Angel and Cordelia try to cope with the death of Doyle, as Cordy realizes that there is nothing left to remind them of him. Angel takes on a new demon client who is being hunted by a demon hunter, but Angel soon discovers that it’s not as clear cut as things appear.
Kicking off with Angel visiting the Powers That Be to ask for Doyle’s resurrection, there’s a suitably cryptic scene in which they tell the vampire that as one door closes, another one opens, and that’s something of a theme in this episode. This statement is first made clear when Cordelia experiences her first blinding headache and realizes she has been gifted with Doyle’s visions via the kiss he gave her. As she kisses everyone she meets in an attempt to get rid of her ‘gift’, a demon called Barney arrives asking for help. Once we discover that the demon hunter Barney believes is after him is Wesley Wyndam-Price though, things take on a different complexion.
As one of the apparently very few people who actually like Wesley, it’s great to have him back in the series again. His new look is hilarious, especially when he proves to be just as inept as ever. On the other hand, his efforts to make a new life for himself after being sacked by the Watcher’s Council are rather touching, and he fits nicely into Angel’s team in an advisory capacity. The final scene as he is about to leave is particularly well-played by all concerned as Wesley is finally welcomed.
Cordelia’s inheritance of Doyle’s gift is another great idea and a total surprise, as it’s exactly the kind of thing she needs to make her less egocentric, and hopefully it might bring her into the main action more. Her feelings about Doyle also show her growing up more, and when she is captured for auction, her attempts to influence the bidding are very much in character.
This is where it goes a little wrong, however. The auction, although containing a few funny moments is not particularly great, and the episode’s plot twists don’t come as a great surprise. A problem with Angel from the start, we know who the villain is once again, and he puts off doing anything unpleasant to give Angel just enough time to come to the rescue in the nick of time. Obviously nothing’s going to happen to Cordy, but it would be nice to see her take on the villains herself once in a while. In fact, with his new team, Angel’s the only fighter left and should really take some time to train up the rest of his staff before they get killed by some demon or other.
It has its moments, but Parting Gifts still doesn’t rise above average. Still, at least Wesley’s back. I think he’s great.
***
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