Ep 2. Are You Now or Have You Ever Been?

Angel season 2 episode 2, titled "Are You Now or Have You Ever Been?" takes the audience on a journey to the past as Angel finds himself in the 1950s. The episode starts with a homeless man being chased and attacked by a demon, prompting Angel and the rest of his team to investigate. As they dig deeper into the case, they discover that the same location has a dark and tragic history.

Angel decides to check out the location himself and finds himself transported back in time to the same hotel in the year 1952. He quickly realizes that he may be stuck in the past and there is no way he can go back to the present. As he settles in, he comes across a group of guests staying at the hotel who are not what they seem. Angel soon learns that these guests are coming to the hotel to seek refuge from persecution since the United States is in the grip of the Red Scare at that time and the government has launched a witch-hunt against anyone suspected of being a communist.

The episode beautifully captures the essence of the era, with the set design and costumes bringing to life the 1950s perfectly. The storytelling is also quite remarkable, and the plot keeps the viewers engaged throughout the episode. It delves deep into the psychological effects of persecution and the terror it causes in people which is especially relevant in today's political climate.

The episode also explores Angel's backstory further. Angel attempts to redeem himself after his dark past by helping the hotel guests who are trapped in the 1950s. The episode provides an insight into Angel's past and how he has come to be where he is today. We see the contrast between 1952 and the current timeline, and the episode cleverly compares and contrast Angel's two different worlds, diving deep into his character development.

Overall, "Are You Now or Have You Ever Been?" is an important episode in Angel's storyline, and fans of the show will not be disappointed. The episode is a remarkable piece of storytelling that not only provides a better understanding of Angel's past but also educates the audience about the Red Scare and its impact on people's lives. The episode tackles mature themes and handles them with sensitivity and grace, which is a testament to the excellent writing and directing skills.