Angel

I love it very much. Actually I'm not sure from my review because I love that actor.

But these series still my favorites and I would prefer it for my friends and family.

Angel is brill, if you like supernatural or charmed then this is for you, its has everything in it ok mainly superntural stuff, but who wouldnt love a vampire with a soul, or the though of a differnt world. Also Angel and Spike are fit so thats a bonus!!!!!! Hope you enjoy it as much as i did!!!

I loved this show, so unhappy it ended!!!!!

Another brilliant season of Angel. Continuing from where the brilliant season three left off, this season kicks off with the group completely divided due to events towards the end of season three (don't want to spoil the story for anybody unaware). The entire series is like one big movie, edging away from weekly stand-alone episodes and instead providing one main story that usually ends on a cliffhanger after every episode.

Again, like the previous season, there is so much going on in this series that it could easily have been stretched out longer. This makes for highly exciting and dramatic episodes however.

The main bad guy in this series is highly impressive, known simply as "The Beast". This enemy looks the business with his rock clad physique and horns. He proceeds to rain fire down on LA as well as blocking out the sun. There is an exceptional fight sequence involving "The Beast" and all of Angel Investigations at one point during the season. The disc also includes a video extra detailing the events of this fight and how it was made, very interesting. Another excellent moment is when "The Beast" rampages through the Wolfram and Hart offices.

"The Beast" is but one of a number of bad guys throughout this series however. The Goddess Jasmine towards the latter of the series is an interesting story twist and one that completely changes the face of the series. There are people that have viewed this as a negative aspect of the series, and while I agree that the Jasmine character was not the best of season finale bad guys, I think the sudden change of plot makes the series more interesting, whilst allowing the viewer to appreciate "The Beast" plot before it got stale.

Another highlight of this series is the return of Angelus when the group remove Angel's soul. It is always a pleasure to watch David Boreanaz play the evil side to the Angel character and it is obvious how much he enjoys acting as Angelus. This makes for some excellent episodes and leaves the viewer completely guessing at what is going to happen next.

The return of Angelus sparks the return of Faith. Which triggers a Vampire vs. Vampire Slayer showdown which is always a bonus to the Angel show. Incidentally, this is the second time that Angel and Faith have fought, but the first time round Angel was the good guy and Faith the bad guy. Funny how things twist around so quickly. I am a big fan of Eliza Dushku's work as Faith, she plays the role superbly. After she finishes her plot on the Angel show she ends up on Buffy for the end of the final ever series.

The character of Cordeila takes a particularly interesting turn in this series when she returns from the higher dimension that she ended up in, having no recollection of who she is. Without giving too much away you see a much darker side of Cordelia throughout this season. I must say I prefer her character of old but that is just my opinion. Charisma Carpenter I believe had a fallout with the producers at some stage and is the reason why she does not feature towards the end of season four and most of season five. This is a shame as the Cordelia character offered a lot to the show which could never quite be replaced.

This series also incorporates some excellent special effects over those of previous seasons of the show. The raining fire and the fight sequences involving "The Beast" are particularly pleasing on the eye.

Overall I believe that this is one of the best series of Angel, along with season three. If you have previously watched series three then you simply must watch this series. However, unlike the previous seasons, this one isn't really one that you can just pick up and watch without viewing what has come before it, as it is the third part of a storyline spanning over three seasons. The ending is somewhat of an anti-climax, but it wraps up the season two, three and four arc nicely, allowing the show to head in a completely different direction in season five.

This is the year that the show was required to stand on its own two feet. With Buffy the Vampire Slayer switching networks there were no crossover plots allowed during this season. By this point however, the show had got so good that it did not need any help from Buffy.

Season three of Angel is simply incredible viewing. If you thought that the seasons before were good then you will be amazed with this one. The consistent quality of the twenty-two episodes which make up this season is extraordinary. When looking back after watching the entire series it is quite incredible to realise just how much happened in this season.

One of the main reasons why this season was so impressive in my opinion was just how much the mood changes from the first episode to the last. The season starts out with everybody in a good mood; even Angel, who has been away over the summer to mourn Buffy's death.

Things start to get interesting however when Darla (Julie Benz) returns pregnant with Angel's child. If you are not aware it is physically impossible for two vampires to conceive. Julie Benz puts in another remarkable performance as the pregnant Darla, which is honoured by the special feature Darla: Deliver Us From Evil on the third disc of this DVD collection.

Stephanie Romanov who plays the evil lawyer Lilah Morgan really comes into her own in this season also. Having emerged from working under the shadow of Lyndsey she stands out as a really good villain. I also enjoyed her relationship with her fellow lawyer Gavin.

Keith Szarabajka is another who stands out this season playing Holtz, Angelus' nemesis from the late 18th Century excellently. Having been brought two centuries forward by Sahjan, Holtz seeks revenge over Angel for murdering his family and turning his daughter into a vampire.

The sheer number of things going on in this season is another reason why it is so strong. Cordelia in the early parts of this series is having trouble with her visions, to the point where they are putting her life at risk. She is then forced to make the biggest decision in her life. Gunn has a difficult decision to make when his old gang show up. Fred is caught in a love triangle with Wesley and Gunn and Lorne moves in when his bar is destroyed (again).

The character of Wesley really stands out in this series however and even becomes 'darker' than the character of Angel. Wesley undergoes a complete character change when he is outcast from the group and we see a side to him that wasn't thought possible in the early seasons. Leading to the incredible turn of events that happen after Wesley deciphers an ancient prophecy.

Having witnessed the more sinister side of Angel's character in season two, this season Angel shows his more loving nature in regards to the birth of his son Connor. That being said though, after his son is kidnapped we see the lengths that Angel is willing to sink to in times of despair and it is this contrast in personalities that I think makes Angel such an addictive character.

Without giving the storyline away too much the latter part of this season I think is simply breathtaking. When Holtz kidnaps Angel's son only for him to return seeking vengeance is an incredible twist which simply has to be viewed to be believed. There are a lot more dramatic moments in this season than those which have come before. I could expand on my review of the storyline however I would not want to spoil it for those who plan on watching for the first time.

Another of this season's strong points I feel is how the cast gel. The way in which they all interact perfectly can be put down to some excellent writing on the parts of Joss Whedon and David Greenwalt. As Andy Hallett and Amy Acker become more regular cast members than the previous versions they add to what was already an impressive cast line-up.

This season is very much the centrepiece of the story arc that expands over three seasons. Season two laid the foundations for what was to happen in this season and season four continues from where this one leaves off, which you will love if you enjoy cliffhangers. I personally would rather see a series end on a cliffhanger rather than tying up loose ends. As cliffhangers go, they don't get much better, you do not see this one coming.

In conclusion, and I have said this about the other seasons of Angel but if you have seen the previous seasons of Buffy/Angel then I highly recommend this DVD collection. In fact, if you are going to buy only one season of Angel then I would recommend this one as it is the most gripping of all five seasons.

This series builds on the success of the first, and gets even better, establishing itself as a standalone show. After the cliffhanger at the end of the first series the audience are keen to see Darla (Julie Benz). However, this particular plot is not rushed into and it is a while before Angel and co are even aware of her presence. In fact, this scenario is not concluded in this series and is a factor throughout series three.

The storyline is much stronger in this series than the previous as there are a lot of twists and some excellent locations such as the alternate dimension Pylea. There is also a greater degree of conflict between both good and evil casts. Angel distances himself from his friends whilst also putting his soul on the line during his bitter feud with Wolfram and Hart, the evil law firm that represent a number of demonic clients. Things are not always so smooth within the higher ranks of Wolfram and Hart either though.

The main cast are kept together from the first season with Charles Gunn (J. August Richards) playing a more active role. Each of the characters undergo a personality shift within this series. Wesley (Alexis Denisof) proves that he is made of sterner stuff when he takes responsibility for Angel Investigations, prompting his darker side which is unleashed in the series that follow. Cordelia becomes less carefree than in the previous series due to her visions having an impact on her mentality, albeit still showing her bright and humorous personality when called upon. Gunn's "Street Kid" image is seriously tarnished when his old group believe him to be neglecting his duties to them, focusing primarily on his missions with Angel and Wesley.

The viewers are also treated to the darker side of Angel's character when he allows himself to be manipulated by Darla and furthermore when he is confronted by the combination of Darla and Drusilla. Juliet Landau plays the part of the mentally unstable and tortured Drusilla impeccably in my opinion, she gives the character a really dark and twisted edge. Unfortunately she is probably underused throughout this series.

The two new characters that we are introduced to, Lorne / The Host (Andy Hallett) and Fred (Amy Acker) add an extra element to the show and really enrich the main cast. They both only play what can only be described as bit parts throughout this season (particularly Fred who only shows up in the latter episodes) although they will eventually play a more starring role. I think Amy Acker's performance as the disillusioned Fred in the latter stages of this series is particularly impressive.

A lot of the Angel faithful are on record as being slightly let down by the finale of this series, choosing not to end on a cliffhanger and rather opting to have Willow show up at the office to inform the gang about the news over on Buffy (I wont spoil that for those of you that don't know, you might want to watch Buffy season five). I must admit it isn't the most exciting season finale moments although it sets up series three nicely in my opinion (and if you have both DVD collections like myself it is simply a case of changing the disc).

Overall, Angel series two made for excellent television (and now makes for an excellent DVD collection). If you own any of the Angel series or indeed any of the Buffy series then Angel series two should be added to your collection. It represents probably the largest character personality shift and sets the tone for the seasons which follow.

If you are a fan of the series 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer' then you will be a big fan of the spin off 'Angel'. That being said it is not imperative to have a background in Buffy in order to enjoy this series.

Angel is a 248 year old (I think) vampire who many years ago was cursed by gypsies who restored his soul. He now lives his life trying to redeem himself for all the evil deeds he perpetrated in his past by protecting those in need of help.

In the first episode Angel comes across Cordelia (Charisma Carpenter) who also made the switch from starring in Buffy. The two of them, accompanied by Doyle (Glenn Quinn) set up an agency specifically to help those in need. Doyle, a half demon, possesses a gift known as visions which inform him of upcoming danger.

Joss Whedon and David Greenwalt got the cast spot-on in my opinion. Particularly with the contrast in personalities that Angel and Cordelia possess. Throughout the series the story of Angel is also explained effectively I feel, with plenty of scenes from his past including his life in Ireland as a human in the 18th century to his experiences becoming and living as a vampire.

A lot of the characters that have previously appeared in Buffy make an appearance in this first series to really begin the show with a bang. Characters such as Oz, Faith, Spike and even Buffy herself all show up in this series.

Overall I think that the first series of Angel was pretty solid, although the following series are a lot stronger in my opinion, to the point where I enjoyed Angel more than I did Buffy.