Angel

Herc’s Seen One of the Last Five ANGELs!! I am - Hercules!!

Angel 5.18 FAQ What’s it called? “Origin.”

Who’s responsible? Teleplay is credited to Drew Goddard (“Lineage,” “Damage,” “1943” and the big upcoming ode to Buffy Summers, “The Girl In Question”).

What does TV Guide say? “Angel’s son, Connor, who has no memory of his old life, shows up at Wolfram & Hart and a prophecy reveals that he’s the only one capable of vanquishing a powerful demon. Elsewhere, Hamilton (Adam Baldwin) tries to strike a bargain with the exiled Gunn; and Wes makes a stunning discovery about the gang’s pact with the firm. Connor: Vincent Kartheiser.”

Whoa whoa whoa!! What “stunning discovery” does Wes make with regard to Team Angel’s pact with the firm? It’s only stunning to Wes. Loyal fans have been aware of the pact since Tim Minear’s geniusy 4.22.

If Connor has no memory of his old life, what compels him to visit the firm? He gets hit. Very hard. With a large motor vehicle. A cop suggests his family visit an evil law firm familiar to us all.

What bargain does Hamilton offer Gunn? Does Hamilton offer Gunn a bargain? Did I miss this? Admitted, he does pay a visit ... (Herc reaches for that rewind button).

Does Gunn accept? Does Gunn even have a clue as to what Hamilton is discussing? Hamilton has no problem with removing the magic necklace. Hamilton may remove it again. If not this week.

The big news? Wes has his memories restored. Even those involving the slashing of a certain ex-watcher throat.

What else is TV Guide not telling us? Cyvus, who’ll be back, could be related to that song-happy demon from “Once More With Feeling.”

What’s doing with Spike? “Testing her might be hard without getting someone seriously hurt,” admits Wesley Wyndam-Pryce. “We’ll make Spike do it,” explains his boss.

And Krevlornswath? I think he tells someone someone else wants him. Not a big role this week. Hi Andy!!

What’s good? The versatile, versatile Amy Acker, who really should have been in that FHM top 100, and who looks very very good in blue. What I perceive as the references to “Unbreakable.” “It’s okay! Found it.” “Let’s be clear about this. I’m not a little girl. You and I won’t be making love on this couch anytime soon.” “Do you spend all your time making out with other vampires?” “This one is lusting after me!” Angel’s excitement at Stanford. “I built your son. I am not the sort of man you want as an enemy.” “Strange. There’s not much activity on the ‘Rescue Gunn Front’.” The way Dennis Christopher reaches to protect his throat. “Is this your 30 pieces of silver?” “Was Fred the price?” “I thought sunlight burned you up!” “Like the Pope has." Can I just say again how fucking brilliant it is that the series is set at Wolfman & Hart this season?

What’s not so good? Vincent Kartheiser looks like he’s about 37.

How does it end, spoiler-boy? “You got to do what you can to protect your family. I learned that from my father.”

Herc’s rating for “Angel” 5.18? ***1/2 The Hercules T. Strong Rating System: ***** better than we deserve **** better than most motion pictures *** actually worth your valuable time ** as horrible as most stuff on TV * makes you quietly pray for bulletins 9 p.m. Wednesday. The WB. Swing the crebbil!