Review ofTo Shanshu in L.A.

Quite an exciting episode indeed! First let's comment on David Greenwalt's writing and directing as he takes this first Season Finale in both hands. Following his mentor et al Joss Whedon in the Buffy duties and tradition, David does a splendid job here. And you've got to love his play on words with the title, 'To Live and Die in L.A.'

We see Kate again in this final episode, hopefully setting the stage for her emotional battles with Angel next season. Also reappearing are Gunn and Holland who I failed to mention last week. I have an immediate liking to Holland (played by Sam Anderson) because he reminds me of a cross between The X-files 'smoking man' and last season's 'Mayor Wilkens' on Buffy. Glad he's not fading out quickly.

Not too surprising that the Oracles have been purged but "Holy time bomb, Batman!", Angel Investigations is no more! Lindsey has been set up with intrigue and shock. I have a feeling he'll play a pivotal part as well in the coming escapades with Wolfram & Hart who also have found their footing. And what news on Darla! The return of the most significant being of Angel's past. But we'll have to wait through the summer to find out what's in store here! Also nice to see Cordelia and Wesley emerge as full characters here. Ah, is there hope for the Bitca of Sunnydale yet? I think so!


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!



Wesley: Maybe we should just get a philajoy demon in here to suck the brain out my skull, maybe that would speed things up!
Cordelia: He sure gets testy when his translating.

Cordelia: I want to know what it says about me, if there's torrid romance in my future, massive wealth, if I have to I'll settle for enviable fame.
Wesley: It's an ancient scared text, not a magic eight ball.
Cordelia: Nobody gets my humor.
Angel: I thought it was funny.
Cordelia: Oh.

David: Heart in my throat.
Angel: I'm sorry I didn't mean to...
David: No, that was awesome! Can we do it again.
Wesley: Are you... do you need help?
David: Me? No, I just popped by to hang. I blew off my board of directors, 'cause tonights my turn to be dungeon master. What do you think of my cape?
Cordelia: Shiny.
David: You guys wanna hang?

David: What did I do today...? Spun off my digital pager network, made a few more million.. okay several. Big whoop. What does that mean?
Cordelia: No more shopping in the pennysaver.

David: Okay, see ya.
Angel: You too.
Cordelia: It was fun.
Wesley: Drop by again.
David: We'll hang soon.

Cordelia: Enough with the scratch and stiff visions!
Wesley: Here you go.
Cordelia: I ever meet those powers that be and I'm gonna punch them in the nose. You think they have a nose?

Kate: Sorry. Its just, someone who's not even a person lecturing me on most people-- it's kind of funny. I can handle it fine, and I don't care about most people or what they think of me. What I do care about it ridding this city of your kind.
Angel: My Kind.
Kate: Your kind. The kind that killed my father. Did you think I would just forget about that? I don't forget anything!

Wesley: What connects us to life?
Cordelia: Right now, I'm going with Donuts.

Cordelia: How would you like a puppy? Right. A ficas? They're low maintanence. Ant Farm?

Kate: Never a dull moment when you're around is there?
Angel: I have to go.
Kate: Who the hell do you think you are?! You are a major witness in a major crime scene. You're not going anywhere!
Angel: You wanna try and stop me, Kate?
Kate: I'm glad were not playing friends anymore, and I'm real sick and tired of your attitude. There is a thing called the law.
Angel: This isn't about the law. It's about a little thing called life. Now, I'm sorry about your father, but I didn't kill your father and I'm sick and tired of you blaming me for everything you can't handle. You wanna be enemies? Try me!

Woman Oracle: I've been dead a while. So far, I don't like it.

Gunn: You getting enough Iron? You look a little pale.

Lilah: Remember when Robert Price let the Senior Partners down and they made him eat his liver? I don't know what made me think of that.

Angel: Don't believe everything you're foretold.

Cordelia: I know what's out there now. We have a lot of evil to fight and a lot of people to help. I just hope 'skin and bones' here can figure out what those lawyers raised before that prophecy kicks in and you croak!... That was the old me wasn't it?
Angel: I like them both.

Wesley: It's saying you become human?
Cordelia: That's the prophecy?
Wesley: The vampire with the soul, once he fulfills his destiny will 'shanshu.' Become human. It's his reward.
Cordelia: Wow! Angel human!
Angel: That'll be nice.

Angel: So, don't break out the champagne just yet.
Cordelia: Yeah, break out the champagne pinocchio! This is a big deal!
Angel: I guess it is.

Lilah: We're all very pleased you're here. I know it's a bit confusing, but it's gonna be better soon A lot better... Darla.



Quotes by CoA Council member, Sasha