Ep 5: Life of the Party - discuss!

[PokerKitten]

Casting sides summary for ep 5, from Clairel at ASSB:

This is definitely the Halloween episode. At one point at a party,
Lorne says it's Halloween. He's urging Wes and Fred to get drunk
so they'll feel more at ease. They're uncomfortable at the party
because there are a lot of demons there. For some reason, Angel has
to make nice with a powerful demon lord named Archduke Sebassis. I
think this is the crimelord demon we heard rumors about before. The
other characters in the casting sides are a henchdemon of Sebassis's
named Artode, a demon slave, and a demon named Devlin.

The demon slave comes in in a scene where Lorne has taken Angel to
see Sebassis. Lorne is being very polite to Sebassis and humoring
him in every way; Angel not so much. Sebassis offers Angel some blue
demon blood directly from the demon slave; Angel declines. Lorne
drinks some and compliments Sebassis on the flavor.

Sebassis distrusts Angel, and in a private scene between Sebassis and
Artode it's made clear that Sebassis is going to come to Angel's
party with hidden weapons and henchdemons. I think the blood-
drinking scene is the scene where Angel is inviting Sebassis to his
party, but that's not quite clear.

The party, later, seems to be at W&H headquarters (I think).
Everyone is there, but there's not much about Wes and Fred other than
that they're uncomfortable. There's very little mention of Gunn.
There's a demon named Devlin in a human mask doing "human bean"
imitations, boasting about his kid being on the honor roll, about his
Lamborghini car, etc.

Spike is at the party and he's euphoric. He manages to pick up a
swizzle stick and he babbles on delightedly about how great it is
that a ghost can pick up a swizzle stick, and how this is the best
party ever!

There's a reason for Spike's euphoria. Everyone's mood has been
affected. After Lorne comments that there's lots of sexual tension
between Angel and Eve and they should do something about it, Angel
casually propositions Eve to have sex, and somebody later mentions
that Angel and Eve are mackin' like crazy. It turns out that Lorne's
empathy has gone crazy. Any casual suggestion he makes, people take
it to the Nth power. Earlier he had told Spike that Spike should be
more positive. Hence the Spike euphoria.

Then a huge green horned monster appears. It looks like Lorne all
blown up to monstrous size, and it wears a suit like Lorne's. Lorne
realizes it's a manifestation of himself, somehow, with empathic
power magnified.

[PokerKitten]

Okay, some flesh on the bones.. another summary, from TxVoodoo and BuffyX at F4F:


So here starts the Summary, part 1:

We start off in Sebassis’ lair. Sebassis is described as in his fifties, bald, gaunt, and pale. White eyes and no pupils. Also, a pair of horns (and it is noted that all the demons in this scene have horns too). He’s sitting in a modern version of a throne.

Sebassis greets Angel, raises a glass of blue wine in his direction. Next to Sebassis is Artode, who is described as his righthand man (or, technically, demon). There is also a line of Demon Slaves, all sporting black pantaloons! Angel and Lorne are sitting on low stools before Sebassis, Lorne with a glass of blue wine too, and Angel empty-handed, also looking not too pleased with where he’s at.

Sebassis and Angel converse-- apparently he has heard of Angel, and how he’s been making waves in the demon world. He says he prefers hearing tales of Angelus, of course, and says how he used to have flair back then. Angel quips that maybe he’s just mellowed out in his old age.

The demon drinks the rest of his wine and holds up the empty glass. Artode barks something in a different language at the slaves, and one of them shuffles forward weakly. Lorne comments on how he and Angel were saddened that Sebassis declined their invitation (to what I assume is a party). Lorne then slaps Angel’s knee and gives it a squeeze. Angel agrees with Lorne, but the sentiment seems to ring hollow and forced. He obviously does *not* feel deeply grieved at the refusal.

The slave comes over to Sebassis, pulling out a decanter stopper from his wrist and fills Sebassis’ glass with his own blue blood. Sebassis asks Angel if would like some, but Angel declines. Sebassis then reminds Angel how he’s also a blood-drinker, except that now Angel only drinks the blood of swine, of course. Angel gets a little defensive at first, but Lorne quickly jumps in, anxiously supporting Sebassis on how of course pig’s blood is filthy, filthy and how does Angel do it? Sebassis begins to get offended, so Lorne jumps in to make nice, and takes a sip of the "wine". Mmmm good! He compliments the wine's source (the slave), personally, on how good he tastes, and the slave creeps away.

Apparently Lorne's buttkissing worked, because Sebassis is touched, and agrees to attend the event, whatever it is And he'll bring along some of his minions too. Lorne schmoozes some more, thanking him, and takes off with Angel as fast as their feet can move, apparently eager to get the hell outta Dodge.

As the doors shut after Lorne and Angel, Artode comes into view, and he's pissed! He tells Sebassis that the event has to be a trap, and that Angel smells like murder.

Sebassis thinks Artode may be right, but he wants to go anyway, because he's in the mood for some scheming. But he wants to make sure they're dressed for the event, so he opens up his "closet", which is stocked with lots of nifty, dangerous weapons. Artode is happy about this, and gives a evil smile....

[PokerKitten]

Summary, part 2:

Later, this seems to be at a party. We see Lorne come up to Fred and Wes, who are both obviously uncomfortable with the partying and socialization. Lorne takes Wes’s beer, studies it, and declares that the reason they aren’t having fun is that they are just TOO SOBER! He tells them they need to get busy with the drinkin’, it is Halloween, after all.

Suddenly Devlin calls to him, and Lorne splits, leaving behind a still dubious Fred and Wes. Lorne goes over to a bunch of demons, one of which is wearing what looks to be a rubber human mask over his head.

Lorne steps into the circle, asks Devlin what he is supposed to be, obviously barely tolerating this guest. Devlin laughs, and proclaims that he is supposed to be a "Human bean!" Devlin starts to ramble off on "human bean" jokes-- ones about dropping kids off at karate class, and then tells Lorne he bought his shoes half-off at a factory outlet. Lorne then notices that the demon guest’s human mask looks suspiciously real, and he‘s deeply disturbed.

He starts to go and Devlin snatches his arm. Asks where the new president is and if he wants to dance, or shake his hand. Not too clear what that’s all about…

(there's a gap between the previous bit and this part)

Lorne asks Spike if he could be a bit more upbeat, and cracks himself up, having made a ghost related joke.

Suddenly the crowd quietly murmers with awe and turns towards the elevators. Lorne announces Sebassis is arriving, and Sebassis and his posse come out of the elevators. He's all decked out in black leather, and has an androgynous slave demon on a sparkly leash. Artode, in a green leather jacket, scopes the place out, obviously suspicious.

The partiers all start fawning over Sebassis, as the other elevator opens up, unloading a whole bunch more of Sebassis' courtiers.

Sebassis tolerates the fawning while telling people that basically enough is enough, as Lorne and Angel watch from a distance.

Lorne tells Angel to hightail it over to Sebassis and welcome him to the event, and be polite about it! Angel goes over, but grumpily.

Devlin is already over there, blathering all over Sebassis, and offering to make unfunny "human bean" jokes. Sebassis calls Artode over, who drags Devlin off.

Angel steps up to Sebassis, but strangely, he's not grumpy anymore. He thanks Sebassis for coming, and shakes his hand, which confuses Sebassis. Angel even gushs a bit, with Lorne behind him, letting Angel take the lead. Artode walks past Lorne, and Lorne compliments his choice of evening wear. Artode tells Lorne that it's from Pylea...nope, it's actually MADE FROM a Pylean! He wonders if Lorne knew the doner? Lorne's smile remains, but it's lost its warmth.

We see Spike greeting a demon at the bar, chirpily complimenting him on his horns. He asks the demon if he wants to see something REALLY amazing. Spike turns to the bar, and with great effort, tries to pick up a discarded swizzle stick. After a few moments, he’s able to get it in his grasp. Giddily Spike talks about how impressive that is, but the demon remains, however, unimpressed. Spike tells him how he’s a ghost, passing the stick through his face. He says how great it is that he’s a frickin ghost, holdin’ a frickin’ swizzle stick! Isn’t that FRICKIN’ GREAT?!! Spike giggles giddily as the demon gets his drink and leaves, talking about how this is the best bloody party ever.

Meanwhile, Sebassis and Artode are looking over the party. Artode mentions how Angel is setting up his trap, and Sebassis is still pretty nonchalant, saying how that they have a lieutenant at every door, so if he tries something, they’ll all be killed anyway. And he says that maybe it’d be for the best and get rid of some of the idiots from their social circle as well. Artode chuckles, then excuses himself to leave.

Sebassis gives Artode the go-ahead, and Artode takes off. We see the slave who's leashed to Sebassis standing next to a potted plant, touching its wet leaves. The slave sniffs his fingers, and says that it's pee-pee.

Angel is standing there with his drink, not looking very comfortable.

Eve tells Angel she's impressed, and we see that she's dressed to kill, enough so that even Angel gets a little bit turned on.

Eve tells Angel that she didn't think he had it in him to be so nice to Sebassis. He lets her know that it's all an act, or at least he thinks it is. Eve says she wasn't fooled and knew he was playing it up for the 'cheap seats'. Angel comments that he had thought the same thing about her outfit. (ooh, snark!)

Lorne bounces up in time to the music, and comments how the UST is flowing between Angel and Eve, telling them to get a room. Angel and Eve take that in for a second, and then Angel looks at Eve.....and asks her casually if she wants to have sex!

[PokerKitten]

Summary, part 3:


(again, there are several scenes we don't have between part 2, and part 3 of this summary)

Now we find Lorne, who has discovered Angel and Eve-- mackin’ away!! He tells them to stop, and they both look up a bit guiltily. Lorne finds Gunn, slinking against the wall and looking for a place to apparently find someone to get it on with. Lorne stops Gunn, tells him that the new rule is that everybody keeps it in their pants!

Everyone nods in response, and suddenly the doors burst open. Sebassis and his crew barge in, armed, covering the whole room. Angel suddenly beams with a kind of maniacal friendliness. He greets Sebassis enthusiastically, tells him it’s great to see him. Spike pipes in that yeah, it’s great to see ANYONE! Sebassis tells Angel he is disappointed, informs him that Artode was apparently eviscerated in the bathroom, and tells him that that is quite a sloppy plan he’s got. Angel says no, there wasn’t any plan, he didn’t want to do anything to him. Lorne says that yes, it’s true, it wasn’t Angel’s fault. Sebassis says he remains unconvinced.

(and yet again, a gap of some scenes and we don't know what leads up to this conversation)

Wes says that that's just phase one (obviously, what was just being discussed). He cautions that if the empath (?) is kept apart from his subconcious for too long, the subconcious can "manifest". Fred asks what that means.

And cut to lobby of W&H, where Sebassis is holding a crossbow on Angel. Sebassis smiles and thanks Angel for a great time, and Angel says "no, thank you".

Lorne exclaims, telling them to hold off - it's not Angel's fault, it's his. He's doing it, he thinks (note: I think he's talking about the weird way people are acting? Maybe it has to do with the empath manifestation that Wes was talking about?). Lorne thinks he's affecting people unconciously.

Sebassis says fine, if it's Lorne's fault, he can die first.

Sebastian is stopped by a big roar, and they all look up as something really big jumps over the balcony and onto the dance floor, complete with lots of sound affects. It's a huge green monster with horns, and its eyes are Lornes. And, funny enough, its dressed in a giant version Lorne's suit. Lorne stutters, but realizes....it's him.

Black out!

[PokerKitten]

Here's Eljay's summary, as posted at Spoiler Slayer - www.spoilerslayer.com/archives/002465.php

Another summary for Angel. This one is for 'Life Of The Party'.
Life of the Party Summary (Courtesy of Eljay)

The episode opens on the offices of Wolfram and Hart. We follow Lorne as he's doing business over various phones, all the way to Angel's office. Harmony tells him that Angel is on his way back from his last mission and doesn't sound happy. Which makes sense as Angel arrives, disheveled and slimed. Wesley wants to know if the new gadget he and Fred cooked up worked. It didn't. Angel brushes off Lorne and the others and heads into his office for a shower.

We follow Lorne back to his office, where we can see that he's simply swamped in proposals and paperwork. As he tries to rest for a moment in his office, we see his image reflected in a mirror. The mirror-Lorne tries to encourage the exhausted-Lorne. Lorne breaks the mirror, but mirror-Lorne continues to try to encourage him to get back to it. Which works because Lorne leaves the office singing and dancing.

Back in Angel's office, he surprised to see Eve waiting for him when he comes out of the shower. They were supposed to meet about the Halloween party, and they find Lorne in the lobby working out more of the details. Turns out that most of the most of the A-list guests are not going to show. Which Angel sees as a positive, as they are evil and he hates parties. Lorne does not take this news very well. He suggests they discuss the matter further after Angel has cooled off and arranges another meeting in 25 minutes in Angel's office.

Lorne goes out on a recruiting drive, first to Fred's lab where she's discussing the problems with the gadget with Wesley. Much to Lorne's dismay, they would rather work on the gadget than go to the party. Lorne pleads with them that he needs their help, and says surely someone else can figure out the problem. Knox volunteers to work on the problem, and Lorne asks Wes and Fred to meet him in Angel's office. Next he finds Gunn.

Gunn's busy going over legal documents and seems somewhat distracted, but also agrees to meet with the others. Lorne mentions that Gunn needs to take the reins a bit more, to stake out his 'territory'.

In Angel's office, everyone is there including Spike (who thinks it's ridiculous that they are going to be celebrating Halloween). Gunn and Lorne argue that it's good for the firm to maintain its ties and preserve its impressive image with the demon community. Besides, it's good for employee morale, which Harmony informs them is lousy, what with Angel killing a few of his employees, and a few of their clients, and more than a few of their prospective clients. Angel grudgingly agrees to go along with the idea. Lorne says that's not enough -- Angel has to be out there actively making the party a success.

The two of them go off to see the Demon Lord Sebassis, who had previously declined their invitation to attend. At first, Sebassis doesn't seem willing to change his mind. Lorne uses his people (demon) skills to the utmost and gets him to reconsider. As Angel and Lorne leave, Sebassis's lieutenant expresses doubts. Sebassis reassures Artode that they will be prepared for any unforeseen problems.

Finally, it's the night of the party. Unfortunately for Lorne, it's a disaster, nobody is having any fun. He goes around the lobby, encouraging people to have a good time, dance, relax a little. He comes over to Wesley and Fred, who are being the perfect wallflowers. Lorne quickly surmises what's wrong,they aren't drinking enough. He orders them to get drunk and moves off in search of other non-partying prey. He bumps into one demon, Devlin, who is dressed up as a human (with an all-too realistic face). Looking around, Lorne realizes that Angel is nowhere to be found.

Lorne goes off to find Angel, who is watching hockey in his office, and orders him to the party. Meanwhile, at the party, Harmony is trying -- unsuccessfully -- to convince Spike to join her on the dance floor. Spike is wondering what the heck he is even doing attending the party when Lorne approaches with Angel. Once again, Spike makes a snarky comment about the party, and Lorne chides Spike about not being 'positive' enough.

Suddenly, Sebassis arrives with his entourage. Lorne encourages Angel to greet him and begging him to 'be nice'. Which Angel does, though it seems as if he's going a bit overboard. Lorne has to force himself to 'be nice', especially when Artode shows off his new green leather jacket. A "Pylean" leather jacket.

At the other end of the room, Wes and Fred are more than a bit drunk. Harmony warns them as they weave through the crowd that someone has peed on the floor. Gunn is congratulating Lorne on the party working out after all, and wonders how Lorne maintains his amazing energy. Lorne confides that he had his sleep removed, a procedure they can do at W&H.

Over at the bar, Spike is bouncing off the walls with enthusiasm. He's showing one of Sebassis' people the latest ghost trick he learned, that he can pick up and move a swizzle stick. The demon is less than enthralled, and leaves as soon as his drink arrives, but Spike is unfazed and having a great time.

Sebassis and his crew are enjoying themselves, but also waiting for the nasty surprise that they expect is soon to come. Artode goes off in search of the men's/demon's room. Eve goes over to Angel, and expresses her surprise at how well Angel handled Sebassis. They get into a "he said/she said" argument, and Lorne (now the happy host of the party) comes over and tells them to 'get a room'. Which turns out to be Angel's office, as the two of them start getting hot and heavy. In the bathroom, Artode hears something big and angry in there with him. He's about to pull out a weapon when suddenly a large shape appears and kills him, quite messily.

As the party continues, a drunk Fred and Wesley can't figure out how they got in this condition. They barely had anything to drink. While they are trying to figure out what's going on, Gunn comes over and urinates on Wesley's shoes. A 'bouncing off the walls' Spike comes over and talks about how this is the best party ever. Suddenly, they all realize that something isn't quite right. Shortly, they realize that the cause is Lorne. His 'suggestions' are becoming reality to the Nth degree.

Wes, Fred and Gunn drag Lorne off to Angel's office, a bouncy Spike tagging along. When they arrive, they are shocked to discover that Angel got lucky. They figure he and Eve must also be under Lorne's influence. Gunn tells the others what Lorne told him about having his sleep removed, and they figure that must be the reason. Angel sends Wes and Fred off to try and figure out a way to reverse the effects and get Lorne's sleep back. He tells Lorne to stay where he is in the office and not say anything to anyone. He sends Gunn off to keep an eye on the party. And he tells Eve to stay right there so they can have some more sex.

All of this is happening while Sebassis discovers what has happened to Artode. He and his people gather their weapons to attack Angel and his crew.

Wesley and Fred are searching the vaults for Lorne's sleep, which has been extracted and stored. Wesley is doing some quick research, and he explains to Fred. The first symptoms of problems with an empath who has been without sleep are what they've already seen. As time goes on, eventually the empath's subconscious will become reality.

Meanwhile, Sebassis and his posse show up at Angel's office, looking for blood. Angel denies killing Artode. They hear a scream from the lobby, and Sebassis orders Angel and the others out to see what's going on.

Sebassis and Angel are facing off in the lobby, while Lorne tries to explain that it's all a mistake. Sebassis understands, he'll kill Lorne first. Then, from the balcony, Lorne's subconscious leaps down. It hulk-sized and itching for a fight. The Lorne-Hulk begins to take apart Sebassis's posse piece by piece. Lorne can't control it, and just as it's going to kill Sebassis, Angel manages to save him. Angel and Gunn try to keep the Lorne-Hulk under control. They are having little luck, when Fred arrives on the scene with another gadget, which she shoots Lorne with. Lorne goes to sleep and the Lorne-Hulk fades away.

At the office the next morning, everyone is talking about what a success the Halloween party was. Fred's assistant Knox is sorry that he missed it. Fred tells him she missed him there, and he suggests maybe they could go out for coffee. Fred tells him she needs something a bit stronger.

Lorne, meanwhile, has crashed on Angel's couch. Angel and Wesley are still trying to figure out everything that happened. There is an awkward moment with Eve, who doesn't seem too fazed about what happened between her and Angel. Gunn arrives to let Angel know that things are fine with Sebassis. He also suggests that Angel doesn't sit at his desk, Gunn has arranged to have his chair cleaned. Spike is still having a great time, but it has nothing to do with Lorne, he's just amused at the events. Angel and the others leave the office to let Lorne sleep.

We end on a peacefully sleeping Lorne.

[Cyrus]

Trailer for this episode...

I couldn't hear too well, as my dad was talking... reviewing trailer again...

"Next Wednesday on Angel..."
There were lots of people partying. Voiceover with "It's been centuries [show scene of shirtless Angel like right out of the shower with steam behind him] since LA's most elegible vampire [show Angel strutting] had a Halloween party." [Lorne tells Angel something about "try not to tear anybody apart"] Fred and Wes dancing together, Spike making funny faces, Angel and Eve kissing, Gunn dancing... Angel and Eve getting caught nekkid behind a couch by the rest of the gang and Spike says "Hey Angel's gettin' some! Good on you, mate!" while giving him a thumbs-up. Men...

[PokerKitten]

Naked, strutting Angel?! *gag* So, we are going to get bare flesh every episode are we? And lots of silly boy games? Ugh! I thoguht they were trying to attract a new audience for "Angel" - they already had the adolscent males didn't they?! Still, I'm looking forward to the giant Lorne, and Spike playing with his swizzle stick...

[PokerKitten]

The WB trailer is up - www.thewb.com/Popups/Trailers/0,8204,137009,00.html

Slayerverse has trailer for downloading too.

[nightnurse]

;D

Spike playing with his swizzle stick

Nope....not even gonna go there !!

[PokerKitten]

LMAO, having watched the trailer, Spike sounds like he has been inhaling helium ;D Nekkid Angel not doing it for me Now there's a surprise ;D


[glow=red,2,300]Wildfeed Alert![/glow] The detailed preview of this ep is up at www.angelsacolyte.com NOW!

This is good stuff! But did they take out the swizzle stick?!

[PokerKitten]

Herc's review - www.aintitcoolnews.com/display.cgi?id=16398

Wednesday, October 29, 2003
Herc Gives Tonight’s Edlund-scripted ANGEL Four Stars!!
I am – Hercules!!

Angel 5.5 FAQ
What’s it called?
“Life of the Party.”

Who’s responsible?
“The Tick” creator Ben Edlund (“Sacrifice”).

What’s did Coax say about this one back in August?
* The episode centers around the big Wolfram & Hart Halloween party.

* The episode also centers to large degree around the firm’s resident Pylean karaoke demon, Krevlornswath of the Deathwok Clan.

* The episode may remind some a bit of “Forbidden Planet,” only funnier, and with fewer spaceships.

* Spike remains confined to his ghostly form.

* Eve, Team Angel’s liaison to the firm’s “senior partners,” will arrive at the party wearing her tightest, sexiest outfit to date.

* Eve and Angel end up making out with each other.

* An amusingly loutish and poorly spoken demon named Devlin will come to the party costumed as a human.

Did Coax’s sources get it right?
Yes. Though Eve and Angel do a good deal more together than make out.

The big news?
Fred psuedo-drunkunly decides which Wolfram staffer will be her boyfriend (breaking, it seems, another Wolfram staffer’s heart).

What else is Guide not telling us?
This is easily the best installment of “Angel” since the season opener. Herc laughed loudly at several junctures. Do you think this is something that happens every day?

Who is Sebassis?
A “demon arch-duke.”

Why is Krevlornswath anxious for Sebassis to attend?
If he comes, Lorne explains, “all the other glitterati will just domino in right behind him.”

And why is it important for the glitterati to domino?
“We gotta show all the big bads that the new regime is here to stay,” explains Charles Gunn, “which, for the most part, boils down to image. And image-wise, if this party doesn’t kick ass, we lose face.”

Why is Sebassis initially reticent to attend?
Everyone thinks Angel is just inviting people to the party so he can slaughter them.

Assuming Krevlornswath’s id is unleashed, what causes the unleashing?
Lorne underwent a 20-minute Wolfram procedure to have his “sleep removed.” Unbeknownst however to Lorne, if one takes away an empath demon’s sleep, his ability to read destinies mutates into an ability to write destinies. (This episode is very similar to that fourth-season “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” installment in which Willow causes Giles to go blind and Ms. Summers agrees to become Mrs. William the Bloody.)

What’s good?
Lots and lots. Sebassis’ beverage decanter. Devlin pretending to be human. “Peepee!” Demon on the potty. The drunken Winifred. Eve, naked and cowering. “Lord, I hope so.” “I went to UC Santa Cruz.”

What’s not so good?
I would have made Sebassis more overtly fearful of Angel. And they probably could have figured out something better to do with Spike.

How does it end, spoiler-boy?
Angel tucks Lorne in.

Herc’s rating for “Angel” 5.5?
****

[PokerKitten]

Loadsa screencaps - at Slayerverse

[PokerKitten]

Okay, I have seen the first 4/5ths of the ep and was a wee bit disappointed in it. Almost read better in the summaries....

BUT, it was good to see Lorne taking centre stage at last, and poor lamb being all knackered and stressed. Liked his mood swings, and the altercation with himself in the mirror. Also liked his interactions with Harmony - excellent pet names they have for each other. But I am finding Harm less amusing now than in her first appearances.... And Spike was very dismissive of her... bordering on contemptuous.... when she was trying to get him to dance, so this makes me feel sooo bad about ep 8 (please make some script changes to that one, please!!)

We are obviously going to be subjected to a lot of nekkid flesh this season and I truly could have lived without seeing so much of Angel. But I did enjoy his perplexed expressions all through the ep. And I find I am not an Eve hater, still fairly indifferent towards her (although have a suspicion there is waaaaay more to her than has met the eye just yet). I loved her "gentleman's time" quip, and she has given me a ficlet idea ;D

Wes and Fred were a bit yawny, and I am hoping the rapport Fred has with Knox is a red herring.... Gunn was terrific though. I am really liking the new Gunn, and him marking his territory was inspired daft writing! ;D He looked fiiiine in that shirt and dancing at the party....

I am upset the swizzle stick business was cut - it would have been plot development as well as fun. But never mind. Spike was having a good time and his expansive thumbs up to Angel getting some was very funny. But what was going on in the background of the scene in Angel's office where they are figuring out what is going on? Sure, he was admiring Angel's desk... but what was he playing with on the edge of the desk? And why did he have his head in his hand at one oint, looking pined when he was supposed to be UP? And what was with the early Lorne sidestepping? They made a big deal of their little dance and that intrigues me. Good manners not to walk straight through a non-corporeal entity of course, but why feature it...?!

Archduke Sebassis was glorious! You know how I love horny demons! And there were horns a-plenty in this ep.. heh! And his gimp was a kinda daring touch!

And I really enjoyed the party scenes. But at this point I am thinking well, it was more entertaining than watching a docu-soap but it was all a bit... pointless. Or am I missing lots of foreshadowing and subtle plot points?! If and when I get to see the last 8 minutes or so I may revise my opinions. But I doubt it....

Downloading the last part right now!

OH!!! That was one helluva look on Eve's face as she stalked out of Angel's office! That's the most expression she has had all series and it HAS to mean stuff! But what?! Lol! And what's with the Spike motionless statue thing... was he meditating? Is he bored to tears?! There really was some odd background direction in this ep.... hmmmm.

[jadea]

I didn't find Spike's attitude to Harmony that contemptuous, I mean, she called him blondie bear and he didn't really object, so...(and, whoa, PK, Ep 8?? You're making me all curious, but I don't want to get spoiled! I'm not even watching trailers to make sure I don't know anything! ;D) ::spoiler-phobic::

Didn't really enjoy this episode either, I wish it had been more funny.

I agree that the look on Eve's face probably means something. That's an evil, plotting face...

[twistedspike]

I really loved this episode ;D
Ok it probably was slightly pointless but we all know that they throw in episodes like that every now and again. There was sure to be some underlying plotting going on but I've never been one to look too deeply into an episode at the first watch. I just like to enjoy it for the entertainment factor which I thought this ep had plenty off.

The bits I loved was a drunken Wes and Fred even though they hadn't had a drink. Wes telling Gunn of for marking his territory. Angel in the nude......yeah I'm fickle. Lorney tunes and Harmonica......great pet names.
And even though Spike wasn't in it much, the part where he was grooving to the music was just so goofy it was adorable ;D

Again I found the guest stars really good. PK was right when she said that they seem to get more seasoned actors for the roles. Archduke Sebassis was good and I really liked the slave especially when he broke the chains and fled when the *incredible* Lorne made an entrance.

Overall I really enjoyed it, very funny, very silly, totally pointless but well worth the screen time.

[Cyrus]

I finally got to watch the episode, and I really don't have much to say about it... but here's this week's edition of Cyrus' Favorite Lines!

Angel: And Eve, you stay here with me, and we'll have more sex.
Spike: Brilliant plan!

Spike: You pissed in the big man's chair?! That's fantastic!
Gunn: Spike, can you please turn off that warm-fuzzy?
Spike: What, the Lorne thing? Wore off. I just think that's bloody fabulous!

Spike and his "grooving" was kinda cute... no swizzle stick...
Nekkid Angel... [covers PK's eyes] was nice... some bare thigh or something... and Angel came out of the shower and didn't put the towel on right away! Couch cushion over his parts... lol...

[nightnurse]

couch cushion over his parts

;D surely a small bean bag would have sufficed *snerk*

[PokerKitten]

The poll verdict on this one - we didn't love it but we didn't hate it either. So-so.

[nightnurse]

I enjoyed the ep...it was nice to see Lorne get more than a couple lines !
I found one exchange between Lorne and Angel strangely familiar, then realised it was very similar to an exchange between Xander and Buffy... the one where Lorne says 'I don't have superpowers and quantum physics makes me nauseous etc.' He seems to be taking the Xander role in team Angel, the clown who thinks he's less useful than the rest of the gang.

All in all an amusing ep... Spike zoned out on the music was funny ;D