Angel

The WB Unwraps Its February Sweeps Plans

By The Futon Critic Staff

The WB plans to fill its February sweeps schedule with "original episodes of its dramas and comedies, featuring flashbacks to World War II, magic schools, vampires, werewolves, living puppets, car crashes, the return of old loves, loss of innocence and near-death experiences," according to a network press release.

Here’s a complete breakdown of what to expect during the key ratings period. (Please note that the following episode descriptions may contain spoilers for future storylines.)

On February 11, ANGEL (David Boreanaz) travels back to his days in World War II when the U.S. Navy enlisted his aid to retrieve a German submarine with a secret cargo of vampires, including Spike (James Marsters). In an unusual and whimsical episode on February 18, Angel is transformed into a puppet while investigating the deadly effect that a children’s television program is having on its audience. On February 25, when they discover a hole in the world that serves as a burial ground for demons that existed before recorded time, Angel and Spike race to stop one of the ancient demons from using Fred’s (Amy Acker) body to return to power. Finally, on March 3, Angel reaches out to an old friend from Sunnydale in his desperate attempt to restore Fred to her body.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11

"ANGEL" - (9:00-10:00 p.m. ET)
"Why We Fight"
VAMPIRES ABOARD A GERMAN U-BOAT - Lawson (left, guest star Eyal Podell, "Behind Enemy Lines"), a mysterious man from Angel’s (David Boreanaz) past, arrives at Wolfram & Hart and takes the gang hostage. Through flashbacks to World War II, it is revealed that Angel worked with the U.S. Navy to recover a captured German submarine with American sailors on board. The ship also has a secret cargo, a dangerous trio of vampires, including Spike (James Marsters), who were kidnapped by the Germans and forced to help the Nazis. When the sub comes under attack, Angel saves Lawson’s life by turning him into a vampire. Now, sixty years later, Lawson has arrived at Wolfram & Hart seeking revenge.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18

"ANGEL" - (9:00-10:00 p.m. ET)
"Smile Time"
THE GREAT PUPPET CAPER — When a popular children’s show begins to steal the life forces of children by hypnotizing them, Angel (David Boreanaz) goes directly to the studio to uncover the evil doings. Upon entering the building, Angel triggers a spell that transforms him into a puppet. In a race against time, puppet-Angel and company must find a way to reverse the spell, save the lives of hundreds of children and return Angel to his normal vampire state. Meanwhile, Nina (guest star Jenny Mollen), the werewolf Angel befriended, returns to declare her romantic intentions, but puppet-Angel is too embarrassed to reciprocate.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25

"ANGEL" - (9:00-10:00 p.m. ET)
"A Hole in the World"
WRITTEN AND DIRECTED BY JOSS WHEDON — When Fred (Amy Acker) opens up an ancient sarcophagus that was anonymously sent to her, she is infected by a mysterious parasitic demon called Illyria. Angel (David Boreanaz) and Spike (James Marsters) learn that Illyria is an ancient demon who existed before recorded time, and they must race to return her to an ancient demon burial ground before she kills Fred and thousands of other innocent victims.

TUESDAY, MARCH 2

"ANGEL" - (9:00-10:00 p.m. ET)
"Shells"
THE END OF FRED — Angel (David Boreanaz) and Spike (James Marsters) return from England defeated, knowing that the ancient demon Illyria has completely taken over Fred’s (Amy Acker) body and soul. Upon learning that Knox (guest star Jonathan Woodward) and Gunn (J. August Richards) have each contributed to her demise, Wesley (Alexis Denisof) is bent on revenge and Angel tries everything to restore Fred, including calling on an old friend from Sunnydale. Meanwhile, Illyria tries to locate an ancient temple where she believes she will find an army ready to help her destroy mankind.