Angel

Herc’s Seen Drew Goddard’s First ANGEL!! I am - Hercules!!

Angel 5.7 FAQ What’s it called? “Lineage.”

Who’s responsible? Teleplay is credited to “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” ace Drew Goddard (“Selfless,” “Never Leave Me,” “Dirty Girls”).

What did Coax say about this one back in September? * Winifred will be DAMAGED due to a grappling-hook mishap. She’ll need shots maybe.

* Roger Wyndham-Pryce, Wesley’s judgmental pop, makes his debut. His famous first words: “It doesn’t work, I’ve tried.” He is described as being in his fifties or sixties and stern.

* Roger employs the verb “re-form,” so it looks like Morphy really did destroy the Watchers Council after all! (Herc pulls on his lower lip.) Naughty Morphy!

* Roger seems secretly hot to return Wes to the Watchers fold.

* Daddy Wyndam-Pryce says some regard Wes’ tenure with the council as “our most embarrassing failure.” Yea-OWie!!! Owiey Ow ow OW!!!

* Nonetheless, Roger seems HIGHLY impressed with the firm resources to which Wes now has access. Highly highly. There may be a bit of envy!

What does TV Guide say? As the gang investigates a team of cyborg assassins, Wes gets a visit from his estranged father (Roy Dotrice), who brings news of a re-formed Watchers’ Council. But the social call soon sours when the elder Wyndam-Pryce encounters Angel, who’s the real reason he’s in L.A.. Eve: Sarah Thompson. Knox: Jonathan M. Woodward.

The big news? “Who said the amulet was meant for Angel?” asks young Eve of Spike.

Are the watchers busy rounding up the slayers? We don’t learn.

Does Roger bring any news of Buffy or Giles? No.

Does Wes get called up to the Watchers? Is Denisof off the show now? Sure. Why not?

What business does daddy Roger have with Angel? Angel’s “will” is involved.

Does Spike, as suspected, get all solid this week? No.

Is Winifred injured by the ‘borgs? Yes.

Do the cyborgs speak with Austrian accents? Do we hear “Six Million Dollar Man” sound effects when they lift heavy things? No and no.

Do any of the cyborgs identify themselves as “El Diablo Mechanico?? No.

Any news of Charles or Krevlornswath? Charles does some fighting, and Lorne utilizes his cell to interface with showbiz clients. So no.

What’s good? Spike generally, but especially his news about “Head Boy.”

What’s not so good? I wanted news of Buffy and Giles and the watchers. Faith, even.

How does it end, spoiler-boy? “I just... wanted to call... and...see how you were.”

Herc’s rating for “Angel” 5.6? ***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! I am - Hercules!!