Angel: S01E17 'Eternity'

"Angel's Eternity": A Glimpse Into the Darkness Within

Angel, the vampire with a soul, spun off from Buffy the Vampire Slayer, has certainly charted its own path in the annals of supernatural drama. In the first season's seventeenth episode, titled “Eternity,” Angel Investigations takes on the case of an actress being stalked. But as the narrative unfolds, it’s not merely a straightforward case of celebrity obsession. Instead, it delves into the treacherous realms of fame and one's own inner demons.

At first glance, the initial episodes of Angel felt like they were still finding their ground, some coming across as lackluster. However, the series has found its rhythm and "Eternity" is testament to that. Unlike its parent show, Buffy, which often intermingles the real with the supernatural, this episode ventures into the complex world of fame with minimal supernatural interference. The fact that Angel dares to take this route so early on is indicative of its potential to weave tales that are as compelling as they are thought-provoking.

“Eternity” essentially plays out in two acts, each focusing on a core theme. The first half zeroes in on the pitfalls of fame, personified by the character of Cordelia Chase. As a character who yearns for recognition, her over-the-top reaction when actress Rebecca Lowell enters their world seems almost natural. While it’s easy to dismiss her aspirations as superficial, the episode doesn’t shy away from suggesting that her obsession might lead her down a treacherous path.

Yet, this episode isn’t just about Cordelia’s ambitions. The story places Rebecca, the victim turned villain, under the spotlight. Unlike many characters in similar tales, she's not predisposed to radical decisions. Instead, it's a series of unfortunate events — from the stalking to the shocking revelation about her manager’s betrayal — that pushes her over the edge. What's captivating is how she uses Angel, seeing him as a means to her desired end. He is the pawn, she the player.

The emotional climax, however, revolves around Angel's alter-ego, Angelus. This episode brings to the fore the perilous line Angel constantly walks between friend and foe. The intensity of Cordelia's confrontation with Angelus, where she possibly threatens him with holy water, is an indelible moment. Even though she might have been bluffing, her deep-seated fear of Angelus's return is palpable.

It's this return of Angelus that proves to be the most harrowing part of "Eternity." His cruelty, both in words and actions, is jarring. One particularly unsettling scene involves Angelus forcibly feeding his blood to Rebecca, a moment executed so rawly it almost seems unscripted. His brutally honest remarks towards Wesley and Cordelia underline the torment his presence inflicts on the team. The emotional wounds might heal on the surface, but the scars remain, posing the ever-looming threat of Angel's darker side re-emerging.

Performance-wise, this episode arguably stands out as one of the best of the season. David Boreanaz, portraying both Angel and Angelus, delivers a tour de force, giving viewers a taste of Angel’s emotional depth. Tamara Gorski, as Rebecca, also deserves commendation for her compelling portrayal.

As Angel's first season draws to a close, its trajectory remains intriguingly uncertain. Unlike the clearly defined narratives in other series like Buffy's fourth season, Angel keeps its audience in suspense. As viewers, we're kept on our toes, eagerly anticipating the unexpected. One thing's for sure: Angel continues to chart its unique course in the expansive universe of supernatural drama.