So, now I'm always seeing the "family" theme everywhere.
Spartacus Angel hearing the tragic tale of brother Jack by the seemingly sincere Darin (clever idea to not try to pose as lovey-dovey very close brothers). Wes and Cordy acting like squabbing siblings until "daddy/big brother"
Spartacus Angel walks in. Wes' wonderful speech to the bookie and crew about how much more than an "employer"
Spartacus Angel is to him. Wes and Cordy worried about
Spartacus Angel and pulling together to find him and bring him home.
Certainly makes you see that the fang gang is much more of a "family" than cold-hearted Darin choosing to shoot his own brother rather than lose some of his money-making demon "property". That scene is just so well done! Angel trying to mimic the lines Darin used to first set him up ("he's my little brother" - "he's your brother"). Bang, bang. "Now he's my dead brother."
Plus, the scene is started when Jack begins taunting
Spartacus Angel and says " My favorite part was when you stuck Baker with the knife. Kind of put a damper on the brotherhood spiel." Giving us the metaphor of a "brotherhood" among the demons, which isn't apparent at first, but turns out to be true after all (kinda
).
Gosh. So it turns out family is about your feelings and your actions, not just simple blood lines. Who'da thunk it?
Loved how the bookie guy is another very "L.A." criminal, unhappy because he got a wheat grass drink instead of his preferred kiwi cooler. LOL!
Interesting that Cordy got no vision about this case. So, obviously that's one hint that the "victim" isn't all that innocent. Also, TPTB are not so much into helping out
Spartacus their champion, are they? Gonna let him sink or swim on his own. Well, except for Cordy and Wes. But no "extra" help sent to them. Interesting.
Speaking of champions, do we think it's a coincidence that Trepkos is referred to as a "a true champion" by the ring announcer and he is the one that finally forms a partnership with
Spartacus Angel to stop the fighting?
Lots of possible parallels or comparisons that can be made between the guys running the Octavian matches and the Initiative. One is the "government", one is "a business". One is capturing and using demons in the name of scientific inquiry and, as Willow asks, what then? Reintegrate them into society? (Bagboys at Wal-Mart, indeed.) One is a straightforward money-making venture. Both think they have a handle on somehow putting the demon world to good use and both are doomed when they lose control. Just some little germs of ideas that floated through my head.
All the scenes in with the captured demons are just so classic prison movie! We have our hero, the new tough guy, unjustly captured and forced to fight to defend himself while trying not to lose his "goodness" in the process. The "tough on the outside", cynical "seen it all" con who, after seeing the way the good guy manages to stay true to his beliefs, decides not to take the selfish way out and instead goes back with the key to the cuffs and helps the others to escape. The "little guy" who our hero tries to save, but who dies tragically. The scene where our hero is forced to do violence against his will. The "noble" prisoner who is the biggest baddest mofo in the place and is brought back to his nobility through his connection to the hero. It's all here! The corrupt "guards" and system, brought down through the actions of our hero! The liberation of the prisoners, made bittersweet when we realize we've forgotten they're not really nice guys after all and now they're loose! Wow - it's like
The Dirty Dozen or something.
Wes - guns. Yum. ;D The scene with the bookie is a hint of season 3 Wes, while we still get lots of examples of goofy Wes, and researcher Wes, and magic/science guy Wes.
Of course this is the ep where we meet Lilah. And she certainly stands out in the crowd at the fight, doesn't she?
Such a perfect mixture of scathing superiority, hints of underlying fear, perfect cat-like feet-landing survival skills, and sexy confidence.
Viewing her scene with
Spartacus Angel up in her office was so . . . interesting, viewed through post-season 5 eyes. Lines like "I convinced the Macnamara to sell your contract to the partners", "Congratulations. You’re free" and the idea that he should take this deal because "it’s a big city . . .a lot of people need your help". Wow. Can we say deja-vu? Or maybe it should be "sera vu" - (will be seen).
Lola
Plus, the scene is started when Jack begins taunting 
). 