Angel S01E08 I Will Remember You

Buckle up, folks, because today, we're diving into the whirlwind of emotions and demon blood that is "I Will Remember You". Just when you thought you’d started to warm up to a new romance for Buffy (you know, Buffy/Riley), the TV writers reach into your chest, grab your heart, and play it like an accordion. And they do this by getting Buffy and Angel back together for, like, a hot second. I’m just sitting there, holding my heart in my hands, yelling at the screen, “Why are you doing this to me?!” Apparently, the creators aren't concerned about our emotional wellbeing.

First, let's talk about Angel's mortal transformation. They did not waste time. Ten minutes in, and boom! Angel is human again. Sunlight on his face, food tasting like heaven (it’s been centuries, give the man a break!), and reflections in mirrors! This early transformation was a smart move; it lets Angel and, by extension, us, marinate in his newfound humanity. We needed that before Buffy is thrown into the mix because it makes us appreciate what he's regained.

But then enter The Oracles, the guardians of destiny or whatever. They are FABULOUS. I want them to have their own talk show, where they just sit and discuss the mortal world's fashion choices. And let's not forget Cordelia. She was serving looks and truths. I think she could have her own talk show too, but that's a conversation for another time.

Now let’s talk about what truly made this episode: Buffy. Yes, we know this is Angel’s show, but this episode was peak Sarah Michelle Gellar. She takes us on an emotional roller coaster: from anger to joy, confusion to utter heartbreak. The way she calls out Angel for his pseudo-noble Sunnydale visit is just what the audience needed. Angel may be a centuries-old vampire, but sometimes he needs a reality check.

However, here's where things get complicated, and we as viewers are split down the middle. Angel, in his self-sacrificing broodiness, decides that to protect Buffy he must be a vampire again. This is where I start yelling at the TV. Dude, ask her! Communicate! Buffy deserves to have a say in this.

So, Angel goes back in time. Only he remembers the beautiful 24 hours they had together, and it’s devastating. It’s like watching a parallel universe where everything you ever wanted happens, and then you are dragged back to reality where none of it exists.

Buffy’s reaction is gut-wrenching. He took something precious from her, and she doesn’t even know it. This is a testament to the strength of her character and the power of storytelling. We, the audience, end up like Angel, burdened with the memory of what could have been.

“I Will Remember You” is a masterclass in character development and storytelling. It's tragic, beautiful, and frustrating, all rolled into a 45-minute episode. It’s not just about Angel and Buffy; it’s about the choices we make, the sacrifices we are willing to make for others, and the pain of lost love and opportunities. It’s about being human, whether you are a vampire or a slayer. It's about understanding that sometimes even with supernatural forces at play, the heart wants what it wants, and taking that away can be the cruelest twist of fate.