Angel S2-04: The Short Review

'Untouched'

Written by Mere Smith

Directed by Joss Whedon

Three episodes into season two, things look a little uncertain. Yes, we've had 'Are You Now Or Have You Ever Been', but we've also had two episodes that were, if not exactly bad, at least disappointing. 'Untouched', then, comes as something of a relief. It's a gem of an episode, and I have no hesitation in rating it as one of the top five of the season.

By far the major reason it works so well, I think, is Daisy McCrackin. Bethany Chaulk could so easily have been a cliche, but McCrackin really brings her to life, and the result is a character that is by turns vulnerable and unsettling, and always interesting to watch. We really care about her - a significant achievement for a guest star to achieve in so little time. There are also similarities between her struggle for control and Angel's, and these allow Mere Smith to give us some interesting insights into Angel's character. In particular, I think it's worth noting Angel's views on humanity - he tells Bethany that he recognises that people have flaws whilst believing that they can 'try to be better'. However, as Bethany later perceptively points out he's not a people person; he loves them so much he has 'a hundred rooms to be all alone in'. As ever, this work is helped by a great score from Rob Kral, particularly the delicate piano flourish that I choose to call 'Bethany's theme'.

Another strength of the episode is the balancing of the arc aspects with the standalone story. The dreams fit, in a way that they didn't in 'First Impressions', and it's clear that they're taking their toll on Angel. He is becoming, if not short-tempered, then withdrawn and somewhat intolerant. Sometimes he is brought to his senses, as by Cordelia's "vision girl" remark; at other times, he isn't ("Cordelia. Find the girl."). Interestingly, at the start of the episode Wesley tries to talk to Angel about his sleeping, but the team are distracted by Cordelia's vision of Bethany. The cynic in me is sure that's just a device to postpone dealing with the dreams; the conspiracy theorist wonders whether the PTB could have had another reason for sending the vision at that time.

We also get another glimpse into the workings of Wolfram and Hart - and it's probably safe to assume that this can act as the insight into Vanessa that was lacking in 'Blind Date', given Holland's description of Bethany as 'fitting the profile'. I am glad, however, that our guide this time around was Lilah. Compared to Lindsey, she has been under-used thus far, and it's interesting to see the differences between them. Lilah is without a doubt more insecure, tenser; she seems to push herself harder, perhaps because she fears the fall more.

Finally, I like the way the episode finds roles for all of the A-team; it's probably the most balanced use of our four regulars so far this season. Cordelia, in particular, has an important role to play this week; the episode is a showcase for her particular brand of insensitive sensitivity. It's a matter for debate at this point how much of her selfishness is real and how much is a front; for myself, I think it's in her nature. Cordelia cares deeply about her friends, but she cares about herself first.

'Untouched', then, is the episode where 'Angel' finds its feet again. It is in many ways a simple story - Angel and the A-team saving one more soul - but in its execution it becomes much more memorable than that. 'Hello, rabbit', for me at least, will remain one of the outstanding moments of this season.