Angel - S01 E08 - I Will Remember You

Of all the episodes in the Buffy and Angel series, this is the one of two which are the flagbearers of why they have a 'cult' following, the other being Buffy's institutionalisation and remission from reality'.

This episode showcases the bitter-sweet reality of love and how the very essence of the greatest love is enshrined in selfless sacrifice.

You get to see a love relived from the beginning with it's innocence and discovery in one moment, it's loyalty and protectiveness in the next and the suffering of it's demise when maturity, honour, duty and passion collide in the ultimate test - is it better to die with you in the short-term or to let go so we may live on painfully without each other for the long-term?

Sarah Michelle Geller is absolutely brilliant when she breaks apart at the impending loss that she won't be able to remember. That is what truly makes this episode, the performance brings to life one of the facets of 'true' love which is beyond logic and reason ... the desperation of trying to hold onto eternal pain, even though it will render misery upon your remaining days.

Angel steps up to carry his cross forever and holds himself together until Buffy's tears melt his heart and begin to shatter his 'human' resolve. The true irony of the Gypsy curse comes full circle when it is both undone and done again in a day.

Finally you are left wondering that age-old adage, how can it be better to have loved and lost than not loved at all if it is going to hurt so damn much?

How did they manage that in a teen-horror show? !!!