Angel (TV Series) Shiny Happy People (2003) User Reviews

Divine Intervention Comes At Last

[richhohart · 8/10 · 15 January 2017]

"Shiny Happy People" introduces us to Jasmine, one of my favorite villains in the series and played by the fantastic Gina Torres. In the Buffy and Angel universes the supernatural is largely portrayed as a force of chaos and destruction. Jasmine turns this on its head. She's a divine being who has become dissatisfied with the lack of action the other "Powers That Be" have taken in human affairs. So she's decided to give up her divinity for the sake of helping ***cough, ruling*** humanity and bringing in a new world order.

Jasmine is such an interesting variation to a similar villain on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Glory. Glory was also a divine being of immense power but that power mainly took the form of physical strength. Jasmine's power is the ability to win the hearts and minds of people around her and spread her message. Her power is much more insidious especially because you want her message to be true.

My only problem with the Jasmine story arc is that her introduction as the villain should have been better planned. The reveal that she was the one orchestrating the events of season 4 presents too many plot holes to be overlooked. It's clear that she was a last minute change by the writers to get the series back on track. It is the only reason why I wouldn't rate this episode higher.

To get any enjoyment out if the Jasmine story arc you need to take the episodes, "Shiny Happy People", "The Magic Bullet", "Sacrifice", and "Peace Out" as one independent story and try forget about the rest of season 4. Not that all of season 4 was terrible, but there were some clear missteps in plot and character development, especially with Cordelia Chase, that can't be undone.

None of us were in the room

[kingsx_64 · 7/10 · 18 March 2020]

This is a hard episode and plot line to review. Knowing now in 2020 that it wasn't what was originally planned, and had to be changed at the last minute due to Charisma becoming pregnant, they decided to write her real pregnancy into the story arc. Many people including myself don't like it much. But on the other hand, having little to no time to completely change the story, i give the writers credit for what they came up with in so little time. It's easy to pass judgement without knowing ALL the facts. So I'll stay away from the who was right and who was wrong beef between Joss and Charisma. Anyone can look on the internet and find something to back what they want or need to believe. But one thing both have said, is that the story WAS changed last minute. So how can I get angry at the writers who have up to this point, created a show that I/we have loved? Seems unfair to be so critical of them. Because if you didn't already love the show, you wouldn't be reading my stupid review right now. So yes, this is a weird episode. Yes, this season has had it's share of weird moments. But now I understand why. So I for one will refrain from being overly critical, and or a judgmental ass hat, because getting pregnant is part of life. And having to change a story line at the last minute for a tv show must be nerve racking and hard.

Enter Gina Torres...

[m-47826 · 6/10 · 4 June 2021]

I remember thinking she was the perfect actress to portray this character. And I still do. Season four is a real journey. So many things happened there. My favorite parts are clearly those involving the return of Angelus. Bringing back two Buffyverse characters, before their finale battle in the original show's finale episodes. Was a great way to build momentum. But I like the one involving Utopia as well. It is clearly done to bring closure, to that crazy ride fourth season has been. Even crazier than season 3. It also the moment where lines are blurred, which led to the heroes working for the series former big vilain. I can see ressemblances with previous plot lines, especially those of season two. And some from BTVS as well. But the Jasmine storyline, was like a breath of fresh air, in a very suffocating season. We know is obviously a trick, but that's what makes it so good and intriguing. Personally, I couldn't stand Cordelia, long before she turned evil. So people can say whatever they want, her leaving the series was the best decision. And gave her character a well deserved rest, after everything she went through.

A Euphoric Episode

[Samuel-Shovel · 6/10 · 10 March 2019]

In "Shiny Happy People" everyone in the gang falls under the spell of Cordy's full grown child. She encourages them to remove the evil from LA by purging vamps. Everyone who meets Jasmine falls under her spell. Except one man who is terrified by her. Angel beats him up, sending him to the hospital. But Fred briefly sees Jasmine as a maggot-filled corpse, making her question the euphoria everyone feels around Jasmine. She visits the man in prison whose face is now permanently disfigured because Jasmine touched him. Fred tells Wes who then tells everyone else. Fred tried to kill Jasmine and flees after the failed attempt. Jasmine makes it on local TV as the episode ends, Fred fleeing from the cult-like following Jasmine now has.

This episode reminds me a lot of when Jonathan uses a spell to become everyone's hero or when Dawn shows up out of nowhere for the first time and everyone acts perfectly normal. The gang is so smitten with Jasmine that it gives the episode an almost dream-like quality until Fred pops out of it. For a second there, it had me almost wondering if Jasmine was good.

This episode is a fine introduction to Jasmine but it's not perfect. Her explanation of the history of man and demons is total nonsense but maybe that's the point? We as the audience can roll our eyes but we see how affected the gang is by her.

Also how does no one in that mall know there's a vampire bowling alley a few stores over?

Enter Jasmine

[katierose295 · 9/10 · 6 March 2007]

The Jasmine storyline is sort of like the "Stepford Wives" meets "Invasion of the Body Snatchers." It's not my favorite plot on of the series, but it's pretty fun. Plus, I give the show high marks for doing something really unique and making the ultimate bad guy a beautiful woman who wants to bring peace to the world. In a way, Jasmine's giving Team Angel everything they've always wanted. Peace, an end to evil, a place to belong... But in doing that she's also stealing their free will and (to paraphrase the book "A Brave New World") everyone's right to be unhappy. It's kinna cool. Anyway, this is an important episode for the rest of the season and you can't skip it.

"Happy Shiny People" revolves around the birth of Conner and Cordy's full grown daughter, Jasmine. She quickly puts a whamy on Team Angel and they're all happy to be worshiping her. They help her name herself, move her into the Hyperion and are thrilled to be taking her orders. Jasmine says that she's some sort of ancient power who's come to bring world peace. Team Angel are the start of her loyal army. They go out slaying vampires and Jasmine is accidentally cut by one of them. Jasmine dismisses the injury and everyone they meet is taken in by Jasmine's warming, loving, warming glow. Except for one kid, who screams that she's really a hideous monster and tries to kill her. Angel beats him up and Jasmine tells them to take the boy to a hospital.

Back at the Hyperion, Fred works to clean the blood from Jasmine's shirt. When she goes to talk to Jasmine, though, she is horrified. Jasmine's beautiful face is crawling with maggots and dripping ooze. Fred begins to realize that Jasmine has them all under a spell. She goes to talk to the guy at the hospital, who's face is now a mass festering boils. He warns her not to trust anyone, but Fred doesn't listen. She goes to Wes, who thinks she's crazy. He tells Gunn. Seeing that she can't stay with Team Angel. Fred tries to kill Jasmine herself. When Angel stops her, Fred flees the hotel. Her terror only grows as Jasmine appears on TV and begins taking over everyone in the city.

There are some good part to this episode. I like Wes and Gunn trying to name Jasmine. Their arguing between "Helen", Gunn's grandmother's name, and some long Greek name that I can't spell, but which apparently mean "lover of mankind." Fred comes down the stairs talking about Clorox and they assume that she's offering her own suggestion. Wes says "Oh, I think it's probably best if we stay away from brand names" and it cracks me up every time. Also, I like Team Angel being all smiley and cheerful. It's just so... Wrong. And after Fred is cured I think it's sweet that she went to Wes and tried to explain the spell. I think it says a lot about who she really trusts and who she thinks is strong enough to maybe see through the spell by himself. I feel so bad when Wes turns to her. Then Fred tries to kill Jasmine and Team Angel is so funny & surprised. "I can't believe Fred's evil." Wes laments and I just have to laugh.

On the down side, what happens to the kid in the hospital? Why doesn't Fred free him so she'll have an ally? Does his face ever get cured?

My favorite part of the episode: The very beginning, before most of Team Angel has seen Jasmine. Wes realizes that Angel is under a spell. He tries to reason with Angel, who just wants to "worship" Jasmine now. Wes tells Angel to try and see through the magic. Just then, Jasmine comes sweeping in and one by one Team Angel falls to their knees in front of her. Wes holds out the longest, trying to fight the spell. But it's just too much and he starts asking Jasmine how they can serve her. The scene's funny and creepy all at the same time.

Invasion of the lotus eaters

[Joxerlives · 6/10 · 30 March 2012]

SHINY HAPPY PEOPLE

The Good; Gina Torres is great. Certainly this is an ep that turns things on it's head!

The Bad; Just because Jasmine's true face is ugly is that any reason to presuppose she's actually evil? I mean Lorne is pretty unconventional looking but he's a good guy?

Best line; Fred; "There's been too much dismembering going on in that basement recently!"

Jeez, how did they get away with that? Jasmine's true appearance and severed head bowling.

Apocalypses: 5

Angel Clichés In disguise; 8

DB get's his shirt off; 12

Cheap Angel; 6

Fang Gang in bondage: Cordy: 5 Angel: 14 Wes: 6 Gunn; 4 Lorne; 4 Fred; 2

Fang gang knocked out: Cordy: 15 Angel: 17 Wes: 6 Doyle; 1 Gunn; 2 Lorne; 6 Groo; 1 Connor; 1 Faith; 1 Fred; 1

Kills; 3 vamps and 1 demon for Angel, 1 vamp and 1 demon for Wes, 2 vamps for Connor Cordy: 5 vamps, 3 demons Angel; 44 vamps, 58 and 1/2 demons, 5 zombies, 8 humans Doyle; 1 vamp Wes; 14 demons+5 vamps, 5 zombies, 2 humans Kate; 3 vamps Faith; 18 vamps, 6 demons, 3 humans. Gunn; 11 vamps+ 13 demons, 5 zombies, 1 human. Groo; 1 demon Fred; 3 vamp+ 1 demon, 5 zombies Connor; 16 vamps, 5 zombies, 2 demons

Fang Gang go evil: not so much evil as happily enslaved Cordy: 3 Angel: 3 Gunn; 1 Wes; 1

Alternate Fang Gang: possessed Lorne, Gunn, Fred and Wes Cordy: 4 Angel: 11 Fred; 2 Wes; 1 Gunn; 1 Connor; 1

Characters killed: 255

Recurring characters killed; 9;

Total number of Angel Investigations: CC out of it until season 5, Connor back in Angel, Gunn, Fred, Lorne, Wes, Connor

Angel Investigations shot: Angel: 12 Wes;2

Packing heat; Wes; 8 Doyle; 1 Angel; 3 Gunn; 2

Notches on Fang Gang bedpost: Cordy: 5 ?+Wilson/Hacksaw Beast+Phantom Dennis+Groo+Connor plus possibly the Beast Angel: 5; Buffy, Darla and The Transcending Furies Wes; 3; Virginia, the bleached blonde and Lilah, 1 possible, Justine Gunn; 2 Fred and Gwen. Fred; 1 Gunn Groo; 1Cordy

Know the face, different character; 4

Parking garages; 6,

Buffy characters on Angel; 16 Wetherby, Collins and Smith. Angel, Cordy, Oz, Spike, Buffy, Wes, Faith, Darla, Dru, The Master, Anne, Willow and Harmony

Questions and observations; Like the way you can spot CC's Sunnydale High cheerleader trophy in her room. Note that Angel now wears a lighter coloured shirt now he's no longer haunted all the time. The bowling scene is reminiscent of Fright Night pt2 (which features Buffy alumni Brian Thompson).

Well, Angel throws us another ball from leftfield, not so great in itself but speaks of interesting things to come.

Marks out of 10; 6/10

Birth pains??

[RidiculousRandomPerson · 2/10 · 20 March 2010]

It is disappointing when fantasy shows resort to some nonsensical explanation of why significant events in a show occur.

Let's recap: Cordelia was brought down from heaven to have sex with Connor in order to bring forth a baby; Angelus was brought back in order to find out why a devilish creature was harassing Los Angeles; the sun had been blocked by the aforementioned fiend resulting in an influx of demons and vampires, and the human population of L.A. has severely diminished due to this. In the previous episode, Cordelia gave birth to a grown woman after she and Connor performed a blood ritual (a motif this season to take note of, by the way), after which Angel knelt to say "You're beautiful," followed by an emulous Connor (I guess the reason he knelt before this mysterious woman was partly to imitate Angel and partly because he was exhausted after assisting in the death of a young woman, since we know later that he is, SPOILER, not under Jasmine's spell, END SPOILER). After "Shiny Happy People," we are to assume the reason that everything in my run-on sentence came to pass was, to quote Jasmine (the lady whom Cordy birthed), because of "birth pains." The lackadaisical writers further explain this nonsense away by saying that everything big that has ever happened to Angel and his close friends, from the religious Buffy episode "Amends" to Doyle passing the power of visions onto Cordelia, was manipulated to happen by Jasmine so that she could come to being and rule the world.

This, in effect, cheapens the impact of all of the incidents over the seasons that made me fall in love with the show. For instance, in the episode "The Trial," on which I promise not to go into too much detail, Angel undergoes a series of trials fighting for Darla's second chance at life, but he learns in the end that all he has done was for naught as Darla is already living her second chance. Later in the episode, Wolfram & Hart bring back a familiar face to kill Darla, leading to Angel's depression and the brilliant, grossly underrated Dark Angel arc. In "Shiny Happy People," we learn that Angel's actions in The Trial were not fruitless as Connor, the child of Angel and Darla, is Darla's second chance. I have to admit that it is immensely gratifying to finally understand why Connor, the product of two vampires, is alive, but this is devalued when we learn that Jasmine was the one who essentially brought him to being.

Jasmine, as we figure out in this episode, has the power to hypnotize people into fulfilling her will (and sending people, namely Cordelia, to heaven) because she was one of the Powers That Be, the entities who, through Doyle, are responsible for persuading Angel to connect to and use his power to help humanity. She quit the PTB as they were too "hands-offish" for her taste, and she prefers a more direct approach to make people peaceful, though this direct way takes away humanity's greatest gift, free will. Jasmine, with the ability to entrance, is truly the ideal metaphor for the leader of a cult, but the episode falls short in that it cheapens Angel's character development. No need for alarm, though, since the arc that comes immediately after this episode provides plenty food for thought and might be among the most underrated arcs of Angel's entire run. In fact, the reconditeness commences in this very episode when Fred is no longer under Jasmine's thrall, the reason for which we will find out in the next installment.

No one born to this earth can choose their own name. They are named by those who love them

[SleepTight666 · 4/10 · 4 June 2007]

No one born to this earth can choose their own name. They are named by those who love them - Ironically, i'm a huge fan of the Jasmine-arc, I think it was very interesting and had some of the greatest moments of the entire show. But that doesn't really count for this episode, it was slow, the dialog really lacked and at the end the only thing I can say about it is that it was rushed and unsatisfying. Not bad by no means, just mediocre. Of course it did have it's good moments, those vampires bowling with a human head cracked me up, and the last 15-minutes or so are also excellent, 'Fred' finally got some decent screen-time. Plus the last scene creeps me out a bit, when 'Jasmine' appears on TV and 'Fred' realizes she has never been so alone. But even with the good, the episode still lacks and ends up being my least favorite of the series. GUNN: What about... Helen? WESLEY: Helen. GUNN: It's got a ring. WESLEY: Yes, it does. However, something along the lines of... Dianthia or Iphigenia. GUNN: Those are some long lines. WESLEY: Or Aristophila, which means... JASMINE: "Supreme lover of mankind." That's lovely. GUNN: Well, Helen was my grandma's name. JASMINE: Helen is beautiful as well. WESLEY: All right. What about... FRED: Clorox. GUNN: "Clorox, she bleaches away the hate." WESLEY: Probably best we avoid brand names. (4.5 out of 10)

Disgustingly boring for the most part

[moov_e_c_er · 1/10 · 2 June 2022]

A few episodes before this the writers are trying to set up this episode and take it to season finale. It does not go with the pace of the overall show and this entire 4th season is simply falling apart. I went back and watched this show from season and episode one. I know they fired/killed Cordelia from the show and the claim was the writers didn't know what else to do for her (no wonder with this entire season of simply crazy, boring, and too cartoonish). Yes this show is based on comic books but it never felt so off reality than this season (yes with all the monsters to date it felt normal). This show should have been cancelled end of season 3 and then one finale return movie to sum up the characters to bring it to an exciting end. The earlier seasons I rate 7 and some episodes 8.