Angel - 1x12 “Expecting” FULL REACTION

Joss Whedon really loves punishing his female protags for having sex. He's also disturbingly obsessed with the phrase "inside of me". If I had to say that multiple times in one episode like Charisma did, I think I'd ask for a raise.

cs

Not my favorite episode because of the demon pregnancy trope that others have mentioned (it's like an Angel mashup version of "Reptile Boy" and "Surprise/Innocence"), but as a demonic story used to propel the nascent family of Cordelia, Angel, and Wesley, I'll take it.

Rachael

You're far enough along now, knowing that Wes is sticking around for a while at least, that I don't mind putting in my two cents about him now. And this episode is not one of my faves mind a few great character moments, so there isn't much to comment on. I watched both Buffy and Angel live as they aired. Like you, I was a huge Doyle fan and was devastated when they killed him off. In Buffy, I hated Wesley so much. I thought he was annoying and useless and more annoying. So when they replaced my beloved Doyle with Wesley, I was infuriated. I thought the show was punishing me for some reason. I think it was by this episode, that whole opening sequence especially, that Wes started to get to me, though I was still angry. But now, after everything, I have to say that Wesley Wydam-Pryce is one of my favorite characters.....in the whole Whedonverse.

Katherine Thoreson

I have always loved this episode because I love the interactions between the main 3. I think it shows this real bond between Angel and Cordelia especially. As much as the forced pregnancy thing is horrible I do enjoy this vulnerable Cordelia it adds so many layers to her character. It brings up this theme of punishment and redemption which are big themes for the show. Cordy also mentioned punishment after the episode with the apartment and the ghost. I also really love Charisma's acting in this episode.

Mel Saville

A couple of good moments afloat in a sea of 'meh'. Taking time to integrate a 'new' character into the mix is not a bad thing. First they put Cordelia in danger in “Parting Gifts” which forces Angel and Wesley to work together to save her. Then questions are raised about Angel in “Somnambulist” which puts Cordelia and Wesley together to watch him. Then they put Cordelia in danger in this episode forcing Angel and Wesley...didn't we recently see this in a much more interesting episode? If this was BtVS I would assume that the problem is *me*, that I'm missing something they're trying to say. But I just don't have that much faith in AtS at this point.

Bruce Trogdon

Agreed. This is definitely an example (on the lower end) in the Season-One-of-"Angel"-is-inconsistent display.

Bean's friend

Pretty regularly considered one of lower quality episodes of the series, so there's that. It's a positive thing to know that with maybe one or two exceptions, the show never gets lower quality than this.

Second_Strike

Okay, serious response time. This has never been one of my favourite episodes; the whole non consensual pregnancy thing has always struck me as icky, even if the understanding is this is something demonic. I love the interactions and growing bond between Wesley, Angel and Cordelia though, which to me is this episodes only saving grace. With Cordelia being so quick to accept the amniotic fluid test as well, despite knowing there was a risk, I can relate to that and I don't think her reaction was that unusual. Hearing words to the effect of "Oh, wait, that doesn't look right" when you're having you're first trimester scan, which turns out to actually be your second trimester, surprise! At that point they could've stuck me with anything so long as I knew exactly what 'doesn't look right' meant in regards to the health and ultimately quality of future life for the foetus. As it turned out they didn't need to do further tests, the measurements taken on the ultrasound, and the fact that the pregnancy was basically poisoning my body meant a decision to terminate on medical grounds. But yeah Cordelia's response in that scene, demon babies or not, was definitely something I could relate to.

Claire Eyles

1) I was surprised at your very mixed reaction at the end, as you seemed to be enjoying yourself the whole way through. 2) it’s not a popular episode but you made it a lot more enjoyable than normal, and through your reactions during the episode, I now appreciate it a lot more than before. I find you a very positive reactor, which I love. Some, such as another Brit reactor, are very negative, and it’s a bit off-putting to be honest. 3) I’m surprised you didn’t mention at the end what must have been the most controversial thing in the episode at the time, the girl trying to abort her baby by drinking tons of alcohol (finishing off a bottle as Angel arrives, and waiting for another delivery from the liquor store.). 4) I’ve never thought of this before, but I’m wondering if Angel killed those evil guys? I mean they weren’t just jerks like Parker Abrams on Buffy, they built a shrine to an evil demon and got the girls pregnant knowing it would result in their deaths. Does anyone think they will just suddenly turn good if Angel beats up on them a little? I’m kind of hoping he did because how are they any different than a murdering demon? I’d love to hear your thoughts on that Liam, as well as thoughts from other reactors. I don’t think it makes Angel a bad guy to take out monstrous attempted murderers that the police couldn’t touch (as they’d broken no law.) rather than let them go somewhere else and do something like this to others.

Richard Lucas

Cordelia was right about Australia, it is still early here. Okay, bad joke. LOL

Claire Eyles

Lots of people seem to love Wesley's line, "Do you have any hobbies?"

UTU49

I think this is a very unpopular episode... but any time you get to see Angel, Cordy, and Wesley interacting... that's always fun.

UTU49

It's like "Bad Eggs" all over again, but the "R" rated version...

Khanach

I just thought about something very strange about Wesley. Does the following make sense to you? It's hard to like Wesley on Buffy... because he's such an idiot. It's hard to DISLIKE Wesley on Angel... because he's... such an idiot. Does that seem right to you?

UTU49

So many tropes I dislike in this episode! The demon pregnancy is used to much in fiction and I hate how it’s often the only way to center a story about a female character. The damsel in distress and the white knight. The only redeeming quality of this episode are the interactions between Wesley, Cordelia and Angel.

Vicky N

This episode always gets me. Not the "demon babies" bit, but the whole.... non-consensual pregnancy, violation, vulnerability issue. :( Reflects a very real horror that people go through.

Arianne Kay

Like you, Im a bit torn with this one. I think the story was quite disturbing with that jerk violating Cordelia's body like that and the monster wasn't very convincing but overall I have to say that I do enjoy this episode purely for the bond that is growing between Angel, Cordelia and Wesley. Although I didn't like the story that much, I think there were some really beautiful heartwarming scenes which helps make up for the plot itself. I loved your reaction to Dennis comforting Cordelia. That scene always gets me emotional.

Donna

Not one of my favorites, though I enjoyed some of your insights at the end. And as you stated, sex between Oz and Willow wasn't punished, but poor Cordy. Her kiss is rewarded with mind-numbing visions, and she is impregnated with demon spawn.

Sherlyn

Got to admit I've never been a fan of this episode! It starts off well and I love Dennis ❤ but it just gets silly! The only bit that redeems it is Cordelia, Angel and Wesley at the end.. I don't even like Wesley at the beginning when he's saying stuff about Cordelia, seemed jealous and petty but he sorted it out at the end so i love him again xx

yes yes yes!! ❤