WOW!! I just went back and looked at my old episode reviews to see which episode I liked the best. It seems it was a tie between 'Red' and 'Blah Blah Woof Woof'. Well somehow 'Dark Angel' has out stripped it self yet again, because I was again amazed at the twists and turns this show provides. This week's story 'Rising' was brought about by Jose Molina and David Zabel with Moira Kirkland Dekker and Doris Egan writing the teleplay.

The episode begins with Logan seeing his doctor. We found out in the last episode that some feeling has returned to Logan's legs. Now we learn that Max may be the reason that this is happening. It would make sense that Max would have increased capacity for healing, what super soldier doesn't, but who knew that it would be catching. The revved up Manticore blood not only helps Max heal faster, but also has the capability of healing other people's spinal nerve damage. That is some strong stuff!

I loved the initial interchange between Max and Logan where Max grabbed Logan's toes. The intimate nature of Max and Logan's relationship is more and more obvious. They really care about each other, more than either of them can admit out loud at this time. I also loved the scene where Max gives Logan more of her blood. They seem to be able to spend hours staring into each other's eyes. It was very nicely done. It's only a matter of time before something happens that forces the two of them to admit how much they care about each other. I, of course, am ever afraid that once that happens the show will lose something, the classic example of this happening is of course 'Moonlighting', but the writers cannot keep them apart too long. Something's gotta give. I just hope when that happens it's not the death of the show. I actually doubt it will be. These writers are incredibly talented.

Another great aspect of this episode was the friendship between Original Cindy and Max. I'm glad Original Cindy finally knows the truth. Out of all of Max's friends, she is definitely the most capable of helping and understanding what Max has been through and will continue to go through. I am again impressed with Valarie Rae Miller, you know she's having a blast playing that role, and I am pleased and impressed that the writer's have created such a strong lesbian character. This is a fairly new thing in shows like 'Dark Angel'. I mean look at the lesbians over on 'Buffy'. I am a die hard 'Buffy' fan and have enjoyed this season tremendously, but I could do without Willow and Tara. If I were a part of the lesbian community, I would not want that kind of representation. They are too whiny and rarely openly show affection for each other. They act more like friends than lovers. Original Cindy talks straight up about who she is and what she wants and you gotta love her for it.

Before I get to the Red series, lets address two last minor points of this episode. I could understand Herbal!! I wonder how long that will last? And Walter is Mr. Multiples. EEWW!! That was a total and rather disgusting surprise, and it also seemed rather pointless to me. When I rewatched 'Cold Comfort' and realized that there was a mention of Mr. Multiples, I was sure it was Lydecker. It was an obvious choice, I know, but had some possibilities plot wise, but Walter? I guess it was meant for comic relief of some sorts. I wasn't amused, just disgusted.

Now onto the good stuff! I was totally surprised Max put that implant in her head. She had to do it in order to take on the Red series and save Original Cindy, but I just couldn't believe it. There's no doubt she would do anything to save her friends. She knew she could die, but she didn't hesitate for a minute. The fight scene at the end was very well done and Jessica Alba kicked some serious butt. The Red Series would seem to be gone, but somehow I doubt it. I think they could be back, if not this season then possibly next season. They make an interesting and disturbing foe. The scene at the beginning of the episode where the Red Series burned one of their own was particularly disturbing.

In the final minutes of this fabulous episode we see Max and Original's relationship strengthen and we see Logan stand. That final scene between Max and Logan was very touching. It's about time she took him out on her bike. Now all she has to do is take him up to the top of the Seattle Space Needle. My only question is exactly what is Max scared of?

Next week we have a return of Zack and Lydecker. Can they out do themselves again? Probably.