Angel"Life of the Party"
Season 5, Episode 6
Tara I. – TwoCents Staff Reviewer
tara@thetwocentscorp.com
Angel Broodometer: 8
I've always thought that this show could use a little more of Lorne's character, at least until this episode anyway. We get a lot more of Lorne, but not in a good way, as his psychic unconsciousness manifests into a Hulk-like version of Lorne, and all of Lorne's suggestions start to come true, rather like Willow's in Buffy's “Something Blue”.
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Angel
ReplyDelete"Life of the Party"
Season 5, Episode 6
Tara I. – TwoCents Staff Reviewer
tara@thetwocentscorp.com
Angel Broodometer: 8
I've always thought that this show could use a little more of Lorne's character, at least until this episode anyway. We get a lot more of Lorne, but not in a good way, as his psychic unconsciousness manifests into a Hulk-like version of Lorne, and all of Lorne's suggestions start to come true, rather like Willow's in Buffy's “Something Blue”.
It all starts with Lorne trying to sell a version of the Grapes of Wrath set in outer space (oh dear) as he walks along to a fun disco beat. He tries to convince a slimy and broody Angel, freshly returned from killing a Thraxis demon, to take an interest in the annual Halloween party. Angel isn't interested, though, so Lorne retreats to his office, which is complete with a make up mirror (ha). The disco beat ends as Lorne slumps in his chair and starts talking to his mirror image, who is talking back. When his mirror starts nagging him, Lorne picks up a chair and smashes the mirror. In seconds, he's out of his office and back in disco central—happy mask firmly in place.
Meanwhile, Eve is getting up close and personal with Angel as she walks into his apartment while Angel is naked in the shower. She hands him a towel and a load of guilt for missing their meeting. In a hilarious elevator scene, Angel discusses how he's having a hard time trying to fit in at Wolfram & Hart and trying to figure out whether he's doing a good thing.
Meanwhile, Lorne is having no luck convincing Wes and Fred to participate in the party planning. He has more luck with Gunn, who promises to help. Gunn gives Angel the hard sell: if the party doesn't go well, Wolfram & Hart will lose face. Angel thinks that things will turn into a bloodbath, but agrees to help when he realizes that the party is important to Lorne.
Angel and Lorne road trip to meet the head of all things evil and social: Archduke Sebassis (Leland Crooke). If they can convince Sebassis to attend the party, the rest of the cool, evil kids will fall into line. A little sucking up, and some drinking of slave blood, later and Sebassis is on board, although he intends to attend armed to the teeth.
Party time! Only, it's a very lame party, with only Harmony dancing. There are some excellent costumes, though, including a demon dressed as a human being—complete with human-face mask. Lorne orders the wallflowers, Wesley and Fred, to drink up and get into the party spirit. Meanwhile, Angel is pretending to brood in his office while actually watching hockey. Lorne loses his temper and orders Angel to get up and help entertain the guests.
As Angel and Lorne hilariously schmooze the guests, Spike wonders why he's bothering with the party. Lorne orders Spike to be more positive. Suddenly things are picking up at the party: Angel starts working the guests; Spike starts being the cheery life of the party; and Wes and Fred become totally drunk.
It turns out that Lorne's psychic subconscious, instead of reading people's futures, is actually making their futures happen—a small side effect from having his sleep removed by Wolfram & Hart. Some of the other unfortunate side effects: Gunn getting territorial, literally peeing on everything; Angel and Eve having sex when Lorne suggests that they get a room; and one of Sebassis' lackeys getting killed.
As Wes and Fred realize that they are both incredibly drunk, but haven't actually drunk anything alcoholic, Lorne's subconscious manifests as a giant version of Lorne and starts knocking people around. Fred and Wes manage to get Lorne's sleep put back where it belongs, and his alter ego disappears.
As the very successful party ends, Angel takes stock of his team. He realizes that the biggest threat they face is from within. I think Angel has finally fallen out of love with Wolfram & Hart!
While I hated the appearance of Lorne's sleep—worst costume ever—I appreciated the comedy, although, it was really hard not to compare the episode to Something Blue. As Something Blue might be my all time favorite Buffy episode, this one fell a little flat for me. Although, I did love the two (!) mentions of Angel brooding. Ha! Broodometer is 8 just for that.
What did you think? What was your favorite scene? Did you find the Knox/Wes/Fred foreshadowing as painful as I did? Was this one as good as Something Blue? Write your Two Cents below.