only one episode left

I agree with the "deus ex machina" gang. Introducing them in the second to last episode is preposterous.
"The circle of the black thorn is a secret society that runs things for the senior partners."
"Why haven't I heard of it?"
"Because it's a secret."

Oof. Nice cover.

Overnight ratings for S5x21. According to Mediaweek, last night's 'Power Play' got 3.9/5 and demolished UPN.

Ratings do more talking then save campaigns, come on WB!!!

So at the end, did that guy see/hear what the angel team was talking about?

I think it is safe to assume that he only saw the fake reality that Angel's little amulet thingie made. Otherwise, why show us Angel's office from the POV of "that guy"?

Agreed. I was wondering if he saw it too, but I figured if he had seen it he would be on the horn to the Senior Partners immediately.

So according to the end of this episode, Angel received the visions from Cordy in "You're Welcome". Ok, one small problem. Didn't the Season 3 episode "Birthday" establish that Angel couldn't handle the visions and ended up going insane? Or were these visions altered somehow so the guy wouldn't be reduced to sitting in the corner in a fetal position mumbling to himself?

well, he did say it was a "one time deal"...

maybe that had something to do with it? i'm catching up on Angel since I started watching since last season, so i'm not familiar with previous events...

Angel didn't receive "the" visions, she just gave him one vision to set him in the right direction

Very true. Maybe I'm naive, but I always liked to think that Boreanaz was one of the few TV actors that was satisfied in what he was doing and wasn't trying to break into movies. He's been in like what two(with Crow on the way)? If he was actively trying to get into movies I think he could have found more than that. But again, I'm probably being a bit naive.

The main thing that probably held him back was his shooting schedule for Angel. Unfortunately for him now, he's missed his window. The best thing going for him was his looks. His stud appeal. That's pretty much gone now. He's not a very good actor. He's gotten better. A lot better. Some of the first eps of BtVS he did were pretty damn scary. And I'm not talking about his fangs. I'm sure he could get work. He's at his best as "Angelus". He could easily do 2 or 3 movies right away playing that type of role if he wants. And he could easily get back in shape. He just needs to cut back on the Guinness a little. Which is gonna be a tough task. I've tried for years.

I agree with the final "big bad" being too big and the similarities between the end of Buffy and Angel.

While watching the episode I asked myself the same question about where did the Circle of the Black Thorn come from, but the way I rationalized it was the vision was to set Angel on his path. Cordy told him this was a one shot deal to get *him* on the right path. With that said, why mention it to the others? Plus how can he make it look like the gang doesn't trust him if they know what is going on..

My question though is did Angel see Fred's death in Cordy's vision?

I thought this was a fantastic episode. Seemed a little tired with the whole "Angelus has returned" angle, but I was glad to see they explained it in one episode.

Anyone else find it odd that during the preview's for next week it said "The WB Series Finale"??? Guess I am being a little too hopeful. I don't care if another network picks it up, a straight to DVD season six would be great in my opinion (and actually preferred).

David has done two movies to my knowledge; a Crow movie, and Valentine.

Damn good ep, that really picked up steam towards the ending.