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* SuperSenses: Connor has highly-tuned hearing, as Fred and Gunn find out when they discuss Angel going to see Holtz out of what they assume is his hearing range.

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* SuperSenses: Connor has inherited highly-tuned hearing, hearing from his vampire parents, as Fred and Gunn find out when they discuss Angel going to see Holtz out of what they assume is his hearing range.
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%% * GettingCrapPastThe Radar: Due to overwhelming and persistent misuse, GCPTR is on-page examples only until 01 June 2021. If you are reading this in the future, please check the trope page to make sure your example fits the current definition.
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* EmotionBomb / CareBearStare

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* EmotionBomb / CareBearStareEmotionBomb:
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split trope


* PoliticalCorrectnessGoneMad

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* PoliticalCorrectnessGoneMadPoliticalOvercorrectness
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* RevengeBeforeReason: Holtz kills himself (a mortal sin, meaning eternity in Hell) to ensure Angel's demise at his son's hands. Although the writers said in the DVD commentary that this was less about revenge and more the only way Holtz could see of ensuring that Connor continued loving him.

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* RevengeBeforeReason: Holtz kills himself (a mortal sin, sin in Catholic belief, meaning eternity in Hell) to ensure Angel's demise at his son's hands. Although the writers said in the DVD commentary that this was less about revenge and more the only way Holtz could see of ensuring that Connor continued loving him.

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* RevengeBeforeReason: Holtz kills himself (a mortal sin, meaning eternity in Hell) to ensure Angel's demise at his son's hands.

to:

* RevengeBeforeReason: Holtz kills himself (a mortal sin, meaning eternity in Hell) to ensure Angel's demise at his son's hands. Although the writers said in the DVD commentary that this was less about revenge and more the only way Holtz could see of ensuring that Connor continued loving him.
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* PowerGlows: Cordy lets out some serious mojo to stop Connor killing her -- his knife blade disintegrates and he's drained of his hatred.

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* PowerGlows: Cordy lets out some serious mojo to stop Connor killing her -- his knife blade disintegrates and he's drained of his hatred.the hatred Quor'toth infected him with.
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'''Cordy:''' "That thing we do. You know that thing where I say 'Are you sure you know what you're doing, Angel, please think about this' and then you ignore me and rush head long into trouble?"

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'''Cordy:''' "That thing we do. You know that thing where I say 'Are you sure you know what you're doing, Angel, please think about this' and then you ignore me and rush head long headlong into trouble?"
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Quor'toth


Angel returns to the Hyperion Hotel. He tells the AI team about his meeting with Connor. He is convinced that Connor, who was able to survive in Quor-Toth, will be all right in Los Angeles. The others fear that something else might have escaped from Quor-Toth after Connor and might be pursuing him. Angel says Connor will come to the hotel as soon as he realizes what he needs. Cordelia says that what Connor needs is a father.

Connor and Holtz rent a motel room with money taken from Tyke (the drug dealer he fought). The next morning, Connor gets a newspaper and brings it to Holtz. Looking at the date, Holtz knows that only a few days have passed since he took Connor to Quar-Toth, for all that many years passed for him and Connor.

Holtz praises Connor for finding a way to escape Quar-Toth. Connor says he did it by following the Sluks, the translucent, slug-like creatures that the AI team fought. Connor adds that Holtz should have remained in Quar-Toth, because he, Connor, intended to return there to join Holtz after killing Angel. Holtz replies that Connor does not have it in him to kill Angel. Connor's real reason for coming to Los Angeles, Holtz claims, was to meet Angel.

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Angel returns to the Hyperion Hotel. He tells the AI team about his meeting with Connor. He is convinced that Connor, who was able to survive in Quor-Toth, Quor'toth, will be all right in Los Angeles. The others fear that something else might have escaped from Quor-Toth Quor'toth after Connor and might be pursuing him. Angel says Connor will come to the hotel as soon as he realizes what he needs. Cordelia says that what Connor needs is a father.

Connor and Holtz rent a motel room with money taken from Tyke (the drug dealer he fought). The next morning, Connor gets a newspaper and brings it to Holtz. Looking at the date, Holtz knows that only a few days have passed since he took Connor to Quar-Toth, Quor'toth, for all that many years passed for him and Connor.

Holtz praises Connor for finding a way to escape Quar-Toth.Quor'toth. Connor says he did it by following the Sluks, the translucent, slug-like creatures that the AI team fought. Connor adds that Holtz should have remained in Quar-Toth, because he, Connor, intended to return there to join Holtz after killing Angel. Holtz replies that Connor does not have it in him to kill Angel. Connor's real reason for coming to Los Angeles, Holtz claims, was to meet Angel.



Angel appears. While Connor sits by himself, apparently reflecting on his recent experience with Cordelia, the three adults discuss Cordelia's new powers and what she did to Connor. Lorne guesses that she purged Connor of the evil energy that he brought with him from Quor-Toth.

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Angel appears. While Connor sits by himself, apparently reflecting on his recent experience with Cordelia, the three adults discuss Cordelia's new powers and what she did to Connor. Lorne guesses that she purged Connor of the evil energy that he brought with him from Quor-Toth.
Quor'toth.



Holtz and Justine talk. Justine is still loyal to Holtz. Holtz says something changed while he was in Quor-Toth. He developed love for Connor, and found love is more powerful than hate. He says he needs Justine to do something for him, and then he will be done with vengeance.

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Holtz and Justine talk. Justine is still loyal to Holtz. Holtz says something changed while he was in Quor-Toth.Quor'toth. He developed love for Connor, and found love is more powerful than hate. He says he needs Justine to do something for him, and then he will be done with vengeance.



* ThePowerOfHate: Holtz attributes it to his own longevity in Quor-toth. Justine comments that hate has a bad rap.

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* ThePowerOfHate: Holtz attributes it to his own longevity in Quor-toth.Quor'toth to it. Justine comments that hate has a bad rap.
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* PoorCommunicationKills: Cordelia warns Angel not to lie to Connor about going to confront Holtz. Angel ignores the advice, making him look even more guilty when Connor discovers the deception and runs back to the hotel to find Holtz dead.

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* PoorCommunicationKills: Cordelia warns Angel not to lie to Connor about going to confront Holtz. Angel ignores the advice, making him look even more guilty when Connor discovers the deception and runs back to the hotel motel to find Holtz dead.
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* PoorCommunicationKills: Cordelia warns Angel not to lie to Connor about going to see Holtz. Angel ignores the advice making him look even more guilty when Connor discovers the deception and runs back to the hotel to find Holtz dead.

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* PoorCommunicationKills: Cordelia warns Angel not to lie to Connor about going to see confront Holtz. Angel ignores the advice advice, making him look even more guilty when Connor discovers the deception and runs back to the hotel to find Holtz dead.
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* GettingCrapPastTheRadar: While wielding a Geiger counter, Fred says that Connor is pretty hot.

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%% * GettingCrapPastTheRadar: While wielding a Geiger counter, Fred says that Connor GettingCrapPastThe Radar: Due to overwhelming and persistent misuse, GCPTR is pretty hot.on-page examples only until 01 June 2021. If you are reading this in the future, please check the trope page to make sure your example fits the current definition.

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Connor finds himself torn emotionally between Angel and Holtz. Justine discovers her former mentor has returned.

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Angel returns to the Hyperion Hotel. He tells the AI team about his meeting with Connor. He is convinced that Connor, who was able to survive in Quor-Toth, will be all right in Los Angeles. The others fear that something else might have escaped from Quor-Toth after Connor and might be pursuing him. Angel says Connor will come to the hotel as soon as he realizes what he needs. Cordelia says that what Connor needs is a father.

Connor and Holtz rent a motel room with money taken from Tyke (the drug dealer he fought). The next morning, Connor gets a newspaper and brings it to Holtz. Looking at the date, Holtz knows that only a few days have passed since he took Connor to Quar-Toth, for all that many years passed for him and Connor.

Holtz praises Connor for finding a way to escape Quar-Toth. Connor says he did it by following the Sluks, the translucent, slug-like creatures that the AI team fought. Connor adds that Holtz should have remained in Quar-Toth, because he, Connor, intended to return there to join Holtz after killing Angel. Holtz replies that Connor does not have it in him to kill Angel. Connor's real reason for coming to Los Angeles, Holtz claims, was to meet Angel.

Holtz says God gave Connor into his care, to make up for the children that Holtz lost. Holtz says he is glad that Connor did not kill Angel, and tells him to rejoin Angel so that he may learn about this world and himself, but he also warns Connor to be on his guard.

At the hotel, Lorne brings in a Cedrian crystal, which can store mystical energy in the way a battery can store electricity. The team uses it to power a modified Geiger counter that will detect para-plasmic radioactivity and so tell them whether anything, beyond what they already know of, escaped from Quar-Toth. Cordelia goes upstairs to talk with Angel.

In the hotel courtyard, Lorne and the Groosalugg discuss Angel's handling of Connor's return. The Groosalugg's words also refer to his relationship with Cordelia.

Upstairs, Cordelia assures Angel that Connor will eventually return.

Wesley eats a TV dinner. A beep from his computer alerts him to a mail message. The anonymous message instructs him to go to 782 W. Palm Terrace at 8:30 p.m., and be alone.

Fred sweeps the hotel lobby with her para-plasmic Geiger counter. The sound leads her to the door, where Connor has just entered. Angel introduces him to the team as Steven. The four others leave so that Connor and Angel are alone.

Before the two can begin their conversation, Cordelia re-enters. She reports a vision about a woman in a bar who is threatened by a gang of vampires. Angel says he has to leave, and invites Connor to go with him.

Wesley goes to the address as instructed. It turns out to be a bar. Wesley finds Lilah on the mezzanine, and understands it was she who summoned him. As he is about to leave, Lilah points out Justine, who is sitting at the bar on the main floor. Lilah got Justine to come by telling her there would be vampires at the bar. She also got the vampires to come by telling them Justine would be at the bar. Lilah thinks Wesley will enjoy watching Justine, the woman who helped ruin his life, die.

Wesley turns to leave, and Lilah asks if he's going to warn Justine before he goes. Wes hesitates, and this tells Lilah what she wants to know. The fact that he briefly considered leaving Justine knowing she would be killed otherwise proves to her that she isn't wasting her time with him and she professes to have no further interest in the case, while also promising to extricate Justine before she is killed. Wesley says that won't be necessary, because he notices Angel circulating in the crowd.

Connor asks Angel why he kills vampires, in as much as he is a vampire too. Before Angel can answer, several vampires attack Justine and the battle is on. Connor saves Justine, and the two of them give each other a long time. Angel tells her to go and she does.

On the mezzanine, Lilah asks Wesley who the "boy wonder" is. Wesley tells her the boy is Angel's son. Lilah watches the two expertly fight off the vampires, and asks Wesley what he thinks, only to learn he's already left unnoticed.

Connor pursues a vampire into an alley. Angel appears and the two kill the vampire together. Angel congratulates Connor on his fighting. Angel smiles and the two spar playfully. Holtz watches from a balcony in the same alley.

Holtz returns to the motel room where he is staying. He finds Connor there, eating candy. Connor says Angel tried to fool him, but it didn't work. "I've seen his true face," Connor says. "And I've seen yours," Holt replies.

Angel and Cordelia exult over Connor's fighting. Cordelia says that she went back into her vision after Angel left, and she saw the whole fight.

In their second-floor motel room, Holtz tells Connor he is meant to be with Angel, though Connor objects. It looks like Holtz has had a change of heart about Angel. He says Connor is not a demon, but other than that, he does not know what Connor is. He tells Connor to go find out.

Fred and Gunn are cruising in Gunn's truck with their Geiger counter. They find the motel where Connor and Holtz are staying. Connor comes out of the motel room and leaps to the parking lot, so Gunn and Fred see him. Gunn also sees Holtz standing in the doorway.

Connor returns to the Hyperion Hotel. Finding Lorne in the lobby, Connor insults him as a "filthy demon." Cordelia appears and attempts to mollify Connor. She tells him that in this dimension demons are not always evil. She mentions that she is part demon. Hearing this, Connor attacks her with a knife.

A soft light envelopes Cordelia and spreads to Connor. The blade of Connor's knife disappears. The light fades from Cordelia first, then from Connor a few seconds later, while Cordelia counsels him to "let it go, honey." He cries on her shoulder.

Angel appears. While Connor sits by himself, apparently reflecting on his recent experience with Cordelia, the three adults discuss Cordelia's new powers and what she did to Connor. Lorne guesses that she purged Connor of the evil energy that he brought with him from Quor-Toth.

Angel speaks to Connor. Connor reminds Angel that he tried to kill Cordelia, and says he should go. Angel asks him to stay, saying the Hyperion Hotel could be a home for Connor. Without mentioning Holtz's name, Connor says Holtz told him the same thing, which alerts Angel to the fact that Holtz is back.

Gunn and Fred enter the hotel.

Holtz opens his door to find Justine there.

Angel sends Connor off with Fred and Gunn. He plans to confront Holtz. Cordelia tells him not to go. She doesn't mind if Angel wants to kill Holtz, but she warns him not to lie to his son.

Holtz and Justine talk. Justine is still loyal to Holtz. Holtz says something changed while he was in Quor-Toth. He developed love for Connor, and found love is more powerful than hate. He says he needs Justine to do something for him, and then he will be done with vengeance.

Fred and Gunn take Connor to a beach. He has never seen an ocean before. Connor walks to the edge of the surf for a closer look, while Fred and Gunn talk about what Angel plans to do. Connor, who seems to have abnormally good hearing, overhears them and runs off.

At the Hyperion Hotel, Cordelia is about to leave when a figure enters. At first she thinks it is Angel. She says it makes her happy that he didn't go when she asked him not to. It turns out to be the Groosalugg, not Angel at the door.

Holtz is putting a letter into an envelope when Angel enters his motel room. Angel pins Holtz against a wall and shouts, "You took my son!" Holtz replied, "I kept your son alive, you murdered mine." Angel says he is sorry, "for whatever little it might mean," and asserts that Holtz taking Connor was vengeance, not justice. Holtz says he has lost his taste for vengeance and will now give Connor back to Angel. He hands Angel a letter to give Connor. It is not sealed. He expects and intends for Angel to read it.

Connor runs through an alley toward Holtz's motel.

Angel, sitting in his convertible, reads Holtz's letter, which is a valedictory.

Holtz meets Justine in a nearby alley. At his request, and as she promised, she cuts his throat.

Connor looks in the motel room. Holtz is not there.

Connor finds himself torn emotionally between Angel and Holtz. Justine discovers in the alley with Holtz's head in her former mentor has returned.
lap. Connor sees a wound in his neck that resembles the fang wounds that result from a vampire attack. Connor says, "Angelus."




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!!Tropes

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* {{Ahem}}



* CurseCutShort: When Connor acts hostile to Lorne due to him being a demon, Lorne is about to call him a little prick when Cordelia interrupts.



* DontAsk

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* DontAskDontAsk:
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* {{The Power of Hate}}: Holtz attributes it to his own longevity in Quor-toth. Justine comments that hate has a bad rap.

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* {{The Power of Hate}}: ThePowerOfHate: Holtz attributes it to his own longevity in Quor-toth. Justine comments that hate has a bad rap.
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'''Cordy:''' "That thing we do. You know that thing where I say 'are you sure you know what you're doing, Angel, please think about this' and then you ignore me and rush head long into trouble?"

to:

'''Cordy:''' "That thing we do. You know that thing where I say 'are 'Are you sure you know what you're doing, Angel, please think about this' and then you ignore me and rush head long into trouble?"
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no episode spoilers


* BaitAndSwitch: [[spoiler:Everything to do with Holtz's intentions. He appears to be a worn-out shell of a man whose love for his adopted son has finally overcome his hatred of Angel. It turns out Holtz is playing everyone yet again.]]

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* BaitAndSwitch: [[spoiler:Everything Everything to do with Holtz's intentions. He appears to be a worn-out shell of a man whose love for his adopted son has finally overcome his hatred of Angel. It turns out Holtz is playing everyone yet again.]]



* DeadManWriting / OneDialogueTwoConversations: Holtz leaves a letter for Connor, inviting Angel to read it so he knows it's above board. [[spoiler:Of course Angel doesn't know Holtz intends to frame him for his own death, and this loving final message only increases Connor's determination.]]

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* DeadManWriting / OneDialogueTwoConversations: Holtz leaves a letter for Connor, inviting Angel to read it so he knows it's above board. [[spoiler:Of Of course Angel doesn't know Holtz intends to frame him for his own death, and this loving final message only increases Connor's determination.]]



* EmptyShell: Holtz. [[spoiler:Turns out his mind is as sharp as ever.]]

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* EmptyShell: Holtz. [[spoiler:Turns Holtz, it appears. Turns out his mind is as sharp as ever.]]



* [[spoiler:FrameUp / WoundedGazelleGambit: At Holtz's request, Justine kills Holtz by puncturing his neck twice with an ice pick, then tells Connor that Angel killed him.]]

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* [[spoiler:FrameUp FrameUp / WoundedGazelleGambit: At Holtz's request, Justine kills Holtz by puncturing his neck twice with an ice pick, then tells Connor that Angel killed him.]]



* HeelRealization: [[spoiler:His last words reveal that Holtz knows he's headed to Hell for his actions. [[IgnoredEpiphany And he doesn't give a damn]].]]
* [[spoiler:ImpromptuTracheotomy]]
* IveComeTooFar: [[spoiler:Holtz admits in his final words that he's most likely going to Hell for his actions, but he sees no point in stopping anymore.]]
* KillTheOnesYouLove / CradlingYourKill: A villainous example with [[spoiler: Justine killing Holtz.]]
* IJustWantMyBelovedToBeHappy: Averted. [[spoiler:Holtz sacrifices Justine and Connor's future happiness for revenge.]]
* IronicEcho: Justine tells Holtz she would have followed him into Hell. [[spoiler:Later when Justine is begging Holtz not to make her kill him, Holtz says, "I'm not asking you to follow me to Hell, Justine -- just send me there."]]

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* HeelRealization: [[spoiler:His His last words reveal that Holtz knows he's headed to Hell for his actions. [[IgnoredEpiphany And he doesn't give a damn]].]]
damn]].
* [[spoiler:ImpromptuTracheotomy]]
ImpromptuTracheotomy: To make Holtz appear to be a vampire victim.
* IveComeTooFar: [[spoiler:Holtz Holtz admits in his final words that he's most likely going to Hell for his actions, but he sees no point in stopping anymore.]]
anymore.
* KillTheOnesYouLove / CradlingYourKill: A villainous example with [[spoiler: Justine killing Holtz.]]
Holtz.
* IJustWantMyBelovedToBeHappy: Averted. [[spoiler:Holtz Holtz sacrifices Justine and Connor's future happiness for revenge.]]
revenge.
* IronicEcho: Justine tells Holtz she would have followed him into Hell. [[spoiler:Later Later when Justine is begging Holtz not to make her kill him, Holtz says, "I'm not asking you to follow me to Hell, Justine -- just send me there."]]"



* [[spoiler:ManipulativeBastard: Holtz realises that despite indoctrinating Connor to hate Angel, the boy is drawn to his vampire father. He quickly adapts, encouraging Connor to form a connection which will get under Angel's guard, and increase Connor's sense of betrayal after Holtz's death.]]

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* [[spoiler:ManipulativeBastard: ManipulativeBastard: Holtz realises that despite indoctrinating Connor to hate Angel, the boy is drawn to his vampire father. He quickly adapts, encouraging Connor to form a connection which will get under Angel's guard, and increase Connor's sense of betrayal after Holtz's death.]]



* PoorCommunicationKills: Cordelia warns Angel not to lie to Connor about going to see Holtz. Angel ignores the advice [[spoiler:making him look even more guilty when Connor discovers the deception and runs back to the hotel to find Holtz dead.]]

to:

* PoorCommunicationKills: Cordelia warns Angel not to lie to Connor about going to see Holtz. Angel ignores the advice [[spoiler:making making him look even more guilty when Connor discovers the deception and runs back to the hotel to find Holtz dead.]]



* RevengeBeforeReason: [[spoiler:Holtz kills himself (a mortal sin, meaning eternity in Hell) to ensure Angel's demise at his son's hands.]]

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* RevengeBeforeReason: [[spoiler:Holtz Holtz kills himself (a mortal sin, meaning eternity in Hell) to ensure Angel's demise at his son's hands.]]



* ThanatosGambit: [[spoiler:Holtz's endgame: killing himself in a manner resembling a vampire attack, so Connor will think Angel did it.]]

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* ThanatosGambit: [[spoiler:Holtz's Holtz's endgame: killing himself in a manner resembling a vampire attack, so Connor will think Angel did it.]]
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-->'''Wes:''' "You really don't know the first thing about me, do you?"\\
'''Lilah:''' "Probably not. [beat] Like, will he go straight to his car, or will he stop to warn her first?"\\

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-->'''Wes:''' "You You really don't know the first thing about me, do you?"\\
you?\\
'''Lilah:''' "Probably Probably not. [beat] Like, will he go straight to his car, or will he stop to warn her first?"\\first?\\



'''Lilah:''' "He has to think about it. That's good. That's all I really needed to know. (Turns away from him) You can go."\\
'''Wes:''' "A ''test'', Lilah?"\\
'''Lilah:''' "Oh, don't look so grim. I just needed to know [[SlowlySlippingIntoEvil whether or not I was wasting my time]].

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'''Lilah:''' "He He has to think about it. That's good. That's all I really needed to know. (Turns away from him) You can go."\\
\\
'''Wes:''' "A A ''test'', Lilah?"\\
Lilah?\\
'''Lilah:''' "Oh, Oh, don't look so grim. I just needed to know [[SlowlySlippingIntoEvil whether or not I was wasting my time]].

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* [[spoiler:RevengeBeforeReason: Holtz kills himself (a mortal sin, meaning eternity in Hell) to ensure Angel's demise at his son's hands.]]

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* [[spoiler:RevengeBeforeReason: Holtz RevengeBeforeReason: [[spoiler:Holtz kills himself (a mortal sin, meaning eternity in Hell) to ensure Angel's demise at his son's hands.]]



* ShutUpKirk: Angel furiously confronts Holtz over kidnapping Connor. Holtz retorts that he kept Connor alive and raised him, while Angel/Angelus killed Holtz's own son.



* [[spoiler:ThanatosGambit]]

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* [[spoiler:ThanatosGambit]]ThanatosGambit: [[spoiler:Holtz's endgame: killing himself in a manner resembling a vampire attack, so Connor will think Angel did it.]]

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