Amends

These snapshots may contain SPOILERS for the entire series, so if for some reason you haven't yet seen some of the episodes and do not want to know what is going on, read no further.

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While the gang prepares for their Christmas vacation, Angel is haunted by visions of his violent past. The ghost of Jenny Calendar appears to him and reminds him in great detail of the evil deeds he has performed. At first she almost seems to be taking pity on him, but gradually her counsel grows more sinister.
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Buffy: Strong is fighting! It's hard, and it's painful, and it's every day. It's what we have to do. And we can do it together. But if you're too much of a coward for that, then burn. If I can't convince you that you belong in this world, then I don't know what can. But do not expect me to watch. And don't expect me to mourn for you, because ...

Good character development, good dialogue and an OK plot.


"Amends" is BTVS Christmas Carol episode. The gang is preparing for the holidays and dealing with the fall-out of their love lives. Cordy still won't forgive Xander, Oz and Willow are moving towards being a couple again, and Buffy and Angel are determined to stay apart. Meanwhile, Angel is being haunted by the people he killed. Four ghosts from his past that want to ensure his damnation.

"Amends" highlights Angel's quest for redemption. Angel wants to be forgiven for all the horrible things that he's done. We see his remorse and continuing fear that he'll slip from the righteous path. Angel's desire to redeem his past is at the very core of his character. It motivates him through most of the five season's of "Angel" and influences his decisions, both good and bad. This episode begins his quest to make "amends."

On the downside this is our only real Christmas episode for the series. The more I re-watch this episode the less I like Boreanaz's acting in this.

Gotta love Xander sleeping outside with the plate of cookies for Santa.


Foreshadowing
The First and the Bringers. - season 7
The First tells Angel, "Sooner or later, you will drink her." - "Graduation Day, Part Two".


My views/status of characters;
Buffy - like
Willow - like
Xander - like
Giles - like
Cordelia - like
Spike - like
Angel - dislike
Oz - like

Overall I consider this a good episode compared to the rest of the season.