Angel has previously fallen into one of two categories – either he’s the good guy, fighting the good fight, the vampire that you keep on rooting for, or he is evil Angelus, a sinister killer without the slightest bit of mercy or remorse that you wish someone would stake, and fast. This season introduced a third version of the character – a dark man on a mission, who was still fighting for all the right reasons, but whose methods were so questionable it was hard to really get behind him one way or the other. Sure, he had his reasons, for going all rogue: his old flame Darla was brought back by Wolfram and Hart, and that was just playing low, even by evil lawyer standards.

The flashbacks with Darla and Angelus, and then with Drusilla and Spike, were fun, but after a while it felt like we had all the back story we needed and were just getting filler. It was still nice to see another blonde with the power to drive Angel crazy, and Julie Benz did a great job with the role. Just when it looked like she was going to get her shot at redemption, W&H had to sweep in and make her a vampire – again – and pull the rug right out from Angel. Which was sad, and they succeeded in getting through to him, but some of his actions after that point were just sort of unbelievable. Not allowing the lawyers to get eaten – I could handle that – but the way he set Dru and Darla on fire, but then failed to finish them off with a quick beheading was just, well, dumb. Drusilla wasn’t really given an end to her arc – she just went off to Sunnydale suddenly, and Darla’s story also felt cut-off abruptly. Why did Angel just let her go? And why did she just take off when he said so? I was hoping for Darla being more of a Big Bad, but once again, the show did without one. And while I’m on the subject of characters were unceremoniously written out of the show, Lindsey and Kate were also given rather unfair send-offs.

But it wasn’t all bad. I loved the introduction of the Host, and the whole karaoke bar made for some great moments. The undead cop episode worked really well, and I think it was the first time zombies were used in the Buffy-verse. Gunn’s integration to the team felt incredibly natural, and Wesley was given some great opportunities to prove how noble he really is. Even Cordelia has come a long way as a character; seeing all that she sees, both in reality and in her visions – have affected her in a profound way. Although the way Angel was able to win back her affections with new clothes was hysterical.

The season-ending trilogy, with the gang going in to the mystical realm of Pylea, was a lot of fun, even though it did feel like it borrowed a lot of elements from Army of Darkness and even Return of the Jedi. But hey, seeing Cordelia in her princess garb was worth it all. The fish out of water scenario worked well, and I loved the connection to Wolfram and Hart on the three book covers. I’m really hoping that is explored further in the seasons to come. I also have to think sending Angel into an alternate dimension was a good way of getting rid of him while Buffy died in her battle with Glory, although that could just be my over-analyzing the situation. But he should be pretty pissed, not only that she’s dead but that he gave up a chance to be human to extend Buffy’s life, and that was what, a year and a half ago? I’d imagine he’s be looking to have some words with the Oracles, if only he could. Or maybe he still can, they are Oracles, after all.

Either way, I’m enjoying the show, and even though it is living up to the warnings of “not as good as Buffy,” it’s still a fun show with some great writing. And so I press on…