesting bit of information: when visiting LA, I wanted to visit the hotel they used for filming. Turned out that the hotel used for filming was the Ambassador hotel, where Robert F. Kennedy was shot. This episode casts a whole new light on that event and fits in the world of Angel.

[@alexisgervais8716]

I've never met someone that loves the Buffyverse more than you. These videos are a balm on my soul, thank you.

[@justinirwin6010]

Fun fact about John Kapelos: from 1992-1995 he costarred in the Canadian TV series Forever Knight as the human partner of a vampire police detective working in Toronto seeking to atone for his past wrongs. There is heavy use of flashbacks to the vampire's past misdeeds and an ongoing plot wherein the vampire that turned him tries to get him to go back to his evil ways. Just a totally random fact for you.

[@Wednesdaywoe1975]

Wait, what? I didn't recognize him! And of course the opening credits for Angel is a shot by shot homage to Forever Knight, violin and all.

[@kingnothing3120]

As always, your videos are absolutely brilliant. I've always found Buffy and Angel to be wonderfully fascinating shows, but I never was able to see too far below the surface before these video guides. I've been able to appreciate them more, and been able to learn from them. I've been able to really understand and take the life lessons that they have to offer due to this guide. I had completely forgotten about Giles's line in I Only Have Eyes For You, turns out it was exactly what I needed to hear to start moving from the dark place I've been trapped in. Thank you so much for these and I can't wait to see what you have in store.

[@RagingRaven88]

Even though this made me tear up, I'll still rewatch this like twelve times this weekend.

[@nguyenhaidung8833]

"Is it meaningless to apologize"? "Never" Somehow i think of this..

[@carlospthedon]

V for vendetta, good parallel

[@audrerobespierre]

I know this might sound odd, but Ian this episode of your guide helped me in a deeply dark time of my life when I was convinced I was worth nothing. It aided me while I fled an abusive relationship and helped comfort me as I assured myself I was something. While of course I give due credit for the wonderful actors, producers and writers for creating the show, your clear distillation of the themes really helped bring clear both the sense of desperation in Angel and also the clear-eyedness with which he was willing to forgive others, and in the process himself. I feel this episode pairs neatly with Season 5's Your Welcome: did it ever occur to you that you might be one of those people who needs saving? It used to be daily, but now it's just every so often, I remind myself of that very point.

[@ToShanshuinFiction]

I always loved this episode, even when I didn't entirely understand what was happening. It was the first time I remembered a character voicing the questions I lived with from the time my mother told me I wasn't black or white. Being two things at once also has the regrettable consequence of denying you from being either and the more I passed as one, the more I worked to contain the ways I identified with the other. That teetering feeling is something I felt through most of my life. Sometimes, I still feel it. I don't think I ever blamed Judy for what she did despite feeling betrayed, even the first time I saw this, because I identified with her in a way I shouldn't have to at 12 years old. It broke my heart the moment she shouted "It was him!" and shrank in on herself as they went after Angel because I think I would've done the same thing. I think that was the first time I called Angel my favorite show.

[@DrGriff]

This is the episode that really hooked me on the show. You did a great job with this analysis, really tapped into the powerful themes of the episode.

[@The810kid]

*spoiler* I never noticed this episode foreshadows and parallels Angel leaving the Wolfram Hart. employees to die. This episode was never one of my favorites because like in the review I missed team Angel. I have new found appreciation for it now after seeing this video.

[@Anjalena]

😭😭😭 'And I fall for it EVERY. SINGLE. TIME!' Why are you so good at this, Ian?

[@lynbaker7780]

One of my favorite episodes. You gave me an insight I hadn’t thought of before with the forgiveness at the end. As always, you took the show to another level. Thank you.

[@Dominiqueuqinimod]

As a person of mixed ethnicity who has spent most of their life either consciously or subconsciously “passing,” this one really, REALLY got me. Also, can we just please mention the fact that John Hawkes was in the comparable Buffy episode? Let’s mention this as much as possible, because holy cow is he an amazing actor!!

[@BadWolf739]

For those that watch Stargate the Thesulac demon is played by Tony Amendola, Master Bra'tac. O'Neill: "We'll cross that bridge when we come to it." Bra'tac: "NO THE BRIDGE IS TOO HEAVILY GUARDED!"

[@saberstrike000]

I was just about to comment on that! Tony Amendola is freaking amazing. Every time I see him in a bit part/guest spot he always nails it. (If you're a fan of B5/Crusade, he's the alien seeking asylum in "The Needs of Earth.")

[@BadWolf739]

@@saberstrike000 I only watched Crusade once. But that's pretty cool.

[@vicky__p]

Oh my goodness! I did not know that! I can also report that the man himself is absolutely lovely - a complete gent.

[@saberstrike000]

Took me a while to find: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mnO6gGSfo7etn6s

[@userasdf]

I did not notice this. Man that guy is great.

[@MrGeekFreek]

Fun fact: the actor that played the bellhop is the same guy that played the Dopple-Deaner in episodes of Community.

[@jaycievictory8461]

I thought I recognised him!! Thank you! Also, Faux-by, the guy they think is Moby, on HIMYM :)

[@oveliagirlhaditright4023]

He was also the principal in Phil of the Future, if anyone cares about that.

[@mishmash59]

Most people have already said what I’ve wanted to, so for something different... I’m a fan of the Hyperion, it’s a great setting for most of the series. Even with a comparatively small detail you went the extra mile; talked about what the Hyperion relates for Angel as a person. For me the hotel stands as a physical reminder of his journey for redemption. Nice work as always Ian - this episode is a standout for me

[@jaycievictory8461]

WAIT How did I never clock in all my viewings that Angel was still drinking human blood when we met him in BtVS?? That is so key! And shows the hugely humanising and grounding effect Buffy had on him. Anchoring him to humanity and a community (the Scooby gang( in a way he hadn't ever really had, even as a human. No wonder he starts to unravel in Angel the series and no wonder Doyle calls him out and states he is getting more and more detached from the humans he's saving from vamps. And that therefore he will eventually cross the line and drink from them again. And it makes Cordy's comment about them being family all the more important/poignant. Buffy gave him love, joy and stopped him from giving up I.e. killing himself. By loving her he became part of a community. But Fred, Lorne, Gunn and especially Doyle, Wesley and Cordelia gave him a family. No wonder he has so much growth in AtS. How did I never put this together before??? Thickie 🤦

[@thegeekclub8810]

Being a bit of a dumb-dumb, when I first watched this episode was called "Are You Now *As* You Have Ever Been", referencing the question of whether Angel has changed since his stay at the Hyperion. I was obviously wrong, but I think that theme is still relevant.

[@countjondi9672]

it's truly difficult to accurately compliment your reviews without downplaying their impact.

[@maxking235]

Hear, hear. A wonderful job by Ian for an equally wonderful episode.

[@Miyabiko]

man Ian, you always put into words why Buffy and Angel mean so much to me. These shows taught me values growing up. And I am so thankful to re-live this with your episode guides.

[@MrBenjarming]

This is one of my top 10 episodes from the Canon.This and 'Why we fight' are a top double feature of Angel's darker decisions and the consequences that he has to face.

[@wendyheatherwood]

The camera used at the time was probably mirrorless as mirrored SLRs weren't introduced until, I think, 1949 and took a while to catch on. Plus if it was an early SLR the mirror is used to redirect light away from the film, towards the viewfinder so a person taking a vampire's photo with one wouldn't be able to see them while focusing the camera (probably best to put something just behind their back, focus on that and then adjust for the slight difference in distance) but they could take their picture just fine.

[@samanyana]

I love this episode so much. I think it's my actual favourite of the whole Buffyverse. This video was very very very good. Thank you!

[@alliecat1019]

Thank you for such a thoughtful analysis of one of my favourite Angel episodes. I love the interplay of character building, history, noir tropes, etc. Thanks for helping me fall in love with the show yet again.

[@mykashg]

Ugh, Ian, it's amazing the emotion you can evoke with these guides. I was gone by the end, genuinely teary-eyed. Thank you!

[@RenTheBarbarian]

I just realized the voices in the title sequence are different from the season 1 guides

[@BooksfromaBiGuy]

Can’t wait for “Please, Wesley, why can’t I stay?”

[@cloud2440]

I don't know what's worse the emotional pull of this episode or the fact that he will make the same mistake he did in the flashback later this season.

[@stevenumerator]

This pièce de résistance episode summary convinces me that someday I should be starting to watch a KZbin video when Ian would appear in the pre-show ad proclaiming: “Do you yearn to know what it’s like to be a teenage girl chosen to slay evil, to live as a guilt-ridden vampire seeking redemption, or to captain your own spaceship with a rag-tag crew aimin’ ta misbehave? Then welcome! My name is Ian, and this is my ‘Passion of the Nerd’ Whedonverse MasterClass!” Ian would then proceed to show every one of his episode guides, providing a truly graduate-level education in all things related to Buffy, Angel, and Firefly. (And more, we can hope. Dollhouse, anyone? :) Seriously though, I feel as if Ian is a university professor breaking down these episodes in a series of classes designed to major in the Whedonverse. Kudos for such thoughtful and thought-provoking commentary providing insight into not only the life and times of Joss Whedon’s characters, but the art of good storytelling and the real-world lessons to be learned therein. Well done, good sir! And at about 4:20 or so into this episode, pray tell how you resisted “granting” us the line: “Judy, Judy, Judy!” (Umm, yeah, I hear the groans. I’ll just show myself out. :)

[@holi117]

argh you're so good! amazing break down as always, and you definitely brought up some wonderful points I hadn't fully considered before! Argh!!! I so wish you were able to click your fingers and have all the epiosde guides for buffy and angel done and ready to go lol! I love them so much. cannot wait for the next one :)

[@Buffy8Fan]

I love this episode. My favorite flashback episode. I also enjoyed Wesley and Cordelia's B storyline just as much as the A storyline. The fact that it is proving that most all flashbacks of Angel's don't have to be in the 1800's is great. I always knew that Angel was drinking human blood in 1952, his attitude and what year it was in relation to other flashbacks in the show, but I never really put it all together so that it meant what it should all mean. And if I ever did, it never stuck permanently in my mind. I also, for whatever reason, never acknowledged that the blood in Angel's refrigerator in the episode, _Angel_ was human. It actually makes a little bit more sense in the grand scheme of things. I knew a lot of the issues were in the episode due to the time period the flashback takes place in, but you threw open the doors to me on exactly how much of the episode really used it within its narrative. Also never noticed the ties to _In the Dark_ and _I Only Have Eyes for You._ Interesting that compassion not only ties this episode to those two, but that it does so without directly stating references. Great storytelling.

[@saar144]

I’ve watched this episode countless times, what gives you the impression Angel drank human blood?

[@Buffy8Fan]

@@saar144 I'm not sure if you're referencing this episode or the episode _Angel_ over on S1 of BtVS. On this episode, the bottle he is drinking out of says human blood (Ian even shows the clip and talks about it from 2:06-2:17). On _Angel_ the blood in his refrigerator are in hospital bags. While an argument could be made for some other kind of blood, Ian points out that Angel straddles the line ever since he got a soul all the way until he met Buffy between good and soulless (for use of a better word). I don't think Angel wanted to help after Whistler showed him Buffy but wasn't Buffy didn't really teach him to stop straddling the line until that episode (with Darla unintentionally helping). That is why we also start seeing a different side of Angel three episodes later.

[@saar144]

I was referring this episode (AYNOHYEB). I never noticed the label on the bottle... Thank you for pointing that out. Nice that you can still learn new things after 20 years and countless of rewatches :)

[@Buffy8Fan]

@@saar144 I recently rewatched the 'Captain Marvel Sibling Rivalry Review' and on it a comment said "Buffy the Vampire Slayer was a strong lead back in the day too, nobody ever remembers that" which I took immediate offense at, not because I was a fan (although that did play a role), but because new people are seeing it every day and like you said even veteran fans can still learn new things after countless rewatches over twenty-two years and five months or in this episode's case eighteen years and ten months (sorry I got curious as to the exactness down to the month instead of just rounding on both sides like you did).

[@jaycievictory8461]

I'm glad I'm not the only one who put that together about Angel still drinking human blood at the beginning of BtVS. But it makes so much sense and sheds so much light on Angel's character journey. I paused the video and excitedly splurged a long comment when Ian made me realise 😊

[@buffyfan84]

The musical score for this episode is amazing! Robert J. Kral did a perfect job!

[@ShadowBorn1321]

Okay, but do you have to make me cry *every* time. Phenomenal as always.

[@Greendalewitch]

This episode haunts me.

[@connorblake7487]

The thing about a series like this or Buffy or any series that takes these swings of using campy TV budgets to comment on the nature of being human is that highs are high and lows are low. And this so goddamn high. I would watch a dozen "I Robot, You Janes" or "I Fall to Pieces" to get to the episodes like this. Especially when compared to a show like, I don't know, Vampire Diaries or Flash or most TV where's there's a stale, what-you-see-is-what-you-get uniformity to every episode. They're shot the same, lit the same, written the same, acted the same, it's all so terribly familiar. you find you can't be surprised anymore. I'll take failed ambition over comfortable monotone any day.

[@superstarch]

Yay!! I've seriously been waiting for your take on this one since I found out you were doing an Angel guide! Thank you so much! :) This was lovely to watch and listen to.

[@emilyjenkins9881]

Goosebumps and tears - another great video! Thank you! So much to look forward to from series 2! 😍

[@TAKEADEEPBREATH]

Once again... WOW just wow, great video xx

[@PKWinning07]

This episode was always one of my favorites, and it's only gone up on my list as the years go on. Easily my most rewatched episode other than the finale.

[@danituros6700]

I don't know if it's like an A/V Rorschach test or what, but when I'm struggling with things in my life, I can go back, either to some of your reviews or to the Buffy/Angel episode with your review in mind. And it helps. I've been thinking a lot about forgiveness, of myself and others, as I try to move beyond a mutually toxic friendship. Thank you for making this video and highlighting themes of redemption and forgiveness now. It means a lot to me, personally.

[@greatsm2videl]

Your words just.. bring out the impact of this episode so much more. It’s such a tragic, but quiet and peaceful moment at the end. To imagine being so isolated, living somewhere alone and in shame and fear for years upon years. It seems counterintuitive to our culture sometimes but what my counselor has told me is that.. all of us seek peace and safety, but the way that we actually gain that which we seek is by giving those things to others. You own your gifts and give them away in love to others. You gain friends by accepting that you have something to offer, and being a friend to others.

[@robertkline5739]

You continue to tell the story of the Angel/Buffy odyssey in a very solid truthful way and it’s reflection in our lives. Thank you

[@userasdf]

Definitely one of the best episodes of Angel. This kept me going for S2... until Happy Anniversary. I tuned in occasionally for the rest of S2 but then took a break for years...

[@toshomni9478]

What a beautiful guide to this episode. One easy way to remember who John Kapelos is would be to watch Forever Knight, the show that beat Angel to the whole vampire detective in the big city thing by around a decade. John Kapelos played the series regular character of Detective Schanke on that show, which was also had a very philosophical take on life and death.

[@jeremiahthepisces5493]

No one ever takes about forever knight it's so underrated

[@KosmiskRevolution]

My favourite episode of Angel! I had watched Buffy/Angel on TV as a kid, but only sporadically. For my 13th birthday I had saved up enough money to buy a DVD box set so I could finally enjoy one of these shows fully. The only one in the store was Angel season 2, so that was what I bought. (I had seen enough to know the characters/premises of both, so I could jump right in). Anyways, went home, saw Judgement and started on Are You Now... And right when there had been the reveal that the bellhop was afraid of ANGEL, my mom told me it was bed time! So I went to bed on a hecka cliffhanger, and had dreams that night trying to fill in the rest of the plot. Needless to say, the episode was SO MUCH BETTER than anything I could ever dream up. It blew my little mind with its writing and directing :D so now it will always hold a special place in my mind!

[@griver007able]

This, BuffyxAngel erase timeline, and death of wesley are the heartring episodes of this series.

[@MrTantrill]

This episode is one of my favorite episodes. It feels like the show's the promise of the show and how good it could be.

[@ATMyles]

I greatly enjoy your videos, sir. I saw BTVS and Angel in their original runs. I haven’t watched full eps in many years, in part because they were something I shared with my then girlfriend whom I miss terribly. Your analyses have allowed me to relive these stories again, without a feeling of melancholy. Thank you.

[@aravisthetarkheena]

Amazing! I love this episode of Angel and I think you did it justice!

[@amyfoss2492]

Words cannot express how much I love this ep. It is in my top 5. Behind "Lineage", "I've Got You Under my Skin". This analysis is EXCELLENT and touches upon all the nuances, metaphors and symbolism. In addition if there is one thing I LOVE it is shows that use their own history to further the plot and or drive home themes. Well done Ian!

[@bigkahunaburger1092]

One of the best episodes of the series. It has so many different meanings and it's structured so well.

[@dal4586]

I've been watching your Angel videos nonstop since yesterday when I found them, they are amazing. Angel was my favorite show when I was in highschool and the guide you are making it's amazing.

[@Nakushita1215]

I am speachless to how absolutely amazing this episode is; both the actual Angel episode and your brilliant dissection of it. Bravo!

[@anonymous-dirigible]

And now I’m crying into my coffee. Thank you for contextualizing and highlighting why these shows are so beautiful!!

[@nommyyt]

Oh damn you. I was eating my lunch as I watched this video and the ending made me tear up over my sandwich. That was a beautiful note to end on. Great job as always.

[@RachaelAHughes]

I've been eagerly anticipating the Ian treatment for one of my favorite Angel episodes, and you did not disappoint. This was beautiful. Your closing thoughts brought tears to my eyes.

[@naomilamont3277]

Did you have to show the "It was him!!" twice? That moment felt like a blow to the heart.

[@jrreed7984]

Another beautifully edited, passionately voiced, emotionally POWERFUL episode... thank you.

[@Christopherjazzcat]

Alright, my new goal in life is to watch as many of your Buffy/Angel videos as I can.

[@Travelling_with_my_dog]

This is a lovely synopsis/review of an episode of one of my favorite series. My little nuclear family became hooked on Buffy when my daughters were in High School (the rule was that all 4 of us needed to be present in order to watch), and then we turned to Angel when we were finished with that. Watching these reviews makes me even more aware of the artistry & poetry of Buffy, Angel, and Firefly. Thank you so much for such thoughtful commentary!

[@box5evey]

One of my fav Angel episodes, and a gorgeous video as always, Ian! I love the flashback episodes, they're a great way to let the audience in on Angel's past without really giving the other characters the same insight. It's always interesting to know something about a character that the other characters don't. As an aside, can I rightfully blame my love of film noir on Angel? Not entirely. Am I going to anyway? Absolutely yes.

[@winterwhitechocolate]

This is one of my favorite episodes! I have watched it over and over. There is so much in it.

[@T0xXx1k]

I stumbled on these on accident and have been binge watching them over the last couple days. And I want to say 1.I think Angel is so underrated and it's a shame because it was so good. I like Buffy, but I LOVE Angel. And 2. The scripts or essays your v.o. these is beautiful. And makes this weird fluid come out of my eyes by the end pretty often. And if no one has said so, it's just really nice and I appreciate your perspective on it on a very deep level. This one and '5 by 5' are my favorite of these so far such a mood ~🧡🦇

[@SK-uj1hz]

Dude why you gotta make me cry so much! seriously though one of your best

[@cheeseclark]

Such a good video Ian, well done! I used to avoid this episode, couldn't take the hate, the crowd-think. There are so many good things in it though, not the least of which, for me anyway, is the sound that the demon's tentacles(?) make. Somewhere between whuppah! and wooktish! I think. It is a great sound and cuts the tension for me. I loved the Hyperion setting. Thanks Ian, what a treat.

[@cheeseclark]

And thank you for Riley's cameo, what a hoot! And the barbecue remark...dayum.