The somewhat late "You're Welcome" (AtS) review

[selenak]

So a show I love had its 100th episode last week.



Sadly, some comments at theatrical_muse spoiled me for Cordy's death, but on otoh, I thought she'd sacrifice herself a la Doyle, and only guessed she was a ghost when she said goodbye to Wesley. All in all, this episode left me with mixed feelings - there were elements I liked very much and elements I disliked. I certainly did not fall for it the way I did for Destiny or Damage, but have to admit it was much better suited as a 100th anniversary episode than either.

CC was back in form as Cordelia, and sparkles like she hasn't done since season 2. I did have issues with Cordy being not a bit traumatized by the entire Jasmine experience, or guilt-ridden in regards of Connor, but then I suppose this can be justified by the final twist; a ghost, given one last day by TPTB, would be beyond what would have been enough to drive a living person insane. Though otoh, you have Cordy talking with Wesley about having killed Lilah while being possessed, and feeling guilty about that; one would assume that what her possessed self did to Connor was worth a word or two as well.

The Connor conversation we did get, with Angel justifying himself and explaining that Connor could not have been saved any other way was well done, though, and you could see it what a relief it was for him to finally talk with someone who remembered Connor and could understand his reason.

This episode also resurrected what was my least favourite storyline on AtS ever, namely, the Cordelia/Angel romance (of sorts). But one can't blame David Fury for it - it would have been a severe break with continuity if they had just let Cordy and Angel be the sibling-like buddies they used to be in the first two seasons. (Insert the usual "Why oh why?" rant here.) However, this Cordy wasn't the "The only feelings I care about are Angel's" abomination that walked around in season 3; her scene alone with Wesley (and later her goodbye to him) was what I wanted to see since eons, or more precisely, since Forgiven in season 3. If you want to know the truth, it touched me deeper than the C/A kiss and goodbye at the end. Cordy and Wesley used to be so good and close friends, until the writer let her forget that altogether. To finally see her care about what happened to him, see her be a friend again, was wonderful.

The conclusion of the Lindsey storyline - if that was what it was - was a let-down, and not just because it left too many questions open (how Lindsey aquired superpowers to fight Angel with, for starters, and how he found out about Angel becoming CEO for W&H). I mean, yes, the duel was slashy eye-candy, and the chemistry between DB and CK was as great as ever, plus the references back to City Of were fun, but really, all Angel needed to get out of his depression was to beat up Lindsey again? And Lindsey's final plan for Angel wasn't any more sophisticated than this? My, Angel really was the center of his universe, as Eve observed.

Bits and pieces:
- so Gunn doesn't want to leave W&H anymore; no surprise there
- the use of the Doyle video was obvious but touching nonetheless, and appropriate for the anniversary episode
- given that David Fury wrote Disharmony, it's not surprising we got Harmony squeeing all over Cordy and hugging her
- I truly hope Cordy's repeated mentions of the name "Connor" within earshot of Wesley and Fred registered
- "you called me a hero?"; okay, Spike was a bit player in this episode (only fair after two eps in a row where he had a lot to do) but that bit made me grin widely
- I was going to complain about Cordy's fighting ability directly after waking up from a coma, but since she's a corporeal ghost-for-a-day, I can't.

Off to read what other people thought...

Comments

[asta77.livejournal.com]

I did have issues with Cordy being not a bit traumatized by the entire Jasmine experience, or guilt-ridden in regards of Connor, but then I suppose this can be justified by the final twist; a ghost, given one last day by TPTB, would be beyond what would have been enough to drive a living person insane.

Considering they only had an hour (42 minutes technically) to bring closure to Cordy's story, I was pretty forgiving in what they didn't or weren't able to address. And putting aside any behind the scenes drama that may have led to CC's departure, you make a good point that helps to substantiate Joss and others claims that Cordy was written into a corner. Had she awakened from the coma and returned to the fold, how could she have dealt with all she had been through? I suppose there would have been some way, but don't we have enough characters burdened by immense guilt and self-loating?

I also agree that the conclusion of the Lindsey storyline is a let down *if* it's the end which I don't believe it is. Considering Lindsey left W&H of his own accord I find it very hard to believe that he came back to get revenge for them giving Angel what was supposedly his. It makes no sense. As does Angel being the center of his Universe. The whole thing seemed over the top.

My theory is that everything he said and did was to throw them off from his real intent. And that, in fact, he wanted to be taken to the Senior Partners. What his grand plan is, I do not know, but I think it will yet be revealed later in the season. I really can't imagine CK agreeing to come back just for what we've seen so far.

As for the mindwipe, if Wes isn't already working on unraveling it, I think he soon will be. Maybe it's just me, but I sense that he senses something is not right.

[selenak.livejournal.com]

True, given that there was only one episode, they did a splendid job of wrapping up Cordy, and again, the twist of her as a ghost makes it believable psychologically within the laws of the Jossverse.

If Lindsey wanted to be taken to the SP all along, then of course I take back my criticism.