Ep 5. Life of the Party

Angel season 5 episode 5, titled Life of the Party, follows the misadventures of Angel and his team as they attend a wild party thrown by Lorne, the resident demon showman and karaoke bar owner. The event serves as a quick break from the dangerous lives the group leads, and allows for some needed fun before tackling their next mission.

The episode begins with Angel and his team feeling burned out and demoralized, as they have been dealing with difficult battles and heavy losses. Seeing their despondence, Lorne decides to throw a party to uplift their spirits and provide a much-needed break from their struggles. He sends out invitations to the city's supernatural community, including demons, witches, and other species. Initially hesitant about the safety of the event, Angel ultimately agrees and convinces his team to attend.

As they arrive, the group is greeted by a blast of music and an explosion of colors, as the party is already in full swing. They encounter Lorne's lover, a beautiful and mysterious demon named Eve, who seems hesitant to attend at first but ultimately becomes the life of the party. While the rest of Angel's team splits up and mingles with the guests, Lorne insists Angel follows him around to help him host the event and ensure everything runs smoothly.

The party starts off tame but becomes increasingly wild as the night progresses. Angel and Lorne have to manage an out-of-control caterer who has put fatal poisons in the finger foods, an egomaniacal entertainment act that threatens to ruin the party, and a powerful sorceress who is determined to wreak chaos. The episode features fun musical numbers throughout, as well as appearances from beloved recurring characters such as Harmony and Lindsey McDonald.

Aside from the party antics, this episode also explores the characters' personal struggles and feelings of isolation. Angel grapples with his loneliness and feeling disconnected from those around him, while Wesley struggles with his unrequited love for Fred. Meanwhile, Eve's presence at the party sets off alarm bells for Angel, who suspects she may have an ulterior motive.

Overall, Life of the Party is a fun and lighthearted episode of Angel that provides a break from the series' usual dark and dramatic themes. It showcases the witty writing and strong character dynamics that make the show so beloved by fans.