Julie Benz

An extortionist threatens to derail the career of a prominent politician by revealing visual proof of his lurid sex life in this sequel to Joel Schumacher's disturbing 1999 hit. In the world of politics David Huxley (Johnathon Schaech) is on the move. A crafty political visionary with lofty goals and an eye towards the future, Huxley's only Achilles heel is the sexual obsession that drives him into some of the city's seediest sex clubs. An unnamed extortionist has captured Huxley and his fiancée Tish (Lori Heuring) in a kinky three-way with an attractive young model (Zita Görög), and the high price he puts on the photographic proof send his target reeling. When the blackmail attempt takes a dark turn and Huxley is kidnapped, his fiancée must come up with $5 million in ransom or risk losing both her future husband, and her life as well. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

After the build-up of the past several episodes, Angel (David Boreanaz) finally comes face to face with Darla (Julie Benz), his vampire sire, who was recently resurrected by evil law firm Wolfram & Hart. As it turns out, however, she's been brought back as a human in an attempt to manipulate him into turning evil again. The entire reunion is staged by Darla and lawyer Lindsey McDonald (Christian Kane) as a cruel trap in which Angel is duped into thinking Darla may actually be someone else entirely -- a normal human woman named Diedra Cramer. The ruse even convinces Detective Kate Lockley (Elisabeth Rohm), who tries to protect "Diedra" from Angel. Eventually, Angel kidnaps Darla and she confesses all, attempting to seduce him and destroy his soul in the process. He warns her that as a human she has a soul now, too, and will experience endless regret for her 400 years of bloodshed as a vampire. Unconvinced, Darla declares, "God doesn't want you, but I still do," then escapes into the sunlight, leaving Angel despondent. Meanwhile, the rest of the crew learns about Darla's resurrection, and Cordelia (Charisma Carpenter) and Wesley (Alexis Denisof) must bring Gunn (J. August Richards) up to speed on Angel's propensity for reverting to the evil Angelus whenever he experiences a moment of true happiness (see Buffy the Vampire Slayer, "Innocence"). Flashbacks also chronicle Angelus and Darla's reign of terror in Victorian England and their corruption and vampirification of the delicate Drusilla (Juliet Landau). Originally broadcast October 24, 2000, on the WB network, "Dear Boy" marked season two, episode five of the supernatural comedy drama. ~ Brian J. Dillard, All Movie Guide

The partnership between Gunn (J. August Richards) and Angel Investigations deepens when the streetwise vampire hunter asks for help in dealing with a demon named Deevak (Alan Shaw), who has begun taking over the criminal underworld in his neighborhood. Angel (David Boreanaz) and the gang accompany Gunn to a meet up with an underworld informant, but the guy chickens out. Later, Cordelia (Charisma Carpenter) -- plagued by visions of Gunn in mortal danger and unable to contact Angel or Wesley (Alexis Denisof) -- attempts to save Gunn from the evil Deevak, but ends up in the center of a fracas at a house party plagued by unwanted demonic guests. Eventually, Deevak is revealed to have been the trailing the gang all along, but in disguise. Angel and Wes arrive just in time to assist Cordy and Gunn in a climactic battle. Meanwhile, former client David Nabbit (David Herman -- see "War Zone") gives Angel some financial advice on his acquisition of the Hyperion Hotel (see "Are You Now or Have You Ever Been?") and Angel is plagued by erotic dreams about Darla (Julie Benz), unaware of her recent resurrection or the fact that she is physically present in his room as he slumbers. Originally broadcast October 10, 2000, on the WB network, "First Impressions" marked season two, episode three of the supernatural comedy drama. ~ Brian J. Dillard, All Movie Guide

As Cordelia (Charisma Carpenter) and the gang continue to fight demons in L.A. and Fred (Amy Acker) adjusts to life back in her home dimension, Angel (David Boreanaz) works off his grief over the death of Buffy by fighting demon monks in Sri Lanka. Returning home, Angel soon finds himself at odds with an old crony from his days as evil blood-sucker Angelus. During a mission to save some hapless college kids from a pack of vamps, Angel stakes a woman only to realize belatedly that she is Elisabeth (Kate Norby), beloved mate of arch-fiend James (Ron Melendez). In flashbacks, Angel remembers his days terrorizing Europe with Elisabeth, James and his own lover, Darla (Julie Benz) -- and their flight from relentless vampire-hunter Holtz (Keith Szarabajka). Back in the present, James vows vengeance upon Angel and visits the sinister Dr. Gregson (Bob Morrisey) for "the cure," a procedure that grants him temporary invulnerability but guarantees his imminent demise. Angel manages to survive the ferocious attack leading up to James' death throes, but not before his former friend makes him take a hard look at his feelings about Buffy. Meanwhile, in Nicaragua, Darla seeks a shaman to counsel her about a startling development -- although she's a vampire, she's pregnant. Originally broadcast September 24, 2001, on the WB network, "Heartthrob" marked season three, episode one of the supernatural comedy drama. Actress Amy Acker, a guest star in previous episodes, joins the regular cast starting with this episode. "Heartthrob" also marks two other firsts: the inaugural widescreen episode and the first to air after parent show Buffy the Vampire Slayer switched networks from the WB to rival UPN. ~ Brian J. Dillard, All Movie Guide

A vision from Cordelia (Charisma Carpenter) sends Angel (David Boreanaz) to the rescue of a pregnant woman (Justina Machado) who appears to be in danger from a nearby demon. After Angel kills the beast, however, it turns out it was actually protecting the woman from the Tribunal, a mysterious, inquisition-like mystical cabal. Despite her protests that he's already done more than enough, Angel insists on taking over as the woman's bodyguard. For help in this quest, he turns to the Host (Andy Hallett), the green-skinned, horned proprietor of Caritas, a demon sanctuary and karaoke bar. The Host has the mystical ability to read the aura and chart the destiny of anyone -- but only if they'll sing for him. One monumentally bad Barry Manilow rendition later, the Host arms Angel with enough knowledge to serve as the woman's champion in an impromptu jousting match. Meanwhile, Wolfram & Hart lawyer Lindsey McDonald (Christian Kane) helps Darla (Julie Benz) recover from her recent resurrection (see "To Shanshu in L.A."). And in a brief epilogue, Angel visits rogue slayer Faith (Eliza Dushku) in jail, where they talk about their respective paths to redemption. Originally broadcast September 26, 2000, on the WB network, "Judgement" marked season two, episode one of the supernatural comedy drama. J. August Richards, a guest star from previous episodes, joins the regular cast in this episode. And Andy Hallett, playing the important recurring character the Host, makes his first appearance. ~ Brian J. Dillard, All Movie Guide

As Angel (David Boreanaz) exhibits a glimmer of romantic feelings for Cordelia (Charisma Carpenter), the gang begins to research a prophecy about the looming arrival of an evil being who will play a pivotal role in the battles to come. A more immediate arrival, however, causes an instant battle. Darla (Julie Benz) shows up and reveals not only her pregnancy, but also the details of her night of empty passion with Angel (see "Reprise"). Cordelia, furious that Angel has lied to her, immediately takes Darla's side. As thanks, the expectant vampire mother bites her, though not fatally. The ravenous Darla, suffering the vampire equivalent of cravings for pickles and ice cream, escapes to an arcade and nearly succeeds in killing a little boy. Angel intervenes and prepares to stake Darla, who cries out for him to go ahead. Just then, Angel realizes that Darla's child has a heartbeat and must therefore be human -- and have a soul. He brings her back to the hotel and begins to accept the fact that he's going to be a father. Meanwhile, flashbacks chronicle one of the many run-ins between Angel and Darla and relentless 18th century vampire hunter Holtz (Keith Szarabajka), their most bitter victim and fiercest enemy. Originally broadcast November 5, 2001, on the WB network, "Offspring" marked season three, episode seven of the supernatural comedy drama. The first installment in a four-part sequence, this story line continues in "Quickening." ~ Brian J. Dillard, All Movie Guide

As Angel (David Boreanaz) makes up his mind to protect rather than kill the unborn child he sired with Darla (Julie Benz), flashbacks chronicle the enjoyment the former lovers derived from killing the wife and family of Holtz (Keith Szarabajka). Back in the present, Holtz materializes -- the result of a pact with the demon Sahjhan (Jack Conley) to allow the vampire-hunter to travel through time and once again pursue Angel just when he's at his most vulnerable. Meanwhile, Lilah Morgan (Stephanie Romanov) learns of Darla's pregnancy thanks to the surveillance equipment Gavin Park (Daniel Dae Kim) secretly installed in Angel's hotel. As Wolfram & Hart mobilizes to attack Angel and Darla, the gang sneak into a hospital and find out that Darla's child is both human and male. A large group of vampires arrives -- cultists who want to worship the unborn baby but kill everyone else, including his mother. The gang escape and head back to the hotel to grab some things and hit the road, unaware that Holtz is waiting inside for Angel. Just then, Darla goes into labor in earnest. Originally broadcast November 12, 2001, on the WB network, "Quickening" marked season three, episode eight of the supernatural comedy drama. The second installment in a four-part sequence, the story line continues in "Lullaby." ~ Brian J. Dillard, All Movie Guide

Cordy (Charisma Carpenter) and the boys proudly cure a client of a demonic third eye that has sprouted in the back of her head, but the girl's mother refuses to pay on the grounds that since demons don't exist, the team must have scammed her. Later, Virginia (Brigid Brannah) breaks up with Wesley (Alexis Denisof), unable to cope with his dangerous lifestyle. Elsewhere, Detective Kate Lockley (Elisabeth Rohm) gets fired from the LAPD for her obsession with the occult. Meanwhile, Angel (David Boreanaz) learns that one of the senior partners of Wolfram & Hart, a fearsome Kleynack demon, will be arriving on earth soon for the firm's violent 75-year review. Angel decides to take his battle with the firm all the way to the bottom -- to hell, where he will confront the senior partners on their home turf. After basically stealing a book from Wes and Cordy and further alienating his former comrades, he turns to Denver (Brett Rickaby), the same bookstore proprietor who helped him 50 years earlier (see "Are You Now or Have You Ever Been?"). Denver gives him a mystic gauntlet that will allow him to kill the visiting Kleynack demon and steal the magical ring with which it travels between dimensions. Unfortunately, Darla (Julie Benz), who has been recovering from her burns at the apartment of smitten lawyer Lindsey McDonald (Christian Kane), has also learned of the impending review. She arrives at the bookstore, kills Denver, steals the glove and runs Angel through with a sword. Later, both Darla and Angel crash the Wolfram & Hart review, and Angel manages to get his hands on both the gauntlet and the ring. When he puts it on, the deceased Holland Manners (Sam Anderson) arrives to take him in an elevator to hell. As it turns out, though, the elevator leads not to hell, but back to earth -- for, as Holland explains, evil is everywhere and inside everyone. As the bitter Kate lies near death, having washed down a bottle of pills with liquor, a demoralized Angel returns home to find Darla waiting for him. He falls nihilistically into bed with her and awakens in what appears to be the same agony that beset him after making love to Buffy and losing his soul (see Buffy the Vampire Slayer, "Innocence"). Originally broadcast February 20, 2001, on the WB network, "Reprise" marked season two, episode 15 of the supernatural comedy drama. ~ Brian J. Dillard, All Movie Guide

Beaurocratic Wolfram & Hart antagonist Gavin Park (Daniel Dae Kim, see "Over the Rainbow") brings an unlikely weapon to bear upon Angel (David Boreanaz) -- building-code violation notices for the Art Deco hotel the vampire detective calls home. Angel has more pressing issues to worry about, however; although Cordelia (Charisma Carpenter) is long accustomed to the pain that accompanies her visions, she begins to suffer increasingly dreadful -- and physical -- side effects. When The Host (Andy Hallett) uses his psychic abilities to find out why The Powers That Be would want to hurt their emissary, he learns that another Wolfram & Hart associate is actually behind Cordy's distress. With the help of a psychic (Kal Penn), Lilah Morgan (Stephanie Romanov), has jacked into Cordy's pipeline to the Powers and cranked the juice way, way up. Lilah agrees to cease the attack, but only if Angel will travel to a hell dimension and free a prisoner (Justin Shilton) who's a client of her evil law firm. Angel complies, but then kills the psychic and warns Lilah that she'll be next if she ever tries to harm Cordy again. Meanwhile, Darla (Julie Benz) consults with her South American shaman and learns that he can do nothing to halt her mysterious pregnancy. Originally broadcast October 1, 2001, on the WB network, "That Vision Thing" marked season three, episode two of the supernatural comedy drama. The Wolfram & Hart client whom Angel frees from captivity returns several episodes later in "Billy." ~ Brian J. Dillard, All Movie Guide

Wesley (Alexis Denisof) attempts to translate the Scrolls of Obearsain after Angel (David Boreanaz) stole them from Wolfram & Hart (see "Blind Date"). Eventually, he learns that a key word, "shanshu," means "to die" and interprets the passage as a prophesy that Angel, the "vampire with a soul," will die. When Angel acts nonplussed at the news, his friends worry that he has become callous after so many years among the undead. Meanwhile, Wolfram & Hart enlist a powerful demon named Vocah (Todd Stashwick) to sever Angel's ties to the Powers That Be. It kills the oracles, drives Cordelia (Charisma Carpenter) mad with a continuous, painful vision, and blows up the headquarters of Angel Investigations while stealing back the ancient scrolls. Angel once again turns to Gunn (J. August Richards) for help, this time to watch over Cordy and the injured Wesley. The spirit of one of the oracles helps Angel track down Vocah, who is using the scrolls to preside over a mystical ceremony with the Wolfram & Hart lawyers. Angel interrupts the ceremony and kills Vocah, then severs the hand of Lindsey McDonald (Christian Kane) when he attempts to burn the scrolls. Later, with everyone recovered from their tribulations, Wesley takes another crack at translation and learns that "shanshu" actually means "to live." It seems that Angel may one day become mortal again. Back at Wolfram & Hart, a snarling creature lurks in a cage -- Darla (Julie Benz), Angel's slain vampire sire, brought back from the dead as an instrument of vengeance. ~ Brian J. Dillard, All Movie Guide

They're cute, they're perky, and they're lethal -- they're the malicious high-school students in this dark teen comedy.Brooke (Monica Keena), Danielle (Julie Benz), and Tiffany (Nicole Bilderback) are three attractive and popular teenage girls who have risen to the top of the pecking order at their high school, and that's just the way they want things to stay. A sexy exchange student, however, arrives at the school and soon attracts the attention of all the boys -- including Danielle's hunky boyfriend. Not eager to share the spotlight with anyone, the gals decide that the new girl in town needs to be dealt with...permanently. Produced under the title A Fate Totally Worse Than Death (the title of the novel by Paul Fleischman which was the basis for the screenplay), Bad Girls From Valley High also features supporting appearances from Janet Leigh and Christopher Lloyd. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide

Episode seven of the series is a landmark for Buffy-philes in that it is the first episode where Buffy (Sarah Michelle Gellar) and Angel (David Boreanaz) kiss. An enigmatic, if peripheral character up until this point, Angel stakes his claim as a full-time cast member by revealing his secret: He is a vampire, the ultimate outsider, a James Dean with fangs -- and Buffy wants him. That is, until she catches him putting a Dracula-hold on her mom -- bite marks and all. It becomes clear that Buffy's mom was actually bitten by the evil Darla (Julie Benz) and saved by Angel. After confronting him, Buffy learns Angel's story: Darla "sired" him (turned him into a vampire) some 240 years earlier, becoming his lover. Later, after killing a gypsy woman, Angel had a curse put on him by the woman's family, restoring his soul. Since then, he's walked the earth, trying to amend his evil vampiric ways. As if he hadn't already proven his undying love to Buffy, Angel puts a fine point on it by staking Darla. This seminal Buffy episode ends at a Sunnydale High dance where Buffy and Angel -- all too aware that theirs is a forbidden and doomed love -- share a slow dance and another kiss. Buffy's crucifix leaves a cross burned into Angel's neck, and a lump in the audience's throats. ~ All Movie Guide

Spike (James Marsters) reveals his feelings for Buffy (Sarah Michelle Gellar) when she comes to him for information on what it's like when a slayer dies. A brush with her own mortality ignites Buffy's curiosity and she realizes that only Spike, who has killed two previous slayers, will be able to sate it. When she offers the neutered vampire cash for his life story, he happily obliges: William, a terrible poet in the London of 1880, tries to court beautiful Cecily Addams (Kali Rocha) but finds acceptance only from Drusilla (Juliet Landau), the alluring but insane vampire who later sires him. Rampaging across the planet with Darla (Julie Benz), Angelus (David Boreanaz), and Dru, William comes into his own and renames himself Spike. His flamboyant carnage annoys the low-profile Angelus, who warns Spike that one day a slayer will get the best of him. Now fixated on slayers, Spike kills a Chinese Chosen One (Ming Liu) during the Boxer Rebellion, earning extravagant praise from Drusilla. A mere 75 years later, on a subway in New York, he finally bags his second slayer (April Weeden-Washington), this one a Foxy Brown-style heroine from whose corpse he collects his now-signature black leather trench coat. Dru remains his inamorata throughout these adventures, but in 1998 she leaves him, disgusted by his truce with Buffy (see "Becoming, Part 2"). In the present day, Spike counsels Buffy that he was able to kill both slayers only because their constant proximity to death left them eager, finally, to feel its peaceful embrace. He tells Buffy that when she's ready he will kill her, then he tries to kiss her. She recoils, tells him he's beneath her, and leaves him sobbing. Later, however, after learning her mother has once again been hospitalized, Buffy stiffly allows Spike to console her. Originally broadcast November 14, 2000, on the WB network, "Fool for Love" marked episode 85 of the cult-favorite series. The subsequent episode "Hell's Bells" would hint strongly that Halfrek, the vengeance demon played by Kali Rocha, is the same person as Cecily Addams, the human she portrays here. And although she would be played by a different actress, this episode's unnamed Blaxploitation slayer would resurface unexpectedly in "First Date." ~ Brian J. Dillard, All Movie Guide