REGULAR CAST

• David Boreanaz as Angel
• James Marsters as Spike
• J. August Richards as Charles Gunn
• Amy Acker as Winifred ‘Fred’ Burkle
• Andy Hallett as Lorne
• Alexis Denisof as Wesley Wyndam-Pryce

GUEST CAST

• Mercedes McNab as Harmony Kendall
• Victor Raider-Wexler as Hainsley

CO-STARRING

• William Utay as Manservant
• Bill Escudier as Hainsley Demon
• Joshua Hutchinson as Novac

SYNOPSIS

Nearly three weeks ago, Spike sacrificed himself to save the world, collapsing the Hellmouth and burning up in the process. Now, he unexpectedly materializes at Wolfram & Hart, disoriented and non-corporeal. Confused and frustrated, he lashes out at Angel but quickly realizes he can’t touch anything. He demands to see Buffy, but Angel refuses, revealing she’s in Europe. Their old rivalry flares up, culminating in a bitter argument over jealousy, destiny, and who truly deserves redemption.

Fred and Wesley analyse Spike, confirming that he isn’t a conventional ghost – he registers heat and brainwave activity, yet remains intangible. Wesley theorizes that Spike’s essence was trapped within the amulet when he died, tethering him to Wolfram & Hart. When Spike suddenly fades out, then rematerializes moments later with no memory of where he went, Fred wonders if The Powers That Be are involved. Spike scoffs, arguing that he should have simply died in the Hellmouth rather than be pulled back into existence against his will.

Determined to leave, Spike tries to walk away from Wolfram & Hart but finds himself unable to pass the city’s boundaries. Wesley explains that, as the amulet belongs to Wolfram & Hart, so does he. Annoyed by his forced entrapment, Spike prepares to haunt Angel indefinitely. Their argument intensifies when Angel receives a gruesome message – his envoy to Magnus Hainsley, a wealthy necromancer, has returned in buckets. Angel decides to deal with Hainsley personally.

In the underground parking lot, Spike amuses himself by jumping between cars, taunting Angel about his new ghostly abilities. At Hainsley’s estate, Angel and Spike stumble upon a showroom filled with posed corpses. Meanwhile, Hainsley performs a ritual, transferring a demon’s essence into a human body. When Angel confronts him, the necromancer quickly asserts control, freezing Angel in place. Spike watches, indifferent, as Hainsley explains that Angel isn’t expendable—the Senior Partners have plans for him. Angel retaliates by ordering Gunn to freeze Hainsley’s assets, stripping him of his power. Spike mocks Angel for using legal tactics instead of brute force before vanishing once again.

Spike later rematerializes, this time in front of Hainsley, who tempts him with a deal – he can regain his body and free will if he helps take Angel down. Amused, Spike expresses willingness to hurt Angel.

Back at Wolfram & Hart, Wesley suggests that the only way to permanently remove Spike is to exorcise him, destroying the amulet on hallowed ground. Fred objects, insisting Spike deserves a chance, but Angel is unconcerned with mercy – he just wants Spike gone.

That evening, Spike appears in Angel’s private quarters, ignoring his warnings to stay out. He reveals Hainsley’s offer and confesses that he’s tired—he wants Angel to end his existence. They head to a cemetery, where Angel prepares to smash the amulet, only to be interrupted as Hainsley seizes control of his body once more. He knocks Angel out and turns to Spike, demanding cooperation in exchange for a second chance at life.

Angel awakens strapped to Hainsley’s ritual table as the necromancer explains his plan – Spike’s essence will be transferred into Angel’s body, allowing Spike to take control while Angel is cast into oblivion. As Hainsley begins the spell, Spike unexpectedly resists, redirecting his essence into Hainsley instead. With the ritual disrupted, Angel breaks free, swiftly decapitating Hainsley. Spike materializes beside him, disappointed he couldn’t take a few more swings at Angel while possessing the necromancer.

The next day, Angel reveals Spike’s involvement in Hainsley’s downfall to Wesley, who criticizes his lack of communication. Spike later seeks out Fred, sensing she may be able to help him. He reveals that every time he disappears, he feels himself slipping – caught between two worlds, teetering over a terrifying abyss. When Fred asks where he goes, he admits that he knows what’s waiting for him, and it isn’t heaven. It’s fire, torment, and eternal suffering, and he’s terrified. Desperate, he turns to Fred and pleads, “Help me.”

TRIVIA

CONTINUITY