I actually really like that Cordy is well versed in film. It gives her desire to be an actress a little more than the surface level ‘wanting to be famous’
She’s alot smarter than she lets on. Remember when they were talking about SAT scores. I think one of he reasons she didn’t go to college other then wanting to even actress was because her family lost all their money and she couldn’t afford the really good schools.
Me: hey! Guise Will Be Guise! That's a funny and light episode, i am sure he wont make me cry at the end on this one. Passion of the Nerd: Hold my tissue box.
Magus: She's impure? She's not a virgin? *To Wesley* You. Gunn: Woah, that's what impure meant? Cordelia: She slept with him? Magnus: You were supposed to be Angel. This wouldn't have happened. That's why I hired him. He's a eunuch. Cordelia: You slept with her? Angel: A eunuch? Wesley: Things happen. Two young people. Danger. Virginia: What are you talking about? Magnus: She was a virgin before you got here. Virginia: I was not a virgin. Magnus: What? Wesley: Oh, thank goodness. Gunn: I coulda told you she wasn't no virgin. Angel: I'm not a eunuch. Cordelia: One day as Angel. One day and he's getting some. *Gunn just shakes his head* Magnus: What? How could you? I kept you away from all men. Angel: I mean, the curse isn't even all that clear. Virginia: Daddy, you remember that chauffeur from when I was 16? And the one at 18? I haven't been a virgin for a very long time. I even dated Rick. *Hooded-cloaked person slowly walks out of the room* Magnus: Ginny, don't make me do this. Don't make me angry. Virginia: Right. Because then you might do something bad. You were going to kill me! *Virginia punches Magnus in the face* You are not my father anymore. *Virginia walks away* Angel: I'm not a eunuch.
The therapist being a fake does work on one level: Some of his insights would have been genuinely helpful to Angel, but because of the circumstances, they instead just leave him more cynical and distrustful, which fits his arc for the rest of the season
There you go again, finding new layers of value in episodes I’d written off as “eh, it’s ok I guess” and hadn’t thought about in years. Totally agree about the fake swami angle though.
wow... this one hit a little different... what you've pointed out about abuse and how that abuse just lingers in form of memories and how we can choose to believe those memories or not really affected me. as always you're just great at these reviews...
In the age of instant gratification, I understand why people get impatient but the time and effort that goes into these videos is not instant and I just wanted to say that I'm happy to follow along with you as long as need be. Most people reviewing or watching shows for their channels are merely commentators while you're an analyst, and I think the people expressing impatience here are confusing you with commentators. Always happy to see when you upload, until the next one!
Damn dude, it's impressive that you can take this "filler" episode and spin it into me questioning and reexamining my self image. Can't say I was ready for that, but I don't hate it
No different than the car Angel drives in LA. A van, A-team style, would make more sense. Besides, they all seem to be not only vain, but also conservative. Wesley Angel could have been wearing glasses as a mortal or could have had a wish as a farmboy to be a respected/fancy intellectual and simply took the look, like Spike did - He was a poet who wanted to be a tough guy so he spiked people and adopted the Spike persona.
@@michaeldeboer9940 Given that vampires have enhanced senses and a healing factor that render them immune to many physical affectations and illnesses, it would seem strange that it wouldn't have improved one's eyesight.
I think that, in taking greater risks and being much messier, Angel the Series more closely represents what its like to cope with abuse than Buffy does.
To be fair, Buffy is primarily a show about growing up and changes, whereas Angel is more of a show about the hard reality of life. But I agree, Angel in its darkness and messiness, wonderfully broaches topics that are very serious in a manner that Buffy doesn't do as much.
The fact that the Wes/Virginia story arc was tossed aside or that they didn’t know where to go with it, will always anger me, that was a relationship I wanted more of. Also I’m about to start a rewatch shortly(after I finish Millennium).
I know what you mean, but it was worth it to have the whole Wesley/Fred/Gunn love triangle in the following season Edit: I know the whole love triangle became a little melodramatic and tritely written at times... I guess I am an apologist because I'm so in love with Wesley and his character arc in the series, and it has difficult to visualise him going on a similar journey with Virginia still in the picture. I do agree they had amazing on screen chemistry though, it could have been very interesting to see their relationship evolve.
Wow Ian those last few minutes were something I really needed to hear lately as I’ve found I’m in deeper reflection about myself more so than ever and upon rewatching the show I’ve come to realise that my inner struggles mirror Wesleys in ways that hit a little too close to home. So thank you so much for contextualising the core of this episode in a way that not only connects to my film nerd brain but also to my recovering soul. Your ability to decipher all these philosophies from even a breather episode is second to none and I, like the rest of us, hugely appreciate the work you put in to unearthing the hidden meaning behind why we’re all so attached to these characters and the themes of both shows. The Bangel similarity between Wesley and Virginia makes me wish the writers hadn’t disposed of their relationship so quickly as these relationships represent two sides of the same coin and it would have been fascinating to witness it blossom properly. Personally I get a kick outta seeing bumbling Wesley especially during “Spin The Bottle” during one of the darkest periods for his character but I can see why it would seem jarring to some. I think this is one of my favourites of yours and I’m thankful you’ve brightened my day by shedding light on what makes this episode great.
The end of this video reminded me of the end of "Why you should watch Angel". Just pure power, showing the mastery of both writing and VO. You are easily the most underrated channel I've had the pleasure of following. Thank you for this amazing content. As for the episode. I adore Angel's breather episodes (Smile Time, Spin the Bottle, Shroud of Rahmon). This was a great one too.
Ian thank you for this ❤️. The whole topic of not being able to see your self-worth but the worth of others hit pretty close to home for me. I have been through emotional abuse and my family history is pretty troubled. Especially the relationship with my father who was found dead in his apartment im 2016. I was only 25 years old and faced with one impossible choice after another. I hated myself. It only got worse. And while I was able to love everyone around me and help my friends... I was unable to do that for myself. I underwent 1.5 years of therapy. I endured a toxic relationship during that time. And I am still in the process of finding my self-worth and getting there. I am trying to make choices that are ethical and moral while at the same time ensuring self-preservation and displaying self-care. Let's see where I end up. But your guides and videos have helped me tremendously. Thank you Ian. Sending appreciation and love all the way from Germany to you 💕
It hit close to me too. I’m also glad this message was spoken through an episode of Angel. For me, Angel is the show that reminded me it was never about the “reward” at the end of the tunnel, but rather the journey i have to go through to better myself. I had already been in the right path prior to watching Angel, but that reminder encouraged me that I needed to stay on it. Your self-worth is important. I hope you continue to have the strength to keep moving forward. I hope you have that one day where you realize that you’ve reached a point you never expected, like I had; a moment where you could have easily been struck down, only to realize a bit later that you hadn’t been and you’re reaction wasn’t what you expected, but rather the goal you wanted to reach. I hope that makes sense. I didn’t want to go into details because your story is similar, but vastly different than mine. I dealt with a lot of anger issues that stemmed from a narcissist father and some toxic, neglectful family members. It wasn’t until recently that I realized that my over a decade of bettering myself actually worked out. And it was an incident at work that I handled myself well, and by the time I got home it hit me. I recognized that if that had happened maybe a few years ago, I would have fallen off my path. To quote some movies not related to the Whedon-verse... Never give up. Never surrender. And may the force be with you. ^_^
9:22 The Mayor speaking the truth about Buffy and Angel's relationship was a great use of the "villain has a point" trope. Not everything some villains say is wrong just because they're evil. Sometimes the things they say are right and they tell the truth. When he was still evil Spike was that type of character in Buffy. He told it like it was. Shows that do the "Everything the villain says is wrong because they're the villain" are lazily written so I'm glad Buffy and Angel don't do that.
Great video. I don’t know if there is any connection, but I always saw this episode to be the mirror of Gunn’s first appearance in “War Zone”: Gunn is instantly associated as being equal to Angel if not the same (“You expecting someone else”), while Wesley sees himself beneath Angel until adopting his guise. In both cases that perception is not true - Gunn learns he isn’t all he thought he was, and Wesley realizes he is more than he thought he was.
I botched the quote, but at my sister's funeral, this episode was fresh in my mind. The words "many of us can give love freely, to everyone but ourselves" spilled out during my eulogy. That was my sister, everyone biggest fan. Except to herself. Thank you, even if I didn't know where the words were coming from back in July.
The analysis on the abuse/power dynamics in this video, answered questions I had been meditating on for days, and made me cry, as usual. Thank You Sensei.😉
I'm not saying it's your fault for me getting back from lunch late but I am saying its your fault I'm coming back late while looking like I've been crying.
You are one of the best channels on youtube. I watch all of your guides as soon as they come out. No matter the people that made this art, there is still so much beauty to be found in it (and entertainment and so much more), and not only do you make that apparent, you add so much more to my interpretation, love and understanding of these shows. Thank you so much for all your hard work and for all the good that you put out into this world. I will continue watching for many more years to come!
I like that the swami gives US insight into Angel. He may eventually dismiss the words of the fake swami, but we know the truth. The episode wants us to know Angel is a geek trying to be cool (it shows us plenty of times that before he met Buffy he was a dirty hobo, so we can assume he dressed up just to impress her and act all cool) and therefore he’s no different than Wesley in a way. He’s just had more experience (in action, but also in hiding his fears). We see more glimpses of this side of Angel especially in “The Girl in Question”, when Angel and Spike, even as Angelus and Spike, are shown to be buffoons, Angel is robbed of his cool jacket, they constantly make mistakes and they lose to the Immortal, and more importantly, Andrew. Their appearance of cool means so much to these ancient infamous vampires. I also love how Angel looks at his reflection in this season’s final two-parter, obsessed with his hair (and frequently, his forehead, which Spike knows he’s sensitive about). In a way, the swami subplot was to subvert Angel, while the Wesley plot this episode was to build him up, showing they’re not so different. And by having Wes literally don the coat, that just makes it perfect.
Man I love the way Wesley says "I am a bit", its like her words had put a bandage on one of his many inner wounds, healing him a bit, and his response felt so refreshed and joyful.
Thank you. These shows are comfort food for me, and your coverage of them serves very much the same purpose. Suffice it to say, life is very hard for me right now, but these little reminders of what good we (people) could do, and I, more specifically, could BE give me just enough light to keep going. Thank you.
This hit home for me..... And made me cry, I always give love and acceptance to enny one, but me. I'm so hard on myself I put myself up for failure and than see see your worthless. I wish I could love myself how I love others.
How is it that your analysis videos can touch my soul? You make me hear things I need to hear even if it is not directed at me. Tears rolled down my cheek this week. Inspiring and insightful. Thank you.
Thank you for this. This show helped me through a very dark time in my life, and your reviews help to frame something that was already helpful to me in an even better light. Thank you, for the peace you helped bring to a me as a 18 year old boy and a 22 year old man.
I think there are advantages and disadvantages to having shorter TV seasons today, but the crippling disadvantage is that you have considerably less time to explore characters and their foibles, which, as a fan of ensemble shows, that is a damn shame to me. I’d gladly take crummy episodes like ‘Go Fish’, ‘Beer Bad’, ‘ I Was Made To Love You’ if it means the writers spent more time polishing diamonds like ‘Becoming Pts. 1 & 2’, ‘Wild At Heart’ and ‘The Body’. And even in those crummy episodes, there is often still important character or world development. Of course, today in the accelerated age of social media, had Buffy’s 12-episode first season aired, it would’ve fell flat and would not have been renewed. Stranger Things is, along with Buffy, one of my top three series and I still remember the shellacking that S2E7 got, which I thought was pretty good, with good character development for my favorite character, Eleven. Imagine how even ‘Welcome To The Hellmouth’ would have been dissected today.
I agree. I like a good 10 episode story where everything matters but I also miss the old 22 episode arcs where you could have side quests and "filler" that just put characters you know into different situations to explore and savor their little facets. Star Trek is really good for this, taking a group of a dozen people then pairing them off in different ways to get different dynamics out of them.
Also less opportunities to take risks on experimental one-off episodes, which have turned out to be some of the best episodes TV has to offer on several shows.
I love your videos! I can't just watch them once. I have to watch them 2-3 times to really appreciate the depth of your analysis. They may take time to research and produce, but they are well worth the wait!
I mention this every time, but these always drop as I'm getting to work and they always make that shift better. Your awesome man. I'm gunna watch the video now, ready for insight.
8:06 I never realised that Mr Moseby from the Suite Life of Zack and Cody and Suite Life on Deck played the guidance counsellor on Buffy. "Buffy. Good luck with that."
It is frustrating that they pulled back from letting Angel develop by making the swami fake, but I wonder if it was intentional. Like they're not ready for Angel to confront those things about himself, but they want the audience to think about him in a new light. Fake!Swami's insights made me relate to Angel more than ever before. He grounded Bangel by framing the relationship as a product of Angel's past experiences rather than the soulmate-type phenomenon that it was presented as in Buffy. He even indirectly made Cordelia and Angel's connection make more sense.
My first thought about this episode was: omg another great exploration of masculinity! And it also rises the question: what is just guise? And who am I? Where does the guise end and where do I begin? And then again: what does it mean to be a 'guy' (I looove the title) ;D Great video!
Everytime! Everytime I watch one if your episodes I think "okay I'm not gonna cry in this one... This will be the one!" and yet here I am sobbing. Thank you for what you do, you are truly amazing at it.
Well in the 2008 Hulk film poor Bruce Banner couldn't have sex with Betty or else he'd Hulk out. And Angel can't have a moment of true happiness without becoming Angelus again.
There is something very deliberate about the parallells between angels episodes and certain episodes of Buffy. I think such parallells could put both shows in new light. Happy to see it adressed! Given infinite time and focus, I'd delve in to such parallells more deeply. As of yet there is still so much I can learn about the shows themselves. They are truly rich, and its a joy seeing them explored here, with competense and brievety.
Oh man that last part was slap to the face, a crack to the heart and a punch to the gut. I don't know if I'm crying for Wesley, for myself or both. Well done PotN.
The episode title is a play on the saying "guys will be guys" but is spelled like guise because some characters in the episode are putting on a guise and pretending to be someone they're not. Wesley's pretending to be Angel, Bryce's henchman pretending to be the Tish Magev, Virginia seeming like an innocent virgin only for it to turn out she lost her virginity years ago and so on.
Amazing to see how much your videos have grown since buffy season 1!! Thank u for doing these, they are sooo good and insightful. Can't believe I've reached apoint in my rewatch of both shows where I'm about to over take your videos. I'll look forward to checking back in over the coming years to see your reviews!
I love this episode! Mostly cause I live for a good breather episode, and Wes is my FAVOURITE character!!! It felt like the Zeppo for Wes... not exactly the same obviously but gives the same feeling to me cause the Angel story is seperate from Wes’s... Hope the makes sense 😂
Kinda needed this personally today. Imposter syndrome sucks. Also, cool that Jack isn't dead. Don't know you, man but seemed like you needed this video too. I look forward to the wedding, guys.
I adore this channel. You manage to peel away at layers of meaning in my life and what I value in each of these shows. I often feel at peace with some of my demons after viewing a new episode break down. Especially one concerning Wesley or Angel. Thank you for what you do.
With the one-two punch of Buffy S5 and Angel S2 (with the added bonus of Firefly), we’re really on a kick of excellent, high-class episodes and analyses. Lovely as ever, Ian. I’m thinking I might do a full rewatch soon.
I love the Buffy/Angel Universe and your videos are always both spot on and interesting. Thank you. That was a really really good and well made video. 😊👍🏻🎙🎙
No, I love bumbling Wesley! And if the Swami had been legit, he would have really helped Angel. Wow, Ian, you took this in a direction I wasn't expecting. Very insightful.
Hi Guys. Another fun fact for you ;) that Swami guy has been dubbed by the same guy who dubbed Master Roshi in Dragon Ball Z and Mermaid Man, in Germany :D thank you very much, TPN, for those analystic and revealing videos. I'm realizing details and facts for the very first time. You're great ^^ 5:21 LOVE that xD
The Buffy segments you have in here at @15:30 show "Quest for Camelot" playing in the theater when her and Angelus have a confrontation making me feel even older ! Thanks for the upload! Waiting on Fool For Love now 💕 take care
You're very good at reminding us that we are, so very often, our own worst enemies. Oh sure, life is very unfair, and often we meet real obstacles in the form of other people opposing us, sometimes deliberately, though often incidentally. And so many of us, TOO many of us, carry around baggage that others in our lives packed for us. Baggage that we should relinquish, because all it does is weigh us down, and take up space that could be used so much more productively. But, how often are we our own locked doors, our own chains, our own self-imposed barriers and obstacles? How often do we trip ourselves up because we have no faith in ourselves, no trust in our abilities, no deep, abiding faith in our own worth? In September I'll be 50. I'm polyamorous, I've been married for 26 years, I have a daughter who is 25, I have a girlfriend of 6 years, I have an attentive cat, friends who, though separated by many miles, care deeply for me. I am loved, and I have value. But I struggle with depression, and have far longer than my diagnosis 17 years ago, and when I look in the mirror, when I face a challenge, when I see an obstacle, I struggle to see that value, to believe that I am worthy of love and affection. But Buffy and Angel (and now your guides) have at times been something of a lifeline in terms of self-reflection. Sometimes when I'm low, they help me reach just a little higher, so that I don't get carried away by bad undercurrents, swept away by a sudden cataract of my own negative internal dialogue. A sturdy branch, a timely rope, an offered hand... sometimes a love of good stories can be a real lifeline, and thank you for reminding me of that love. Keep up the fantastic, meaningful work, because this matters. Thank you.
Thank you for putting your finger on why I've never really cared for this episode 🙏🙏 And thank you for then making me cry as you unpicked it's themes in the second half 😭
To be absolutely fair a season on television used to be 26 episodes and now most seasons are usually between 12 and 16 so episodes usually are as necessary.
I'll admit, while I agree with the eye opening assertion that the hired thug can negate the initial, subversion, I find another subversion in that reveal. A random hired thug can be just as insightful as a swami, he did an excellent job before trying to kill Gunn. But it does suck that the actual swami was stupidly killed and that Angel didn't take it with him. Love everything you said on the grey surrounding Angel. Virginia is wonderful and you're take only made me like her more. I was just saying it's ironic that I hate the council but my two favorite characters are watchers. Yes I finally settled. That abuse stuff legit made me cry. It's a world I'm intimately familiar with and it's part of why I'm drawn to the Buffyverse. As a moderator on a channel I read many more comments. I find myself wishing we were less abusive to each other. But, I see us try as well. And I always hope for the better. Sorry I'm late, UA-cam hates it's creators and I did not get a notification 🙄.
Thank you brother, love you
I figured people were going to think you'd died OR that I'd finally broken down and popped the question.
@@PassionoftheNerd I am you know...
@@JackKramme Don't do it, Jack.
@@PassionoftheNerd .......
YOURS
@@JackKramme *plays Titanic Theme*
I actually really like that Cordy is well versed in film. It gives her desire to be an actress a little more than the surface level ‘wanting to be famous’
Never noticed that!
Hm, Good point!!
I was thinking that.
She’s alot smarter than she lets on. Remember when they were talking about SAT scores. I think one of he reasons she didn’t go to college other then wanting to even actress was because her family lost all their money and she couldn’t afford the really good schools.
Me: hey! Guise Will Be Guise! That's a funny and light episode, i am sure he wont make me cry at the end on this one.
Passion of the Nerd: Hold my tissue box.
samesies.
Literally... 😢
SAME
Magus: She's impure? She's not a virgin?
*To Wesley* You.
Gunn: Woah, that's what impure meant?
Cordelia: She slept with him?
Magnus: You were supposed to be Angel. This wouldn't have happened. That's why I hired him. He's a eunuch.
Cordelia: You slept with her?
Angel: A eunuch?
Wesley: Things happen. Two young people. Danger.
Virginia: What are you talking about?
Magnus: She was a virgin before you got here.
Virginia: I was not a virgin.
Magnus: What?
Wesley: Oh, thank goodness.
Gunn: I coulda told you she wasn't no virgin.
Angel: I'm not a eunuch.
Cordelia: One day as Angel. One day and he's getting some. *Gunn just shakes his head*
Magnus: What? How could you? I kept you away from all men.
Angel: I mean, the curse isn't even all that clear.
Virginia: Daddy, you remember that chauffeur from when I was 16? And the one at 18? I haven't been a virgin for a very long time.
I even dated Rick. *Hooded-cloaked person slowly walks out of the room*
Magnus: Ginny, don't make me do this. Don't make me angry.
Virginia: Right. Because then you might do something bad. You were going to kill me!
*Virginia punches Magnus in the face*
You are not my father anymore.
*Virginia walks away*
Angel: I'm not a eunuch.
“I coulda told you she wasn’t no virgin,” remains my favorite Gunn line.
One of those scenes that I point to for why I love the show's humour
I love how offended Angel is at being called a eunuch.
@@naomilamont3277 And also the classic exchange:
"you were in Virginia?"
"That's beside the point."
Genuinely probably the funniest bit of the whole show.
Breather episode before a dark turn: Smile Time right before A Hole in the World.
Praise Illyria, Godking of The Primordium!
The therapist being a fake does work on one level: Some of his insights would have been genuinely helpful to Angel, but because of the circumstances, they instead just leave him more cynical and distrustful, which fits his arc for the rest of the season
There you go again, finding new layers of value in episodes I’d written off as “eh, it’s ok I guess” and hadn’t thought about in years.
Totally agree about the fake swami angle though.
okay, this is just one of my favourite fandom UA-camrs complimenting another one's content. now that's *cool.*
wow... this one hit a little different... what you've pointed out about abuse and how that abuse just lingers in form of memories and how we can choose to believe those memories or not really affected me. as always you're just great at these reviews...
That part on impostor syndrome and the incorrect ways we views our own memories was absolutely beautiful. Thank you for that.
In the age of instant gratification, I understand why people get impatient but the time and effort that goes into these videos is not instant and I just wanted to say that I'm happy to follow along with you as long as need be. Most people reviewing or watching shows for their channels are merely commentators while you're an analyst, and I think the people expressing impatience here are confusing you with commentators. Always happy to see when you upload, until the next one!
Count me in for the journey, for however long it takes.
Damn dude, it's impressive that you can take this "filler" episode and spin it into me questioning and reexamining my self image. Can't say I was ready for that, but I don't hate it
My favourite thing about this episode is that nobody questions why the man they think is a vampire is wearing a pair of glasses.
It doesn't seem overly weird IMHO given that we see a number of vampires across both shows display physical affectations.
Reminds me how William Pratt wears reading glasses when we meet him :P
No different than the car Angel drives in LA. A van, A-team style, would make more sense. Besides, they all seem to be not only vain, but also conservative. Wesley Angel could have been wearing glasses as a mortal or could have had a wish as a farmboy to be a respected/fancy intellectual and simply took the look, like Spike did - He was a poet who wanted to be a tough guy so he spiked people and adopted the Spike persona.
Didn’t Jeremy Renner’s vampire in Somnambulist wear glasses? Why would being turned into a vampire improve eyesight? Besides demonic magic...
@@michaeldeboer9940 Given that vampires have enhanced senses and a healing factor that render them immune to many physical affectations and illnesses, it would seem strange that it wouldn't have improved one's eyesight.
I think that, in taking greater risks and being much messier, Angel the Series more closely represents what its like to cope with abuse than Buffy does.
To be fair, Buffy is primarily a show about growing up and changes, whereas Angel is more of a show about the hard reality of life. But I agree, Angel in its darkness and messiness, wonderfully broaches topics that are very serious in a manner that Buffy doesn't do as much.
You never cease to amaze me with the new depths of appreciation for the Whedonverse your painstaking work unearths in me. Thank you ❤️
The fact that the Wes/Virginia story arc was tossed aside or that they didn’t know where to go with it, will always anger me, that was a relationship I wanted more of. Also I’m about to start a rewatch shortly(after I finish Millennium).
I know what you mean, but it was worth it to have the whole Wesley/Fred/Gunn love triangle in the following season
Edit: I know the whole love triangle became a little melodramatic and tritely written at times... I guess I am an apologist because I'm so in love with Wesley and his character arc in the series, and it has difficult to visualise him going on a similar journey with Virginia still in the picture. I do agree they had amazing on screen chemistry though, it could have been very interesting to see their relationship evolve.
@@whedonobsessed Oh for sure. But I would like just a couple more episodes between the two. They had real good chemistry on sceen.
@Super Kat yeah, there was so much they could've done...I know it ones of those perpetual what if's!
They could have even had a whole thing about him choosing to go to Pylea to help Cordy to end it in time for next season's drama.
@@whedonobsessed was it? because that triangle traded in a whole lot of healthy, amazing relationships for some trite-ass writing.
Wow Ian those last few minutes were something I really needed to hear lately as I’ve found I’m in deeper reflection about myself more so than ever and upon rewatching the show I’ve come to realise that my inner struggles mirror Wesleys in ways that hit a little too close to home. So thank you so much for contextualising the core of this episode in a way that not only connects to my film nerd brain but also to my recovering soul. Your ability to decipher all these philosophies from even a breather episode is second to none and I, like the rest of us, hugely appreciate the work you put in to unearthing the hidden meaning behind why we’re all so attached to these characters and the themes of both shows. The Bangel similarity between Wesley and Virginia makes me wish the writers hadn’t disposed of their relationship so quickly as these relationships represent two sides of the same coin and it would have been fascinating to witness it blossom properly. Personally I get a kick outta seeing bumbling Wesley especially during “Spin The Bottle” during one of the darkest periods for his character but I can see why it would seem jarring to some. I think this is one of my favourites of yours and I’m thankful you’ve brightened my day by shedding light on what makes this episode great.
Angel Season 2 filler episodes are some of my favourite Buffyverse. Great to hear your voice again man!
The end of this video reminded me of the end of "Why you should watch Angel". Just pure power, showing the mastery of both writing and VO. You are easily the most underrated channel I've had the pleasure of following. Thank you for this amazing content.
As for the episode. I adore Angel's breather episodes (Smile Time, Spin the Bottle, Shroud of Rahmon). This was a great one too.
Ian thank you for this ❤️. The whole topic of not being able to see your self-worth but the worth of others hit pretty close to home for me. I have been through emotional abuse and my family history is pretty troubled. Especially the relationship with my father who was found dead in his apartment im 2016. I was only 25 years old and faced with one impossible choice after another. I hated myself. It only got worse. And while I was able to love everyone around me and help my friends... I was unable to do that for myself. I underwent 1.5 years of therapy. I endured a toxic relationship during that time. And I am still in the process of finding my self-worth and getting there. I am trying to make choices that are ethical and moral while at the same time ensuring self-preservation and displaying self-care. Let's see where I end up. But your guides and videos have helped me tremendously. Thank you Ian. Sending appreciation and love all the way from Germany to you 💕
Hugs for surviving.
@@themink17 thank you so so much. Hugs back 😊🤗
It hit close to me too. I’m also glad this message was spoken through an episode of Angel. For me, Angel is the show that reminded me it was never about the “reward” at the end of the tunnel, but rather the journey i have to go through to better myself. I had already been in the right path prior to watching Angel, but that reminder encouraged me that I needed to stay on it.
Your self-worth is important. I hope you continue to have the strength to keep moving forward. I hope you have that one day where you realize that you’ve reached a point you never expected, like I had; a moment where you could have easily been struck down, only to realize a bit later that you hadn’t been and you’re reaction wasn’t what you expected, but rather the goal you wanted to reach.
I hope that makes sense. I didn’t want to go into details because your story is similar, but vastly different than mine. I dealt with a lot of anger issues that stemmed from a narcissist father and some toxic, neglectful family members. It wasn’t until recently that I realized that my over a decade of bettering myself actually worked out. And it was an incident at work that I handled myself well, and by the time I got home it hit me. I recognized that if that had happened maybe a few years ago, I would have fallen off my path.
To quote some movies not related to the Whedon-verse...
Never give up. Never surrender.
And may the force be with you.
^_^
These videos are always so incredible and insightful - tysm for making them
9:22 The Mayor speaking the truth about Buffy and Angel's relationship was a great use of the "villain has a point" trope. Not everything some villains say is wrong just because they're evil. Sometimes the things they say are right and they tell the truth. When he was still evil Spike was that type of character in Buffy. He told it like it was. Shows that do the "Everything the villain says is wrong because they're the villain" are lazily written so I'm glad Buffy and Angel don't do that.
Great video. I don’t know if there is any connection, but I always saw this episode to be the mirror of Gunn’s first appearance in “War Zone”: Gunn is instantly associated as being equal to Angel if not the same (“You expecting someone else”), while Wesley sees himself beneath Angel until adopting his guise. In both cases that perception is not true - Gunn learns he isn’t all he thought he was, and Wesley realizes he is more than he thought he was.
I botched the quote, but at my sister's funeral, this episode was fresh in my mind. The words "many of us can give love freely, to everyone but ourselves" spilled out during my eulogy. That was my sister, everyone biggest fan. Except to herself.
Thank you, even if I didn't know where the words were coming from back in July.
Damn it. I was fine till the ending. Then I teared up and broke down. Thanks. Well done.
The analysis on the abuse/power dynamics in this video, answered questions I had been meditating on for days, and made me cry, as usual. Thank You Sensei.😉
I'm not saying it's your fault for me getting back from lunch late but I am saying its your fault I'm coming back late while looking like I've been crying.
I wish that for every tv show or movie ever made there was a review made by you for me to watch afterwards
How in the hell, can you make me cry with a "simple" review ?? ; Thank you Ian :).
You are one of the best channels on youtube. I watch all of your guides as soon as they come out. No matter the people that made this art, there is still so much beauty to be found in it (and entertainment and so much more), and not only do you make that apparent, you add so much more to my interpretation, love and understanding of these shows. Thank you so much for all your hard work and for all the good that you put out into this world. I will continue watching for many more years to come!
I like that the swami gives US insight into Angel. He may eventually dismiss the words of the fake swami, but we know the truth. The episode wants us to know Angel is a geek trying to be cool (it shows us plenty of times that before he met Buffy he was a dirty hobo, so we can assume he dressed up just to impress her and act all cool) and therefore he’s no different than Wesley in a way. He’s just had more experience (in action, but also in hiding his fears). We see more glimpses of this side of Angel especially in “The Girl in Question”, when Angel and Spike, even as Angelus and Spike, are shown to be buffoons, Angel is robbed of his cool jacket, they constantly make mistakes and they lose to the Immortal, and more importantly, Andrew. Their appearance of cool means so much to these ancient infamous vampires. I also love how Angel looks at his reflection in this season’s final two-parter, obsessed with his hair (and frequently, his forehead, which Spike knows he’s sensitive about). In a way, the swami subplot was to subvert Angel, while the Wesley plot this episode was to build him up, showing they’re not so different. And by having Wes literally don the coat, that just makes it perfect.
I find myself coming back to this video from time to time. That is how deeply you have touched us with your writing.
Man I love the way Wesley says "I am a bit", its like her words had put a bandage on one of his many inner wounds, healing him a bit, and his response felt so refreshed and joyful.
Thank you. These shows are comfort food for me, and your coverage of them serves very much the same purpose. Suffice it to say, life is very hard for me right now, but these little reminders of what good we (people) could do, and I, more specifically, could BE give me just enough light to keep going. Thank you.
You should receive an honorary PhD from everywhere for your Buffy and Angel recaps. Excellent work. 🏅🎖🏆
This hit home for me..... And made me cry, I always give love and acceptance to enny one, but me. I'm so hard on myself I put myself up for failure and than see see your worthless. I wish I could love myself how I love others.
How is it that your analysis videos can touch my soul? You make me hear things I need to hear even if it is not directed at me.
Tears rolled down my cheek this week. Inspiring and insightful. Thank you.
Thank you for this. This show helped me through a very dark time in my life, and your reviews help to frame something that was already helpful to me in an even better light. Thank you, for the peace you helped bring to a me as a 18 year old boy and a 22 year old man.
That shot from "are you now or have you ever been" as the stand in for the season arc... glorious
I think there are advantages and disadvantages to having shorter TV seasons today, but the crippling disadvantage is that you have considerably less time to explore characters and their foibles, which, as a fan of ensemble shows, that is a damn shame to me. I’d gladly take crummy episodes like ‘Go Fish’, ‘Beer Bad’, ‘ I Was Made To Love You’ if it means the writers spent more time polishing diamonds like ‘Becoming Pts. 1 & 2’, ‘Wild At Heart’ and ‘The Body’. And even in those crummy episodes, there is often still important character or world development.
Of course, today in the accelerated age of social media, had Buffy’s 12-episode first season aired, it would’ve fell flat and would not have been renewed. Stranger Things is, along with Buffy, one of my top three series and I still remember the shellacking that S2E7 got, which I thought was pretty good, with good character development for my favorite character, Eleven. Imagine how even ‘Welcome To The Hellmouth’ would have been dissected today.
I agree. I like a good 10 episode story where everything matters but I also miss the old 22 episode arcs where you could have side quests and "filler" that just put characters you know into different situations to explore and savor their little facets. Star Trek is really good for this, taking a group of a dozen people then pairing them off in different ways to get different dynamics out of them.
Also less opportunities to take risks on experimental one-off episodes, which have turned out to be some of the best episodes TV has to offer on several shows.
I love your videos! I can't just watch them once. I have to watch them 2-3 times to really appreciate the depth of your analysis. They may take time to research and produce, but they are well worth the wait!
I'm just another "Thank you for making this" comment.
I mention this every time, but these always drop as I'm getting to work and they always make that shift better. Your awesome man. I'm gunna watch the video now, ready for insight.
8:06 I never realised that Mr Moseby from the Suite Life of Zack and Cody and Suite Life on Deck played the guidance counsellor on Buffy. "Buffy. Good luck with that."
It is frustrating that they pulled back from letting Angel develop by making the swami fake, but I wonder if it was intentional. Like they're not ready for Angel to confront those things about himself, but they want the audience to think about him in a new light.
Fake!Swami's insights made me relate to Angel more than ever before. He grounded Bangel by framing the relationship as a product of Angel's past experiences rather than the soulmate-type phenomenon that it was presented as in Buffy. He even indirectly made Cordelia and Angel's connection make more sense.
Thank you for making this video! I hope that everything is well with you, and with Jack as well!
Critical, insightful and well said, as usual. Fine work.
My first thought about this episode was: omg another great exploration of masculinity! And it also rises the question: what is just guise? And who am I? Where does the guise end and where do I begin? And then again: what does it mean to be a 'guy' (I looove the title) ;D
Great video!
you did a great job with this episode. The original episode is so funny but by the time I finish with you I've got tears in my eyes.
Everytime! Everytime I watch one if your episodes I think "okay I'm not gonna cry in this one... This will be the one!" and yet here I am sobbing. Thank you for what you do, you are truly amazing at it.
Angel being reverse hulk just blew my mind
Well in the 2008 Hulk film poor Bruce Banner couldn't have sex with Betty or else he'd Hulk out. And Angel can't have a moment of true happiness without becoming Angelus again.
Love that transition at 11:33 amazing guide as always! I cried a little at the end
There is something very deliberate about the parallells between angels episodes and certain episodes of Buffy. I think such parallells could put both shows in new light. Happy to see it adressed! Given infinite time and focus, I'd delve in to such parallells more deeply. As of yet there is still so much I can learn about the shows themselves. They are truly rich, and its a joy seeing them explored here, with competense and brievety.
Oh man that last part was slap to the face, a crack to the heart and a punch to the gut. I don't know if I'm crying for Wesley, for myself or both.
Well done PotN.
Came back for a reminder.
Thank you, not only for this, but for being there for me recently and like you always are
Who is Jack?
The episode title is a play on the saying "guys will be guys" but is spelled like guise because some characters in the episode are putting on a guise and pretending to be someone they're not. Wesley's pretending to be Angel, Bryce's henchman pretending to be the Tish Magev, Virginia seeming like an innocent virgin only for it to turn out she lost her virginity years ago and so on.
The part at the end really moved me. Thank you, I needed to hear that today.
Seeing a new one of these pop up on my feed always makes my day. Thanks for another insightful look into one of my favorite shows. Be well.
Passion of the Nerd new video = big smile on my face
One last before "Fool For Love", can't wait!
Another beautiful but also heart breaking episode guide
Seeing that you've posted a new video always brightens my day. Thank you so much for making these!
Amazing to see how much your videos have grown since buffy season 1!! Thank u for doing these, they are sooo good and insightful. Can't believe I've reached apoint in my rewatch of both shows where I'm about to over take your videos.
I'll look forward to checking back in over the coming years to see your reviews!
The way you see such depth in episodes I always thought were kind of whatever is so amazing
I love this episode! Mostly cause I live for a good breather episode, and Wes is my FAVOURITE character!!! It felt like the Zeppo for Wes... not exactly the same obviously but gives the same feeling to me cause the Angel story is seperate from Wes’s... Hope the makes sense 😂
Kinda needed this personally today. Imposter syndrome sucks.
Also, cool that Jack isn't dead. Don't know you, man but seemed like you needed this video too. I look forward to the wedding, guys.
I adore this channel.
You manage to peel away at layers of meaning in my life and what I value in each of these shows. I often feel at peace with some of my demons after viewing a new episode break down. Especially one concerning Wesley or Angel.
Thank you for what you do.
It is scary how good these videos are.
With the one-two punch of Buffy S5 and Angel S2 (with the added bonus of Firefly), we’re really on a kick of excellent, high-class episodes and analyses. Lovely as ever, Ian. I’m thinking I might do a full rewatch soon.
You somehow always manage to say something I really needed to hear. Thank you for doing what you do.
I love your reviews. But, is it selfish of me to wish that they happened more often? Oh well, I guess I'm just a bad person.
We all feel the same. But as-is, they’re a wonderful rare treat.
heh. I get it.
I'm just rewatching all your videos and sobbing for the last three minutes while I eagerly await your next upload...
I literally cry almost every episode
I love the Buffy/Angel Universe and your videos are always both spot on and interesting. Thank you.
That was a really really good and well made video. 😊👍🏻🎙🎙
No, I love bumbling Wesley! And if the Swami had been legit, he would have really helped Angel.
Wow, Ian, you took this in a direction I wasn't expecting. Very insightful.
Just like the episode, this video was....Nummy.
Hi Guys. Another fun fact for you ;) that Swami guy has been dubbed by the same guy who dubbed Master Roshi in Dragon Ball Z and Mermaid Man, in Germany :D
thank you very much, TPN, for those analystic and revealing videos. I'm realizing details and facts for the very first time. You're great ^^ 5:21 LOVE that xD
The last part made me tear up inside. Well done
Thanks for another one of these. They always give me a boost to start writing again.
I just discovered this video series and I love it! This breakdown of the characters was amazing.
The Buffy segments you have in here at @15:30 show "Quest for Camelot" playing in the theater when her and Angelus have a confrontation making me feel even older ! Thanks for the upload! Waiting on Fool For Love now 💕 take care
You're very good at reminding us that we are, so very often, our own worst enemies. Oh sure, life is very unfair, and often we meet real obstacles in the form of other people opposing us, sometimes deliberately, though often incidentally. And so many of us, TOO many of us, carry around baggage that others in our lives packed for us. Baggage that we should relinquish, because all it does is weigh us down, and take up space that could be used so much more productively.
But, how often are we our own locked doors, our own chains, our own self-imposed barriers and obstacles? How often do we trip ourselves up because we have no faith in ourselves, no trust in our abilities, no deep, abiding faith in our own worth?
In September I'll be 50. I'm polyamorous, I've been married for 26 years, I have a daughter who is 25, I have a girlfriend of 6 years, I have an attentive cat, friends who, though separated by many miles, care deeply for me. I am loved, and I have value. But I struggle with depression, and have far longer than my diagnosis 17 years ago, and when I look in the mirror, when I face a challenge, when I see an obstacle, I struggle to see that value, to believe that I am worthy of love and affection.
But Buffy and Angel (and now your guides) have at times been something of a lifeline in terms of self-reflection. Sometimes when I'm low, they help me reach just a little higher, so that I don't get carried away by bad undercurrents, swept away by a sudden cataract of my own negative internal dialogue. A sturdy branch, a timely rope, an offered hand... sometimes a love of good stories can be a real lifeline, and thank you for reminding me of that love. Keep up the fantastic, meaningful work, because this matters.
Thank you.
so happy to see a video from you. This one really hit the feels at the end.
I really am loving your insights about this season. Extremely well done.
Did not expect this one to make me cry. Well done yet again!
I noticed the Hulk connection in Untouched when Angel said "you wouldn't like me when I'm happy."
Amazing way of looking into and at our human nature though "Monsters". Thank you!!!
It's been so long!! I've missed these so much!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Thank you for putting your finger on why I've never really cared for this episode 🙏🙏
And thank you for then making me cry as you unpicked it's themes in the second half 😭
Thank you for the analysis again :)
That’s beautiful, as always.
I continue to be amazed by these reviews
God bless you, Jack.
Lovely video. Great review. As always.
your videos touch my soul
Can’t wait for you to get to season 5!! Love your videos!
I honestly have no memory of this episode. Well off to go watch it now! lol, loved the analysis as always!
To be absolutely fair a season on television used to be 26 episodes and now most seasons are usually between 12 and 16 so episodes usually are as necessary.
Aaah. Morning coffee and new episode od TPN's guide 🧡
The final reflection was really deep.
I'll admit, while I agree with the eye opening assertion that the hired thug can negate the initial, subversion, I find another subversion in that reveal. A random hired thug can be just as insightful as a swami, he did an excellent job before trying to kill Gunn.
But it does suck that the actual swami was stupidly killed and that Angel didn't take it with him.
Love everything you said on the grey surrounding Angel.
Virginia is wonderful and you're take only made me like her more.
I was just saying it's ironic that I hate the council but my two favorite characters are watchers. Yes I finally settled.
That abuse stuff legit made me cry. It's a world I'm intimately familiar with and it's part of why I'm drawn to the Buffyverse. As a moderator on a channel I read many more comments. I find myself wishing we were less abusive to each other. But, I see us try as well. And I always hope for the better.
Sorry I'm late, UA-cam hates it's creators and I did not get a notification 🙄.