Review of “Somnambulist” The most obvious change is the addition of Alexis Denisof to the opening credits assuring us of his presence for the remainder of the season. I liked this episode very much and would put it on my list for non-Buffy/Angel fans that wanted to check out the show. I think this is Tim Minear’s best script so far. It's great to see flashbacks into Angelus' life. I actually wouldn't mind an entire episode dedicated to the beginnings of Angel but I'm sure we will if the series gets a run as long as BtVS. It was also cool to see someone else from Angel’s past and Jeremy Renner did a great job. It was a nice tease through the first two acts not knowing if Angel was really responsible for the murders or not. The 'chain-down' scene reminded me of the film Cat People and the fight scenes, best so far, where comparable if not better to Lost Boys and Interview with the Vampire. The special effects team again rated very high. Who are those guys!? We've gotten back to the darker edgier side of Angel that first started in the beginning of the season and I think it works best with these characters. They strive on a bit more grit in their daily demon deluge. An unexpected treat, Kate finding out about Angel and I think I liked her reaction. She's made subtle comments all along about her interest in Angel so we know she cares about him. I believed she would react the way she did and was also satisfied that she saved him in the end, though I'm sure this seesaw will continue for awhile as well it should. Nice touch! The Bronze was buzzing with gripes about Kates' police procedure and technique with a gun. But on re-watching the Ep she wasn't that bad. I do admit entering the building alone was too obvious. Cordy, as always, had several poignant and funny lines and I love the compassion she now shares with Angel. Wesley on the other hand seemed a bit on the fringe. I guess they are still trying to fit his piece into the blue sky. I give it . . . Review by CoA Council member, Swoop

CoA Stakes Rating Guide = Disappointing, stake it, bury it! = Not too bad, Lacking a few graves. = Typical Dark Avenger saves the day Saga. = Better still, Quality Headstones. = Outstanding! Reward it with mortality!

Cordy: [to Angel] Wow you look half dead, which for someone who is completely dead would be…kinda neat? Cordy: Gallagher has changed his act more times than this dude has in the last two centuries. Why do you think he’s still doing the same old shtick? Wesley: Well I mean it’s a classic isn’t it. [silence] Every time he smashes that watermelon with a sledgehammer I ju -- Penn: Join me for a drink. Angel: That’s not why I’m here. Penn: Yeah why are you here. Angel: [vamping out] To kill you. Angel: [to Penn] Its gotta end. Penn: Why, because you say so? How does that work exactly? Do you just wake up one morning and decide “ok now I’m good?” No Angelus it doesn’t end, it never ever ends. It just goes on and on. Cordelia: That’s not the only thing that goes on and on. Penn: You were right about one thing Angelus, the last two hundred years has been about sticking it to my father. But I’ve come to realize something: it’s you. You made me! You taught me! You have proved to me in ways my mortal father never did. You are my real father Angelus. Angel: If the day ever comes that I -- Cordelia: Oh I’ll kill you dead. Angel: Thanks. Cordelia: What are friends for? Quotes by CoA Council member, BCangel