Ep 13. She

In Angel season 1 episode 13 titled "She," the brooding vampire with a soul, Angel, becomes embroiled in a dangerous case when a woman named Jhiera seeks his assistance. Jhiera is an ancient warrior princess who has awakened from her century-long sleep in search of her stolen sacred icon. The icon serves as a symbol of her power and strength, and without it, she cannot return to her resting place.

As Jhiera explains that she is a powerful and skilled fighter, Angel initially agrees to help her retrieve her icon. However, as the plot unfolds, things take a dark turn when it becomes clear that the person who stole Jhiera's icon is a vicious woman named Danuta. Danuta is the leader of a deadly cult that believes in the powers of a demon they worship.

To make matters worse, Danuta has developed a strong attachment to the icon and refuses to give it back to Jhiera. When Angel confronts Danuta, he realizes that her powers are beyond anything he has ever encountered. Danuta is an incredibly skilled fighter, and she has an enchanted dagger that can cause significant harm to anyone up against her.

The battle between Danuta and Angel becomes life-threatening as the demon worshippers unleash the demon they have been worshiping. This demon is far more powerful than any demon that Angel has ever encountered, and Angel becomes desperately outnumbered. Thankfully, Jhiera arrives just in time to join the fray. Jhiera's strength and fighting skills prove to be an invaluable asset, and together, they are able to drive the demon worshippers back.

The heart of "She" is the relationship between Jhiera and Angel. Though Jhiera is aggressive and hostile with Angel in the beginning, they form a close bond as they fight side-by-side. Jhiera's tragic backstory provides a backdrop to her character, and we learn that she has been betrayed and hurt by men in the past. Jhiera's trust issues and her reluctance to accept Angel's help add layers to her character.

The episode's themes revolve around the ideas of strength, power, and loyalty. Jhiera represents the ultimate warrior, and her fierce determination and resilience are showcased throughout the episode. Her unwavering strength and bravery are an inspiration to her fellow fighters, and Angel is deeply touched by her dedication.

Another theme highlighted is that of abusive power. The cult led by Danuta is an epitome of how power can be wielded abusively. Danuta and her followers believe that the demon's power is what will eventually give them salvation and freedom from their earthly woes. This concept of salvation becomes twisted, and the innocents become casualties of their misguided beliefs.

Overall, "She" is a gripping and exciting episode that showcases the skills of both Jhiera and Angel. The fast-paced action and thrilling fight sequences make this one of the most memorable episodes of the first season. Though the plot is self-contained, there are glimpses of the larger story arc, specifically regarding Angel's past and his relationships with other characters. The episode ends on a high note that sets up the upcoming events in the series.