Angel - Season 3 (Box Set 2) [2000]

As the season moves to its climax, Wesley (Alexis Denisof) has hard choices to make and of the show's core cast it is Denisof who has the most interesting things to do; he has triumphantly turned the bumbling fop of Buffy's third season into a man nearly destroyed by good intentions and despair. The season's devastating climax is compulsive viewing and this box also contains one of the most impressive single episodes the show has yet come up with: in "Waiting in the Wings" writer, director and creator Joss Whedon comes up with a classic ghost story as Angel and his crew go to the ballet and find a performance that is literally timeless. --Roz Kaveney

The plot follows as Angel (David Boreanaz) battles to protect his baby son Connor from a variety of foes all willing to get their hands on him: scheming, dimension-travelling demon Sahjahn (Jack Conley), vengeful vampire hunter Holtz (Keith Szarabajka) and the evil lawyers at Wolfram and Hart.

However, Angel is betrayed when his well-intentioned but misguided ally Wesley (Alexis Denisof) kidnaps Connor after translating an ancient prophecy that says Angel will kill his own son. Holtz promptly flees with the baby into another dimension and Angel despairs, unable to get his son back.....

As with its sister show, "Buffy", "Angel" is at its best when it's episodes focus on bring the season's plot forward and when it's focussing on the characters. Thus "Sleep Tight", "Loyalty", "Forgiving", "A New World" and "Benediction" are this set's best episodes, featuring a swathe of strong dramatic moments.

In "Forgiving", Wesley has given Connor to Holtz and has had his throat slashed for his troubles. Lying, nearly dead, in his hospital bed, he is visited by Angel. The vampire comes close to forgiving his friend, then gets angry and tries to kill him.

Later on, in "A New World" and "Benediction", Holtz returns with a now teenaged Connor (Vincent Kartheiser). Angel confronts his foe and is forced to slowly apologize to Holtz for killing his family. It is a very beautiful scene, as the two arch enemies appear to have made peace with each other. But Holtz has one last trick up his sleeve, making way for the season finale "Tomorrow".

Little doubt the triumph of this season has to be Holtz. Well played and voiced by Keith Szarabajka, he comes across as a deeply sympathetic but ultimately insidious man destroyed by his own lust for vengeance.

Also good is Alexis Denisof as Wesley, whose own good intentions nearly prove to be the death of him. Andy Hallett provides much of the season's humour as the wisecracking Lorne. Finally, David Boreanaz maintains a continually consistent and energetic portrayal of Angel.

However, the characters of Gunn (J.August Richards) and Fred (Amy Acker) are left on the side. Asides from their romance, they sacrifice much of their personalities (Fred's babbling eccentricity and Gunn's hard-nosed streetwisdom) to the needs of individual episodes. And the lawyers at Wolfram and Hart, whilst still very much involved, could do with a more consequential role in the season's plot.

That aside, this is still very good entertainment and worth watching. Roll on Season Four.


The world of Angel Investigations gets even darker   October 23, 2002
 2 out of 2 found this review helpful

The LA portrayed in 'Angel' has always been morally ambiguous, but as the third season draws to a compelling finale, it ventures into a new level of darkness. Angel's son Connor, for instance, is both a salvation and a scourge; his love for his son takes his relationship with the incomparable Cordy to a new level of intimacy, but eventually breaks apart the tightly-knit family of Angel Investigations. Props to Alexis Denisof as Wesley, who shows than David Boreanaz is not the only cast emeber who can do some serious brooding.

Highlights include the stand-alone 'Waiting in the Wings', an old-fashioned yet sexy vignette which underlines the growing chemistry between Angel and Cordy; 'Sleep Tight', a heartbreaking look at the complexities of the father-son relationship, as Holtz, Wesley, and Angel all fight for Connor's future; and, naturally, the season finale, 'Tomorrow'.

This series, for me, was worthy of four rather than five stars simply because the decline in writing quality for Fred and Gunn - both characters ended up as carictatures (brainy damsel and street-smart muscle), which is a shame, because both Amy Acker and j. August Richards are talented people.

Overall though, a thoroughly enjoyable season, and well worth buying - I can't wait for Season Four!


Dark Waters - Exploring the murky depths of Angel Season 3   August 29, 2002
 2 out of 3 found this review helpful

Although heavily criticised by many Angel's third season proved to be the most entertaining yet. The increasingly dark storyline which saw the characters struggling with issues of betrayal and loss, finally gave the main cast a chance to shine and prove that when it comes to acting ability they can hold their own with the best American television has to offer. The three episode arc of Loyalty, Sleep Tight and Forgiving is especially strong, ending on an incredibly powerful, if downbeat note. Alexis Denisof absolutely excells this season in his portrayal of a tormented, guilt stricken and resentful Wesley - a far cry from his prat falling antics in Buffy. Stephanie Romanov is equally good, succeeding in turning her rather one note villainess into one of the best characters on the show. The season has its failings- new Wolfram & Hart lawyers Gavin Park and Linwood are, respectively, plain irritating and instantly forgettable, Waiting in the Wings may be Joss Whedon scripted, but it is sadly overrated and doesn't stand comparison with his previous Buffy episodes and Cordelia's total absence from the key episodes Loyalty, Sleep Tight and Forgiving is particularly jarring. However, despite these minor failings the third season of Angel is impressive, forgoing obvious plot developments (how dull would it have been if Fred had hooked up with the obvious choice - Wesley?)and continuing to feature strong, innovative storylines. In an industry dominated by the desire to have a happy ending it is refreshing to see a show which suggests that easy happy endings might just be out of the characters grasp. Highly recommended.


BEST SO FAR!   June 30, 2002
 33 out of 35 found this review helpful

This box set contains some of the best Angel episodes ever made. The first episode "Birthday" centres around Cordelia. It gives us an insight into the woman she has become and illustrates to us what an important role she plays in Angel Investigations. This episode pushes the Cordelia arc forward and there is also an appearance from the hilariously funny Skip.
"Waiting In The Wings", written and directed by Joss Whedon, is a stroke of genius as it has all the elements of a classic Angel episode. The story is all about the five main characters and their personal relationships with each other all change. Some grow closer while others drift apart.
Two of the best episodes in this set are "Loyalty" and "Sleep Tight" as they give Alexis Denisof a chance to shine as Wesley. "Sleep Tight" is without a doubt the best episode of the season as the performances are all to an incredible standard and the story is dramatic and suspenseful. This could have easily been the season finale.
The final three episode entitled,"A New World", "Benediction" and "Tomorrow" see Angel's world begin to pick up and his life starts to come back together. As usual, the happiness is short lived as by the finale, things will take a turn for the worst and the season ends with a cliffhanger.
There are a few disappointements however. The Gunn/Fred story "Double Or Nothing" lacks in plot and has little relevance to this season's overall arc. Also, Charisma Carpenter is not present in three out of the eleven episodes, which is a shame as her character has been the most likeable this year. Although the final episodes are better than previous, they do not compete with the final episodes of Buffy's Sixth Season.
This box set has everything for a die hard fan and everything for a casual watcher. The bar has been raised to new heights and only time will tell if Season Four can match this year. The acting has been superb and the writing has been compelling. It has to get 5/5!


brilliant   June 22, 2002
 3 out of 6 found this review helpful

This season exceeds all of the others as it is fresh witty and unbelievably dangerous. It has all the characters and even some new ones ,with excelent performances from J.August Richards and charisma carpenter.Angel is definately becoming the worlds greatest cult show with its fresh story lines and amazing characters it is the show of all shows and is not to be missed.