Best Angel Episode
I'd have to say "Epiphany", simply because of Angel's speech. For me, it best typifies my philosophy in life and it made me fall in love with Angel's character.
Best Wesley Episode
I believe "Lineage" is by far one of the best character studies for Wesley. In his father, we see the source of both his ruthlessness and his insecurity. Some believe the episode cheats by using a cyborg rather than his actual father, but it still demonstrates the same emotional resonance regardless.
Best Cordy Episode
As far as I'm concerned, "You're Welcome" was the much needed episode after the way Cordy's character was used (and I use that word pointedly), the previous season. It was definitely Charisma's best comedic and dramatic performance on the show.
Best Doyle Episode
"Hero", if for no other reason than Glenn's real life passing. For that reason, it makes the episode all the more poignant.
Best Gunn Episode
As I've said before, Gunn is like the 'Beautiful South' of Angel Investigations in that he's rarely a fan favourite, but a likable character nonetheless. The other problem is that I don't really like many of the Gunn-centric episodes. One episode I do like however is "That Old Gang Of Mine". Now I know it's not particularly a fan favourite, but I like how it deals with the subject of racism from a slightly different angle. While it seems somewhat on the nose, I like how they address the issue of an oppressed group having issues with the group that oppressed them. Now the episode falls down with that metaphor when it becomes apparent how two-dimensional the antagonist Gio is, however the real fun happens at the end with Gunn. He chooses Angel regardless of the ill feelings he has towards his kind and his feelings due to what happened with his sister are understandable, but he still has the intelligence and insight to see beyond his own prejudice and towards the larger mission.
Best Fred Episode
This was easy for me. It has to be "The Magic Bullet". Aside from the clever title, this episode showcases Fred's intelligence, strength and resilience.
Best Lorne Episode
Lorne's another character whose episodes are a little crap but I'd have to say my favourite is actually "Apocalypse, Nowish". No I know it's not a Lorne-centric episode, so I'm cheating a little, but I just like the fact the despite Lorne saying he doesn't make any moral judgements, he's willing to risk his life in physical combat on the side of good. Small moment, but I think it has significance.
Best Connor Episode
I'd have to say "Benediction". Personally I think it's an incredibly well written episode. This episode really epitomizes his devotion to Holtz and his curiosity/connection with Angel. I also love how Holtz' letter is written equally with skilled manipulation as well as genuine love (well the most Holtz could muster at that time). Also the back to back vampire fighting was awesome.
Best Spike Episode
I struggled with this a little bit, but in the end I settled on "Shells". The reason being is that I've always wondered about Spike's motivations. Unlike some of Spike detractors out there, I do believe Spike felt guilt for his soulless crimes but he still outright states that he sought a soul and to change, because that's what he believes Buffy wants. People always talk about how getting a soul was a huge character development for Spike, but this has never quite sat right with me for a couple of reasons: A) No one has ever been able to satisfactorily define what the soul is. B) One can't shake the fact that he got a soul at least in part to be a possible suitor for Buffy. While I'm adamant that he makes no demand on Buffy after he regains his soul, at least in getting a soul and admitting it was for her, implies there is a least a slither of expectation of his part. Now I don't actually judge him for his soulless actions due to the soul being poorly defined, but for the same reason I can't celebrate his soul quest all too readily either. This is why even "Damage" doesn't quite cut it for me. What I love about "Shells" is that Spike chooses the good fight, not because of "the girl" and not because he's trying to be better than Angel, he does it because he believes in the good fight. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that he didn't have any of this before. In "Just Rewards" he seemed genuinely hurt that Angel would think he would play for the other side, but Shells is the first time we see a real sense of independent purpose.
Best Faith Episode
"Sanctuary". The only redemption story that really makes sense. An interesting outing for all my favourite characters: Angel, Faith and Wes. That's all that needs to be said.
Best Darla Episode
"Darla". I love the parallels of finding one's identity with Angel.
Other
Rank the Season Openers (City Of..., Judgement, Heartthrob, Deep Down, Conviction)
1) City Of
2) Conviction
3) Heartthrob
4) Deep Down
5) Judgement. This is one of the weakest openers to one of the strongest seasons.
Rank the Season Closers (To Shanshu in LA, There's No Place Like Plrtz Grlb, Tomorrow, Home, Not Fade Away)
1) Not Fade Away
2) Home
3) To Shanshu In LA
4) Tommorow
5) There's No Place Like Plrtz Grlb
Best Character Arc
Wesley. Who else?
Biggest Display of Badassery
Fred, in the Magic Bullet for the reasons I mentioned above.
Biggest Tearjerker
Hero. For the reasons I mentioned above.
Biggest WTF Moment
Darla being pregnant?
Hottest Moment
Any Wes/Lilah moment.
Single Moment That Defines What the Show is About
One of things I like about the show is that there isn't a single thing that defines it. It kept shifting, demonstrating that Angel is a dynamic character. The moment I personally liked was the ending of "Not Fade Away". It's not about any particular moral lesson as Angel crossed a lot of moral lines to reach that point. For me it's about not giving up and that the refusal to accept the world as it is, is a victory in itself regardless of the odds or even what you've done in the past.
It reminds of a quote from Joss Whedon. Now I'm not sure if he's referring to anyone in particular but I like to think he's talking about Angel.
“The thing about a hero, is even when it doesn't look like there's a light at the end of the tunnel, he's going to keep digging, he's going to keep trying to do right and make up for what's gone before, just because that's who he is.”
