Review of “Prodigal” We wanted an episode telling us more about Angels past and we got it! We learn Angel's real name, well at least his first name anyway! And we most likely discovered why he began calling himself Angel, as his sister believed him to be. The metaphors were obvious, the innocent get corrupted as well as those that corrupt. The victims are the ones who are left grieving but we do all this out of love. There's really no real evil demon in this ep, not even non-evil, evil except for ones own soul. A friend of mine wondered if there would ever be just an ep about our real demons and Tim Minear came through again! It's nice to see Bruce Seth Green behind the camera also. Let's give kudos to the music in this ep!! What stands out is when Liam emerged from his grave! The period scenes were well done when they were dark and styled. But the ones in bright light lost that feel, it sometimes looked as if I were watching a PBS play. Their continuity moved well through the flashbacks even though some stock footage was used from Season 1 Buffy. Elisabeth Rohm stood out! Even had a few 'slayer' moves on her! And her quiet scenes with her dad and with Angel show that still deeper side to her that I like. I felt Cordy was put on the back burner this week but Wesley even got to kick some arse! Good show ole man! 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!

Liam: Anyway, everyone gets corrupted. But I find some forms of corruption are more pleasant. Father: Go through it [the door], but don't ever expect to come back. Liam: As you wish, father. Always, just as you wish. Father: It's a son I wished for. A man. Instead, God gave me you, a terrible disappointment. Liam: A more dutiful son you couldn't have asked for. My whole life you've told me in word, in glance, what it is you've required of me. And I've lived down to your every expectation, haven't I? Father: That's madness! Liam: No. Madness is that I couldn't fail enough for you. But we'll fix that now, won't we? Father: I fear for you, lad. Liam: And is that the only thing you can find in your heart for me now, father? Angelus: She thought I returned to her...an angel. Angelus: To think I ever let such a tiny, trembling thing make me feel the way you did. You told me I wasn't a man. You told me I was nothing. And I believed you. You said I'd never amount to anything. ...You were wrong. [changes to a vampire] You see, father? I have made something of myself after all. Angelus: What? Darla: Your victory over him took but moments. Angelus: Yes. Darla: But his defeat of you will last lifetimes. Angelus: What are you talking about? He can't defeat me now. Darla: Nor can he ever approve of you...in this world, or any other. What we once were informs all that we have become. The same love will infect our hearts, even if they no longer beat. Simple death won't change that. Angelus: [looks around at dead family] Love? Is this the work of love? Kate: You came all the way down here to talk about a guy you saw me out with once? Trevor: Well, he made an impression. Kate: You like him? Trevor: No, not really. Kate: No, you don't get to do that. Angel: What? Kate: Kill a demon in front of me and then act like we're going to have cappuccino together. It doesn't work that way. Angel: How does it work? Kate: I'm not convinced it does. Look, no offense. I think you're a pretty decent guy for a ...you know, what you are. But let's keep this strictly business, all right? We don't get personal. I'm not your girlfriend. Kate: And I'd like to be involved. Angel: What? Kate: With the case. [chuckles] You find something, you bring me in, ok? Businessman: Ah, providing for the future, of course. Glad we could help with that. Trevor: Yeah. I'll be sure to thank you when I pick up my father of the year award. Angel: He dies and the very instant his soul leaves his body, I'm through this door and I'll kill you both. Wesley: What happened to calmly, cautiously, and deliberately investigating before rushing in? Angel: That was plan A. We've since moved on to plan B. Wesley: And plan B is? Angel: [twirls a battling ax in his hand] Do I really have to explain it to you, Wesley? Angel: It's just that the, uh...evil thing...turns out it wasn't an evil thing. Kate: You're not evil 'evil thing' was just evil. OK? Now can't we just leave it at that? Trevor: That ain't a Mexican name, is it? Angel? Trevor: Must be something wrong with him. He married? Kate: No. Trevor: West Hollywood? Kate: Daddy, no! Angel's just not my type. Or I'm not his type. I think there's definitely a type involved and it's the wrong one. Quotes by CoA Council member, Sasha