Doyle receives a new vision that sends the group to the club scene. They soon learn they are looking for a serial killer who seeks his prey from D'Oblique, a chi-chi singles bar. While perusing the crowd, Angel meets Kate, an LA police detective and D'Oblique regular.

kate: go to hell

angel: been there, done that

apart that, not worth to remember, imo ... gross demon

Notable really, only for the introduction of Kate.

Not a particularly bad episode, but nothing special. A bit of a let down after the opener.

Apart from that, there's some decent Doyle/Cordelia interaction, and Angel gets to show his brooding side again :rolleyes:

That's about it :unsure:

Some good moments - the calling cards - "It's a butterfly, it's a bird, an owl.. what is it, a lobster?" :lol:, the introduction of Kate, and the fun & nervous flirting between them. Also the best song I can remember being used in Angel - Vast, Touched. But what was with that lighting when Angel was walking back to the office. Broad daylight or what? :huh:

Not a lot else to say really. Enjoyable enough without being outstanding. :)

A brilliantly fantastic ep which is perhaps the most underrated ep of the first season. With “City Of” being more of a "Hi and welcome to Angel and his televised past" introduction, I’ve always regarded this ep as the series opener. The whole look and feel really captures the sadness and desperateness of the city and its people. The demon it’s self is lonely and seeking that one thing that will make it all better. This is what gives the first two seasons (mainly S1) a certain edge, when it’s about helping people rather than the AI team dealing with their own problems. It’s a very exciting time for the show. Many make the mistake of just casting it off as monster of the week. But really it’s laying all the foundation and setting the mood, with Angel finding out that there are people that he can relate to, mainly because they are just as unhappy as he really is. It’s this dark undertone that really makes the show stand out.

The story of a serial killer demon makes for some great moments, but these don’t often stand out due to their subtlety, these revolve around the camera w**k mainly. Like when Angel bursts through the victim’s apartment door and walks slowly as he turns the corner, we get a look at the demon burying into its new host. They then look at each other, it’s that small slight scene, along with another with Angel rushing to a phone booth and looking for a name that really stand out to me, aside from the obvious scenes with music to accompany them. And it’s probably because of the cinematography, or DB’s quiet strong manner or even creepiness.

Don't like this ep at all.

Like the interaction between Doyle Angel and Cordy, very funny trio, love Cordy's cards that no one can figure that its supposed to be an Angel and the way she hands them out.

Don't like Kate.

Poor Doyle :( this is the most interesting part of the episode for me, the setting up of their relationship.

and ew at the disgusting demon skin peel :x

This episode is slower in pace than 'City Of', and although serial killer is creepy, fails to keep up the suspense. Kate is introduced, apparantally as Angel's love interest, but also bringing in another side of the law for Angel to critique. Cordy is endearing (especially her angel business card), and Doyle establishes himself as an interesting character. The parasite however is too reminiscent of Alien and Species. :no: Then again, this was a last-minute script by Fury, and was as dark as the WB could allow at the time.

In short, a throw-away episode that doesn't really encourage viewers to tune in the next week. 5/10

Cordelia: What's with those vision things of yours?
Doyle: Well, they're messages I get, from the higher powers, whoever they are. You know, it's my gift.
Cordelia: If that was my gift, I'd return it. :ermm:

Again, not wanting to disagree and believe me I don't make a habit but I actually quite liked this episode.

As I said in City of.. I am still burdening my love for Buffy and Angel so the introduction of Kate left me quite annoyed that the producers would replace Buffy so quickly. Although I could see that they weren't I was still very jealous as she had Angels attention and I didn't (err I mean Buffy didn't!)

I also noticed that Angel (the series) was first taking steps to becoming a more adult focused programme. Apart from Doyle, Kate was proof that the Buffyvers (or Angelverse??) had grown ups in! (Aprt from Giles of course!)

Overal 8/10 :thumbsup:

I'm with Rob on this one - as I was watching, I was thinking how well the demon plot complements the themes of relationships and loneliness.

Some great Cordy and Doyle moments, which have been mentioned, and some really sad moments too. I think this episode sets the tone for the rest of S1, really, with Angel lonely and unsure, but not really keen to open up to people, even Cordy and Doyle.

I might be in the minority on this (can't remember) but I really like Kate. I think she and Angel would have made a great couple, because they're both so cynical and "grown-up". I think the introduction of Kate as a character helps to make the show older and darker, as she's so different to the characters on Buffy. Although she can't be that much older than Buffy & co, she acts a lot older.

Margot

I agree with you completely Margot. I’m a Kate fan too, her character fits in perfectly with both the show, and as you said, with Angel. I really can’t understand why people didn’t take to her? Other than the trivial reason of her being a bitch to Angel for x amount of episodes. Elizabeth Rohm played a vital role in the series and she played it well.

Not much to say on this one really, some great moments but nothing standout.

What I don't understand is how the demon ended up in the barman :unsure: (OK obviously I know how) but until he clobbered Kate over the head there was no indication that he was part of the victim chain.

My review (not new, haven't rewatched):

This episode does a good job of setting up the darkness of Angel’s new life, the trials he will have to go through, and of introducing Kate – but it’s not a fantastic episode in its own right.

I like the way it starts and ends with Angel sitting alone in the dark in his office. A nice touch – that Doyle starts by coaxing him out (with the help of a vision), but by the end of the episode has learned to leave him alone.

I like Doyle’s crush on Cordy – some good comedy there. I like the stuff with the business cards, though I always thought they looked like an angel. I like Cordy handing out cards at the club, and Doyle starting a bar fight to preserve her honour. I like Cordy finding out about Doyle’s visions – interesting once you know the future – “If that was my gift, I’d return it.” Ironic.

I like the initial chemistry between Angel and Kate (“I’m looking for someone to rescue.” “I don’t need rescuing.”) And then outside the bar, trying to protect her – “You can go to hell.” “Been there, done that.” One of the best lines in Angel ever. And then discovering she’s a cop and thinks he’s the murderer, which is a nice twist but he gets out of it rather too easily (“I’m sorry.” “Is that a confession?” Hits her and escapes.)

I like Doyle making the point about the difference between Liam’s home in Ireland, Sunnydale, or high school, where you all knew each other, and LA where no-one knows anyone and everyone’s just “trying to make a connection”. Highlighting the differences Angel’s going to face here, and pointing out the whole theme of the episode.

I like Cordy talking about demons being gross, not knowing Doyle is part-demon (or that she’s going to become that). I like the messiness of Cordy’s apartment (“It was supposed to go home, hotel, hotel, husband”) and her inviting Angel in only after he promises to stay good.

I like Angel searching the club and Kate searching his place, to the song. Very moody. I like the fact they then team up to defeat the demon, especially with the managing not to let Kate know it’s a demon (“The bartender was connected to everyone”).

I didn’t particularly enjoy the various scenes with the demon-possessed people chatting up the next victim. I know they were making the point about hard it is to “make a connection”, but they weren’t particularly sinister until you knew they were the demon (I did like the fact that we missed a link in the chain so we didn’t know it was the bartender), and those scenes were pretty depressing.

So I guess this episode does its job of setting things up pretty well, but I didn’t enjoy it that much. I know it started off as quite a different story and it went through a lot of changes, and I think it shows.

6.5/10

AF

Never thought about it that way - Angel v. both an evil law firm and the police!

AF

A good episode, even though I can't stand Kate.

The monster is well done, and the twists are good.

Best line : "Go to hell". "Been there. Done that".


8/10

I watched this episode with one of my friends who does not watch Buffy or Angel, :o she enjoyed the way it portrays the desperation of some single people who are looking for that special someone. She her self is single and works for herself so finds it hard to meet people, she goes out every weekend with friends hoping she will find someone, shes good looking and is financially independent but yet never finds that connection, the men she meets are either married, have girl friends or are total losers. :(
This episode for me has a dark undertone aside from the lets stop the evil.
The demon wanting to find that perfect body, that it can stay with forever and failing miserably is a good way of showing both sides to the relationship “issue” that people either want to be content and happy, or can never be satisfied.
I love the introduction of Kate and the very awkward conversation between herself and Angel at the bar :blush: (When I watch this I cringe and thank my lucky stars I am not over 30, single and looking to be with someone) like the bit with the typical drunk yobs, you get them in every night club I have ever been in, I like the way this early on Doyle is showing feelings for Cordy.
Kate’s “go to hell”
Angel “been there done that” Funny!! :thumbsup:
And poor Angel is he to be doomed to be alone forever?
Liked Angel sitting in the dark looking unhappy at the beginning and then at the end, alone sitting in the dark looking maybe not that unhappy about it after all.
Good episode :thumbsup:

Lonely Hearts isn’t as strong an episode as City Of imo but it’s still enjoyable. It manages to set up for new viewers that Angel finds it hard to talk to normal people without it feeling like we’ve been over this before for those who have watched him on Buffy for three years. There is the continuation of the Batman references with “it’s not like you have a light you can shine in the sky” from City of “nice Batcave sort of air to the place”. We get our first glimpse of the visions and what they do to Doyle and return to Cordelia’s apartment – “Cordelia wears bras, she has girl parts” :lol:. Also loved the “I can go wherever I want, and you can go to Hell” “Been there, done that” exchange between Kate and Angel.
And the setting up of Doyle not being able to tell Cordy about his half-demonness because he thinks it will ruin his chances.
Also, that song that plays when Angel is searching for the demon and is intercut with the demon changing bodies and Kate searching Angel's apartment was stuck in my head all through yesterday :rolleyes:

I think this is the first time we see Doyle have a vision, he mentioned them and the mind splitting headaches last week but now we get to see just how painful they are :o Poor bloke! Not much info from this one, just the name of the bar and the knowledge hat they have to save someone. But who?

The whole bar scene is fantastic, from Cordy giving out their cards, to Doyle trying to uphold her honor, to Angel’s cringe-worthy first meeting with Kate. He really does need to w**k on his social skills :lol:

(OT – My copy of season 1 is what I recorded from Sky One and it’s interesting to see what adverts were showing so long ago. BTW – Zovirax are STILL using the same ad, are they short of money or something?)

Quick mention for THAT line again…..

Kate: Go to hell!
Angel: Been there. Done that
Brilliant It’s one of the first lines that comes to mind when you think of Angel (Must go check if it’s in the Angel quote thread…….)

Although I would class this episode as only so-so I do like the misdirection here, as you first think the demon is the guy, then they make you think it was the girl all along. Then they show you that you were right both times. The way you are kept guessing is well played, particularly when you throw in that Kate is actually a cop (I wasn’t expecting that!)

Cordy quote of the episode……

Cordy: It’s a parasite. It moves from body to body. And when it leaves one for the next, not going to gag here, but the first one goes kaplooey pretty fast.
Doyle: Yep, curdles like cream on a hot day.
Cordy: I believe I covered that with non dairy kaplooey?

And just how gross are the sound affects when the bartender/demon tries to stick that bit of his forehead back on :x

And the morale of the story? Beware who you snuggle with!!
All in all I’d give this episode 5/10. Not bad but not that good either ;)

I like this episode - tho not one of my all time faves. I agree with Rob, it shows you just how lonely LA can be and establishes the "help the helpless" theme that continues throught.
Not a huge fan of Kate, I must admit. Not sure why but there is just something about her.
Everyone else seems to have covered most of everything else. Need to play catch up :)

I am totally with Rob and Margot on this one. A fantastic exploration of the harder themes that will preoccupy Angel. I cannot see Buffy doing an episode like this. There is also a truly superior use of music. sk

Brilliantly summed up there Margot/Rob - don't understand peoples downer on this I enjoyed it - though I would loved to have seen the alleged infinitely darker version that was rejected.

Not as good as City of but it's definitely worth watching.I feel for all those people who are just so sad and lonely and want to connect.
:lmao: at Doyle's reaction in seeing Cordelia's apartment.
Kate can't say i like her but she's an interesting character. <_<
The storyline's kind of gross when two people have sex and the demon or whatever passes onto the other one. :x