Having heard of Angel’s recent visit to Sunnydale, Buffy goes to LA to give him a piece of her mind. However, an encounter with a demon makes him human, and the pair’s relationship starts in earnest once again.

Apart from seeming a little contrived (just as Buffy turns up, a demon comes along that just happens to have the ability to make Angel human), this is an extremely touching episode of the series, as Angel and Buffy finally get the chance to have a normal relationship. If there’s any problem, it’s that this aspect takes up far too much screen time. Seeing Angel and Buffy in bed together, while rather sweet, is not what you want to sit through for 45 minutes.

The demon plotline is all but ignored for most of the time, as we feel Angel’s sense of wonder (nicely played by David Boreanaz) at being able to do all manner of things he hasn’t been able to for centuries. It’s a bit of a shame really, as Buffy and Angel fighting side by side is great to see once again, and they don’t do enough of it. Doyle and Cordelia are also notable by their absence, but at least there are a couple of Cordy/Buffy sniping sessions.

Of course, we all know that the revived relationship can’t last, but the reason behind Angel’s reversion to vampire form is heartbreaking: he can’t protect Buffy as a human, and one of them will die if they continue to be around one another. His last scene with Buffy will leave you in tears, especially as only Angel will remember what happened, but it’s quickly followed by one of the coolest demon slayings in both show’s histories.

For the emotional aspects, as well as some explanation as to why Angel is doing what he’s doing, this is a vital episode. It just needed a bit more fight action to be perfect.

****

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