Rating: 
Summary: Angel Hits the Ground Running, and Gets Even Faster
Review: When Angel spun off from Buffy at the end of S3, fans knew that Cordelia Chase would also follow the vampire with a soul to LA. Along with the character of Doyle, who dies tragically in mid-season, and the addition of Wesley to the cast thereafter, Angel had created a spectacular world for itself, and its only gotten better.
The first season was more self-contained, rather than arc-heavy, unlike Buffy. The underlying theme was that Angel would try and help the lost souls of the City of Angels. Little did he know that, as revealed in To Shanshu in LA (the season finale), he was also going to be rewarded with life when he completed his task. Though, now that Spike on Buffy also has a soul, it makes one wonder which one of the two vampires will become human in the end.
The season's best episodes include Sumnambulist, as well as the crossovers with sister series Buffy. In one of the crossovers, Angel is made human by the blood of a demon that he killed. However, he realizes that he is of no use without his vampire powers, and after being with Buffy without worry for one night, he gives up his humanity to return to what was before, and only he would remember that wonderful day.
When rogue Slayer Faith shows up in the episode Five by Five, Angel showed its greatest strengths. The scenes of Faith and Angel together were powerful, and one hopes that that chemistry will return in the 4th season of Angel as well, when Faith is supposed to show up.
"hero" features the sacrifice of Doyle (dearly departed Glen Quinn), and the next episode begins with the addition of Wesley to the cast.
The evolution of the characters is what is most interesting. While Buffy's haven't evolved so much throughout the show, Angel's cast has changed so drastically in the 4 years from when the show started, as well as from their time on Buffy. Angel is standing on its own, and at times the show is even better than its parent. Lets hope that trend continues.
Rating:
Summary: WOW! PLUS OTHER COOL SHOWS I THINK SHOULD BE RELEASED ON DVD
Review: This was the 1st complete tv show season I've purchased on dvd....The picture quality and sound is awesome...the packaging though is kinda clumsey...folding out that huge 6 disc thing is kinda a pain--rather they'd released it in a slipcase with separated dvd jewel boxes...The extras are pretty good...there's alot on these discs and I still haven't watched it all.This show and BUFFY is such cool, high quality tv..It's like watching 1 hour long movies every week!..I miss doyle, he was a cool character..From watchin' the 1st season, you can really see how the characters have evolved--Currently, Cordelia isn't self-centered and is kinda, well, spookey, with her 1/2 demon powers and the visions and Wesley's no longer geeky, yet has grown into a tough and sometimes figid man..Can't wait for the other season's to come out.season 2 with Daria was great and how they made Wolfman & Hart a prime enemy of Angel's.....Here's a "wish list" of other shows I'd love to see on dvd...CHARMED, LOIS & CLARK-THE ADVENTURES OF SUPERMAN, THE FLASH, ALF, The seasons of the BATMAN:GOTHAM KNIGHTS, GI JOE, SPIDERMAN AND HIS AMAZING FRIENDS and the 90's FANTASTIC FOUR cartoons..
Rating:
Summary: Let your hair down.
Review: If the fans have promised to follow Angel to Hell or to Another Network, who are the rest of us to argue? I revolt at the title of "fan" but this series and Buffy, frankly, surprisingly, won me over. While best viewed in sequence (meaning Buffy first people), the writing and acting in both series is so strong as to merit unadulterated admiration regardless of whether your interests run to vampires, superheroes or those who, perhaps, without meaning to, use a tad to much Nancy-boy hair gel.Recommended for all those who love great writing, gifted acting and imagination.
Rating: 
Summary: dark knights and dancin' fools
Review: Two images dominate the first season of ANGEL: The first (later to be caught as the final image in the show's credits) shows our titular hero-- a vampire with a soul who fights for good in order to atone for past sins--staking two vampires and stalking off into the night, his long leather duster swirling behind him. Framed by a dirty, shadow-strewn alley, Angel seems the embodiment of Raymond Chandler's noir detective, "down these streets a man must go who is not himself mean, who is not himself tarnished nor afraid....He is a lonely man and his pride is that you will treat him as a proud man or be very sorry that you ever saw him." The second, quite different image is distinctively UN-proud, as Angel imagines himself dancing at a friend's party. David Boreanez, who plays Angel, is shown doing...well, the dorkiest dance ever, full of arhythmic arm movements, regrettable hip sways, and a positively marmaduke-like tongue flapping through his lips. Flashing back to reality, Angel says, completely deadpan, "I don't dance." Somewhere between those two images-- the first full of epic darkness and danger, the second oozing humorous satire-- lies the tone of this BUFFY spinoff's first year. It's far more "stand-alone" in its episodic structure than the next three years will be, and there's clearly a lot of feeling around going on, as co-creators Joss Whedon and David Greenwalt and their cast try to figure out the beat of this new song they're playing. I give it four stars because there are still an extraordinary number of high-quality episodes on display here (particularly those involving Angel's first partner, Doyle), and because I think it's fascinating to watch talented people go through creative growing pains in public. ANGEL has often been treated like that dorky dancer at the party-- you smile politely, eke out a wan compliment or two on its behalf, and quickly try to find the cool kids at the TV party (Dawson, is that you?). Its network, the WB, never quite knew what to do with the show, changing its airtime several times and eventually canceling the program despite an uptick in ratings. Even fans of BUFFY have sometimes treated ANGEL like the stepkid, the Dawn of the Buffyverse. This is a shame, because ANGEL, even in this slightly less focused first season, has always offered as much bang for the buck as Buffy (and, in seasons two and three, surpasses its parent in quality). After reaching a perfect closure to its first, high-school based half, BUFFY saw the departure of three seemingly minor figures at the end of season three-- Cordelia, the sarcastic school princess, forced to work as a secretary after her parents were indicted on tax fraud; Wesley, the oafish Watcher who generally caused as much trouble as he prevented; and Angel, of course, Buffy's paramour/arch enemy. OK, that last one is not minor, but really, his Buffy storyline was pretty much wrapped up. He moved on, as did the other two, winding up in LA, where he opened a supernatural detective agency and, aided by Cordelia, Wesley, and the mysterious, vision-prone Doyle, fought the demons and lawyers (but I repeat myself) Chandler never would have dream ed of. Yes, it sounds goofy. So does BUFFY, if you boil it down to a couple of sentences. So does the SOPRANOS. And the SIMPSONS. And the WEST WING. And THE LITTLEST GROOM. (OK, that last one I'll give you). It's not about plot, it's about execution, and in the hands of Whedon and Greenwalt, two of TV's best writers, ANGEL blossoms, as Boreanez, Charisma Carpenter, Glenn Quinn and Alexis Denisof all flesh out potentially hazardous stereotypes (Carpenter, in particular, is a comic delight) and help to tell stand-alone tales of tremendous adventure, horror, humor and grace. Grace is the most important quality, both for Angel, the character (seeking redemption) and ANGEL, the show (offering a spirit of generosity to character and genre rare for TV). The result is perhaps best summed up by Raymond Chandler, if we imagine him speaking of television shows: "If there were enough like him, the world would be a very safe place to live in, without becoming too dull to be worth living in."
Rating:
Summary: David Boreanez flys solo in ANGEL -Season 1
Review: During BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER's 3rd season, it was decided to spin-off the character of her brooding vampire boyfriend, Angel, into his own series. This was a definite risk as the Buffy/Angel romance was a big part in the show's initial success. They also changed the lead character's locale from the fictional California suburb, Sunnydale, to the gritty city of Los Angeles. What emerged was a somewhat darker, and edgier show that still maintained the wit and twists of its parent. For folks not familiar with the character, Angel (David Boreanez) was formerly a nasty vampire known as "Angelus." However, after being cursed with a soul by gypsies, our hero now seeks to atone for his past misdeeds by "helping the helpless." In order to do so, he forms a private detective agency with the help of the self-important Cordelia (Charisma Carpenter, whose role also was a major supporting character on BUFFY). Both Boreanez and Carpenter have a solid handle on their roles while relishing the opportunity to display areas they had little chance to roam in. For example, Boreanez gets to show more of a comedic side in scenes where he goes undercover (as a tourist in a VERY loud shirt) and when he imagines himself on the dance floor of a party. The scenes of his "spazz dance" are gut-bustingly funny. In contrast, Cordelia's character grows less selfish as the season goes on. The rest of the supporting cast is also quite solid. Glenn Quinn (who died tragically of a drug overdose in December, 2002) brings a light hearted touch to his Irish half-demon character, while Alexis Denisof grabs our attention as Wesley, the former Watcher who changes from buffoon to one of the most interesting characters on TV today. Like the Buffy DVDs, this ANGEL set is somewhat thin when it comes to special features. Just selected episode commentaries, promotional featurettes and some picture galleries. Still, ANGEL expands on the world of Buffy and provides its own unique spin. A solid start for the series and a set that I definitely recommend, especially for fans of BUFFY.
Rating:
Summary: Its about Time
Review: This has been my favorite show since the first episode. I was and for the most part still am a very huge Buffy fan, But I didn't know great TV till Angel. This show is much funnier, darker, and compelling than Buffy (If you can Believe that), and the first season is the best sporting the most heart-breaking thing I have ever seen "I will remember You," inwhich Angel becomes Human, but Then most be turned Vampire Again.
This show takes place after Angel leaves Sunnydale. He is now fighting evil for redemption, and along the way he will not be alone for the ride. Codelia a now struggling Actress who can't even afford food comes to help angel, along with a pesky half-demon. Together they will fight evil til the end (There's or the Worlds) The Spectacular episodes for this season are... - City Of...
- Lonely Heart
- In the Dark
- I Fall to Pieces
- Rm w/a Vu
- Sense and Sensitivity
- The Bachelor Party
- I Will Remember You (Guest Starring Sarah Michelle Gellar)
- Hero
- Parting Gifts
- Somnambulist
- Expecting
- She
- I've Got you under my Skin
- The Prodigal
- The Ring
- Eternity
- Five by Five
- Sanctuary (Guest Starring Sarah Michelle Gellar)
- War Zone
- Blind Date
- To Shanshu in L.A.
Rating:
Summary: An Excellent Beginning for a Fine Show
Review: I was a little apprehensive at first about the Buffy spinoff, wondering if it could be as good as its original. Although it is a darker show, and a little less humorous, it has its funny moments at times. Incidentally, when both shows were on Tuesdays, usually a dark Buffy would be followed by a lighter Angel & vice versa. The theme of the show is growth and redemption, as can be seen from all of the main characters. The spoiled Queen Cordelia becomes a mature, caring woman. Alcoholic Doyle (Angel's seer) has unexpected depths and rises to the occasion in magnificent style. Wesley, the foppish Watcher from S-3 of Buffy, also matures into a real fighter. And of course Angel tries to find his redemption. I do admit to having issues with some of Angel's actions, but they are mostly in season 2. Wolfram & Hart, the law firm from Hell (perhaps literally) becomes Angel's nemesis and provides a showcase for four outstanding actors--Sam Anderson (boss Holland Manners), Thomas Burr (Lee Mercer, who comes to a shocking end), the very beautiful Stephanie Romanov (the coldly evil Lilah Morgan), and gorgeous future superstar Christian Kane (brilliant, conflicted Lindsey McDonald, whose performances in Five by Five, Blind Date, and To Shanshu in L.A. are nothing short of amazing). Elisabeth Rohm (Detective Kate Lockley), who is now starring on Law & Order, provides some solid work in a number of episodes, particularly Lonely Heart, Sense & Sensitivity, & The Prodigal. Many characters from Buffy make appearances including Buffy herself (Sarah Michelle Gellar) in the fan favorite I Will Remember You and in Sanctuary. Spike (James Marsters) appears, as does Faith (Eliza Dushku), so memorable in Five by Five and Sanctuary. Darla (Julie Benz) and Drusilla (Juliet Landau)appear in an amazing episode called The Prodigal but will play bigger roles in Season 2. Outstanding episodes include City Of, I Will Remember You, Hero, The Prodigal, Five by Five, Sanctuary, Blind Date (my favorite, as a confirmed Lindsey lover!), and To Shanshu. You can skip She and I Fall to Pieces!
Rating:
Summary: Strong opening season for the Soul Filled Vampire!
Review: ANGEL makes his DVD debut with season one of his solo show. A regular on BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER, David Boreanaz proved himself to be strong enough an actor to carry his own show. Here we have the first season where he is joined by Cordelia, and an all too quickly dispatched half-demon named Doyle. They inhabit the darkside of Los Angeles helping ... the hopeless. Very similar to BUFFY's DVD collections, this is a six disc affair with some featurettes and commentaries on select episodes. Joss Wheedon appears on the commentary for the first episode along with partner David Greenwalt. They explain the early VISION for the show - almost a BATMAN set-up with Angel fighting for the underdog lonely and lost in the City of Angels. Most notably the series is episodic without the major story arcs of BUFFY. Later on they changed this "monster of the week" format, but in season one every episode seems to be able to stand alone. This makes it friendly to BUFFY fans as well as people who never watched the stake weilding blonde!
Rating:
Summary: Angel of to a great start
Review: While I dont think the season was bad I dont think it was the best season. It was more getting to know the charactor angel and by the end of the season i was very inpressed and couldnt wait for season 2 I was a big fan of the cop they used. I found her anoying. Doyle dying was heart breaking I can honestly admit a tear came to my eye in that episode and the episode I only saw on tv and will not watch now that I have the dvd is the first one where buffy comes "I will remember you" I just found her I dont want to over use the word anoying but she was. I was glad that in latter years they changed his love intrest
Rating:
Summary: This is like one huge flash back...
Review: I was a big Buffy fan, and still am, but when Angel (David Boreanaz) went to make his own series I followed. The first season, I think, has some of the best episodes. Starting right from the first one we not only get to see Angel and Cordelia, but also the new characters of Doyle and Lindsey McDonald, a young lawyer from Wolfram & Hart.
As the first season develops we also get to see such guests pop in as Spike, Buffy and even Faith. New characters as Kate, one of LA's finest who pops up in the second episode, and Charles Gunn, a vampire killer who pops up in the twentieth episode, bring a fresh, almost gritty, dark angle to the show. Wesley Wyndam-Pryce becomes part of the team after Doyle (played by Glenn Quinn) leaves the show. Lots of funny one-liners, touching scenes and a great first season that hooked a lot of people, fans of Buffy or not. Let's not forget the great fights and the delight everybody has making fun of Angel's dark side.
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