The first time I saw this episode, I sat there for a second after it was over. "Thank God." I finally said, out loud. "Cordy's evil." (True story.) Cordelia's been acting so bizarre this season that finding out that she's a Big Bad was an incredible relief. Real Cordy wouldn't have stabbed Lilah, so this MUST be a demon. "Cavalry" gave me reason to hope that I could one day have Real Cordy back. (Which, as it turns out, was a little optimistic of me, but I'd rather have no Cordy than Conner & Cordy's sex-capades. Besides her return in "You're Welcome" in season five is probably the greatest "Angel" episode ever.) Anyway, this is a fun episode that sets up a lot of stuff. Not only does it allow me to like Cordelia again, but is also sets the stage for Angelus's new reign of terror. I highly recommend it.
"Cavalry" revolves around Team Angel trying to re-ensoul Angel. After Angel's soul is stolen from the Hyperion, the others to come up with a plan to find it. Angelus is amused by their efforts and continuing to taunt them. Meanwhile, Lilah shows up at the Hyperion. Hearing that Angelus is back, she wants to use him to get back at the Beast for ruining her life. She & Wes talk and it turns out that she's found some information on the Beast in a book from another dimension. None of it seems to say why he's blocked out the sun, though. They're all interested to hear Angelus's theory: The Beast isn't the Big Bad. He's just the flunky.
Meanwhile, Cordy has a new idea on how to get Angel's soul. They get the skull of a soul eating demon and preform a spell. Suddenly, Angel seems to be cured. He says he has his soul back and everyone believes him. Even his reading for Lorne comes back clean. Still, in pretty short order it's clear that he's faking his recovery. Angelus escapes the hotel. Wes, Gunn and Conner chase after him. But Angelus doubles back. He attacks the women at the Hyperion. While Lilah tries to get away, Cordy suddenly grab her and stabs her in the throat.
There are some excellent parts to this episode. I just love Angelus pretending to be Angel. He's asking Fred for a hug and sweeping out of the hotel with a heroic, "I have to go save the world!" It's pretty funny. And I like his disgust at the lack of "food" in LA. The vampires have killed so many people that he's having a hard time finding a snack. Also, I really like Lilah being at the Hyperion. I wish she'd had more time to interact with Team Angel, because she adds a lot to the group. Fred is jealous when she learns about Wes and Lilah's history. Lorne is still annoyed about getting brain sucked. Nobody trusts her and she's causing all sorts of problems. Ya gotta love her. Finally, I like Angelus inadvertently helping Team Angel solve their problem with the Beast. He's so dismissive of their abilities, that he's pointing out their mistakes and actually lending a hand. He's reminding me of Spike in season four of BTVS again, unable to stop himself from chiming in and showing off, even if it means giving the White Hats some new information. His idea that the Beast has a Master just sets up the next stage of the story so well.
On the down side, Lilah dies in this episode. I just love Lilah and I'm sorry to see her go. Also, I think if Angelus was going to impersonate Angel while singing, he would have chosen the song "Mandy."
My favorite part of the episode: Angel taunting Gunn about his role as Team Angel's "muscle." Gunn feelings of inadequacy and his desire to be a leader again drive his decisions in season five. I think it's cool that Angelus spotted that so easily.
"Cavalry" revolves around Team Angel trying to re-ensoul Angel. After Angel's soul is stolen from the Hyperion, the others to come up with a plan to find it. Angelus is amused by their efforts and continuing to taunt them. Meanwhile, Lilah shows up at the Hyperion. Hearing that Angelus is back, she wants to use him to get back at the Beast for ruining her life. She & Wes talk and it turns out that she's found some information on the Beast in a book from another dimension. None of it seems to say why he's blocked out the sun, though. They're all interested to hear Angelus's theory: The Beast isn't the Big Bad. He's just the flunky.
Meanwhile, Cordy has a new idea on how to get Angel's soul. They get the skull of a soul eating demon and preform a spell. Suddenly, Angel seems to be cured. He says he has his soul back and everyone believes him. Even his reading for Lorne comes back clean. Still, in pretty short order it's clear that he's faking his recovery. Angelus escapes the hotel. Wes, Gunn and Conner chase after him. But Angelus doubles back. He attacks the women at the Hyperion. While Lilah tries to get away, Cordy suddenly grab her and stabs her in the throat.
There are some excellent parts to this episode. I just love Angelus pretending to be Angel. He's asking Fred for a hug and sweeping out of the hotel with a heroic, "I have to go save the world!" It's pretty funny. And I like his disgust at the lack of "food" in LA. The vampires have killed so many people that he's having a hard time finding a snack. Also, I really like Lilah being at the Hyperion. I wish she'd had more time to interact with Team Angel, because she adds a lot to the group. Fred is jealous when she learns about Wes and Lilah's history. Lorne is still annoyed about getting brain sucked. Nobody trusts her and she's causing all sorts of problems. Ya gotta love her. Finally, I like Angelus inadvertently helping Team Angel solve their problem with the Beast. He's so dismissive of their abilities, that he's pointing out their mistakes and actually lending a hand. He's reminding me of Spike in season four of BTVS again, unable to stop himself from chiming in and showing off, even if it means giving the White Hats some new information. His idea that the Beast has a Master just sets up the next stage of the story so well.
On the down side, Lilah dies in this episode. I just love Lilah and I'm sorry to see her go. Also, I think if Angelus was going to impersonate Angel while singing, he would have chosen the song "Mandy."
My favorite part of the episode: Angel taunting Gunn about his role as Team Angel's "muscle." Gunn feelings of inadequacy and his desire to be a leader again drive his decisions in season five. I think it's cool that Angelus spotted that so easily.
