Sleepless nights cause trouble for Lorne.
Written by: Ben Edlund
Directed by: Bill L. Norton
The Wolfram and Hart Halloween party is looming on the horizon, and it's up to Lorne to make sure the key date in the firm's demonic schmoozing calendar goes with a bang. Unfortunately, he's taken drastic measures to stay awake during the run-up, enhancing his empathic powers in unexpected ways.
After difficult negotiations, Angel persuades powerful demon lord Sebassis to attend the gathering, and all seems well. Gradually, though, odd things start to happen: Wesley and Fred get drunk on half a pint, Gunn starts marking his territory be relieving himself all round the building, and Angel and Eve strive for a moment of true happiness on the couch.
Once Lorne, who has undergone a sleep deprivation operation, is discovered to be the cause, he is treated until things return to normal - but not before his Hulk-like alter-ego has battled Angel on the dance floor.
- ten quick questions.
Trivia:
Jolly green giant: Andy Hallett actually met the original TV Incredible Hulk once. "I love Lou Ferrigno," he told E!Online. "He and I were at a bar about a year ago, and I was bitching about the makeup... We were talking about how many times we've been painted green. The only two green guys and we're in a bar. What are the chances?"
Halloween: Although Buffy traditionally featured a Halloween-themed story every other season, Life of the Party is Angel's first.
Soggy snacks: According to the TV Tome website, the reason Gunn urinates around the office is an in-joke, purportedly related to an incident the previous year when Buffy staff writer Rebecca Rand Kirshner did something similar in the pretzel keg in Co-executive producer David Fury's office. It's probably apocryphal, but made us laugh.
Review:
As someone who shuffles nervously on the edge of the dancefloor, I've always admired Lorne's perky party persona. I'm delighted, too, that it's exploited to the full in this glorious Andy Hallett showcase episode.
The humour is joyous, if a little gross (put it away Gunn, please!), although there are some genuinely disturbing moments, such as Lorne's creepy conversation with his mirror image.
Sleep tight, kiddiewinks, otherwise your dark side might turn out to be a party pooper.
