Angel Season 5 Rewatch - #14 Smile Time (SPOILERS)

[Involvere]

Greeting rewatchers! I hope you enjoyed viewing our fourteenth episode, the legendary Smile TIme

A little housekeeping:

For conversation on 5.1 - Conviction, click here
For conversation on 5.2 – Just Rewards, click here
For conversation on 5.3 – Unleashed, click here
For conversation on 5.4 – Hellbound, click here
For conversation on 5.5 – Life of the Party, click here
For conversation on 5.6 – The Cautionary Tale of Numero Cinco, click here
For conversation on 5.7 – Lineage, click here
For conversation on 5.8 – Destiny, click here
For conversation on 5.9 – Harm's Way, click here
For conversation on 5.10 – Soul Purpose, click here
For conversation on 5.11 – Damage, click here
For conversation on 5.12 – You're Welcome, click here
For conversation on 5.13 – Why We Fight, click here

Ok!

A prompt to get us started:

• What are your general impressions of this episode?
• What did you like/dislike about it?
• What did they get right and what could have been done better?

Optional talking points:

• Is “Smile Time” the best episode of Angel?

Smile Time is really a feat for the ages. With both compelling drama and hilarious hijinks, it’s really no wonder this is one of the most popular episodes of the series.

We open with what is probably the best teaser of the season (yeah, I’m calling it). It’s amazing how many feelings I experienced at once while watching this opener, namely shock and amusement that the puppets had an agenda outside of “edutainment”, and then the obvious disgust at the paedophilic overtones of Polo’s request of that poor child. A lot of people have argued that this inclusion is too much, but I find that JW’s work has always played with different kinds of horror, so it wasn’t out of place for me. The theme of the episode also plays with the idea of the manipulation of children through television programming (and advertising), so it makes sense that the boy involved is being manipulated on an emotional level (“You don’t want to be a bad apple, do you?”), because it’s not far off from the truth.

Elsewhere, Wesley having no idea Fred is interested is one of my favourite things ever. His organising a ride for her with no idea she was trying to ask him out – and the wink! – was a highlight. Them (FINALLY, AFTER THREE LONG SEASONS) getting together in the end was the cherry for me, but even on my first watch I knew they’d get “Jossed”… I just didn’t think it would be so tragic. But also so brilliant… it’s amazing the conflicting feelings I have about Illyria; both devastation for Fred and a deep appreciation for what Illyria brings to the table, especially her intriguing relationship with Wes. But that’s a conversation for the rest of the season.

I loved a lot of little things about this episode; the opening on the power source in the “Don’t Room” being shaped like a smile, Spike (who was barely in this episode, amazingly) calling Angel a “wee little puppet-man”, “Deforma-what?”, the disturbing revelation that Framkin was “talking to the hand” the whole time… The lighting, framing and editing in this episode was also superb. Loved the cut to from Lorne’s Gepetto line to Dr Sparrow “fixing” a patient (and then Gunn. Boy, what a weighty decision that turns out to be).

Also, unless I’m mistaken, this is the first episode of the season where Angel wears his leather coat again, when he visits the Smile Time studio. It’s interesting it happened post ‘You’re Welcome’, where Cordelia knocked some sense back into him regarding his primary mission in his unlife: helping the helpless. Seems he’s feeling more himself again.

It was all just so entertaining...

However.

I’ve come away from this rewatch with a couple of negatives I wasn’t expecting; I guess having my analytical hat on all season has resulted in noticing a few things sticking out sorely.

Nina is back, and Angel is blindsided by her feelings for him, even though “she gave me a look” way back in 5.3 Unleashed, which he seems to have forgotten His conversation later with Wesley about her is hilarious, though (“I think I have a case.” “Thank God.”). On the other hand, Nina’s nudity was excessive, period.

But the big, jarring flaw? Why didn’t Lorne sense something was off with Framkin when he sang “Courage and Pluck”?? I know his readings will also be off later this season, but this feels like an oversight

Ben Edlund is still my personal Jesus, though


On a personal note, as a librarian, where was The Library of Demonic Congress when I was job-hunting?


Looking forward to your thoughts on this highly memorable episode!

[PuckRobin]

I enjoyed it. It’s obviously inspired by the musical Avenue Q, which would win the Tony Award for Best Musical a couple months after it aired. The gag in that show was Sesame Street-like Muppets dealing with adult problems (albeit in that sort of frat boy kind of adulthood). One song from the show was "The Internet is for porn."

I never particularly saw anything sinister in Sesame Street -- and the puppets in this show and Avenue Q definitely resemble Jim Henson's famous creations. But Smile Time is a regional California hit. And the regional kids shows of my youth -- including those on TV Ontario -- sometimes had a slightly sinister quality too them. I'm not sure I could buy Bert and Ernie trying to take over the world, but the Boot from Readalong? Or the clown Oopsy-Daisy? Or the wannabe leprechaun Harrigan? Hell, yes.

Among the better naming puns "Ratio Hornblower" after legendary sailing hero Horatio Hornblower.

I was thinking about how much the child's rictus grin resembled the Joker's victims, when Knox said it out loud. But the better comic book gag -- and as the creator of the superhero the Tick, Ben Edlund knows his comic books even better than Joss Whedon -- is when Gunn (who we already know is as much a comics nerd as Xander) remarks that Angel now has the portional excitability of a puppet. It's a play on Spider-Man having the proportional strength of a spider.

And excitable Angel is fun. He reminds me of Elmo's feud with Rocco on Sesame Street. The scenes went viral earlier this year:

https://twitter.com/DougJBalloon/sta...98851758436353

But the Sesame Street episode in question first aired on May 3, 2004 -- just a couple months after Smile Time.

Spike and Angel often act like children around each other, and Angel's puppet nature made it especially funny this episode,. I particularly like when he calls Spike a "limey" -- going back to his Irish, anti-English roots there.

And of course, the episode works because of just how great the puppet design is. The episode might be called "Smile Time", but it's the Angel puppet's perpetual scowl and those giant brows that really sell it.

I wonder just how creepy Knox was supposed to come off in this episode. I suspect more so from a 2022 perspective.

Wesley's advice for Angel to just go for Nina works for this episode. And yes, Angel's relationship with Buffy was a once-in-a-lifetime thing, but still ... these are people who are supposed to carry weapons in case Angel goes bad again. It seems a bit odd for them to be encouraging Angel to get it on with Nina. And I wonder if Angel's reluctance is not only the fear of the Gypsy Curse, but also a rejection of his casual dating, party animal days as Liam.

And then there's Gunn selling his soul. I can't remember -- did the Senior Partners really make the upgrade a short term thing or did the evil doctor do it? Or did the Senior Partners expect Gunn to come and be beholden to them for an upgrade, and the doctor took advantage of the Senior Partners' plans for hmself.

Oh, and before Gregor Framkin signed his deal with the demonic forces, was he delighted he could wear his best shirt because “they got the mustard out”?

DC’s Legends of Tomorrow did a sort of homage to Smile Time in an episode where one of the team changed history to avoid joining the team and the timelines kept turning the remaining team members into parodies of TV genres: (There was a Charlie’s Angels homage and a 1980s male-action hero combined with Guardians of the Galaxy homage too.)

https://youtu.be/UG_20heP8xg

[Involvere]

And then there's Gunn selling his soul. I can't remember -- did the Senior Partners really make the upgrade a short term thing or did the evil doctor do it? Or did the Senior Partners expect Gunn to come and be beholden to them for an upgrade, and the doctor took advantage of the Senior Partners' plans for hmself.

It's never really been clear to me, but it seems that Dr Sparrow took advantage of the Senior Partner's cruel trick on Gunn to get that sarcophagus through customs for his own gain... I doubt the Senior Partners willingly played a role in resurrecting Illyria; I don't think they'd want an Old One running around unchecked... or maybe they do? I dunno, lol

[Involvere]

Just a heads up that the latest villainy poll is available here ... Hope you'll all join me there. And us here, for that matter! *tumbleweed*

[Stoney]

I'm really sorry I've gotten so behind. I have watched Why We Fight but just haven't managed to get some free time to post on it yet and I don't want to move on and watch Smile Time until I have. So I should (hopefully) post on WWF today or tomorrow at the latest and then I'll watch Smile Time and try to vote in the poll, read the thread and post on that before the end of the weekend.

[Involvere]

All good, hon! RL always gets in the way of fangirling, so no apologies necessary! Looking forward to your thoughts when you can share them

[Stoney]

I'm a full week behind now! Fingers crossed I'll watch Smile Time tonight and get to the poll before it closes and post on the episode by early next week so that I might fit in two before this time next week.

[GoSpuffy]

I think this is my least favorite episode of the season. The puppets are stupid to me. For every funny line there is a cringy line like "last season of happy days" among many others. Nina is not a character of interest to me and I still don't feel any chemistry between her and angel. To be honest this whole Fred and Wes thing seems forced and out of left field. The only thing that furthers the plot and makes sense to me is Gunn's storyline. For me the writing simply isn't as strong and the puppet goals not fleshed out.

[Involvere]

I think this is my least favorite episode of the season. The puppets are stupid to me. For every funny line there is a cringy line like "last season of happy days" among many others. Nina is not a character of interest to me and I still don't feel any chemistry between her and angel. To be honest this whole Fred and Wes thing seems forced and out of left field. The only thing that furthers the plot and makes sense to me is Gunn's storyline. For me the writing simply isn't as strong and the puppet goals not fleshed out.

I definitely agree that Nina is a bore and doesn't hold a candle to other Buffyverse love interests. And for Angel to show interest in Nina mere episodes after Cordelia’s death? Kind of crap

[Nina]

As a fellow Nina I have to disagree that Nina is a bore. She is rather normal though, which is my favourite part about her. Angel doesn't have great luck with his romantic relations; they are usually extremely dramatic and none of those I would qualify as healthy. Nina had potential to be a nice lighthearted love interest and it would do wonders for his character I think. The ability to view him as a pretty normal guy is what I love about her. Nina doesn't see him as a leader, a monster, a father figure or a champion. Which is extremely rare in Angel's life and it would be good for him.

That it's quickly after Cordy's death could also be explained by him being able to close a book that was already almost closed for over a year. He lost Cordelia at the end of season 3 after all. Let the poor guy move on.



I love Smile Time. Puppet Angel is fabulous (my love for him during the dramatic reveal in the chair can't be described) and the puppets are pretty great villains, which is a bit suprising since you would expect something more silly instead. It's absolutely not the greatest episode ever, but I have a gigantic soft spot for it.

[Involvere]

Well, it's a little late (for me), but #15 A Hole In The World is up... Very much looking forward to you all getting involved with this one! Villainy poll link to come

[Stoney]

What are your general impressions of this episode? What did you like/dislike about it? What did they get right and what could have been done better?

I do really enjoy this episode. It again falls to the themes of control and something being done to people’s bodies. Getting what you want even if it damages others. The puppets treating others as puppets is a clever twist and I really like how that was combined with a children’s programme to take something really familiar and seemingly innocent and make it incredibly sinister. The idea of the danger within that you have exposed yourself to works brilliantly for the situation that the group are in. Of course, they are somewhat aware of the dangers, but that doesn’t mean that they are noticing the threats closing in. Missed signals and all that. The idea of cost, paying a price for what you are getting, is introduced right at the start as the puppet preys on the child and emotionally manipulates them.

The whole representation of the abuse of power and targeting of children is really disturbing. Having the threat come from something you allow into your home that targets your children when you aren’t looking, even though they’re in the very place they should be safe, is of course a horrible reality in a lot of real-life abuse. The accuracy of that I can see could be too uncomfortable for some, but I think it just makes the introduction really compelling. The mother coming back to find her child’s twisted body, the discordance of that fixed smile and the unnatural body position, is really an alarming image. It centres, emboldens and underlines the idea of hidden threats. All of these elements really do work superbly into what will come in the next episode.

The foundations for which of course lay here against Gunn’s choices in this episode too. The price he readily agreed to so that he didn’t lose his implanted knowledge. A sense of escaping reality sits against the imaginary world that the puppets draw the children to them with and the offer that Dr Sparrow makes Gunn. Without self-esteem, belief in himself and his worth, he is readily vulnerable to attack and evil influence.

The idea of Angel being turned into a literal puppet is a clever and funny way to make the point in this season of manipulation and corruption. Plus a brilliantly creative way to avoid the actor having to do so much filming (is this the same injury from earlier in the season?) And the puppets are done so well. Puppet Angel is adorable and so recognisably him. I just love it. Spike finding him and their ensuing skirmish is delightful, as are all the initial moments Angel has when people meet his puppet self.

I have heard criticism before, may have even voiced it myself in the past, at Spike being beaten by the wee little puppet!Angel in the lift. I don't think it matters and can just be its own thing. The circumstances are hardly a ‘real’ fight and Spike grappling with him but just giving up is hardly surprising. Him tearing the puppet to pieces to beat him would have been psychotic and clearly isn’t something he was going to do.

While I think using Angel’s changed state to bring in some humour to quite dark topics works really well, I’m not sure it all combines with the romance angles in the episode brilliantly. Although Nina tearing puppet!Angel up does bring a new symmetry to their ‘forced on them’ conditions (werewolf & vampire, now werewolf & puppet vampire!) and the general theme of inner duality that she has going with Angel. I don’t think as a romance Angel and Nina are terrific, but I also don’t hate it personally. I think finally acknowledging that Angel isn’t going to just readily achieve the level of contentment and happiness required to break the curse was really long overdue.

I’m a bit hot and cold about Wes and Fred in this episode. I don’t feel that it comes out of nowhere as they definitely had moments in S4 where the potential romance and the things they shared in common was raised. Fred learning about Wes and Lilah was like a bucket of cold water though at the time. It does make sense that with some distance from that she might start to look beyond it again. How much she is aware of the time that Wes spent away from them in S4 is hard to know, but they have been around each other anew and a little time for her to both register his jealousies and consider if she is interested or not again I don’t see as implausible. Sadly for me, particularly as a huge Wes fan, at the point when Fred goes for it and kisses him, Wes’ response is quite corny. His, ‘Not even close’ sounds smarmy and is delivered like a line from a Carry On movie.

To finish on a couple more positives, because I prefer to do that.... I also like what Angel is saying just before werewolf!Nina attacks him. It feels like it calls back somewhat to the conversation he had with Spike about their outlooks and how his worrying on his past can somewhat impede him. There’s a healthy balance between conscious awareness of your past influencing you, an awareness of what you fear/see in your future and paying attention to where you are now. I’m not sure that Angel doesn’t end up going too much into the 'now' in looking for that momentary blaze of glory, but how his current situation builds into him taking that choice is probably getting more gradual growth woven in than I’ve noticed before.

Angel’s relief when Fred tells hm they figured it out is just delightful and I adore the power walk with puppet!Angel as they go to break the control and take out the bad guys.

Also, unless I’m mistaken, this is the first episode of the season where Angel wears his leather coat again, when he visits the Smile Time studio. It’s interesting it happened post ‘You’re Welcome’, where Cordelia knocked some sense back into him regarding his primary mission in his unlife: helping the helpless. Seems he’s feeling more himself again.

This is an interesting observation. I’m not sure if you’re right but if true it could certainly be seen as a visual sign that Angel is getting back to who he was. As someone that does just see ongoing despondency and corruption in where Angel finishes the season though (or at least I have done previously), it’s an interesting thing for me to bear in mind while considering how the season is going for him. I do think it probably still works with that aspect of looking to take control back, even if I don’t think that he does it in the way that he should.

Fair point about Angel seeming to have forgotten that Nina had already shown interest in him. I think we can perhaps just put it down to all the ups and downs he has been going through in self-confidence letting him forget that there had been a positive sign in the past, or that he had come to doubt it maybe.

But the big, jarring flaw? Why didn’t Lorne sense something was off with Framkin when he sang “Courage and Pluck”?? I know his readings will also be off later this season, but this feels like an oversight.

Hmmm, I never noticed this. You could use Lorne’s distraction at being told he had deformities as the reason he wasn’t tuning in to Framkin as he sings, Or, we could say that he isn’t really singing as he’s being controlled by the hand so the disconnection to the real person blocks Lorne getting any readings?

PuckRobin It’s interesting to hear this was inspired by a musical. I’ve never heard of Avenue Q but will have to look it up.

I was thinking about how much the child's rictus grin resembled the Joker's victims, when Knox said it out loud. But the better comic book gag -- and as the creator of the superhero the Tick, Ben Edlund knows his comic books even better than Joss Whedon -- is when Gunn (who we already know is as much a comics nerd as Xander) remarks that Angel now has the portional excitability of a puppet. It's a play on Spider-Man having the proportional strength of a spider.

Ah, that’s great.

Wesley's advice for Angel to just go for Nina works for this episode. And yes, Angel's relationship with Buffy was a once-in-a-lifetime thing, but still ... these are people who are supposed to carry weapons in case Angel goes bad again. It seems a bit odd for them to be encouraging Angel to get it on with Nina. And I wonder if Angel's reluctance is not only the fear of the Gypsy Curse, but also a rejection of his casual dating, party animal days as Liam.

I do think it is odd that they don’t have them explore the curse and how it can break at all. I don’t have a problem generally with them feeling sure that Angel isn’t going to readily get those perfect moments. But I can certainly see that suddenly just going for it seems very caution to the wind. Perhaps it is a nod towards how casual they have gotten over a lot of things with the resources and power that they have. An assumption that they’ll be able to just fix anything.

I do like the idea of there being some degree of rejection of casual dating from Angel and that kind of fits his comment about looking back at the past and worrying too much.

I also can’t remember if it is made clear if the need for Gunn’s permanent upgrade was always Sparrow working on his own agenda or just taking advantage of an expected reissue.

Involvere I think Angel’s interest in Nina straight after Cordelia’s loss stands out mostly because it is yet another time when the fact that are just forgetting her comes to mind. I mean, rather than it being any real kind of betrayal for him to date. If they were willing to reference her then Wes could have said something that would have acknowledged the loss or at least that Cordelia would be there telling him to ‘get on with living’ or some such maybe. I do agree with Nina that really Angel lost Cordelia romantically a long time ago.

Is “Smile Time” the best episode of Angel?

No, I don’t think so. It really is a good episode, very memorable, and a highlight of the season. But other episodes that dig into the characters more tend to be the ones I love the most. I have a lot of love for Hell Bound in S5 because of what we see of how Spike is feeling for example, and my favourite episode across the whole show for Angel is AYNOHYEB.

Hopefully I’ll get to watch A Hole in the World before the weekend and will post on it before next week and then I might have caught up!

[Lostsoul666]

I do not have puppet cancer!

Fun episode.

Is “Smile Time” the best episode of Angel?[

I wouldn't go that far, but it is a good episode in a very uneven season. Turning this serious character into a child's plaything is really funny. But this episode does have it's serious moments too. It also sets up the Illyria storyline that will run across the rest of the season. We see Gunn make a deal with Doctor Sparrow to get a permanent brain-upgrade. Gunn is so scared of going back to what he once was. The doctor even makes a Flowers for Algernon reference.

Smile Time was so popular that a real life puppet Angel toy was made.
(It can be yours for $149.99.)
There was also a puppet Spike.

And a four issue sequel comic written by Brian Lynch.

So yeah safe to say that Smile Time was a huge hit.

I give the episode an 8/10.