Season Three of Angel - hmmmmm. Well, there was Fred and Amy Acker. That's all I need! But, of course, there was the return of Darla with baby in tow, and a seriously unsettling attraction between Angel and Cordy...

Heartthrob
Quick summary - Angel returns from a retreat where he spent his summer after learning of Buffy's death, only to get straight back into business. After staking a girl vamp who recognises him, Angel realises she was the lover of a vamp he and Darla used to hang with in the demon days - and he's still undead and ready for revenge.
Best quote - Darla's 'Life's just full of surprises' was cool when applied to the visual of her big pregnant-lady belly.
Comments - A nice kickoff to the third season (that I finally got around to seeing - yay DVDs!). In a way, it's one of those episodes that re-establishes everything for the newer viewers - we get exposition, Cordy/Angel stuff, and a plot revolving around Angel's past. The action stuff is good and James is a good villain, while the Cordy and Angel interplay signals the twist their relationship will take. However, the best bits of this story revolve around Angel dealing with Buffy's death. We get some nice in-jokey goodness, where nobody mentions Buffy's name for most of the ep (resembling the WB's orders for the Buffyness of the spinoff to be referred to less) yet the payoff, a wonderfully poetic conversation between Angel and Cordelia, where Angel explains his feelings about the death of Buffy. This is the scene the rest of the episode is leading up to, the James story acting as a nice contrast to Angel's, and it's worth the wait. Amy Acker is a joy, too, in her few scenes. Of course, though, the story has one final sting in the tail - the now famous revelation that Darla is pregnant. Aaaw, how sweet...
Verdict - * * * *

That Vision Thing
Quick summary - Cordelia is burnt and disfigured as a result of visions sent to her when Wolfram & Hart lawyer Lilah recruits a 'vision' hacker. Refusing to stop the painful visions that will eventually kill Cordy unless Angel does her and the firm a favour, Lilah forces Angel to complete a mission - to free a depraved and dangerous prisoner from a fiery dimensional prison. It's all in a night's work...
Best quote - Angel (to Lilah); Don't you come at me through Cordelia ever again. You play that card a second time, and I'll kill you.
Comments - A solid enough second episode but one that feels like it's main purpose is to set up stuff that will be explored in the coming season. It's ultimately a way of setting bad boy Billy free and also makes way for the eleventh episode, where we see Cordy's continuing vision-badness reach its conclusion - just a note to say Charisma is quite impressive during this episode. Meanwhile, we see the producers' choice to fill Lindsey's role with Lilah in action, and the relationship between Cordy and Angel is solidified even more. Speaking of, we notice that both Wesley and Gunn are fond of Fred in this episode, and that's gotta lead to some juiciness. Fred herself is a joy, Amy Acker bringing the slightly dippy but clever Texan to the screen with energy ('I've been forking with Gunn'). All in all, this episode is an entertaining way of easing back into the show after the rollicking opener, offering us eye candy in the form of some great fights and FX. And, don't you forget, this is the ep where we meet...Skip! Wooooo!
Verdict - * * * *

That Old Gang Of Mine
Quick summary - Gunn is torn between his current co-workers and his old crew, when he finds that a bigoted thug has led his old friends astray on a new black and white grey-free mission - killing anything remotely demonic. A tense showdown at Caritas puts Gunn's friendship with Angel to the test, and questions his loyalty to his former pals...
Best quote - Other than the 'Mmmm Angel' thang, Angel (to Gunn); You can prove I can trust you when the day comes that you have to kill me...and you do.
Comments - Another good episode, let down only by the fact that the Gunn/Angel conflict seemingly crops up from nowhere. Okay, we know Gunn still has a grudge against vamps but him saying he could never be friends with Angel, when we've already seen him express such friendly behaviour, is a little extreme. Other than this, the episode deals very well with the subject of 'grey' areas, always an interesting topic in a show that deals with a character that is neither fully 'white' nor 'black'. J.August Richards is superb, showing a great range, especially during the suitably tense Caritas scenes. Amy Acker is, once again, a joy as a 'Crazy'-singing Fred who is making her first faltering steps into the big bad world. The leader of Gunn's old gang is annoying, and isn't helped along by the actor, but I guess this is the character's purpose - we're not meant to like him, obviously. Overall then, this ep is a success. Minear's script mixtures humour, drama, and shades of grey, whilst the Plot A (Gunn's troubles) and Plot B (Fred's first night out in a long while) strands come together in a nice way. Before I end this review, I gotta say 'I'll miss ya Merl'!
Verdict - * * * *

Carpe Noctem
Quick summary - While Fred moons over Angel, he and Cordy investigate some recent deaths that lead him to a retirement home and an old man, who goes on to switch bodies with Angel. While the bodysnatcher has all kinds of fun in his new body, Angel must find a way to reclaim his life - before he croaks from old age, and before his enemy discovers that he is possessing a vampire's body...
Best quote -
Comments - The weakest so far of the season but I guess this is a fun little frolic. David Boreanaz gets to play a meanie who isn't in the mold of Angelus, and it's fun to see the old-guy-in-Angel's-body discover the way of life of Angel Investigations and vampdom piece by piece. It does get a little annoying towards the end, though, and it's a relief when Angel retrieves his body, ending what is a ripoff, in some ways, of the excellent Buffy ep 'Who Are You?'. My favourite thread in this ep is the one concerning Fred's feelings for Angel, where Amy gets to show us more of her incredible range, and some closure is bought to the two's non-relationship in time for the next episode. Said closure is bought about by Willow's phone call to L.A., where she tells Cordy that Buffy is back - prompting Angel to leave Fred in the middle of a convo, and jump for the phone. That scene is just class! Other than this, the ep provides some comedy moments that are obvious yet still manage to raise a smile. Pure filler fluff...
Verdict - * * * 1/2 (would have been * * * but the final scene is just too cool)

Fredless
Quick summary - Fred flees from the hotel when she discovers her parents have found out she's in L.A. While her new friends believe that Fred's mother and father are suspicious at first, they soon realise that the only reason Fred is scared to face them is because she herself doesn't want to face her days in Pylea. However, before she can catch up with her folks, Fred must help her new co-workers halt an attack of giant killer bugs...
Best quote - Cordelia (upon discovering the big bug); We are soooo immensely dead!
Comments - This episode is one of those that you occasionally get in such series as Buffy and Angel. They tend to use formats seen elsewhere and put a character through an ordeal just so he/she (in this case, the very 'she' that is Fred played by the wonderfully talented Acker) is recognised as useful and puts past hardships to bed. And I loved (almost) every single moment of this, admittedly, cliche-ridden (maybe that's too strong a term) ep. Maybe it's because Fred is now my fave Angel character, and Amy Acker rivals Charisma in the I'm-a-hottie-but-can-still-act-my-ass-off category, but I just found this week's instalment to be a nice, heartwarming little tale. However, the bug thing - NO!!! Never again! It worked in the Teacher's Pet episode of Buffy because of the whole camp-factor. Here, though, we're meant to be afraid of them and that's just not on - the subplot concerning the bugs is just unrewarding, not well explained at all, and provides us with some embarassing footage and bad editing when it comes to the fights. Eugh! NO!!! When it comes to the parents of one Winifred Burkle, however, I'm all 'yay!'. They can stay if they wanna. It's nice that, for once, a character in the Jossverse comes from a stable background and has two loving parents. The actors do a great job here and are very amusing and, as Cordy puts it, 'parents'. They're what we expect, although the whole maybe-they're-evil mislead (which is a little dull and uninspired) tries to convince us otherwise. There are nice touches of humour here that balance the drama elements, such as the wonderfully over-the-top portrayal of Buffy and Angel's relationship courtesy of Cordy and Wes. However, the finer points of this one are the sad and poignant ones. And all involve Fred! Yay! Ms.Acker gets to show us that she can do more than be all bookwormish/shy/quirky, and gets her teeth into a number of teary scenes, the biggest being the one where she has to confront her past when she sees her parents - upon seeing them, she has to admit that she spent five years in Pylea and that she really went through that hell. Big aaaws! I welled up, I tell ya, as I did when Fred bid farewell to the L.A. Scooby Gang and admitted to Angel that she'd been waiting for him to 'save' her again ever since they returned from Pylea. However, she also gets to be a big brain and is the one who puts an end to the invasion of the bugs (eugh). Yay for her! And yay for her again, as she wipes the slate clean (or the wall, more literally) at the very end, putting the past and her crush on Angel behind her. Acker is superb throughout, and she breathes new life into the show. Other things to consider, upon watching this, include Wesley's mention of his parents (is a plotline brewing, perhaps?) and Cordy's flirty behaviour with Angel. She actually seems a little jealous when Angel compliments Fred - maybe this could lead to some interesting future developments. And, as for Gunn, there's really not much to say about him, and I make my point - he needs more to do! While Richards is great at delivering cool one-liners and being the cool action guy, he is a talented actor and can do so much more - so why not let him? While That Old Gang Of Mine showed Gunn's potential, one episode isn't enough for such a rich character - I really do hope that the producers figure out something original for him to do this year. Okay, so I need to breathe. *does so* That's another review down! My general feeling about this ep is that it was all brilliant, if a little unoriginal. But there's one big thing that stops me from loving it - bugs! NO!!!
Verdict - * * * *

Billy
Quick summary - Billy, the guy who was rescued from a fiery prison by Angel, makes it known to the vampire with a soul and a guilty Cordelia that he is causing havoc. How, you ask? By infecting men and causing them to become vicious women beaters, unfortunately. And, would u believe it, Wesley's been affected - bad news for Fred...
Best quote - Cordy; (during an empowered strong womanly speech to Lilah Morgan, concerning why she's out for Billy's blood) Angel feels responsible for this guy because he brought him back from hell. I feel responsible because he did it to save me. You, who are actually responsible for the entire thing, feel nothing at all, because you are a vicious bitch.
Comments - A very interesting episode but not much fun. If that makes sense. See, while it kept me hooked and disturbed me and moved me, it wasn't that much of a jolly caper. But, ultimately, a good episode - but not a nice one. I'm so full of contradictions. OK, so here it is - my review. First of all, let me start off with the subject matter - women beaters, domestic violence, abuse, etc. Many grim topics, and demonised here in a way that lets us glimpse the hatred and rage involved in real cases. And Alexis Denisof shows off his excellent range, one minute the menacing stalker who is out for Fred's blood, the next ashamed and questioning what kind of man he is. Much like abusers may do, only they're not affected by demon-boy blood. So, we're in nasty territory - in fact, there are many similarities to the Buffy episode involving Pete (the Jekyll 'n' Hyde dude), only this stuff is much darker. Whilst the topic is treated a little better here, giving insight into what the victims must feel (Lilah taking a stand and shooting Billy so she won't feel defeated, for example), it's still too big a topic to cover by using metaphors and using the excuse that 'all men are beasts' (much like the mentioned Buffy episode did). It works well enough, though, and is layered with enough emotional depth to bring it above par. The dark uncompromising tone such a grim subject provides, however, was cool - it's stuff like this which shows how the spinoff is a lot more gritty and, a lot of times, eerily unpredictable. Certainly, the performances are the episode's strong point. Denisof was great, as already stated, but so was Charisma - taking Cordy even further in the likeable tough lady role she's been in as of late. From taking lessons in self-defence with Angel (the flirty subtext is just getting even more weird and intriguing!) and standing up to Lilah, we see how much the lady has grown - Season One Cordy would never have shown so much initiative or stood up to Lilah in a way that made the evil lawyer take note. Kudos to Ms.Carpenter. Also, Amy Acker gets to do more woman-in-peril business (which she's so good at, as you really feel for her) and J Richards (who is being underused yet again) is very scary as Gunn, during the character's brief infection. The guy who plays Billy is also quite threatening whilst Stephanie Romanov continues to impress. Dunno what the hell that Gavin guy's place is though. He's just annoying (no offence to the actor but the guy's a dweeb - maybe getting all macho and nasty might spice him up a little?). However, all in all, this one continues the season's strong run so far. While the girl-runs-through-hotel-chased-by-mad-axe-wielding-maniac thang is too 'The Shining', the cliche can be overlooked when such strong character work and turns are present. Also, there's some niiiice direction, a wonderfully chilling score (just give in to the goosebumps!), and plenty of questions raised. Will we see Billy again, I wonder? Will Fred and Wes get together?
Verdict - * * * *

Offspring
Quick summary - Fred makes Angel question his feelings for Cordelia. However, when a majorly pissed off Darla storms into the hotel and reveals that she is pregnant with Angel's child, Cordy is angry that Angel lied to her. Her feelings soon change, though, when Darla attempts to kill her - and then goes to hunt down children in an effort to satisfy her cravings. Angel saves the day, however, and does not kill Darla out of revenge when he realises that the baby has a soul. While the gang continue to research into who or what the baby is, the vampire hunter Holtz returns to life in present day L.A. - and prepares to hunt down the two vamps that killed his family...
Best quote - Fred; (on destiny) Can I say something about destiny? Screw destiny. If this evil thing comes, we'll fight it and we'll keep fighting until we 'whup' it. Cause destiny is just another word for inevitable. And, nothin's inevitable as long as you stand up, look it in the eye and say 'you're evitable'. Ah, you catch my drift...
Comments - The first in what's going to be, seemingly, a dark and exciting new arc. Julie Benz is back, and she's as good as ever! It looks as though she's gonna get softer when Angel realises the baby she's carrying is his and has a soul but I have no idea (I mean, check out that 'How's Cordy?' line) - I prefer menacing Darla anyway, I think. However, her range looks set to be put to full use, and the talented actress will have no trouble in engrossing me. Nor will the writers - David Greenwalt's script is one of my faves so far this season. The co-creator of the show seems to be at Joss-level, mixing all the ingredients that make the show work (sharp comedy, brilliant dialogue at all levels, suspense and horror, and a keen sense to try something different) and easily writing for each character. The only thing for me that keeps this episode down is all the confusion at this present time about the plot, the baby and its soul, the prophecy, etc. It takes up a lot of time and creates the need for required exposition, yet if all the loose ends are adequately tied up this episode could boost even higher in my ratings. Other than this, the ep scores on all levels for me. It moves fast and developments are exciting - the Cordy/Angel thang looks set to be a corker of a lil subplot, whilst the flashback (cool direction much? Movie style!) and cliffhanger featuring Holtz point towards a cool reunion between the pair. And, of course, did I mention Darla? Hehe. There's a nice appearance from the Host, cool continuity (the three That Old Gang Of Mine 'chippies' of Angel's), a groovy score courtesy of Rob J.Kral, and much more in the way of character interaction. Not too sure about Wesley's sudden pratfalls though - are these meant to represent the difficulty he's had adjusting since last week's crazed Billy-induced attack on Fred? All in all, though, this is a great way to give us the big Darla finale we never got at the end of the last season. Now we have a nice little run with Benz, and it's sure to be a cracker! I'm sooo anticipating next week's ep... :)
Verdict - * * * *

Quickening
Quick summary - Things don't look good for Darla and the baby - Wolfram & Hart have discovered she's with child and plan on dissecting her, Holtz is back and hunting the two vamps who killed his wife and children, a vampire cult is intent on worshipping the child and killing anyone who stand between them and the baby, and Darla herself begins to go into contractions. Overload much?
Best quote - Cordelia; You want me to protect the vampire bitch who bit me, and her evil love child? (punches Darla) Okay, I'm in!
Comments - This ep is heavy on events and dialogue, and you may get swept under all the quickfire lines, story developments, and the huge cast of characters. However, while some moments and characters here may simply be to fill time, this is a rich and textured story. While a whole lot is crammed into an hour, most of it is worth sticking with. We open with a classy and cinematic flashback scene, one of the best yet. And as we enter the main body of the story, we have a wonderful balance between suspense (what the hell is going on? I still have no clue about the baby), wit (the Wolfram & Hart scenes are delightfully nasty), and Tim Burton-esque horror (the doctor guy, and the various demons and cults in search of the baby). The episode's high points include the first real chance we get to know Holtz (great actor and intriguing character), the wonderful dynamic between Darla and Angel and his crew, the sense of buildup, and the double cliffhanger (Holtz and Angel's showdown looks to be a cracker, as does Darla in labour). While there was that much going on, I didn't really get to take everything in on just two viewings, this ep is surely a hit. However, there is the feeling that the story is being dragged out, and there are still loads of questions unanswered which will surely not all be answerwed (loose ends are a pain!). However, I'm really looking forward to the next ep and the resolution. Minus points, though, when it comes to the new Wolfram & Hart boss (geez, shut him up!) and the lack of contribution from Gunn, Wesley, Fred, etc. again. Once this thing with Darla's done and dusted (?), it'd be nice to dig a little deeper into the actual regulars. Oh, and just a little sidenote, nifty stunts much? Watch this and enjoy it if you saw Offspring (you won't have a clue what's going on if you didn't) and are prepared to watch the next ep. Otherwise, steer clear...
Verdict - * * * *

Lullaby
Quick summary - Holtz hunts down Darla and Angel, whilst Lilah gets her hands on the prophetic scrolls that have been puzzling the gang. Darla, in the meantime, realises she loves her baby and sacrifices herself so it can enter the world...
Best quote - Lilah; (when the translator begins to pee her off) I have a gun!
Comments - Wow! After eight (or seven for me, seeing as I missed the premiere) episodes of good quality Angel but no real outstanding 5-carat gems, we get the closest to a classic so far into this season with episode numero nine, Lullaby. While it may be all a little melodramatic, I love it! The compelling character-based drama is mixed here with the tense coming-of-the-apocalypse threat. Darla's pregnancy has provided us with not the most flawless arc but it certainly is swell and improves a great deal with this offering. Minear's script, while it does contain some overly dramatic and repetitive Darla speeches (as well as the obligatory info those who may have missed the last two episodes need to know), has a wonderful grasp on all the characters. He especially seems to know Darla inside out and, with the combination of his writing skills and Benz's magnificent performance, Darla's sendoff is suitably tragic. Boreanaz also gets to show off his dramatic skills, and a fatherly Angel is interesting to see. The dark tone to this episode - which is apparent in the whole birth story, Holtz's character (check out those flashbacks - blood chilling!), and some particularly nasty humour courtesy of Lilah - is balanced out with some nice comedy in Caritas, but this is essentially somewhat of a conclusion to the baby plotline and is very tense - nice dramatic score, Kral. However, not all the questions are answered (actually, not many at all have been as of yet) and I look forward to the coming episodes to see how all the plot strands come together. With some luck, this could be a very cool major season arc, something which has never really been seen before on this show. Anticipation ensues...
Verdict - * * * * 1/2

Dad
Quick summary - Angel, who finds it hard to share the responsibility of caring for his son, is horrified when the 'A' team learn more nasties are out for the baby than they thought. Meanwhile, Holtz recruits a vengeful young woman to help him take out Angel, whilst Wolfram & Hart continue to plot against the vamp with soul...
Best quote - Linwood the lawyer; I like kids. The Senior Partners took mine before I really got to know them.
Comments - Another cool solid episode with some action but mostly talky parts and more new happenings in the ongoing story arc, which is certainly a thriller and compensates for Buffy's lack of a big action-packed one this year. David Boreanaz shows off his acting range, hilarious as vamp daddy but also endearing and protective as the overprotective father. His scene with Charisma Carpenter where she explains he won't be able to do everything for him is very poignant. There's a nice balance between suspense, action, and comedy in fact, the scriptwriter (a new addition) proving he can hit the stride other staff members have and can produce a multi-layered episode. Hallett provides the humour (nice to have him back these last two episodes for more than a quick appearance), there are multiple menaces out to get the baby (check out that list!), flamethrowers, car chases, cute baby stuff, and a new recurring character by the look of it - self-employed vampire slayer, who kinda feels like a stereotypical girl-lost-in-darkness-after-sister's-death character, but could prove an important piece of this season's jigsaw. The conflict between the gang (while false here, just to throw the law firm off the tracks) is sure to rear its ugly head again in the season too, what with Angel's already deep love for the baby - things could certainly get interesting if it is so that baby is evil. I look forward to more episodes of the show, and feel that the third season is finally back at the top after some opening filler/character episodes, finally providing the engrossing entertainment that it has done over its run. Next episode please!
Verdict - * * * *

Birthday
Quick summary - On her birthday, Cordy receives a vision so painful that it knocks her into an astral state, where she is told she will eventually die if she continues to harbour the visions. While Angel and the gang try and come up with a way to get her back, Cordy chooses to flirt with the idea that she never met Angel and instead became a famous TV star when Skip offers her an ultimatum. However, she realises that the visions are her destiny and part of who she is - so she agrees to become part-demon to continue receiving them.
Best quote - Love Skip's love of 'The Matrix' and Cordy's 'Demonise me already...'
Comments - A joyous showcase for both Cordelia and Charisma. The character and actress deserve this, an episode that will change the character's course forever. And Skip! Yay!!! Essentially, you have to be a Cordy fan to enjoy this, as there are no subplots to play with. However, Charisma is commanding onscreen throughout this and it's nice to see how far the Sunnydale girl has come - she was once so vain but she chooses here to become demon to help people and remain with the Angel gang, a choice that leads to her becoming a higher being at the end of the season, and one that's consequences are still being seen throughout the fourth season. There is a nice balance of humour and drama, courtesy of Mere Smith, and the alternate universe where Cordy became a TV star is wonderful. Skip provides laughs while the final shot of Cordy floating mid-vision provides the viewer with lots of questions as to how the show will develop from here. A great episode.
Verdict - * * * *

Provider
Quick summary - Mucho money-getting, some ditz with dead-boyfriend-stalker issues, and Fred nearly gets her head sliced off. That's pretty much it! Oh, and don't forget mucho baby talk - and did I mention money-getting?
Best quote - Lorne's comment that Wesley's articles can be found at 'i'll-never-know-the-love-of-a-woman.com'
Comments - This ep highlights all the negative aspects so far of this season. While I am enjoying this season immensely, there are great niggles I have about it and they all seem to show up here. Let's hope this ep's purpose is just to get the badness out of the show's system. First off, stop with the crazed money talk. It's fun at first but soon becomes annoying - how much can you milk one joke? Angel is supremely irritating as the crazed father who needs to provide for his son, whilst the plot with the guy who misses his friend is yawnsome. Whilst slightly more involving just cos of its bizareness, the whole stalker thang is just a little too silly for my liking. And enough with the baby talk - I like the whole storyline involving the baby but why the need for such awful dialogue? One more moan - I also like Holtz (not too sure about his partner-in-crime Justine - actually, scrap that, now that I've seen the entire season; Laurel Holloman is aceness incarnate) but why do we only get treated to one or two scenes here and there? I know the plot has to be stretched out in an arc but just a couple of near-pointless scenes every episode makes it feel forced. There - rant over. Everything else is relatively okay. Nothing special but all very watchable and some intriguing developments. The conflict that could move up a notch between Gunn and Wesley over who gets dibs on Fred is very interesting - a rift between the pair could spice things up a lot, considering how close they became last year. Andy Hallett is also a joy, finally being given stuff to do and appearing regularly and not just an episode here and there like he was in the early part of the season. The whole Fred-nearly-gets-her-head-cut-off thing isn't too interesting but it's the most interesting subplot (too many subplots!!!) and provides us with a nice fighty-fight and some colourful funny one-liners here and there - love the clucky 'snap crackle pop' demons. Performance-wise, top marks go to Charisma - whilst she doesn't have a great deal to do (she's all 'don't lose sight of the mission', and that's her only purpose this episode), you really get the sense that Cordy is all about the saving of the helpless, whereas SHE was the money money money greed-gal previously. Also, more on the Angel/Cordy relationship. Next week's ballet is gonna be very interesting! All in all, this looks like it could be the dud of the season. Not one to fret over if you miss it, as some memorable moments are outweighed by downright suckiness.
Verdict - * * 1/2

Waiting In The Wings
Quick summary - Angel and the gang attend the ballet for an evening, and Angel realises the show is exactly the same one he saw in the late 1800s, meaning the actors are exactly the same. He and Cordy go backstage to find some answers and are possessed by the spirits of two lovers, the female being the lead dancer - magic and danger ensues...
Best quote - Cordy (discussing possibilities as to what's going on); Dancing vampires? Who's not scared?
Comments - And Joss Whedon returns to the Angelverse! As usual, it's a big event and this ep feels special in a sense. However, it's not the best of Joss's work probably because it suffers from being a little too gimicky. Saying that, though, it is a great episode through and through and it's so easy to see that everyone working on it were having a great time. I do not like the prospect of Angel and Cordy getting it on, I must say that now - however, the two actors do work well together and both are funny throughout this ep. Meanwhile, Amy Acker and J.August get to work with the start of Fred and Gunn's new relationship - this is a cool twist, seeing as everyone felt Fred would get it on with Wes. Amy and J. have good, if not spectacular, chemistry though and this plotline does see the descent of Wes into darkness so I count it as a good thing! The setting of the ballet makes for an unusual episode but it does end up feeling something like the spinoff's equivalent of the musical. The plot is thin but there's a magical feeling about the whole thing. Joss's direction is cool, everything looking very pretty, whilst those henchmen guys really scared me silly for some stupid reason. Of course, Joss loves pain and reintroduces the Groosalugg back into the show when things look good for Angel and Cordy - good for me, seeing as I don't want those two pesky kids getting together! Joss's script is full of enough sassy dialogue to make up for the prospect of the bizarre Cordy/Angel thang, though, and the theme of waiting in the wings is beautifully realised. Just a note to say how cool Rob J.Kral's score is too. All in all, this is a wonderful showstopping ep but other episodes of the series that aren't so blatantly gimmicky do better it...
Verdict - * * * * 1/2

Couplet
Quick summary - Angel is jealous at the flirtation going on between the newly reunited Cordy and Groo. However, Angel holds the key to them experiencing total bliss (i.e. sex, of course), Cordy's visions barring them from physical intimacy until Angel locates the potion that will allow them to get jiggy. Meanwhile, Gunn and Fred get captured by a tree demon when their newfound relationship gets in the way of the case they're meant to be working on...
Best quote - The Slave Guy; Don't judge me!
Comments - I hated this episode the first time I viewed it because it was the first episode of the show that I actually got bored during my first viewing. However, since I've rewatched it, I actually find it quite enjoyable. David Boreanaz is funny, Charisma is funny, Mark Lutz is funny as the fish-out-of-water - hence, there is a lot of comedy. However, the best stuff here is Angel giving Cordy a coupla weeks off and rising above his pettiness. While I'm a firm non-fan of the whole Cordy/Angel ship, I like the moments where Angel treats Cordy good. The subplot of this ep revolves around the new couplet of Fred and Gunn - I like the two actors together and they're a cute couple. I also like the fact that I feel sorry for Wesley but feel happy for the other two - I like being able to see both points of view and agreeing with both. The tree demon was goofy but in a good way, and the script was parts funny and parts aaaw-inducing. The final revelation of the episode, however, is my favourite part - what a shocker, and I remember how shocked I felt being non-spoiled when I first saw this ep! Poor Wes...
Verdict - * * * (1/2)

Loyalty
Quick summary - Wesley attempts to make heads and tails of the prophecy that suggests Angel will kill Connor yet both Holtz and various portents suggest the day Angel will murder him is fast approaching. Meanwhile, Fred and Gunn's newfound relationship is put to the test when it leads to them nearly getting killed in the workplace whilst Sahjhan approaches Lilah for help with his seemingly evil plans...
Best quote - Wesley; You try chatting to a cranky hamburger...
Comments - A solid episode from the pen of Mere Smith. She takes us into the first stages of what will turn out to be an arc that will see Wesley's downfall and the kidnapping of Connor. Wesley's journey into dire straits is wonderfully realised, and Alexis Denisof makes you totally feel sorry for the guy and his predicament. It does make for excellent TV, though, so it's not like I'm wishing Wesley hadn't had to deal with this. I'm cruel that way, hehe. Charisma and Cordy are out of the picture for this and the next two episodes which is a shame I guess, although it does have benefits in that the other characters get more screentime and the Cordy/Angel thing is put on hold for a while. Instead, we get some development when it comes to Holtz, Justine, and that Sahjhan guy. The fact that Holtz is both a good and bad guy makes for some interesting grey matter - we can see Wesley's side but, ultimately, this guy had his children killed and that loss has drove him to revenge. Therefore, all the scenes with Holtz make the viewer ever-questioning and debating who is wrong and who is right. Smith and the writers of other episodes where Holtz's character is explored handle this excellently. There's also humour, though, in what is an essentially scarily tense and doom-laiden hour - CGI hamburgers are pretty cool, you know! There's also some frothy Fred/Gunn stuff that allows Amy and J. some screentime, David Boreanaz actually probably being the one who has least to do this episode. That's a little unusal, seeing as he's the guy who plays the lead character. However, enough goes on during this episode, plenty of elements being shaped nicely enough for the next coupla episodes, that I really don't mind about less Boreanaz. Less Boreanaz means more Denisof, and that guy is proving to be a great actor lemme tell ya that!
Verdict - * * * *

Sleep Tight
Quick summary - Wesley kidnaps Connor when Angel starts to act strangely, due to that pesky law firm spiking his blood with Connor's blood. However, Justine slashes Wesley's throat and steals the baby and, as a result of cataclysmic circumstances, Holtz ends up jumping into another dimension with the child, leaving Angel Connor-less...
Best quote - The Host (as the gang leave the hotel, he picks up a baseball bat in case Wes returns); This time I'll be ready...
Comments - A super duper ep, only the beginning lets it down a bit. The band guys are a nice comic diversion but Angel's strange behaviour makes for some cringe-worthy dialogue (the whole 'flying nun' thing) and David Boreanaz acting a little too much like himself. Once we get into the depths of the story, though, the continuation of Wesley's betrayal, Greenwalt shines. The actual dialogue isn't above the average standard but there are so many twists and turns in this hour that the action is enough to satisfy. Greenwalt shapes up a wonderfully tense and unpredictable hour, shocking scenes leaving the viewer wondering what's going to happen next, until everything comes to a head during the final gasp-worthy scene. Seeing Holtz jump into that dimension with Connor still makes me shudder with the delight of what possibilities the series had at this point. It made me want the next episode soooooo bad. Therefore, although this isn't a poetic or lyrical episode, it's a brilliantly dramatic hour and the performances from Alexis, Keith and Laurel (as the intriguing Justine) stand out. Although the episode is nowhere near flawless, a number of scenes here are very much so high points of the season.
Verdict - * * * * (maybe an extra 1/2 for the tension included in a select few scenes)

Forgiving
Quick summary - The aftermath of Connor's abduction sees Angel out for blood. With the help of Justine and that law firm he likes so much, he disposes of Sahjhan. Next up is Wesley...
Best quote - Angel at the end or his speech to Fred about why they can't call Cordy to tell her about the events. Angel; She's gonna have presents for Connor. And he's gonna be here so she can give them to him...
Comments - Wow! As always in Joss Whedon shows, there are consequences. And, more often than not, the consequences make way for some darn great TV! This episode deals with many a loose end whilst creating new ones, and it's one great big trip. Understandably, Angel's pissed at the whole kidnap thing. His going after Sahjhan is entertaining and all (anyone else think Sahjhan's a hoot by the way?) but it's all a pre-show. The final scene elevates this episode - by the time we come to it, we think that Angel will forgive the hospital bed-bound Wesley. Boy, he doesn't! It's scary to see Angel let go without becoming Angelus, and David Boreanaz deserves props! It's nice to be torn between two characters whose friendship I've watched grow - for that to be ripped apart is an exciting thing. Everytime I watch the final scene, the old ticker gets beating and I just love every second. Aside from the final shocking scene, we also have goods in the way of Justine coming to terms with Holtz abandoning her. I think the much-criticised character of Justine became very interesting around this point in the season, and her confrontations with the major players here are very exciting. Fred and Gunn do the puzzle-solving stuff here which is a nice change - with Wesley near death and Cordy on vacation, they're getting more screentime which is only a good thing. Another good thing about the lack of Wes and Cordy is more Lilah - Linwood is annoying but it's funny to see Angel torture him so I'll let that one slide. It'd be nice for Andy Hallett to get to do more because he does so much with the scraps that he's given but, knowing that he becomes a regular midway through the next season, allows me to let that one slide too. All in all, this is one majorly tense hour where the stakes are high and conflict is rife! And that just can't go unrewarded, hence the five juicy stars I've given it. I mean, we even delve into the White Room of W&H and meet that majorly creepy girl bitch...
Verdict - * * * * *

Double Or Nothing
Quick summary - Cordy mourns the loss of Connor with Angel whilst Wesley is admitted out of hospital. Meanwhile, something Gunn did in his past rears its ugly head, putting strain on his newfound relationship with Fred...
Best quote - Creepy demon guy (to Gunn, grinning stupidly); Jennof lets me have the bodies when he's done with them.
Comments - This ep hasn't got the best story, although it didn't deserve the slaughtering it got by fans when it was first screened. I like the characters of Gunn and Fred, however, and the actors of said characters are two of the best on the show. Maybe this is why I feel this ep is a nice little diversion after the whole baby trauma. While it's a shame that Wesley isn't in the mix much (although Denisof does so much with so few scenes and no dialogue this episode), it's nice for Gunn and Fred to get some screentime. I regret that the writers didn't choose for Cordy to confront Wes, however - that would have been a nice scene. David H.Goodman's second (and last) script isn't the sharpest but it does have many a fine moment and, although the fake breakup scene is a messy cliche, I liked the way he wrote the blossoming romance between Gunn and Fred - not too sure about the whole selling one's soul for a truck thing, though. Hmm. The casino scenes are fun, though, featuring a multitude of monsters - gotta say I love the monster makeup too, especially when the head honcho guy gets his ehad cut off and that creature comes popping out. Shudder! I thought the sidekick guy (played by some Babylon 5 actor or something) was funny. Cordy's return made way for some nice non-coupley friendy scenes between her and Angel whilst Groo is charmingly dim. Not a startlingly good episode then but one with a few sparkling moments. Didn't like the whole leukemia joke, though - bad taste.
Verdict - * * * 1/2

The Price
Quick summary - The consequences of the spell Angel cast to make Sahjhan corporeal turn out to cute slug demon things. Oh yeah, they kill! When one gets into Fred's body, options are dire. It turns out Cordy's new demon-ness provides a way of getting rid of them, however. Before they're banished, though, the slug guys let Angel know that 'The Destroyer' is on his way to kill Angel...
Best quote - Cordy (at the discovery of loads of slug dudes in what turns out to be a pool in the hotel); We have a pool?!
Comments - A fun little scarefest that emphasises the fact that magic isn't a good thing in the Angelverse. Consequences and all that. This isn't a major piece in the arc of the season, as the main purpose of the slug dudes is to act as a precursor to Connor's appearance from the same portal. However, they prove to be fun and provide viewers with a fun scenario - a darkened hotel because they glow in the dark with the gang running around, all scared and shit! It makes for a cool, funny, and not entirely jump-free episode - there are a couple of 'ARGH' moments. Lilah has a fun little subplot, her sparring with Gavin continuing, while one of the team finally goes to see Wes - in this instance, it being Gunn, making way for a nice conflicty scene. Cordy's glow power was a little 'what the hell?' and kinda still is even though I'm watching the next season - it seems like everything will be answered eventually, however. Groo seems to be noticing that Angel is the source of Cordy's true affections making it seem inevitable that he will leave - which it really is. Mark Lutz is amusing, though, so it's a shame. However, with the shocking introduction of a new character and actor here (in the form of Connor and Vincent, respectively), there's simply too much going on to have so many characters in the mix. Personally, I think Connor's a coolish character and his entrance here still makes me excited. See how it all pans out in the next episode down below...
Verdict - * * * *

A New World
Quick summary - Connor re-emerges as a teenage lad from the hell dimension he was trapped in. He runs from the hotel after sparring with Angel, saving a junkie girl from being raped and taking refuge with her in her hideout. While the gang seek to close the tear in reality Connor came from, Angel locates his son only to find trouble...
Best quote - Angel (when Fred shows distaste at hearing Connor cut off a thug's ear); He was raised in a hell dimenson, okay?!
Comments - A great episode with a lot going for it. Vincent Kartheiser brings a jolt of freshness to the show, and he's a great actor, keeping Connor simple yet mining the deepness of the role in lots of subtle ways - love some of his facial expressions and body language! The conflict between him and Angel is exciting at this point, whereas it tends to lag in the next season, the confrontations in this episode being poignant and tense. The inclusion of a drug addict girl to befriend Connor, while her supplier hunts them down, is a little cliched but serves the story well in that Connor gets to see the awfulness of some of the things on this earth, making him feel like he's traded one hell dimension for another. Whatever dimension, the stunts in this ep are fantastic - the fight scene at the beginning being the best (slow-mo, woo!) but other combat scenes being just as cool. And there's sure to be some more fighty fights with the re-intro of Holtz at the end of the ep - oooooh, that's a nice twist and one that's sure to lead to some sparks! While the main focus of the story is Angel and Connor, there's some fun to be had when it comes to the hotel hijinks, the lady Lorne brings to the hotel being a personal fave one-shot character. All in all, I think this ep is really wicked!
Verdict - * * * * 1/2

Benediction
Quick summary - Holtz, realising Connor has a chance to discover his purpose in the world alongisde 'real' father Angelus, tells the boy to go bond with the vampire. They do, yet things look set to fall apart again when Holtz gets Justine to kill him in a way that makes it look as though he's been bitten by Angelus. Son's not happy! Meanwhile, Cordelia's newfound powers make their presence known again, Groo gradually realises his princess is not in love with him, and Lilah continues to pursue Wesley...
Best quote - Angel; (to Connor, when Cordy receives a vision of a woman in trouble) It could be kind of...dangerous. There's a lot of killing, and violence... You wanna come?
Comments - Again, we have a very entertaining episode. However, being penned by Tim Minear (with his leaving the show to produce Firefly alongside Joss Whedon, this could be our boy's last script), there's also some more depth amidst the fighting, humour and angst. First of all, kudos to David and Vincent, whose onscreen chemistry as father and son really sells the relationship. While Vincent is a little wooden here and there, he gets across the emotions of the somewhat complex character of Connor - here is a boy who was born of two vampires, was raised in a hell dimension, and now struggles to decide which 'father' is the one to settle with on earth. The fight scene in the club is tops, as is the fighting/bonding in the alley afterwards. However, the guy can turn on a dime, as the shock-value moment when he turns on Cordy with a knife proves. Speaking of, Ms.Glowy's working her mojo. It works here in a poignant way but, having seen the resolution in the finale, I can only hope we see the return of Sassy-Cordy next season (big wish) and no more Way-Too-Wise-Angelic-Cordy. It's just not my thang at all and, while Charisma's a great actress, the cheesiness of the whole thing really brings her work down. Away from that (let's not dwell on negatives), there's the continuation of the Wesley/Lilah interaction. While the scene here is a bit of a rehash from the previous ep, the dynamic adds a whole new flavour (and could possibly lead to big things next season). While the temptation-to-the-dark-side plot is way contrived, Stephanie Romanov is simply too delicious as the temptress, while Alexis Denisof more than sells Wesley's descent into darkness. I, for one, like the idea of more of this storyline. However, I guess the major thing about this episode is the closure of the Holtz storyline. While the ageing makeup is a bit much, I really enjoyed the climax. While it was sooooooo obvious that Connor would think Angelus was the culprit, the execution was darn tootin'! The final montage at the end was superb - it all points forward to an exciting season finale, with Angel thinking he'll finally be able to look after his son, only we get to see the twist unfold. All in all, 'Benediction' is the latest in a line of recent episodes to have plenty of entertainment value and new, exciting twists...
Verdict - * * * * 1/2

Tomorrow
Quick summary - While Connor plots the downfall of Angel with Justine, Cordelia realises she truly loves Angel. Groo leaves her so that she can declare her love to the vamp-with-soul, only she is interrupted whilst on her way to meet up with him. The interrupter is Skip, who informs Cody that she must ascend to a higher level - away from earth. Cordy accepts and we see her disappear, skyward-bound. Anyway, she wouldn't have caught up with Angel, as he's all trapped in a big box courtesy of son. Eeeeeeek! Meanwhile, Wes and Lilah make with the bumping-of-uglies, Lorne heads for Las Vegas, and Fred scoffs all the popcorn...
Best quote -
Comments - This episode begins as if it's going to be the best season finale of Angel the series that we've ever been treated to. However, as we head into act four, it all goes horribly wrong. First off, let's focus on the goodies. We begin with Angel thinking his life is back on track, his son back home for him to care for. Cordy's interest in him is also rearing its head again; yet, by the end of the episode, it all goes pear-shaped. The turn of events for Angel, from good to impossibly bad, is a great touch. Locking him in a box and throwing him in the sea - that's just fun! Hehe. Cliffhangers are fab and this one is sure to get you thinking how the hell the guy's gonna escape - but, you know, the show is his so it's not a great intuitive leap to say that Angel will escape. The tension, therefore, is sucked right out. And, as for the other cliffhanger, I've got an angry face! I liked wise Cordy last year - she was more mature yet showed, time and time again, that she was still good ol' sassy Cordy. Where is that sassy Cordy now?! It turns out the glowy thing signalled that Ms.Chase is a 'higher being' and that she has outgrown our humble dimension. Huh?! Way too over-the-top. We get Cordy is a champion but why take it one step too far and make her all-powerful and all-heavenly (the white clothing was way too symbolic and not at all subtle). The corniness of it all was not lost on me - while I hope Cordelia's back next season, I hope this arc is concluded quickly (here's hoping) and this manifestation of one-time-best-character-Cordelia is replaced by a more familiar version of Ms.Chase - where's the slight bitchiness?! Don't overdo the purity, people!!! Anyway, I guess I lost track of where this review's going - sorry, it's just that the last act was a bit of a muddle to moi and, in turn, it's left this review muddled. Back to positives - the script and direction (a la David Greenie) is superb for the first half hour or so. We have fine comedy (Fred's impression of a vamp), sweetness (Angel's oh-so-obvious-glee at being a father, Fred and Gunn's maturing relationship), dark undertones throughout (we all know Connor is playing-a-part with Angel, and it's fun guessing when he's gonna snap), helicopters (woooooohoooooo), well-executed drama and pathos (Groo's breakup with Cordy), and some nice camera work and editing (the intercutting of Groo's last words to Cordelia along with Lorne's last words to Angel is fab). Andy Hallett must (I repeat, MUST) return someday - he's way too funny to leave, guys! Don't know about Groo, but Mark Lutz did a great job with the eventual imploding of the Groo/Cordy affair. Speaking of jobs, what's gonna happen with Wes next season - is he gonna take up a position at Wolfram & Hart? His scenes with Lilah were delightfully devilish, as was the dialogue - I hope Alexis Denisof takes centre stage next season, along with Stephanie Romanov (yummiest bitch ever, and a great antidote to the holier-than-thou Cordy we have right now). Anyway, as stated, this review is a little muddled - that might have something to do with the fact that I am writing it at a late hour or the fact that the episode left me completely all over the place. I like it, sure, but the scenes with Skip and Cordy are like a bad dream. Skip is great, Cordy is great, but the direction in which the writers are taking Cordy is just not on! Aside from that and the slight overexposure on film of the Connor/Angel arc, this is a good episode of this up/down but entertaining season. You just have to sift through the (very) dead wood...
Verdict - * * * 1/2

SEASON THREE OVERVIEW

MY TOP TEN EPISODES