THE SHROUD OF RAHMON: Fear and Loathing in...

[Queen E]

Post, if you like. Or just enjoy the scenery.

[Lola m]

I've always liked this episode. It gives the appearance of being a "stand alone" ep. Something to "mark time" until the Darla story arc is ready for its next twist. But it's not really all that unconnected, is it?

As you noted, this is a rather ironic case to help get Angel's mind off of Darla. And the whole caper, as it goes down, forshadows what we'll be seeing soon in the Angelverse. Tension and suspicion among the gang, Angel coming a bit closer to Angelus than is healthy, and issues with Kate.

Loved your identification of the "don't wallow in your past" theme. Angel alternates between wallowing too much and not remembering enough in this season. And he'll end up realising he needs to just get back to basics. Back to helping one "helpless" person at a time. Back from a reminder of, as you point out, how close to the surface his demon is.

Very insighful and intriguing ideas about how a fluid identity, the act of pretending or playacting, interacts with the shroud's usual influence. I also liked the foreshadowing of the Pylea stories. I never really noticed that before!

And finally, really loved your final paragraphs about time and counting.

So, what are we counting down to? The very next episode is “The Trial,” in which we find out that Darla’s days are numbered. On Buffy, a “shadow” has just been discovered in Joyce’s brain; when Angel burns the Shroud, a shadow emerges. Although not a true crossover, both Angel and Buffy are moving closer to losing their “mothers.” The shroud is winding closer and closer.

The links between Angel and Buffy were strongest in seasons 1 and 2, but I tend to forget them, the farther we move from their original air dates.


Very excellent analysis of this ep, Erin! Glad to see it given its proper due.

[Queen E]

lolam said:

I've always liked this episode. It gives the appearance of being a "stand alone" ep. Something to "mark time" until the Darla story arc is ready for its next twist. But it's not really all that unconnected, is it?

Me too! That's part of why I found it so hard to write; I've been viewing it as a "standalone" as well. A rather strangely placed one, actually. So, when in doubt, I go to Buffy; the fact that the Buffy episode that aired at the same time was "Shadow" sort of pulled it all into perspective.

As you noted, this is a rather ironic case to help get Angel's mind off of Darla. And the whole caper, as it goes down, forshadows what we'll be seeing soon in the Angelverse. Tension and suspicion among the gang, Angel coming a bit closer to Angelus than is healthy, and issues with Kate.

Yes, this is one of the many times in this season that we see the Fang Gang separated...it's never intentional, but they keep all going off in different directions, which is symptomatic of Angel's lack of focus and direction. Rather like Cordelia's evil in Season 4, when one member of the gang is messed up, the others will feel the effects...

Loved your identification of the "don't wallow in your past" theme. Angel alternates between wallowing too much and not remembering enough in this season. And he'll end up realising he needs to just get back to basics. Back to helping one "helpless" person at a time. Back from a reminder of, as you point out, how close to the surface his demon is.

Thanks! It was Cordy's "tombs earthed" line that really hit that, in my opinion. Angel uses his past to either flagellate himself into inaction, or summons Angelus from his tomb to perform the actions he can't. The wine cellar murders were very cold, and Angel remains Siberia until "Epiphany." Even his way to solve the problem involves going to Darla, who is physically cold. (It's really Connor who brings the "heat" to Angel's actions, don't you think?)

I think I'm getting off topic, here. I agree with the point your making; poor Angel loses the mission much more than he has it...)

Very insighful and intriguing ideas about how a fluid identity, the act of pretending or playacting, interacts with the shroud's usual influence. I also liked the foreshadowing of the Pylea stories. I never really noticed that before!

Hee! Me neither! I couldn't figure out why neither Cordy or Wes were affected by the Shroud the same way Angel and Gunn were...when I rewatched the scene with Cordy saying "I am pleasant" I thought: "Oh, princess!" That and the interaction between Angel and Gunn really indicated that this wasn't a "one off."

And finally, really loved your final paragraphs about time and counting.

So, what are we counting down to? The very next episode is “The Trial,” in which we find out that Darla’s days are numbered. On Buffy, a “shadow” has just been discovered in Joyce’s brain; when Angel burns the Shroud, a shadow emerges. Although not a true crossover, both Angel and Buffy are moving closer to losing their “mothers.” The shroud is winding closer and closer.

The links between Angel and Buffy were strongest in seasons 1 and 2, but I tend to forget them, the farther we move from their original air dates.


Very excellent analysis of this ep, Erin! Glad to see it given its proper due.

Oh, thanks! It's funny how they really address similar themes in a very subtle fashion.

I want new episodes. Damn it.

Thank you, Lola; you are the most rockin' person! #bighug#

[Lola m]

One more thought I had to add before moving on to the next analysis!

I had to mention something that came to mind when I was reading the metaphor you used of the tomb that should have been left "earthed". I liked your linking of this episode element to the larger arc of Darla's return, as well as showing how it comes into play in this episode - unearthing the issues and resentments underneath the roles that people are playing.

You said:

To take the metaphor one step further, releasing such things can either “clear the air” or infect the present.

And my mind went also all the way forward to season 5 and Illyria. Another infection that would have been better left earthed. Pair that with your thoughts about Gunn - "he will continue to shadowbox against his inability to save the girl” - and you have the metaphor come full circle.

Just had to get that out of my head and into a post before I moved on to "The Trial".

[Queen E]

lolam said:

One more thought I had to add before moving on to the next analysis!

I had to mention something that came to mind when I was reading the metaphor you used of the tomb that should have been left "earthed". I liked your linking of this episode element to the larger arc of Darla's return, as well as showing how it comes into play in this episode - unearthing the issues and resentments underneath the roles that people are playing.

You said:

To take the metaphor one step further, releasing such things can either “clear the air” or infect the present.

And my mind went also all the way forward to season 5 and Illyria. Another infection that would have been better left earthed. Pair that with your thoughts about Gunn - "he will continue to shadowbox against his inability to save the girl” - and you have the metaphor come full circle.

Just had to get that out of my head and into a post before I moved on to "The Trial".

Excellent thinky thoughts, Lola!

And yes, we've got Pandora's box being opened again and again on this show, except hope so rarely flies out, sad to say.

It's funny, too; I started watching Season 4 again, which really helped me finish this analysis: I went from "Apocalype Now-ish" to "Inside Out" and was struck in particular by Cordy's instructions to Gunn and Connor to release the soul-sucker. Especially since she was the one who uttered the "tombs earthed" line in the first place. Another little piece of the puzzle that should have been a big tip-off that something was WAY off with her.

One interesting bit is how the Darla arc really has Wolfram and Hart setting up its own demise through their hubris. Or, more significantly, Lindsey setting up Wolfram and Hart's demise. They bring back Darla to make Angel dark so he'll be on their side in the end. She's dying. Angel goes through the Trial, opening up the first real doorway. LINDSEY has Darla turned (excellent way to make Angel go dark). He sleeps with Darla. Darla gets pregnant with Connor, etc etc. They are so positive that they can control the large things, they really forget one of the few truths Skip said: "You have any concept of how many lines have to intersect in order for a thing like this to play out? How many events have to be nudged in just the right direction?" (Proving, in my opinion, that there were a million moments where this could have been changed.) W & H has a bad habit of forgetting to factor in anything but their own ambitions...

Wow. Sorry. Didn't mean to say so much!