Sense and Sensibility

Sense and Sensibility
Written by
Directed by

Original Airdate: November 9, 1999

Plot: After nabbing a suspected mob don with Angel's help, Kate and the rest of the police force are forced to undergo sensitivity training...but there is an evil force at work behind the training...

Review

Warning: This is the sensitive, compassionate side of me warning you that there are major SPOILERS just ahead for the latest episode of Angel, "Sense and Sensibility." If seeing them will put you out of sorts, please turn back now...

In short: An interesting offering.

I've been a follower of Tim Minear's for several years now. My first contact with him came several years ago on his association with Lois and Clark, where he offered some strong scripts. Two years ago, Tim jumped over to the X-Files where he collaborated on one story that worked fairly well and offered a strong solo effort. Since them, I've wondered what happened to him, so I have to admit I was happy to see him turn up as a producer on Angel and offer this week's episode, "Sense and Sensibility."

And in many ways, "Sense and Sensibility" reminded me a lot of two episodes of Lois and Clark there were among some of the better hours the series offered--the first season classic, Pheremone My Lovely and the third season gem, Season's Greedings. In both scripts, the regular cast was required to act out of character based on an external force. And in each case, it was an exageration of a normal trait taken to the next level. In the end, it freed us up to learn a bit more about each character on the show based on how they'd acted "under the influence."

Which is what we got here with Sense and Sensibility.

Which isn't necessarily a bad thing.

But, I will say that while Minear took this common theme, he put a new twist on it and made it interesting, if not highly original to watch here.

Overall, I've got to admit there were times that I really, really enjoyed what was going on on screen. Most of that concerned the new view of Angel that we got (namely because it was a riot at times seeing our usual brooding hero be so open and honest about his feelings) as well as bit of much-needed character development for Kate. I've got to admit that I like the partnership that is growing between them and find that most weeks there's enough chemistry between them romantially to keep it interesting.

Seeing Angel's touch with sensitivity was a nice touch. It also showed off a bit of the range David Boreanaz has and that's nice. He's got a great deal of talent (more than I give him credit for at times) as we saw in the second season of Buffy and it was nice to see him flex a bit here. Yes, the whole situation was a bit pat and set-up (we see Angel as more withdrawn than usual early on, but then we see him struggle with opening up to Cordy and being nicer to her as the episode progresses) but I can excuse that for what the episode tried to and did, for the most part, achieve on a charcter level. Namely, we see that Angel does have a nice side, but it's just buried in there. Also, it's a lot better for that side to come out occasionally rather than be there all the time. You see glimpses of it when he talks to Kate early on, which brings up some interesting speculation on my part.

Namely, as I thought about it, it seemed that Angel is nicer to the types of women he is attracted to. Of course, this is completely understandable and it adds a great deal of interest to the character. Let's face it--he's never been into Cordy in a romantic way and so he doesn't think of having to treat her any better than he does, say Doyle. But Kate gets a bit of special treatment--such as offering her coffee in an early scene and doing a favor for her to keep the mob boss on the pier.

Overall, it's interesting to think about and is something I wonder if it will continue as the series progresses.

As for Kate, I liked what I saw here.

Last week, she seemed like an add-on, meant only to move the plot forward becasue the writers couldn't honestly think of any other way to do it. Here, she's a living, breathing character who has fears and quirks and it just fun to watch. The nature of her relationship with her father is an interesting one and you've got to wonder if it will continue to be developed as the season goes on. We also got some insight into her past as well--in her reason to join the force. I liked that and it all worked fairly well. Enough so that I was interested.

Also, seeing her smell out the romantic tension between Doyle and Cordy was nice. It makes you wonder just which person she was saying had the crush....at first glance, you'd say Doyle since we know that...but based on how Cordy's acted and related to men she' s interested in (Xander), you've got to wonder if the nail was striking close to home for her as well...

But, back to Kate...

As I considered the episode, another thought struck me...Kate is what an older Buffy could be. (Which may be part of the attraction for Angel). Kate comes from a broken home in which one parent wanted little or nothing to do with her (I was confused as to whether Kate's mom died or simply left her father...at some points it seemed as if it could either way) and the other parent doens't know how to relate. She has a job that requires her to be tough as nails and to not often show her vulnerable, feminine side. When she does, it makes you realize how attractive she is. She's got a job that is tradionally considered a male job and is trying her best to make her mark. And on some levels she looks a bit similar. (Please all you Buffy and Angel forever fans, don't crucify me for that one...;-) ) Overall, I like the comparisons that spring to mind when you think about these two character and what they represent to their shows and Angel. It might be interesting to see how the two react to each other should they ever meet in a future episode.

With all the time devoted to Kate and Angel, there wasn't a lot left to Doyle and Cordy, but what they got worked well. Cordy was a lot better handled this week than last. And Doyle is really growing on me....(which is a shame considering what I've heard on-line...)

But, all these great character moments couldn't rescue a rather mundane villain plot--which if I remember correctly was a Minear problem on Lois and Clark. He had great character stuff but the villian stuff fell flat.

Seeing the mobster who wants revenge was OK, but it's been done so many times before. Also, the whole lawyers are up to some form of evil just seemed a bit pat at times. For the most part, the only interesting development that came out of this plotline was that the law firm is now aware of Angel (werent' they already?!?) and realizes just exactly what kind of threat he poses. I have a feeling the run-ins from here out may get a lot more interesting.

So, overall, there's a lot to like about Sense and Sensibility..and only a few things to dislike.

I think it suffered a bit airing right after an instant classic Buffy, but it held its own well. It's enjoyable enough and may be an episode that's pivotal once the entire season comes a bit more into focus.

So, that about wraps it up for now...

My rating: 7.5 (out of 10.0)

Next up: Doyle's ex comes to visit....