My least favorite episode
of Angel is “Billy.” Odd choice, I
know, to mark such a solidly middle-of-the-road episode, technically a Monster
of the Week early season diversion that I wager most Angel fans only think of when prompted, as my least favorite.
Conner hadn’t even been born yet! The thing that wrecks “Billy” for me isn’t a
shoddy plot, weak script, or annoying characters, but rather what the episode
says about gender. “Billy” was, I felt, rather insulting and more importantly,
out of touch. The years since, though, may have proven me wrong. I hate being
wrong, but I’ll own up to it. But worse, I also look foolish, and that, well,
that I can’t abide.
