To decide on one’s favourite episodes, in order, is a tricky thing to do. I wouldn’t have, except that I sensed an imbalance in the Grapefruit concerning tv program focus. So I will insist that people look at my given positions with an error of plus or minus five. In the end, it really depends which way the wind is blowing as to which is my favourite… I will also not take any episodes from season four. I don’t want to have to hide spoilery things, and besides, you haven’t really watched an episode until you’ve seen it on TV.

And so, without further ado, we’ll work our way up, using the same format Shannon did. Thanks to sites like The Sanctuary for rejuvenating my memory of some things. Today, it’s the honourable mentions…

I’ve Got You Under My Skin (114)

Written by Jeannine Renshaw and David Grossman, Directed by R.D. Price

We may as well get my small Wesley obsession right out into the open now. There’s almost no character in the Buffy and Angel universe that has had such a careful, consistent character development as this ex-Watcher. At this point, very early in his story, we see some hints as to his pathetic childhood, and an exploration of his confidence issues, which is very welcome. Cordy also shines — as normal for season one — in her scene at the magic shop.

It also explores Angel’s desire to keep his ‘family’ safe — a theme revisited a few times in season one — and his relationship with Wesley. “I know you’re not trying to kill me, Wesley. But you’re willing to. And that’s good.” Angel respects the side of Wes that knows what has to be done, and will do it — but this will come back to haunt him later…

Of course, one of the best things is that this episode features a self-contained plot, with guest characters, and resolution. Something that I do hope they haven’t forgotten how to do.

ANGEL: Wesley, you don’t even have sales resistance. How many thighmasters do you own?
WESLEY: The second one was a free gift with my buns of steel!

I Will Remember You (108)

Written by David Greenwalt and Jeannine Renshaw, Directed by David Grossman

This might have been higher up in the list, but then it’s almost a Buffy episode, so I wasn’t sure. It’s definitely a beautiful coda to the Buffy/Angel relationship, giving us a glimpse of what might have been, while examining their responsibilities to the world. Angel spends a lot of the first season rejecting the ‘easy’ resolution to his eternal torment, and this story shows once more that his dedication to redemption is more powerful even than his love for Buffy.

Still, I dare anyone to come out of that last scene without crying just a wee bit.

However, this episode introduced those daggy Oracles, and for that alone it shouldn’t be in the top ten proper.

CORDELIA: Oh, please. They’ve got the forbidden love of all time. They been apart for months. Now that he’s suddenly human, I’m sure they’re down there just having tea and crackers.

Sleep Tight (316)

Written by David Greenwalt, Directed by Terrence O’Hara

Your boss is starting to look peckish around his kid, and you’ve just read an ancient prophecy that says he’ll kill the brat. And this time, you’re fairly sure you read it right. What do you do? Running off with it might seem the best plan? Well, yes and no.

Thus begins Wesley’s big character arc of rejection by the man he swore to help, and it begins damn well. He’s not afraid to do what must be done, as his brutal beating of Lorne demonstrates. And he’s finally got the confidence to stand up to the villain, and to seriously embark on a new life without any of his friends, to save Angel and Connor from their destinies.

The episode is also (as I’ve mentioned in our archives) a tribute to the absent Cordelia’s character. With no one there to spot Wesley’s pain, or Angel’s weird blood issues, things fall apart. One could really call this her last great episode, as once she returns from her holiday, she never talks to Wesley again. Which doesn’t sit well with me.

Meanwhile, Angel suffers yet another massive heartbreaking failure. Poor guy.

JUSTINE: What you’re about to do to your friend. I imagine it’s easier to hate Holtz than yourself.
WESLEY: There’s enough to go around for both him and me.

Waiting in the Wings (313)

Written and Directed by Joss Whedon

One of Joss Whedon’s incredible writing/directing shows. Nicely self contained (well, except for the Groo at the end), yet developing each of the characters solidly. Yet it didn’t really hit all the notes for me, which is why it’s not so high. Certainly it has some brilliant set pieces — Cordy and Angel getting all huggy, Wes swordfighting, and everyone getting dressed up for the ballet. A very smart and clever episode.

Sadly, it began the most cloyingly sugar sweet relationship ever seen — Gunn and Fred. So it loses valuable points.

CORDY: You know, there was a time when you thought I was the loveliest thing in the world.
WESLEY: Well, I… you’re an extraordinary woman! I —
CORDY: At ease, soldier. Just like to hear it every now and then. I was the ditsiest bitch in Sunnydale, coulda had any man I wanted; now I’m all superhero-y and the best action I can get is an invisible ghost who’s good with a Loofah.

Continued in Part Two…

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This entry was posted by the illustrious Tom Charman on Sunday, April 20th, 2003. It concerns such pressing issues as . You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.