Release

Hiding out from the others upstairs in the hotel, evil Cordelia (Charisma Carpenter) continues to manipulate Connor (Vincent Kartheiser) into protecting her and their unborn child. When her little plaything isn't around, the duplicitous mom-to-be also plays cat and mouse with Angelus (David Boreanaz). As the vampire hangs out in a demon bar gloating about his victory over The Beast, she speaks directly into his mind in a booming demon voice so he won't realize that The Beast's master is actually none other than the beloved sidekick of his heroic alter ego. Thus disguised, Cordy threatens to re-ensoul Angelus if he doesn't do her bidding. Soon, he's attacking the hotel on command and making off with all of the information his former friends have gathered about The Beast and its master. Meanwhile, hoping to avoid a repeat of the slayer's recent abject defeat at Angelus' hands, Wesley (Alexis Denisof) struggles to reacquaint Faith (Eliza Dushku) with her dark side by revealing some of his own recently unearthed nasty streak. In a loathsome den where jaded humans get their kicks by allowing vampires to feed on their drug-spiked blood, Wes tortures one of humanity's dregs to elicit information about a recent encounter with Angelus. Faith blanches at such repulsive methods, then bristles when Wes reminds her that she once did far worse to him (see "Five by Five"). Eventually, the former Watcher's message sinks in and Faith attacks Angelus with everything she's got. Just when victory seems imminent, though, Angelus taunts her that she'll never really be able to achieve redemption. Falling for her foe's mind games, the slayer gives him an in and Angelus bites into her neck, promising to make Faith just like him. Originally broadcast March 12, 2003, on the WB network, "Release" marked season four, episode 14 of the supernatural soap opera. As of this episode, Andy Hallett finally joins the regular cast after guest-starring 44 times over the previous 57 episodes. This episode's depiction of a drugged-out den of symbiotic humans and vampires echoes that of Buffy the Vampire Slayer's "Into the Woods.".