everything hurts and then you die

[aftertherockets]

So. I really liked tonight's episode, and I'm still trying to wrap my head around some of it, so after a re-watch I may post again. I did want to comment on a few things though. Namely, Lindsey McDonald? Hotter than ever.

Other than that, a few things stood out for me. I paid a lot of attention to camera angles and zooms. DB did a nice job as a first-time director, his use of low camera angles really worked, especially when he was sick and in bed, and I appreciated the effect it produced. The zoom on him while Gunn and Wes were fighting in his office was nicely done, although the one on Wes when he went to his room was a little strange. The only thing I think it was trying to say was that Wes is oh-so-in-love with Angel and everyone knows it.

For me, what stood out the most (aside from hothot Lindsey pretending to be Doyle) were the interactions with others in Angel's dreams. Fred emptying out his insides (although the soul-as-goldfish I'm still not sure about), Lorne trying to get him to sing when his voice was gone, and most importantly, Gunn and Wes watching.
--We payed good money for this.
--We payed blood for this

For me, that says so much. Angel's dreams showed his fears, obviously, most notably his fear that Wes will turn on him again, and that he is losing touch with his mission, and of course that Spike is gonna Shanshu while he's reduced to an ugly tie-wearing mailboy. But "we payed blood for this." Angel knows that they've all sacrificed everything that matters to get to where they are, in charge of Wolfram & Hart, and he's afraid of failing, of succumbing to the Big Bad Evil, of not being able to continue his role as champion. He's feeling empty and useless, and he's afraid that it's all been for nothing. That's a really poor way of phrasing what I'm trying to say, but it's late and it's the best I can do for the moment.

Some random thoughts:

--Gunn + the Kitty 4EVA!!! I think it's mildly interesting that it was in Angel's dream that Gunn went all panther-growly on us.

--I'm not especially interested in Spike as The Champion, but the scene that was straight out of City of... was great. And almost as good as where Spike yelled at the girl for being out in a dark alley in high heels in the middle of the night. Classic.

--Everyone knows how much I love Lindsey, right? I love DB, too, but cutting from Hot!Lindsey to Fat!Angel was a bad bad idea.

--Fred's reaction to Angel being locked up in his room for a day was very telling. She's all kinds of worried about him, until Eve reminds her about the Senior Partners' little project. She forgets all about Angel, because finding out if he's okay isn't as important. I'm loving this theme and I can't wait to see it come to a head.

--The scene outside in the armchair? Where Angel's basking in sunlight and his friends are telling him he can stay if he wants and all he can do is say he's not ready to stay? Beautiful. And the screaming was just. too. cool.

--I'm wondering about Lindsey's motivation to pretending to be Doyle. Spike doesn't really know much about Doyle or the visions or the PTB or anything else. I'm curious as to why he thinks turning Spike into S1 Angel is the way to go. Also? I'm eagerly anticipating some Angel/Lindsey scenes. Cause, as Chris says, they can't keep their hands off each other. And they act like 12-year-old boys. I love them so. :)

That's about all I have to say for now. Perhaps more upon seeing it again. But next week! Andrew! (I have Andrew-love and I'm not afraid to admit it.)


In other news, the batteries in both my cordless mouse and keyboard died at different times today. I'm using my regular keyboard right now and I hate it. I need to get up early tomorrow if only to purchase new batteries. It's after 2am now, though. I won't be in bed for hours and hours. This whole not sleeping thing is really staring to bug me.