Angel Investigated - 5.17 Shells

Posted by Jason Chamberlain on 02.02.2012

Illyria is reborn in Fred's body and begins the work of reestablishing her dominance of Earth!

5.16 Shells
Writer: Steven S. DeKnight
Director: Steven S. DeKnight

Whedon Speak

Illyria: My last Qwa'ha Xahn was taller.
Knox: I--I may be shrinking a bit, in the glory of your presence.

Illyria: You are the protector of these creatures?
Angel: Yes.
Illyria: You'd fight for their lives?
Angel: Yes.
Illyria: (to Knox) Even this one?
Knox: Is that an issue? Is my life in peril, boss? King?

Case Files

Gunn references The Flash when talking about Illyria’s speed.

Jeremy Thomas has the full review!

At the end of "A Hole in the World," Angel fans were given a full-on punch to the gut as one of their most beloved characters, Winifred Burkle, died. It was one of the more tragic moments in Whedonverse history, a death on par with that of Tara Maclay, Joyce Summers or Doyle. And yet, it paved the way for one of Angel's strongest storyline arcs in its five season history, one that begins with this episode, "Shells."

"Shells" picks up immediately where "A Hole in the World" ended, with the newly-resurrected Illyria in Fred's body saying "This will do." Wesley's immediate response is hope that there's still Fred in there, but he quickly finds out that isn't the case. He defaults to what may be best referred to as post-Lilah mode and tries to cut her head off to no avail, then tries to bargain with her to leave and give the body back to Fred. Unfortunately that isn't possible and it inspires Illyria to carry on with her goals, which is the destruction of mankind and a restoration of her rule as an Old One. And as we quickly find out, she has the power to make it happen, or at least make her a match for anyone trying to stop her. This episode is all about, as the episode title states, what is left when there's nothing to fight for. Fred's body is a shell, and that fact has turned Wesley into an emotional shell, completely hollow inside. But they aren't the only shells to be found. As we discover at the end of the episode once everything looks to be doomed, Illyria has nothing to fight for either, as her temple is nothing more than an empty shell without anything of value inside. This is an episode where there are no winners; Illyria survives but she has nothing to fight for, and Angel and company stop her but it's the hollowest victory they've ever had.
Of course while there are no winners, there are some definite losers. Knox nearly saw his wildest dreams come true and stood at Illyria's side as she faced down Angel and his allies, only to be shot and killed by Wesley (right after a rousing Angel speech about fighting for humans, even!). And Gunn finds himself in the Wesley position from Season Three as he ends up in a hospital, disowned for making a mistake. Like Wesley, he didn't know that his actions would result in such terrible consequences, but he still has to pay the cost.

I know that a lot of Whedonites hated the death of Fred. Don't get me wrong; I hated it too. But as much as it was sad to see Fred go, I have to say that I love Illyria enough that it's worth it. Amy Acker has a chance to play an entirely different character in every way and she nails it beautifully. Where Fred was warm, shy, nurturing and nerdy, Illyria is cold, confident, unemotional and bad-ass. It's almost difficult to remember we're seeing the same character when she takes on Angel, Spike and Wesley and handles them all with ease. I love her work here and moving forward. Alexis Denisof conveys Wesley's desperate grief beautifully here as well; everyone is on top of their game. It's a great piece of television that will propel us to a hell of a conclusion for the series.

Mike Gorman	The punch to the gut that started last week continues in "Shells." I think this episode could best be described as Angel and Co. trying to catch falling water in their hands. There are moments it seems like they might succeed but in the end you realize it is a futile effort. I of course refer to their attempts to restore Fred and remove the demon god Illyria. What seems to begin as a glimmer of hope soon fades into an hour full of true despair for all involved. Gunn's involvement in Fred's death becomes known, Wesley seeks revenge, and Spike & Angel try to stand strong as heroes. Their pain is palpable and overwhelming at times. The show truly leaps off the cliff over the pit of said despair when even Illyria realizes that her time has come and gone, that she is all powerful and purposeless in a world that no longer worships her. While she and Wesley strike a bargain at the end of the episode, it is far from a move towards redemption. He agrees to help her find her place in the world because she looks like Fred. Cold comfort, the kind this show is best at serving up.	9
Ronny Sarnecky	One of the lowest points for me as an “Angel” fan happened when the character of “Freddie” was killed off in the episode “A Hole in the World.” I loved the character. She was the most human, and innocent of all of the characters in the “Buffy/Angel” universe. As much as I miss “Freddie,” I have a new found respect for the actress Amy Acker. Amy’s portrayal of the cold and hard Illyria was a   stunning contrast to the sweet and loving Freddie. I love the new character, because Illyria and Freddie both have a lot in common with one another. When we first met Freddie, she was trapped, helpless in another dimension. Fast forward to Illyria’s introduction. After learning that her kingdom is in ruins, she is now trapped, helpless in another dimension. When Freddie returned to our dimension, she needed time to readjust to life back on Earth. Illyria faces a similar dilemma. Now that she is here to stay, she feels extremely vulnerable, like Freddie did, and needs help in adjusting to her new surroundings. Despite the strong character of Illyria, if given the choice, I would choose to have Freddie back. Since we can’t, Illyria isn’t a bad consolation prize	10
Jason Chamberlain	This episode, among other things, proves that the character of Wesley eats bricks and shits nails. All Chuck Norris facts were originally about him. Mere moments after the death of the love of his life, he takes an axe to her now hollowed out body in an attempt to destroy the demon infesting it. THAT is hardcore. He also shoots Knox in cold blood, which, even though he had it coming, is also hardcore. And goes toe to toe with Illyria on more than one occasion, including following her into a dimension where he might not return from just to unload some caps in her head. Again, hardcore. Amy Acker is nothing short of amazing in this episode, and throughout the rest of the series. Of course she never got a sniff of Emmy recognition, just another reason I have no time for awards shows. Pretty epic stuff all around. .	9

GRR!!! ARGH!!!

The 411: Amy Acker shines as Illyria and Alexis Denisof busts out all his angst to rock it as Wesley in "Shells," an episode that is as sad to watch as it is awesome. The final sequence of everyone looking distraught that finishes on Fred's saying goodbye to her parents before the road trip that will end, years later, in her doom is a final stroke of greatness that puts the capper on this excellent episode.

Final Score:  9.5   [  Amazing ]