“Angel,” the spin-off series from the iconic “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” captivated audiences with its dark and brooding atmosphere, complex characters, and compelling storylines. Over its five-season run, the show delivered numerous standout episodes that left a lasting impact on critics and fans alike. Here’s a list of some of the top 15 “Angel” episodes.
“Waiting in the Wings” (Season 3, Episode 13)
Angel’s thirteenth episode, and many viewers’ best, zooms in on unrequited love through the relationship between Angel and Cordelia. It looks at the tensions between their deepening connection and their inability to act on their feelings due to Angel’s curse. Meanwhile, the subplot involving Fred and Gunn’s budding romance adds another layer of emotional depth, illustrating the challenges of navigating new relationships amidst the chaos of their supernatural world.
“Five by Five” (Season 1, Episode 18)
The eighteenth episode of the first season focuses on the complexities of redemption and the characters’ inner turmoil. Faith, a former ally turned adversary, resurfaces in Los Angeles, consumed by self-destructive behavior. Angel grapples with his dark past and sees a chance to save Faith. However, her inner demons manifest in violent confrontations, pushing her and Angel to their limits.
“Hero” (Season 1, Episode 9)
Here, the series looks into the complex backstory of Doyle, portrayed by Glenn Quinn. Viewers learn about Doyle’s half-demon heritage and the burden it places upon him. His internal struggle with his identity is juxtaposed with the plight of a group of innocent demons who are being hunted by a sinister force. Angel and his team, however, intervene to protect these demons while Doyle makes the ultimate sacrifice.
“Sanctuary” (Season 1, Episode 19)
“Sanctuary” looks at the complex relationship between Angel and Faith, two people grappling with their pasts and seeking redemption in different ways. As Faith’s turbulent journey unfolds, Angel becomes her mentor, guiding her toward a path of deliverance. Still, their dynamic is challenged when Faith’s violent tendencies resurface, leading to a gripping confrontation between the two. “Sanctuary” is a compelling insight into the enduring power of hope amidst darkness.
“Not Fade Away” (Season 5, Episode 22)
This climactic finale of Angel’s fifth season shows the team preparing for a final showdown against the Circle of the Black Thorn. With rising tensions and looming sacrifices, Angel and his allies confront their mortality and the inevitability of their mission. As the episode concludes, the team charges into battle, leaving their fate uncertain but determined to make their last stand count.
“I Will Remember You” (Season 1, Episode 8)
In the eighth episode of Angel’s first season, Angel experiences a momentary reprieve from his vampiric curse. The unexpected twist allows him and Buffy to spend a blissful day together, free from the constraints of his supernatural nature. However, their happiness is short-lived as Angel is forced to confront the reality of the sacrifices he must make to fulfill his destiny as a champion against evil.
“Lullaby” (Season 3, Episode 9)
As Darla’s pregnancy climaxes, the episode grapples with themes of sacrifice, redemption, and new beginnings. Darla, struggling with the human emotions brought on by her unborn child, makes the sacrifice to save her baby, whom she believes is the key to her deliverance. The baby, later named Connor, sets the stage for new dynamics and conflicts, especially as Wolfram & Hart intensify their efforts to seize the child.
“Spin the Bottle” (Season 4, Episode 6)
Directed by Joss Whedon, “Spin the Bottle” shows Lorne proposing a spell to help Cordelia regain her lost memories. The spell backfires, causing the entire group to revert to their teenage personalities. Angel transforms into his awkward human self, Wesley becomes an insecure teenager, and Cordelia turns into her popular high school self. The chaos intensifies as the group struggles to deal with their unfamiliar dynamics.
“Reunion” (Season 2, Episode 10)
In “Reunion,” we see the aftermath of Darla’s resurrection and her alliance with Drusilla. Angel, determined to stop the vampire duo, is entangled in a web of moral and ethical dilemmas. His desperation drives him to extreme measures, highlighting his struggle between his vampire nature and his mission to do good. This decision impacts his relationships with his friends and sets the tone for subsequent episodes.
“Darla” (Season 2, Episode 7)
“Darla,” masterfully interwoven with flashbacks, explores Darla’s human origins, her transformation into a vampire, and her tumultuous relationship with Angel. The present-day storyline follows Darla’s struggles with her re-ensouled existence and her desperate quest to find a cure for her torment. As Angel attempts to help her reconcile with her newfound humanity, the episode highlights themes of salvation and the internal battle between good and evil.
“Sleep Tight” (Season 3, Episode 16)
Here, Wesley Wyndam-Pryce’s turmoil deepens as he faces the prophecy of Angel’s baby, Connor, becoming malevolent. His escalating fears lead to dire decisions, culminating in kidnapping Connor to protect him. Meanwhile, Angel deals with the aftermath of Daniel Holtz’s cunning ploy, which widens the rift among the group. Holtz’s manipulation adds tension as Angel confronts betrayal within his inner circle.
“Smile Time” (Season 5, Episode 14)
Things suddenly change when Angel, the vampire with a soul, investigates a children’s television show called “Smile Time,” only to be transformed into a puppet. This transformation introduces a comedic contrast to the series’ typically dark and brooding atmosphere. As Angel and his allies delve deeper, they uncover that the show’s puppets are demons siphoning their young audience’s life force.
“Home” (Season 4, Episode 22)
“Home,” the gripping finale of Angel’s fourth season, weaves closure and new beginnings as the characters confront their destinies. It captures Connor reaching a breaking point and threatening to blow up himself and others. Nevertheless, in a desperate bid to save him, Angel strikes a deal with Wolfram & Hart, resulting in a radical reset of Connor’s life.
“You’re Welcome” (Season 5, Episode 12)
In this episode, Cordelia Chase’s return emerges from a coma and aids Angel in realigning his purpose amidst the complexities of Wolfram & Hart. Her presence reinvigorates the friends and clarifies their path. Cordelia’s guidance leads Angel to face Lindsey McDonald, a former foe orchestrating chaos. The ensuing confrontation underscores Angel’s commitment to defeating evil.
“A Hole in the World” (Season 5, Episode 15)
The episode, directed by Joss Whedon, begins with the discovery of an ancient sarcophagus, which leads to Fred’s infection by a demonic force known as Illyria. As the disease progresses, the team tries to find a cure, but despite their efforts, Illyria ultimately overtakes Fred’s body. The emotional weight of “A Hole in the World” reverberates throughout the series, cementing its place as one of the most memorable and impactful episodes.
