Ep 18. Up Close

In the eighteenth episode of Criss Angel Mindfreak's first season, Up Close, the renowned illusionist takes the show to a new level by bringing his magic up close and personal to the audience. Forget about large-scale stunts; this time, Angel aims to amaze his audience using small props and sleight of hand tricks – all while staying in plain sight.

The episode features a myriad of illusions, including card tricks and mentalism, all of which are performed using small objects like coins and rubber bands. Angel's clever use of audience participation ensures that the tricks are seen from multiple perspectives – there is no camera trickery here - making them even more impressive.

The episode starts with Angel walking up to a random group of people and wowing them with his magic abilities, bringing them in on the fun and making sure they understand that they're seeing is real. Angel then moves to a larger venue, the Pearl at the Palms hotel in Las Vegas, where he further demonstrates his craft with illusions such as making a woman levitate and guessing what someone else is thinking.

One of the most remarkable tricks during the episode is when Angel sticks a pen through his hand. It’s a simple yet highly effective illusion that had onlookers gasping in disbelief. It’s the type of illusion that makes you feel like you’re connected to the magic and the ability to see through the magician's eyes.

The episode's highlights are Angel's ability to read the minds of the audience. Angel asks random people to think about something and reveals what they're thinking, with astounding accuracy. He even predicts the outcome in a coin toss.

To make the experience more engaging, Angel makes sure to walk around the audience, chatting with them and getting to know them. The show does not feel like a performance, but rather, is interactive and feels authentic. It's hard not to get swept up in the joy and excitement that radiates from the audience.

Up Close is an exceptional episode of Criss Angel Mindfreak, showcasing the magic of pure illusion without any of the glitz and grandeur typically associated with Vegas magic shows. Angel’s use of close-up magic helps the audience feel like they're actively involved in the experience, even if they aren't directly participating themselves. You'll find it tough to leave the episode without feeling a sense of wonder and amazement.