Spoiler Slayer

Today was a good day for information.

Chris Faile from FilmJerk.com wrote to let me know they had additional information on Episode 17. While over at The Futon Critic, there is information on The WB sweeps schedule as well as some surprises for Episode 16. I also received some more info myself, so read on.

Note: Upon further review, missed some obvious info in the original posting. This has been updated with summaries for the entire Sweeps run.

First up, excerpts from The Futon Critic and FilmJerk

A Hole In The World (5.15): WRITTEN AND DIRECTED BY JOSS WHEDON -- When Fred (Amy Acker) opens up an ancient sarcophagus that was anonymously sent to her, she is infected by a mysterious parasitic demon called Illyria. Angel (David Boreanaz) and Spike (James Marsters) learn that Illyria is an ancient demon who existed before recorded time, and they must race to return her to an ancient demon burial ground before she kills Fred and thousands of other innocent victims.

Shells (5.16): THE END OF FRED -- Angel (David Boreanaz) and Spike (James Marsters) return from England defeated, knowing that the ancient demon Illyria has completely taken over Fred's (Amy Acker) body and soul. Upon learning that Knox (guest star Jonathan Woodward) and Gunn (J. August Richards) have each contributed to her demise, Wesley (Alexis Denisof) is bent on revenge and Angel tries everything to restore Fred, including calling on an old friend from Sunnydale. Meanwhile, Illyria tries to locate an ancient temple where she believes she will find an army ready to help her destroy mankind.

Episode 17: Episode 17, which begins filming February 6, is looking to cast Nancy, a pretty suburban housewife, and Zach, her well-adjusted suburban 10-year-old son. Pretty thin info on the episode entitled "Underneath" so far, but early info indicates this may be villain Lindsey's wife and stepson. Sarah Fain and Elizabeth Craft are credited as the writers for this episode and Skip Schoolnik the director. Producers are now looking to cast a possibly recurring character named Hamilton, listed as being in his 30s to early 40s. The character is described as having an "imposing physical presence, but not muscle-bound...[he is] elegant, articulate, wears an expensive suit well." He replaces Eve as Angel's liason to the Wolfram and Hart senior partners.

I would also note that Chris indicates that Lindsey's wife will be named 'Nancy' and not 'Trish'.

Now onto the fun stuff.

I may be good at spoiling, but even I will admit that my speculation it often out there and off the mark (hey, I said that was a shaky limb I was standing on). When I spun the idea that Spike might head elsewhere in Europe since he was already in England, I didn't think that we weren't going to see him in these episodes. I just figured that there had to be purpose to establishing the corporate jet. This is a universe that seems to revolve around Southern California, considering there is just too much Old World in the New World (Acathla, The Scythe, Pavayne, etc). So to actually need to set a scene outside of California, there has to be a good reason. Spike going to get help from the Scoobs would make sense.

I was close, as it appears there may have been a purpose for the globe-hopping, as they certain won't find any old friends in what's left of Sunnydale. The big question is 'Who'. You would figure that some serious mojo would be needed to evict one of the Old Ones from a body. Which on the surface would seem to indicate Willow, but Giles would make a lot more sense, as they are already in England. Of course the summary indicates that this occurs after they return to Los Angeles, but it still makes sense to me that it would happen before. Then again, could just be a phone call.

As for Hamilton, info for him is also out there.

He arrives at the end of Episode 17. Angel, Spike, Lorne, Eve and Lindsey are all in the parking garage. Hamilton comes in, and he's obviously after Eve. Everyone is expecting a fight, until Hamilton whips out a pen and a contract. Eve begs him not to do what he's about to do, and Angel tries to stop it. But Eve realizes that it's over, and signs over her powers and job to Hamilton. She won't be hurt, she just won't live forever either.

Hamilton explains that he's now Angel's liaison to the Senior Partners, and says he looks forward to talking to Angel soon. Angel reaffirms that it's his office and he's in charge, Hamilton says that's exactly the way the Senior Partners want it. Hamilton welcomes Spike to the team, and walks off.

Meanwhile, Wesley and Illyria stand on the roof of Fred's old apartment. It looks as if Illyria isn't completely all-powerful, as Wesley inquires if she's okay.

To be honest, at this point I've got more questions than answers. Based on what I can piece together, I would presume the events would go something along these lines.

Episode 15: At the end of the episode, Fred has died and Illyria has taken over her body. Angel and Spike are still in England.

Episode 16: Angel and Spike try to find another way to save Fred, while Wesley accepts what has happened to Fred, but goes after Knox and Gunn. Angel and Spike return to Wolfram and Hart and try to defeat Illyria, a big fight ensues.

Episode 17: Down and beaten, the remaining members of Angel Investigations try to regroup and find out more about Wolfram and Hart's plans. Which leads to Lindsey's location, then another showdown at Wolfram and Hart.

Hopefully info will keep coming in. I doubt that whomever is appearing at the end of Sweeps will be kept under wraps for too long, and with at least three episodes so far of the Fred/Illyria arc, we may not learn Fred's true fate until the end of the season.

(Thanks to 'T' for the heads up)