It took longer than I thought it would! My source lost a finger (really), still managed to put the episode up and then the site went down. I think it was the influence of the Wolf, the Ram and the Hart.... Anyhoo, managed to download it yesterday but just couldn't bring myself to watch. More courageous today, though!
This SO did not feel like a series finale to me, and you know what, I like it that way! I liked the way the episode built, how the pace increased as it went along, how the last ten minutes flew after the steady start. And always leave them wanting - and needing - more! Asking questions, trying to work out solutions. It all worked for me.
There was a generous smattering of excellent one liners and wry remarks, physicality and emotion, pathos and humour. I'm not sure you could ask for more, apart from a 6th season. And Eve and Harmony to be offed to make it all truly satisfying..... *sigh* Well,
that was not to be.
The first great comment for me was Angel's response to the Circle declaring they didn't like secrets... "Which is interesting from a secret society." So simple, so funny.
"I have no desire to become human." As he signed away the shanshu, I kinda believed him. Or rather, I don't think he has ever wanted it enough. He had the chance once before, afterall, and gave it up. As he said in his thoughtful discussion with Harmony (yes, I used "thoughtful" and "Harmony" in the same sentence. Don't worry, it need never happen again!), he can't actually remember what it was like to be human, it was so long ago. After "living" so hard and so fast, being so powerful, why would he ever want to be weak and vulnerable again? He wouldn't be able to carry on the fight that way, not really, not in the
same way. It pains me to say it, but I found Harmony's feelings on the heart thumping quite touching.
DieLindseyDie! Oh, not yet but I was gleeful knowing how and when! But Angel's scene with Lindsey summed up the whole reason for AtS, maybe the whole reason for all of us (for the record, I think we are losing big time right now right now, but battles have their ebbs and floes...). Speaking of the WR&H, the power and the evil, forever and ever....
"Maybe they're not there to be beat. Maybe they're there to be fought. Maybe fighting them is what makes human beings so remarkably strong."
Follow up this profundity with a marvellous throwaway "I happen to tbe the greatest mass murderer you've ever seen." and you have one hell of a titanic series *stops to weep at its loss*
I appreciated seeing Spike's apartment again in these last two episodes, reminding us of his life off-screen, and how he does try to make things homey. The hanging on the door (presumably intot he bathroom) in his bedroom caught my eye. Sweetheart
The "last day" break was such a good move on Angel's part, and proved what a good leader he really was. Lorne's day was too predictable. It might have been more daring to have him stock car racing or something, to show his hidden depths (although we saw those later, I guess).
Gunn and Anne were just perfect. Her response to his bleakness and the question of futility was also the theme of the show, already given by Angel. She would carry on regardless, still strive, still try to help. The brilliant sunshine in their scene only helped emphasise this and bring hope.
Wes and Illyria, having won me over of late, managed to further character development and be funny and touching at a surprising time! "You are a very inspirational person." And "Have a go with Mistress Spanksalot". Good lord Wes!
Angel and Connor, again, just perfect. "You girl!" Awww, love that boy
And Angel is always at his best for me when with Connor - as a baby, devil teen, or well-adjusted young man.
And Spike; what I'd been so looking forward to. His scenes in the bar were just so well scripted, acted, directed they shone like a jewel... not that I'm biased or anything! From his knocking back the dutch courage to the recital... magic! Watching Spike do his thing was like watching James quoting Shakespeare at a con! The emotion, the feelings, playing across his face (whole body, infact). So in the moment, steeling himself for those last lines... the Tigger-like glee at the great response!
But then... ewwww! Who gives a fuck about Lindsey and Eve?!
Waste of time! Apart from.... the way Eve says "Lorne?!" when finding out who Lindsey is teamed up with.... Eve knows how Lorne can be capable of more than he seems, afterall - his smacking her around for info when Fred was first infected, anyone?
The pace was quite brisk by now, the tension mounting. Such a balanced scene before they all go off to fight their demons... humour and poignancy. Angel knowing he sounds like he has a Christ fixation with the one of you will betray me thing; Spike volunteering to be the one... or failing that, at least denying him three times. lol! Illyria's "I'll make trophies of their spines!" Gleeful, not dispassionate, I would say. Gunn and Spike's interaction when Gunn muses that he hasn't dusted nearly enough vamps this year.... "No offense!" - Cute!
"First off, I am not wearing any amulets. No bracelets, brooches, beads, pendants, pins or rings." I think that covers most jewellery Spike... what about bracelets?
And before they even go, Lorne makes it clear that after his final task he won't be part of this whole thing anymore. Hard to see him so disillusioned, weary, cynical.
Oh, what's this?! Maybe the whole reason for bothering with Harmony all season? The ME perves managed to get her in her undies in the end
Her betrayal mattered not one jot in the great scheme of things, anyway....
ACTION! Gunn taking out the BitchQueenFromHellCandidate was class! Lorne taking out Lindsey was heart-stopping... screw Lindsey (I know a number of you would, but not me! Lol!), it's the effect on Lorne that brings you down. Lindsey being all puffed up and pathetic right to the end. Lorne was no flunky you dickwad. And you were just an insignificant pawn. Who cares? Not me.
"Goodnight folks." Goodnight Lorne.
You know, I really like Vail's place. It's so big, dark and ookie! Nice table too. Oh yeah, and Wes was never going to be able to out-magic this guy. It makes the look between Wes and Angel as they set off to fight all the more poignant. "I crap better magic than this!" I expect you do! Wonderful image! If I hadn't been so spoiled I think Wes being gutted would have been a big shock, especially coming after another character death. The Wes/Fred/Illyria stuff really worked, when it could have been so tacky. Prickly eyes at this point... Is it Fred seeping through or is it Illyria learning to livein this world? Whatever, the blue bitch cares! And way to smash an invalid's head to smithereens! ;D
Spike in the hood! Hooboy! *faints* Spike talking to the baby. Spike picking up the baby. "Put the holy vessel back in the bassinet!" I swear, unspoiled I may have had an accident! ;D Spike looking at the baby. Baby shaking its head (No, don't do it uncle Spike!). Cute baby. Cute Spike. Awww!
Angel and Hamilton slugging it out. Oopsie, Angel's through the glass again. And the pillar, and the signage and... well, things were looking bleak there! The reveal about the offing of Sebassis... what had the poor slave ever done to deserve to be used so til the end?! Ah well, mission accomplished. Hamilton sends Angel through the air again... But the lovely Connor rescues dad, yay! But till Hamilton comes, kinda reminscent of the Terminator! Big, scary, but dumb! What's that you say? The power of the W, R & H flows through your veins... blood?! Grrr argh! Nitwit! "Wow! You really are full of it!" Still, even in death his suit remained immaculate and impressive.
So, do we think that power now in Angel, having slurped on Big H in order to defeat him, will be potent enough to last through the Alley fight? He could let everyone have a good old suck on him first... hee!
Gunn hailing the Fang Boys, before revealing his bloody wound. He'll be okay, I just know. Illyria filled with rage and grief. It'll be okay, I just know. The Fang Boys... well, you get the feeling they might fight for the right to slay that dragon! And that big ass giant. And those silly refugees from Duneons and Dragons roleplaying games... They'll be okay, I just know.