Five by Five • S01E18 • TPN’s Angel Guide

[@MrHootiedean]

One of my best friends passed away a few years ago. She was a BTVS fan but even more a Faith fan. I didn't start watching the show in real time until S6 and would always roll my eyes when she frequently brought up the series. I regret not sharing the show with her from the beginning. It was only in S7 when I went back and rented S3 to catch up on their relationship that it hit me: I was the Buffy to her Faith and vice versa. I loved her wild side and she loved my mild side. I brought calm and consistency to her world where she brought excitement and spontaneity to mine. Unfortunately she didn't escape the darkness. I bring this up because it's through your reviews and especially of Faith's arc that brings me closer to her and allows me to understand her in a time in our lives when we were the exact same age as the characters. Thank you! And RIP, Chandia.

[@SessVlogs]

RIP Chandia x

[@MsCunningLinguistic]

[@moralityisnotsubjective5]

I"m sorry for your loss.

[@MrHootiedean]

Thank you.

[@The810kid]

Sorry for the loss my friend

[@rushofblood994]

23 minute video? Ian you spoil us 🙏🏻

[@MrGeekFreek]

I'm glad you talked about Wesley in this episode. This is the episode where Wesley became my favourite character. His refusal to break as Faith tortures him made me respect him so much.

[@richardwarnercool1]

A hell of a change from Mr "I can tell you everything!... But I like my kneecaps!"

[@CAStevens17]

My Favorite fun fact about this episode is the rain. There was not enough in the budget to have it rain in the final scene. When they started shooting, it rained anyway

[@evelynimmonen7737]

Chris Stevenson can you think of another time in Angel where it rained?? Just connected this

[@CAStevens17]

evelyn immonen It rained when Conner is born and for the finale!

[@nateatwell1126]

A little Amends style miracle for the producers

[@PathBeyondTheDark]

It heightens an already astonishingly emotionally engaging scene, like even the heavens wept for these characters.

[@meschachhorne7407]

It rained when Angels soul was took from his body & the reemergence of Angelus. It rained when Faith was dancing with suicide in a fight with Angel. It rained when conner is born. The rain is a metaphor for seasonal change Ive noticed after the rain the episodes where awashed and never the same.

[@EmrysMerlin8807]

"Its not just believing that there are things worth fighting for, but accepting that you're one of them." I come back this series time and again because of lines like these.

[@DanielBrown91]

You know when you wait for something for so long because you know how great it's going to be? And you finally get it and it doesn't disappoint? It's this. Its all of this. I've been waiting for this breakdown of this episode for quite some time and it gave me everything I wanted and more. Thank you Ian.

[@robnowaczewski5351]

Yep.

[@richardwarnercool1]

And even better, every season of Buffy and Angel has at least two or three episodes that we can look forward to like that.

[@Azazreal]

The symbolism of a vampire with a soul redeeming a fallen slayer still blows me away

[@hairy_cornflake]

I guess this is the first time ever the word Bazinga made me laugh. Well done mate, well done.

[@PassionoftheNerd]

This video probably can stand as my Big Bang Theory review as well.

[@ladyalfhildrforestofvioletmist]

Maybe I'm being oblivious, but I'm confused by the reference. At first I thought that meant that Sheldon's actor, Jim Parsons, was playing that lawyer, but I looked it up and I don't think it is. Did he just give you bazinga vibes, or am I missing something?

[@BadWolf739]

​@@ladyalfhildrforestofvioletmist He looks a little like Jim Parsons, that's about as close as the connection gets.

[@kaylakoerper6892]

I laugh out loud at it, mainly because i watch Big Bang Theory XD

[@sara_sah-raezzat5086]

This may be your best video. This is the mix of poetry, philosophy, profound humanity, and a touch of silly that I go to Buffy for and that I come to your videos for. The Benny Hill Faith scene made me squee with delight and by the end, I was in tears. Beautiful job Ian, you did Faith justice. Take a moment to feel proud before you go to get the rock, you earned it.

[@DoylePTB]

I'm torn between this and "Why you should watch Angel" for the #1 spot. This video was so good, and everytime he gets to Angel Season 5 in the latter, I get goosebumps and onions start being cut.

[@waynes866]

Yes, I agree. This was outstanding work. Kudos.

[@KristopherMiller0]

As somebody who, over the past few months, has pulled out of a suicidal tailspin and is finding a new grasp on a life I actually want to live, everything about this video moved me. I've been doing much better, but there are still difficult days, for sure. In particular, though it's something you said before, it really hit me in this video: "Part of finding the will to [go on] is not just believing that there are things worth fighting for, but accepting that you are one of them." I actually haven't really thought about it in those terms before; I'm not just finding outside reasons to live, but I have realized that I myself am worth living for. Your videos are amazing, and I've loved every single one of them. I hope you know that you're really touching lives out here in the wastelands of the internet.

[@yodudeyo100]

I love your videos man! They are so excellent and thought provoking!

[@AliceKikyou]

I had a bad mental health day today, and I really relate to this comment. I was moved by the video, and it really soothed my mood to hear those words. I hope it gets better someday, I've been so afraid to fall in to the darkness like Faith. But I hope, like her, I can pull myself up again.

[@mrs.schmenkman]

Ditto for me...although I do have to give BtVS and Ats credit for bringing me to my epiphany during a rough divorce, then post divorce to give me the ability to make sense of my disastrous life. TPN is like that only friend who gets it.

[@yevgeniyaleshchenko849]

Kris Miller And this comment can also help and inspire many people, like me for example)

[@NicoleCamileSantosAlexandre]

Hope everyone here is doing ok in 2020🙏🏽💞

[@MrGeekFreek]

Cordelia took that elbow to the face like a champ.

[@MsCunningLinguistic]

As someone who once took an accidental elbow to the face, I applaud her. That shit HURTS.

[@MrGeekFreek]

Faith: Did you ever wonder if things would've been different if we'd never met? What if you had Buffy and Giles had been my Watcher? You think we'd still be here right now? Or would Giles be sitting in that chair? Or is it just, like, fate? You know, there's no choice. You were gonna be here no matter what. You ever think about that stuff? Fate and destiny? I don't. Not that any of this is your own fault. Since this may be the last chance we have to unload on each other. I feel it's kind of my duty to tell you that if you'd been a better Watcher I might've been a more positive role model. Face it, Wesley. You really were a jerk. Always walking around like you had a great big stake rammed up your English Channel. I think I want to hear you scream. Wesley: You never will. Faith: *Lights torch* Admit it, Wesley. Didn't you always kind of have the hots for me?

[@PassionoftheNerd]

That quote was in the script for the video, relating to her ignoring choice. I realized last night somewhere between script and publish it disappeared. Very odd.

[@TheMMCchannel]

@Passion of the Nerd Will you talk about it in the next episode, then?

[@emd4390]

The act of selfless love is almost a parallel to Xander and Dark Willow

[@PassionoftheNerd]

It is very much a parallel. This beat repeats a few times, if for different reasons. I've done a bit on Xander and Dark WIllow in one of the top 10s.

[@latinguy67]

spot on

[@Evfollower]

Came here to comment this exact thing. As many times as I’ve seen both shows, I’ve never made the connection until watching this video.

[@chrissyjoy08]

10:28 Lacking a soul doesn't make you incapable of loving, just incapable of loving selflessly. 💜 I think you hit it directly on the nail there. I feel like this is exactly what Joss Whedon was trying to get across.

[@MauLerYT]

My goodness, we got it all this episode. Strong referential comedy to general media, the series and your series itself, deep connections to what we have seen in the past and juicy set-ups for the future. Philosophical references and combinations of ideas from poetry with a touch of definitive reality. Character assessments for all our favourites, growing and changing with a ton of references to the people watching this play out....us. I mean hell, those comments on the slayers and what they represent was wonderful. The idea that Faith was happy to reform but she knows she will always be stained with her past, she cant escape her own actions despite desperately wanting to. There is something rather poetic in Wesley preventing Faith's reformation previously, only to end up the victim and catalyst for reformation here. Especially considering his decisions in the next episode, then again I just love Wesley. These videos are definitive proof of what this show offers, the sheer magnitude of discussion for every 40 minutes of the show is utterly amazing, thanks for your work Ian, that stinger was beautiful. HE MADE HER A TAPE.

[@literosexual6541]

I always stop whatever i'm doing to watch these.

[@tariqthomas9090]

Literosexual Same. They’re such a treat.

[@BlaiseRashelHarman10]

Ian, I found the buffy guide January of 2016 during one of the most suicidal depressive periods of my life. I would drive down Michigan freeways going 70mph and let go of the wheel. You, this channel, this guide, your wisdom have been my anchor. Because you went back down to get the rock, I now believe that I am worthy of life. You imbued me with the hope that going back down the hill was worth it, and I can never thank you enough for that.

[@BlaiseRashelHarman10]

You have gifted me many moments of peace ❤️

[@thelegendofthem6120]

@@BlaiseRashelHarman10 Don't hurt others either

[@naimasophie]

I hope you got better ❤

[@GUV85]

The final scene in Five by Five is probably the most emotionally impactful on either series. The desperation, anger, loneliness and self-hatred that Faith displays in that alley is gut-wrenching. She's like a child having a mega tantrum exhaust herself until every bit of negativity has expelled itself leaving only the vulnerable shell of a being who wants to be held, forgiven and ultimately loved. There is no punishment or Hell worse than the one she has constructed for herself. Angel giving her the opportunity to rescue herself and climb out of that Hell is a stunning, genuinely beautiful moment. Despite what Faith is and has done, if you can't empathise with her in that moment then you are soulless. I was 15 when this episode aired and 18 years later it still affects me. Wonderful review! Your best yet!

[@vodkatonyq]

I think this reading is a bit tone deaf. Having a death wish cannot be equaled to having a childish tantrum and it's not a hell she has constructed for herself. One's environment has a lot of influence on one's behavior. One could argue that one can always makes a choice, but sometimes there is only so much shit a person can take before reaching a breaking point. The operative word is empathy.

[@GUV85]

@@vodkatonyq Perhaps I used a clumsy simile, but the point is she's out of control, unable to process what she's done and the emotional agony she is in (much like a child). As much as she is trying commit suicide-by-cop, it's a cry for help. Angel knows this, and he let's her exhaust herself physically, mentally and emotionally until all that's left is a vulnerable little girl desperate to be held and forgiven. So actually, I think it is a fairly apt comparison. Also, I think it is a hell of her own choosing. She murdered people and has done other horrendous things. Killing the Mayor's assistant was an accident, but she was already in a downward spiral before that. Wesley's attempted kidnapping was probably the thing that pushed her over the edge, but she still had a choice. To quote Buffy: "Maybe not a good choice but still a choice". After that she chose to murder people, attempted to murder others and aligned herself with a man that had killed who knows how many people (including attempting to sacrifice newborns a demonic snake) and who planned to slaughter half the town after his ascension. Not to mention what she had just done to Buffy and Riley. When her conscious finally catches up with her, she's finds herself in Hell, and her own actions have led her there. However, what is so incredible about this moment is that despite all this, we as viewers feel so much empathy for her. That's what's remarkable. It never fails to move me. Buffy as a show is often about the choices you make. Angel as a show is about how you live with and atone for the consequences of those (usually) bad choices.

[@sydneyh5352]

Still come back to watch this once in a while. “She’s a monster”-“she’s an innocent victim”. Just perfect.

[@geeklore8528]

It's a shame Eliza Dushku didn't become a regular with on Angel, she's phenomenal actress and amazing in Dollhouse. It Whould of been nice to see more interactions between Angel, Wesley and Faith.

[@Nicole-og8ft]

She’s great in Tru Calling too, another cancelled too soon

[@tariqthomas9090]

Yes! Yes! YES! This is one of my favorite episodes of either show. This is where AtS becomes a truly great show. Edit: This was a wonderful review. Definitely worth the wait.

[@lucasbertsche3710]

I’m still mind blown that this channel exists. One of the greatest discoveries I’ve made on KZbin. It’s made my first ever watch through of Buffy and Angel so much more enjoyable and rewarding. Thank you TPN for your passion!

[@frizzygingernut]

Mother of God. I've watched this before and yet here I am crying on the tube. Thank you for this commentary and it's insightfulnesd

[@lilithhedwig5408]

Just wow That final scene, combined with the one in the church, really is a tearjerker for me. Both Dushku and SMG really brought Faith to light and made us SEE her, their performances are just amazing. The pure hatred she has for herself is heart wrenching, even though she has made some real evil things and both shows didn't shy away from it. Faith is just a delightful character to watch honestly, right until the very end! (And oh god did she make me cheer when putting Connor in his place)

[@Scarfulhu]

Come on dude I can't be crying before work

[@michaelkenner3289]

Angelus is incredibly manipulative and so skilled at reading someone that he can cut them to the bone with a few words. Unless that's a demonic power it shows that Liam is the source of that insight. I think Angel's whole act of being a socially awkward buffoon is because he's worried about being as manipulative as Angelus was with the same insight. This episode is one of a couple of times where that ability comes to the forefront for Angel.

[@emeraldaphrodite2745]

Man, that's some powerful shit. You really should consider teaching or being a therapist. Your video has provided me with such cathartis... it's just truly amazing how you can reach other humans through words. Love it! And love how you included the dialog at the end (one of my fav episodes with the psychotic slayer). Amazing job, my evening is complete, my soul is soothed in a way. Thanks, mate! 🙌🏽

[@KS-xk2so]

Jesus, these videos are so fucking great. I'm actually kind of mad I just discovered these. Part of me wishes I'd seen them years ago, and part of me wishes I hadn't ever found them, so I could find them in a few years once you've covered ALL of the shows. Using these shows to delve deeper into philosophy and psychology is so fascinating, and absolutely worth doing. It gives this already excellent show an additional layer of power. I like Buffy, but as I've gotten older its Angel I find myself going back to more and more, really looking forward to you covering more of Angel's journey. Since I saw the Amends video, and was completed floored by the Sisyphus analogy, I've been looking forward to this one and the next, and you've definitely delivered so far! Keep up the great work! If you ever find yourself dragging your feet to go and get the rock, know that I and your many other fans appreciate what you do, and it definitely makes a difference.

[@greggsenne1268]

No matter how many times I watch the Angel episode or this guide, I'm always floored by the plot and performances. Especially Faith's pleading for Angel to kill her. This is her rock bottom. Her only way out is non-existence. And yet, Angel come through. The authentic hero who sees that as long as there is life, there's a chance. And he gives Faith that chance. All my own self loathing is crystallized in that moment. I share my wish with Faith that Angel would end our anguish and my heart melts when he refuses.

[@JackKramme]

.... Wow Remember when I said that this might end up being the best episode guide to date? Yeah... I was right. P.s The Intro as well as Angel and Faith falling out the window gave me goosebumps, god I love you

[@PassionoftheNerd]

Added to the Best of playlist. Thanks for your support during this one bud. (And always.)

[@Silphanis]

I really really adore this two parter. Just... it's so good, just so good. Faith is without question my favourite Buffyverse character and this is some of the best Faith content made. Her and Angel's connection, underexplored though I may find it, is so lovely (though I suppose some can be left to comics and fanfics).

[@casbot71]

In the club scene another interesting aspect was the choice of music, the lyrics "Living dead girl" at the end as the camera focuses on Faith's face with the eyes completely lost, referencing that she's dead inside, maybe of any hope. Also implications of her deathwish, there are so many ways to interpret those words, but the choice was deliberate. And just the beat and coordination of the music with her violence and disconnection to reality make it a powerful scene that really captures her self destruction and unraveling mental state.

[@wildsmiley]

I’ve been really looking forward to you talking about Five By Five and Sanctuary. They are two of my very very favorite Angel episodes. I’m a big Faith fan and the end of this episode just gets to me every time.

[@jaycievictory8461]

Oh, Ian, that ending.... So beautiful. Almost wrenching. You have an artist's soul. And what you said, about what motivates you to hike down the hill for another rock, I hope you know that that is what you bring to others with your videos 💛

[@PaxIesus]

Oh good, I tried to watch this last night....when KZbin blocked it. Glad you got it back up so quickly!!!

[@darnellmajor9016]

The dramatic editing of Faith and Angel falling out the window with the Mayor speaking was unintentionally hilarious LOL

[@legallymute1623]

"...not just believing there are things worth fighting for but accepting that you are one of them." Thank you, Ian

[@bobgray6498]

Ah, the layers! The themes of this episode are so beautiful. Faith is amazing

[@GaubHefta]

Hi I'm sobbing. Like as soon as your ending bit with Spike and Angel's conversation from "Damage" started playing I just burst into tears. Thank you for this video Ian. This is truly up there with your best videos. Love yourself. Love yourself no matter what. Fuck. Thank you.

[@GaubHefta]

Oh one thing tho, that other Wolfram and Hart dude isn't played by Jim Parsons aka Sheldon aka "bazinga guy." Just one mistake that bugged me in an otherwise perfect video!

[@cassiemcguire8314]

This episode touched me on so many levels. I resonated so much with elements of faiths character and no episode has ever made me cry more than that final scene (except a certain season 5 episode). So thank you for this video.

[@spangelicious837]

This is the episode that turned me around on Faith and really let me empathize with her and the hatred she feels for herself. This episode paired with the next one made me really start rooting for her redemption. Five by Five is such a powerful episode and only gets better with each rewatch.

[@KNadoli]

"I remember what you did, Faith. The broken glass, the shallow cuts, so i would remain conscuous"

[@bouncyshak]

Recently discovered your channel. While I love Buffy, I was only ever a casual watcher of Angel and never caught this episode previously. I decided to watch this ep based on your previous reviews and I was surprised that the Faith breakdown scene moved me to tears. Eliza Dushku gave a moving performance, wow.

[@MsCunningLinguistic]

Ian, your videos have become something that I gravitate towards in the darker moments of my life. In the last year, I've watched my best friend slowly losing his mother to cancer, one day at a time, and clung to the philosophy lessons that Whedon had woven into his stories and that you give us in clear text. Some days are better than others, I think that goes for all of us. Today is a good day for me. But I know that the next time I feel like the smallest person in the world, and I stand at the bottom with my heavy rock... I'll return to this video to remind me that I matter. That we all do. Thank you.

[@slayer-scythe8159]

This is why...this is absolutely why Faith is my all time favorite character. Amazing review, Ian!

[@dawggirl]

Same, she's my favorite character in all of fiction.

[@thespiderbird]

I sobbed through the end of this video during your discussion of unconditional love and hope. Thanks for this.

[@KitsuneRokaku]

This was a review I was looking forward to. I will make a confession here, I watched Buffy from the beginning when I was 12 years old (for context, I'm 33 now) but I had to move away and the state I lived in didn't have the WB so I missed the entirety of season 3. So when we moved back to where the WB was available, I watched season 4 of Buffy and of course season 1 of Angel. When Faith showed up again in This Year's Girl, I had no idea who she was. I was just all "hey, an evil Slayer? Cool, wonder what happened there". Not knowing the background on why she hated Buffy and basically watching This Year's Girl and Who Are You blind. However, when I watched Five By Five and Sanctuary, I saw this broken person who thought she was beyond saving that she'd prefer death over understanding she is capable of love and being loved. Now that I've watched both series all the way through (got to watch season 3 in reruns) and I see parts of me in Faith. Never killed anyone but I have done things I am NOT proud of as a dumb kid that I wish I could take back. Then and even now, I tend to blend into the background. Having days where I think "If I was gone, would anyone miss me?" Or "I deserve to be miserable". I have stared into the mouth of the abyss and have been tempted to blink only for what little I have of my own self worth to spit in its face. Now I have met some wonderful people who I hope will keep me from falling into the darkness of my own self hatred, I know to some degree that deserve to be loved and I am capable of being loved. So to me, Faith is a relatable character.

[@ebbiebright2661]

Ian, you constantly amaze me with your insight into these characters that I thought I knew. As a Wesley fan I have always loved this episode, but I always felt his reaction to Faith in Cordy's apartment was out of character. Now I realise it was the dark side of his character which we saw in later seasons - thank you for connecting those dots for me! Your episode guides are thought- provoking, philosophical, beautifully crafted and never fail to move me, often to tears. Stunning work.

[@BooksfromaBiGuy]

You manage to always outdo yourself with each new installment in these guides and it has me LIVING

[@sydneyh5352]

You got me crying in my dark bedroom at 2am. Faith has been my absolute favorite character ever since I was 13 (15 years). I have always identified with her pain and thought I had her down as a character but you have given me even more insight into her than I think I ever realized before. This is an incredible character study and I thank you for doing it!

[@reesebn38]

I have been waiting for you to get to this episode ever since I started watching your videos! I want to Thank you for these videos. You have help me through a very hard time. My daughter died last year. I am Wesley.There is no perfect day. I have watched few of them many times over! Amends, and the 2 top 10 Buffy/Angel episodes. You really say a lot of great things. And just like you said Buffy and Angel's writers do capture the condition of the human heart. I have watched both shows 4x complete. I have to say as a straight male. Buffy is my perfect fictional woman. But Angel is my Batman! I think Angel is the best guy show ever. I love Buffy! But starting from this episode Angel is my favourite TV show of all time. Again Thank you for your great work on these very helpful videos!

[@reesebn38]

Funny I hadn't watched the video when I wrote that.

[@Christ2010Grad]

Sorry for your loss.

[@reesebn38]

Thank you.@@Christ2010Grad

[@Christ2010Grad]

TommyJ. You are welcome.

[@MANJYOMETHUNDER111]

WHOOOOOOOO BIG EPISODE

[@huutiainen9393]

To be honest I can't even describe how much these videos mean to me. They bring me hope and keep me afloat when my own thoughts and emotions resemble chaos. Thank you.

[@applejackjk18]

Faith's handful of episodes are in my favorites from Angel. Been looking forward to your covering this episode for a while.

[@PathBeyondTheDark]

She's arguably the only good character in season 4, or at least, the only character that didn't get put on the back burner in favor of the epic storyline.

[@nymetsfan9121]

I remember when I got my ex into angel she was so iffy throughout the first season all I kept telling her was “get to the faith episode, you’re not blown away from that episode and not on board yet you can stop watching the show” after she got to it she told me that was her favorite episodes in tv period

[@DavidGrice-v5g]

This is so beautiful. You are doing amazing work here. And you are saving people. More than you know. We must never, ever, forget or doubt the power of a single simple act of kindness. That scene with Angel and Faith with Faith hitting him and he just holding her was powerfully reminiscent of Xander and Willow in S6. But thank you. So very much. That last bit really got me. And I needed it.

[@JonnyBoyMach2]

I’m not crying. YOURE CRYING.

[@arc7375]

We’re _all_ crying.

[@duvan.deschain]

This video gave me chills!!! Man, you just keep getting better and better, and this video is the ultimate proof, you made something incredibly beautiful out of an episode that like you said is gut wrenching. Thank you so much for mentioning the shot of Wesley dropping the knife, it's always been one of my favorite moments, specially the sound editing. Oh, and your editing, that's also a thing of beauty. Don't ever stop, please, after 21:32 you spoke to me, you really did, and I can't thank you enough for that.

[@lindabold8196]

A friend once told me: " suicide is the most selfish thing you can do...it's also the bravest thing..." I will never forget that, and I often think about that during my rewatches. This was a masterpiece of thoughts...and I thank you for that.

[@samuelcroft3478]

These videos are pure ART. That's all I have to say.

[@foxydear4020]

It might sound silly but you’ve helped me extremely so through the series

[@Dollanganger]

With everything that's been going on today, I really needed this. Thank you.

[@Ttoby89]

I think this might be the best Buffyverse episode yet. Really, really wonderful and insightful. I love it, you rock.

[@nearwildhelen]

That last bit was so utterly beautiful. Thank you

[@lovelytomorrow]

I'm crying. This is beautiful. Thank you so much, Ian!! :D

[@Sam-jp3sy]

Wow. I was going to have a lie-in this morning before work but saw this review on my notifications and got up early instead. I work with challenging teens and am often emotionally drained. I find your reviews of the Buffyverse give me much-needed catharsis. This review had me in tears. I will be thinking about it in the rare moments of quiet that I will have today. Kudos. x

[@KNadoli]

Buffy also goes through a self hating phase in S6

[@sydneypiet6833]

Yep, she does. And it still drives me nuts that by the time Faith returns in season 7, that Buffy still holds such a grudge- don’t get me wrong, Faith did horrible things. But Buffy didn’t know what Faith went through back then- by season 7, she had. She should have been able to have some more empathy after that time had passed, she had experienced the same self hatred, and Faith had done so much work to be better.

[@carriedream101]

One of my fave episodes of yours, and my fave episodes of Angel. OMG, it was extremely well acted, you could feel so much as a viewer. It really brought the whole Angel theme of redemption into focus with Faith, a character who so badly needed to be forgiven by others and herself for her mistakes so she could move forward. I was so impressed by this episode.

[@vandalo6851]

I am in a very dark place, right now, dealing with the pain and all the consequences of a difficult choice I had to make. Believe me when I say that your videos first, followed by the actual Buffy and Angel episodes, are actually helping me find the strength to go after the rock once more.. With feeling, pardon the pun, expecially this episode, which is why I chose it to leave a comment, mostly to just say thank you, so.. Thanks, man. Your work has actually touched me in a very special way.

[@magicalexchanges9441]

you made me cry at the end. thank you!

[@Brian5mb]

9:03 is so stunning, what a beautiful edit. I watched that moment 500 times.

[@einosig]

Thank you Ian. You summarized everything so perfectly and laid out all the reasons this is one of my all time favourite Angel episodes.

[@McBenjiii]

Ian, this might be one of your best pieces yet... Thank you.

[@parkavecat]

what i wouldn't give for you to make such a guide for Lost, a series as philosophically complex and controversial as any show could possibly get and would be right up your alley. i love ats and btvs with a serious passion but those two combined don't hold a candle to the existentialism in Lost. i wouldn't post this suggestion if you hadn't totally blown me away with this episode's analysis. Alias is another series that deserves this much attention. whedon and abrams are for me equally brilliant show creators with equally brilliant fans and reviewers. your next video couldn't come soon enough! thanks for making my whole month

[@ECNewman]

So, i just teared up. Thank you for this. I always learn something new about the show and myself. Dude. DUDE! Excellent work.

[@samanthak9078]

This is absolutely brilliant Ian. Thank you so much for existing in the space where this is produced, just thank you.

[@galactic85]

Damn dude...your videos just keep getting better and better!

[@crishill4908]

This is the best Birthday present ever, at a time in my life where I feel alone and hopeless. Your videos always make me take stock and reconsider everything around me. When I feel really bad atm I keep saying to myself 'pick up your rock, Sisyphus. You got this.' Which is kinda cheesy but it really works. So thank you

[@babydollsarah]

Ugh it's just so good. I am addicted to your content. I want more, more and more. This is my favorite guide episode so far. Explained so beautifully and eloquently.. I love it.

[@ellengrupe2028]

the best critiquor on the internet. you are the only person whose Buffy videos I can watch again and again and again. Amends is one of my top episodes of Buffy. This is one of the best on Angel behind "I Will Remember You" because it makes me cry to think about what could have been... if only... (and of course SMG acting just opens the floodgates for me).

[@nocolopa28]

That was beautiful, Ian! I always enjoy these longer videos you make that go in depth about the episode and the characters' personality and journey. I'm very happy you're sticking with these guides, because they do mean a lot to me.

[@SparkelingFacade]

I wanted to let you know that, since I found your channel a few months ago, your guide has been helping me through a very difficult period of my life. So, because of that, I want to thank you. I think, by now, I've watched every single one of your Buffy & Angel videos at least 3 times, and they have been a huge comfort to me. I will probably watch everything a few more times, at least.

[@LucyLynette]

That audio clip from Damage... Not fair, Ian. I was already in tears. Edit: Also, "...dream self giving Buffy the key to the Mayor." I see what you did there. Sneaky, sneaky.

[@GaubHefta]

OMG THAT'S SUCH A SMART OBSERVATION!!!

[@aravisthetarkheena]

Oh my god, dude, this is an AWESOME video! You just always speak with such eloquence and make me want to go back and watch these episodes again!

[@amandacalling]

Your insights always make me appreciate my favorite shows even more, and surprisingly often they bring me to tears. Thank you.

[@arnaudvandenabeele5165]

Amazing review! And what an episode! So right that the redemption part of Faith's journey happens on "Angel". So true to the characters, so defining for the show! Chills every time I watch it!

[@IsaacTreat]

That was just, incredible. I don't have words but jeezus Ian. You keep getting better and better.

[@slionscricket5320]

This video is a work of art in itself for what might be one of the greatest Angel episodes and as usual, you have managed to unpack so much depth not just in terms of themes and characterization but also in terms of philosophy that is inherent within this episode, this show and the universe of Buffy and Angel. Absolutely fantastic stuff Ian, there can surely never be as comprehensive an overview of these two shows as the work you put out on this channel and I sincerely hope that you can someday make it to the end of Angel's fifth season, which would mean that you have completed this mammoth undertaking of a project. Superb analysis of one of my favourite episodes of either show and I can't wait for your take on Wesley as we move forward with the show.

[@TheRaventwilight]

Ian, your videos teach me something new every time. This one is epic. There may have been tears on the final word 'enough' and I don't know if it was from what I just heard or because it was over. 😢 I loved it! Thank you!! 🥰

[@TWELVE-ax7]

"..it's enough." Awe, Ian. I'm in tears. Thank you.

[@dwemercogs]

I love your commentary! I never noticed that the crossbow was the same trick, but Angel learned from the last time and stopped this one! I wish there was a love button on here. This analysis was so good.

[@ambearmerp9574]

Another video 💕 long awaited.

[@monovision566]

In a body of already exceptional work, this is the best episode guide so far. Amazing.

[@mazadorlord108]

Beautiful. This is beautiful. You are beautiful. Thank you. I needed this Ian.

[@TonyLehane]

You made me cry. Thank you for this video. I’m thankful I can still enjoy Buffy and Angel through your analysis. I really hope writers of the show get to see this someday.

[@Harlequin_3141]

I am glad you linked those two previous videos. It turns out they are some of my favorite. They motivated me to read both Camus and Sartre. Thanks for keeping strong consistent references to your previous themes! And it was great getting to see you edit this live. Cheers!

[@j.d.cunegan302]

Standing ovation, good sir... and a few tears to go along with it.

[@CyPhaSaRin]

Glad you're getting these out a bit more frequently again my dude, blows my mind i've been watching these slowly over 1-2 years now

[@sybilfucker8763]

An absolutely gorgeous review; intelligent, emotive, incisive. Your commentary is as gripping as the show itself, completely perfect. Thanks for your work, truly excellent. 5 by 5 is hands down the best episode of either series, and represents so perfectly the central thesis of Angel. I

[@MiguelDracul]

This episode is my favorite and I have watched this video more than once. I come back here from time to time and seemed fair to leave a comment, so: Thank you for this amazing work. Ian, I can't say enough how much I love what you give us with these reviews.