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

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.

Relationships form a large part of the theme throughout this series and the Gunn, Fred, and Wesley love triangle has very surprising results. Cordy also has her fair share of men to deal with, and the problems along the way. Will she figure out her true feelings before its too late???

How will everyone adapt to the new Demonised Cordy? Will Angel be able to protect Connor from the new big bad Holtz (Or Wesley for that matter)? And does Lilah continue to be as annoyingly evil as ever? We can all love the humour of Lorne the Host too.

It amazes me that each year the Cliff-hanger gets more and more exciting. Thought last year left you high and dry, then wait till you see this years! Characters heading in different directions, what on earth will happen next? This is a must for all Angel fans. The best season yet!