Review of “ Hero ” The foretold yet unexpected death of Doyle. Although a lot of fans are upset with the death of a main character so early in the shows conception we are told that it was planned from the beginning. Even so I don't think Doyle had enough time to properly settle in. I, for one was just starting to like him, not sure where he fit in the scheme of things. And although the ending was sad after last weeks killer two tissue boxer I wasn't that moved. We knew it was coming and I think that may have softened the blow. It was hard to let Doyle go knowing that he and Cordy had finally gotten a connection. I am very curious, as I know others are, as to what that sparkage was all about in their kiss. Joss does nothing without reason. I also have trouble with any 'supremacy' theme. The Scourge represent the obvious oppressors of anything that isn't pure, in their minds, and the down trodden need their belief in a savior, but hasn't this been done too many times. The opener was brilliant and I almost wish it had been used in a different EP just so that it might have been expanded upon. Cordy was fab with her voice over scenario and now forever immortalized is the 'Dark Avenger'! You just can't have too many black leather coats swirling in a dark and deadly alley. What I found odd and interesting is that Angel would confide in Doyle what happened with Buffy who then in turns tells Cordy. This will obviously come back to haunt him somewhere down the line. We will miss Doyle but we will cherish the memories and the re-runs. 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!

Cordelia: (voiceover) We need an announcer. Maybe that bald Star Trek guy or one of the cheaper Baldwins. Angel: (in Cordy’s commercial) And you can count on me cuz I’m the Dark Avenger. I’m the what? Cordelia: The Dark Avenger! Angel: “I'm the “Dark Avenger?” Cordelia: Our boss is in a funk! You know he’s only happy when he’s fighting evil! Now let’s drum up some! Doyle: (under his breath) I don’t know what we need evil for when we got you right here. Cordelia: I heard that. Doyle: I guess seein’ Buffy again just got him where he lives. Cordelia:: That’s all very sad but we live here too. Maybe we can get him a costume! Doyle: A costume? Cordelia: Well, the guy’s a bonafide hero. Would it kill him to put on some tights and a cape and go earn us a little free publicity? Doyle: I don’t see Angel puttin’ on tights. Oh, now I do and it’s really disturbin.’ Doyle: Human? You were a real live flesh and blood human being? And you and Buffy… You had the one thing you’ve wanted in your unnaturally long life and you gave it back? Angel: Maybe I was wrong. Doyle: Or maybe Cordelia was right. About you being the real deal in the hero department. See, I woulda chose the pleasures of the flesh over duty and honor any day of the week. I just don’t have that strength. Angel: You never know your strength till you’re tested. Angel: It’s all the same thing. Fight the good fight whichever way you can. Doyle: Tell you what, you fight and I’ll keep score. Cordelia: While this may look like a popular brand of… (she reads the label) breath freshener, it's really a cunningly disguised demon repellent. (She sprays). Elder Lister: (sniffs the air) Wintergreen. Tiernan:: Vampires don’t feed on demon blood. Angel: Please, I wouldn’t eat this (referring to Doyle); he reeks of humanity. Tiernan: You’re one to talk, vampire. Yours is the lowest of all the half-breeds. Cordelia: Why didn’t you tell me you were half-demon. I thought we agreed secrets are bad. Doyle: I wanted to tell you. I was afraid… I thought you might reject me.” Cordelia: I rejected you way before now. So you’re half-demon, big whoop! I can't believe you'd think I'd even care about that! I mean, I work for a vampire! Hello! Doyle: It’s true. I just— Cordelia: What do you think I am superficial? I mean you are half demon that is so far down on the list. Way under “short” and “poor.” Is there anything else I should know? Doyle: The half-demon thing—pretty much my big secret. Tiernan: You lied to us, half-breed! Angel: You catch on quick, football head. Tiernan: Soon only the pure will be left standing. Angel: Actually, pure boy, you’ll be on your ass! (Angel breaks his neck) Quotes by CoA Council member, Ned