Julie Benz Movies
While her roots in Italian horror (Two Evil Eyes) and penchant for small-screen fantasy (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, and Taken) may not make actress Julie Benz the most likely candidate for mainstream stardom, the prolific ice skater-turned-onscreen talent has come quite a long way since her early days in community theater and has since become one of the most promising emerging talents in film and television. A native of Pittsburgh and professional ice skater from the age of three, Benz made a name for herself in both singles and ice dancing and was at one point ranked 13th in the United States for her remarkable grace. While professional skating afforded Benz the extraordinary opportunity to travel the U.S. and visit foreign lands, the training needed to maintain one's footing on the ice is rigorous to say the least, and she ceased competitive skating at the age of 16. The daughter of a vascular surgeon, Benz hailed from a long line of doctors and was determined to become the first female medico in her family. Of course, some folks just aren't cut out for a career in medicine, though, and shortly after witnessing her first surgery, Benz realized that she was a bit too squeamish to become a doctor. With her days as a professional skater over and a life behind the scalpel out of the question, the talented teen auditioned for a role in a local community theater production and later connected with New York-based agent Vincent Cirrincione during a local acting seminar. After honing her craft in New York City, Benz set her sights on Los Angeles and never looked back.In 1990, Benz made her screen debut under the direction of legendary Italian horror specialist Dario Argento in the "Black Cat" segment of Two Evil Eyes, though it was walk-on roles in such popular television shows as Married With Children, Boy Meets World, and Diagnosis Murder that served to introduce her to stateside viewers. Of course, big-screen appearances in As Good As It Gets and Jawbreaker only helped to increase her profile, but to many fantasy fans, Benz will always be known for her role as malevolent vampire Darla on the hit shows Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel.
With additional appearances in the miniseries Taken and and the TV show Roswell (not to mention vocal contributions to the hit video game Halo 2), it seemed that Benz had become something of a sci-fi mainstay, yet the rising star wasn't willing to be pigeonholed just yet and soon began to branch out with appearances on such popular shows as Navy NCIS, CSI, and CSI: Miami, as well. In 2006, Benz settled into her most stable small-screen role to date, playing Rita Bennett -- the emotionally damaged love interest of a Miami Police Department blood-spatter expert...who also happens to be a part-time serial killer -- on the the Golden Globe-nominated Showtime series Dexter. In 2008, she appeared opposite action icon Sylvester Stallone in the belated, bullet-strewn sequel Rambo. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
Boondock Saints, the 2000 crime picture renowned for the unique story of the fast rise and fall of its egomaniacal filmmaker, Troy Duffy, as well as the cult following that appeared later on home release, gets the sequel treatment with this follow-up. Sean Patrick Flanery and Norman Reedus reunite as the vigilante MacManus brothers, with Billy Connolly returning as Il Duce. Duffy once again directs from his own script, with Clifton Collins Jr., Julie Benz, and David Della Rocco filling out the rest of the cast. ~ Jeremy Wheeler, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sean Patrick Flanery, Norman Reedus, (more)
Jigsaw (Tobin Bell) might be dead, but his traps live on in this fifth Saw entry, which finds the series' production designer David Hackl at the helm for his debut directing gig. Costas Mandylor reprises his role as Hoffman, the detective whose involvement in the string of grisly murders turns out to be more than meets the eye. Picking up where the fourth entry left off, Hoffman is revealed to be a hidden accomplice in Jigsaw's grisly games of death, which look to be continued by the lawman. The plot bounces back and forth from the beginning of their relationship to the present, as Agent Strahm (Scott Patterson) delves farther into the case. Also in the cast are Dexter's Julie Benz and One Missed Call's Meagan Good as victims of another one of Jigsaw's lessons in morality. Saw IV scribes Patrick Melton and Marcus Dunstan return to pen the screenplay for the Twisted Pictures/Lionsgate co-production. ~ Jeremy Wheeler, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Tobin Bell, Julie Benz, (more)
When a group of missionary aid workers in Myanmar disappear into the vast green inferno, vigilante Vietnam War veteran John Rambo (Sylvester Stallone) leaves his job as a Salween River boatman behind to accompany a group of mercenaries on a daring rescue mission. It's been 20 years since Rambo helped mujahedeen rebels fend off Soviet invaders in Afghanistan, and these days the former soldier lives a simple life in northern Thailand. Meanwhile, the world's longest-running civil war rages into its 60th year on the nearby Thai-Burma border. One day, human rights missionaries Sarah Miller (Julie Benz) and Michael Burnett (Paul Schulze) show up asking Rambo to guide them up the Salween so they can get some much-needed food and medical supplies to the desperate Karen tribe. According to Sarah and Michael, the Burmese military has planted land mines all along the roads leading into the tribe's village, making it virtually impossible to reach the tribe via land. Two weeks after Rambo drops the group off in dangerous territory, pastor Arthur Marsh (Ken Howard) arrives with a chilling message: the aid workers never returned from their mission into the jungle, and the embassies refuse to help Marsh and his fellow missionaries find their missing friends. Now, despite the fact that Rambo has long since sworn off all forms of violence, the knowledge that innocent missionaries are being used as pawns in a brutal war leaves him with no other choice than to venture behind enemy lines on his most dangerous mission to date. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sylvester Stallone, Julie Benz, (more)
Season 3 of the drama about the Miami forensic expert (Michael C. Hall) who moonlights as a vigilante serial killer features Jimmy Smits as ADA Miguel Prado, who does more than prosecute homicides -- he engages in them. While getting ready to make his move on Freebo, an abusive, drug-dealing lowlife who got away with murdering two college women, Dexter interrupts a two-man skirmish and winds up dispatching one as the other, Freebo, escapes. The victim, Dexter later discovers, is Oscar Prado, the righteous, respected "pride of Little Havana" and Miguel's younger brother. Miguel eventually ingratiates himself with Dexter and it appears the latter is on the verge of having something he's never had before-a best friend. On a trip to the grocery store with Rita (Julie Benz) and the kids, Dexter catches a pedophile buddying up to Cody and must decide whether this sexual deviate fits the Code and is a candidate for Dexter-mination. As Dexter and Miguel become closer, Dexter feels his new pal is on to his dark-side job, so he tests Miguel and the results are most interesting. Soon, Miguel pressures Dexter to work his lethal magic on a "bloodsucking, soulless defense attorney" who keeps putting "murderers, rapists and carjackers...back on the street...to commit more heinous crimes." But hey, she's just doing her job, and that doesn't necessarily conform to the Code, so Dexter balks at taking her out. On the home front, Rita startles Dexter with news that she is expecting, and he's faced with a big-time family decision involving her and her two children. And later, when everyone is on board with Rita's pregnancy, she decides it would be a good idea for Dexter to move in with her, Cody and Astor, but he's somewhat conflicted by this possible major upheaval in his very structured existence. ~ Ray Stackhouse, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Michael C. Hall, Jimmy Smits, (more)
Marvel Comics' vigilante character The Punisher gets another big-screen outing in this third film incarnation of the character, this time from Green Street Hooligans director Lexi Alexander. Fueled by revenge and aided by his trusted weapons expert, Microchip (Wayne Knight), vigilante Frank Castle (Rome's Ray Stevenson) turns the New York City streets red with blood as he takes down each and every member of the crime syndicate responsible for the death of his wife and two kids. As the law-appointed "Punisher Task Force" closes in on him, the antihero does battle with Billy Russoti (Dominic West), aka Jigsaw, a nickname given by him to reflect the disfigurement handed to him by Castle. With the help of his psychotic brother, Loony Bin Jim (Doug Hutchison), Jigsaw recruits the criminals of the city to band together to bring down The Punisher, using the wife (played by Dexter's Julie Benz) and daughter of a slayed FBI agent as bait. Art Marcum, Matt Holloway, and Nick Santora provide the screenplay for the Lionsgate release. ~ Jeremy Wheeler, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Ray Stevenson, Dominic West, (more)
Based on the acclaimed novel Darkly Dreaming Dexter by Jeff Lindsay, Dexter is a crime drama about Dexter Morgan (Michael C. Hall), a man who leads a double life as an incredibly likeable forensics expert for the Miami Police Department and as an emotionless vigilante serial killer. Taught by his foster father (James Remar) to harness his lust for blood and killing, Dexter lives by his own strict moral code -- he only kills murderers who can't otherwise be brought to justice. The irony of Dexter's life is that he works closely as a blood splatter analyst with the very people who hunt his kind -- the homicide department. Dexter's "Regular Joe" front is in full force while working alongside the ill-tempered Sgt. James Doakes (Erik King), who seems to be the only one to sense Dexter's more sinister side; Lt. Maria LaGuerta (Lauren Velez), the head of the division; and Det. Angel Batista (David Zayas), whose similar attention to detail and taste for forensics almost mirrors his own. While his sister Debra Morgan (Jennifer Carpenter), a tough and determined cop, leans on Dexter for personal advice and career advancement, the person Dexter connects with most is his emotionally damaged girlfriend Rita (Julie Benz), who keeps him grounded. In 2007's Season 2, Dexter begins to doubt his murderous capabilities and continues to be haunted by his past. His difficulties multiply when evidence of his deadly after-hours activities begin to surface and the FBI is brought in to investigate the city's new serial killer dubbed the "Bay Harbor Butcher." The four-disc set contains all 12 Season 2 episodes that aired on cable network Showtime, along with extras such as a podcast, interview, and more.
- Starring:
- Michael C. Hall, Julie Benz, (more)
Dexter is based on the compelling novel "Darkly Dreaming Dexter" by Jeff Lindsay. Orphaned at the age of four and harboring a traumatic secret, Dexter Morgan (Dexter Morgan (Emmy- and Golden Globe- nominated actor Michael C. Hall from "Six Feet Under") is adopted by a police officer who recognizes Dexter's homicidal tendencies and guides his son to channel his gruesome passion for human vivisection in a constructive way - by killing those heinous perpetrators that are above the law or who have slipped through the cracks of justice. A respected member of the police force, a perfect gentleman and a man with a soft spot for children, it's hard not to like Dexter. Although his drive to kill is unflinching, he struggles to emulate normal emotions he doesn't feel, and to keep up his appearance as a caring, socially responsible human being.
- Starring:
- Michael C. Hall, Julie Benz, (more)
A man fascinated with the process of ending one's own life meets some rather disturbing kindred spirits in this dark comedy. Erik (Andreas Wilson) is a commercial photographer and would-be screenwriter who has left his native Sweden to come to Hollywood in hopes of selling his latest script. Erik quickly discovers there isn't much of a market for stories about suicide in Tinseltown, and he's looking for new inspiration when he meets Lola (Lolita Davidovich), a beautiful but wildly unpredictable woman who lures him into joining her on a road trip to Las Vegas. As it happens, Lola is drawn to Vegas by the presence of Dr. Bangley (John Larroquette), a psychologist and television chat-show host who is publicizing his latest book in Sin City -- "Stay Alive," a guide for those contemplating suicide. As part of the book launch, Bangley is arranging for a number of his more colorful patients to meet him in Las Vegas, where they'll take part in a television reality show hosted by the doctor. The clients include Katherine (Julie Benz), who has been suffering from depression since losing custody of her son; Geert (Alexander Skarsgård), a troubled cross-dresser; and Ella Toscana (Terry Moore), an elderly former movie star with remarkable mood swings. Bangley also has to deal with his teenage daughter, Sunshine (Skye McCole Bartusiak), who is willing to do anything to get her busy dad's attention. As Erik crosses paths with Bangley's entourage, he's confronted with people who are even more obsessed with killing themselves than the average Swede, and feels as if he fits in until gangster and part-time limo driver Omar (Fares Fares) reveals his sinister side. Kill Your Darlings received its North American premiere at the 2006 Tribeca Film Festival. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lolita Davidovich, Andreas Wilson, (more)
A young boy grows up among a makeshift family of oddballs and dreamers in this adaptation of Ruben Santiago-Hudson's acclaimed one-man show. Ruben Junior (Marcus Carl Franklin) is a young boy who was born in the late '40s into a family that started crumbling not long after he was born. Ruben Junior's parents were from Lackawanna, a city in Upstate New York, and were living in a rooming house run by Nanny Crosby (S. Epatha Merkerson), whose place was a hub for the local African-American community. When Ruben Junior's parents split up, he and his mother return to Lackawanna and Nanny's rooming house; with mother overworked physically and in sad shape emotionally, Nanny takes Ruben Junior under her wing, and offers him the sort of nurturing she gives all her boarders. Nanny's house is full of people struggling for a fresh start in life, ranging from former convicts to recovering drug addicts, and she opens both her doors and her heart to them as they strive to make themselves better people. Ruben Junior finds a loving home amidst the colorful eccentrics in Nanny's circle of friends, but as America changes over the course of the 1950s and '60s, so does the neighborhood where Nanny and her tenants live -- and not for the better. Produced for the premium cable network HBO, Lackawanna Blues features a stellar supporting cast, including Delroy Lindo, Louis Gossett Jr., Rosie Perez, Jimmy Smits, Jeffrey Wright, Mos Def, and Ernie Hudson. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- S. Epatha Merkerson, Julie Benz, (more)
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
- Starring:
- Johnathon Schaech, Lori Heuring, (more)
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
- Starring:
- Julie Benz, Monica Keena, (more)
Produced for cable's Hallmark channel, The Long Shot stars Julie Benz as expert equestrienne Annie Garrett. Forced by her demanding mother, Bonnie (Laura Johnson), to live under the shadow of her sister, Katie, who won 37 blue ribbons for her horsemanship before her death in a freak accident, Annie is further burdened when her no-good husband, Ross (John Livingston), deserts her. With her seven-year-old daughter, Taylor (Gage Golightly), in tow, the cash-strapped Annie accepts a very difficult job as a groomer and trainer on the Colorado horse farm owned by the no-nonsense Mary Lou O'Brien (Marsha Mason). Despite her heavy workload, Annie thrives in her new environment, forming a strong "friendship" with a horse named Tolo, whom she hopes to ride to victory in a high-stakes contest. Alas, Annie's opportunity to finally live up to the accomplishments of her late sister Katie may be permanently scuttled when Tolo is suddenly struck blind. The Long Shot was first broadcast on April 18, 2004. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Julie Benz, Marsha Mason, (more)
Longtime television director David Grossman makes his feature debut with this direct-to-video sequel to the 1997 hit family comedy George of the Jungle. Filling the loincloth originally worn by Brendan Fraser, Chris Showerman plays George this time around. Since the events of the first film, George and Ursula (Julie Benz stepping in for Leslie Mann) have had a son and made a home for themselves in George's jungle kingdom. But George is suddenly called away by his brother Ape who has run up a substantial gambling debt in Las Vegas. Once back in America to help Ape, Ursula encounters Lyle Van de Groot (Thomas Haden Church, reprising his role from the first film) who is in cahoots with Ursula's disapproving mother. When Van de Groot puts her under a hypnotic spell, Ursula no longer recognizes George, just as her mother wants. If that weren't bad enough, while George is busy trying to help Ape and rescue Ursula, a lion is attempting to stage a coup back in the jungle. ~ Matthew Tobey, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Christopher Showerman, Julie Benz, (more)
- 2003
Following their discovery of her recent betrayal (see "Players"), the pregnant Cordelia (Charisma Carpenter) escapes from the fang gang with help from Connor (Vincent Kartheiser). The mommy-to-be and her unwitting love slave end up in a warehouse, where Cordy warns Connor that if they don't mystically speed up her delivery date, Angel (David Boreanaz) will surely kill their unborn child. Connor reluctantly agrees to kidnap a virgin to sacrifice for Cordelia, but the specter of his dead mother, Darla (Julie Benz), appears and begs him not to commit such an atrocity. Meanwhile, Angel whomps on Skip (David Denman), Cordy's fearsome former demon guide, and forces him to reveal what's really going on. According to Skip, Cordy's entire progression from human to part-demon (see "That Vision Thing") to higher being (see "Tomorrow") was part of a grand, centuries-spanning manipulation that also included Fred's kidnapping (see "Belonging"), Darla's resurrection (see "To Shanshu in L.A."), Angel's vain attempt to keep Darla human (see "The Trial"), and Connor's very birth (see "Lullaby"). It seems that a truly higher being wants to be incarnated on earth; this creature -- the master of the Beast who recently ravaged L.A. -- entered this plane inside Cordy's head and has been controlling her ever since. Now it's ready to give birth -- to itself. After killing Skip, Angel rushes off to stop the big event, vowing to kill the woman he loves if that's what it takes. But it's too late. Connor and the possessed Cordelia have completed their blood ritual and their child arrives in a flash of light. Far from a monster, however, it appears in the guise of a beautiful woman (Gina Torres). Angel drops to his knees to worship his otherworldly grandchild. Originally broadcast April 2, 2003, on the WB network, "Inside Out" marked season four, episode 17 of the supernatural soap opera. Just days before this episode presented her character giving birth, actress Charisma Carpenter and her husband welcomed their real-life firstborn: Donavan Charles Hardy, who arrived March 24, 2003. ~ Brian J. Dillard, All Movie Guide
Executive-produced by Steven Spielberg, the ten-episode, 20-hour miniseries Taken was one of the most ambitious projects undertaken by cable TV's Sci-Fi Network, ultimately costing 40 million dollars -- a price that proved well worth it, inasmuch as the series posted the network's highest-ever ratings. Covering a period from 1947 to the present, the story focused on three different families, each of whom was profoundly affected by extraterrestrial visitation. The Keys family was headed by WWII bomber pilot Russell Keys (Steve Burton), who spent virtually his entire adult life haunted by his "close encounter" with aliens. The Clarkes were originally represented by lonely Texas waitress Sally Clarke (Catherine Dent), who was impregnated by a charming stranger (Eric Close) who turned out to be an alien survivor of the Roswell crash. And the lives of the Crawfords were dictated by ruthless Army officer Owen Crawford (Joel Gretsch), who was determined to prove that the government had covered up the truth about Roswell by dedicating his life to tracking down all space aliens and their half-human descendants. The story was narrated by Allie Keys (Dakota Fanning), a "hybrid" child of the present day, whose story determined the outcome of the final episodes. Boasting impressive computer-generated special effects and eye-popping facial makeup, Taken was seen over a two-week period, beginning December 2, 2002, and ending on December 13. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Dakota Fanning, Alonso Oyarzun, (more)
- 2001
Angel (David Boreanaz) undergoes a punishing regimen of physical and mental training in preparation for his inevitable showdown with Darla (Julie Benz) and Drusilla (Juliet Landau). He shadows the terrible twosome as they haunt the demon lairs of Los Angeles, inviting would-be villains to attend their impending tryouts for the formation of a fearsome vampire/demon posse. Meanwhile, it turns out that Lindsey McDonald (Christian Kane) and Lilah Morgan (Stephanie Romanov) were spared during Darla and Drusilla's massacre (see "Reunion") so that one can serve as a scapegoat at Wolfram & Hart and the other can continue liaising with the vampire women. Angry at having been manipulated, Darla tells the lawyers she doesn't care who gets axed and who lives to scheme with her another day. In the end, the senior partners kill neither Lilah nor Lindsey, instead allowing them to take over from the slain Holland Manners as acting co-vice presidents. As for Angel's newly fired associates, Cordelia (Charisma Carpenter), Wesley (Alexis Denisof), and Gunn (J. August Richards) nurse their hurt feelings with the Host (Andy Hallett) at Caritas. Drunkenly resolving to carry on Angel Investigations with or without its founder, they respond to one of Cordelia's visions and successfully save a girl from a demon. Elsewhere, Angel arrives at Dru and Darla's audition space and slays the assembled would-be minions. When the vampire vixens themselves arrive, Angel sets them on fire. They escape the reaper by knocking the top off of a fire hydrant, but are horribly burned nonetheless. Originally broadcast January 16, 2001, on the WB network, "Redefinition" marked season two, episode 11 of the supernatural comedy drama. ~ Brian J. Dillard, All Movie Guide
- 2001
Angel (David Boreanaz) awakens from his night of passion with Darla (Julie Benz), seemingly in the throes of losing his soul. But as it turns out, the hollow debauchery bought him not true happiness and subsequent damnation, but instead an epiphany about the dark course he has been following. Grievously offended, Darla tries to kill him, but he easily defeats her and gives her the option of disappearing forever or dying immediately. Angel then rushes to the home of Kate Lockley (Elisabeth Rohm), who had called him the previous evening just before attempting suicide. He saves her, and later they share a friendly conversation in which they set aside their past differences. Kate professes belief in a higher power, pointing out that Angel was able to come into her home and save her even though she never invited him in. Angel also shares some of his new insights with the Host (Andy Hallett). The horned lounge proprietor advises Angel to patch things up with his former employees, especially since they're all in grave danger. It seems that Cordelia (Charisma Carpenter) has been apprehended by a group of Skilosh demons -- the monsters whose egg-laying recently caused one of the team's clients to sprout a third eye (see "The Thin Dead Line"). They implant one of their young in Cordy's head and wait for it to hatch and destroy her. Meanwhile, Angel arrives at the home of Wesley (Alexis Denisof), who, injured and stuck in a wheelchair, is about to get stomped by additional Skilosh demons. After dispatching the monsters, the pair call a truce, grab Gunn (J. August Richards), and head off to save Cordy. They're tailed by Lindsey McDonald (Christian Kane), who is enraged at Angel for cutting off his hand (see "To Shanshu in L.A."), and, more recently, sleeping with his beloved Darla and not turning evil. After getting his butt kicked, Angel turns the table on Lindsey and then rushes off to save Cordy, as well as the newly captured Gunn and Wes. Angel asks his friends if he can come to work for them; they agree, but all is not forgiven. Originally broadcast February 27, 2001, on the WB network, "Epiphany" marked season two, episode 16 of the supernatural comedy drama. ~ Brian J. Dillard, All Movie Guide
- 2001
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 Brannagh) 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
Four successful men find themselves easing into long-term relationships, but they're not all that comfortable about it, in this intelligent comedy-drama. Terry (Shemar Moore), Jackson (Morris Chestnut), Brian (Bill Bellamy), and Derrick (D.L. Hughley) are four close friends who get together once a week to play basketball and compare notes on their problems with women. And as it turns out, they have a lot to say in that area. Terry has just gotten engaged to BeBe (Susan Dalian), who is more than a bit controlling. Jackson has a deep fear of commitment, symbolized by a recurring dream in which he's attacked by women wearing wedding gowns; what's more, he's started seeing Denise (Gabrielle Union), who he learns once had a fling with his dad (Clifton Powell). Brian is a lawyer who has discovered his next court date will see him pleading a case in front of a judge who used to be his girlfriend (Angelle Brooks). And Derrick's marriage to Sheila (Tamala Jones) is falling apart at the seams. The Brothers also features one-time Jeffersons regular Marla Gibbs, and Jennifer Lewis as Jackson's mother, who may be giving his father a second chance after many years apart. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Morris Chestnut, D.L. Hughley, (more)
- 2001
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
- 2001
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
- 2001
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
- 2001
Holtz (Keith Szarabajka) imprisons Angel (David Boreanaz) in the hotel while the gang try to protect Darla (Julie Benz) in the alley out back as she suffers agonizing labor pains. Flashbacks reveal that not only did Darla and Angel kill Holtz's family, they also turned his young daughter into a vampire, whom he was then forced to kill. Back in the present, Lilah Morgan (Stephanie Romanov) arrives at the hotel and informs Holtz that Angel now has a soul, but he remains determined to punish his foe. Angel manages to escape the vampire-hunter's trap and track down Darla, who has fled Holtz's demon minions in Angel's car. Darla reveals that she feels love for her child -- the first love she has felt in her entire life. At Caritas, The Host (Andy Hallett), Cordelia (Charisma Carpenter), Gunn (J. August Richards), and Fred (Amy Acker) fine-tune the club's anti-violence spell. Angel and Darla soon arrive, but Darla's contractions have stopped. Holtz circumvents the enchantment by throwing a bomb into the club from the outside. The gang escapes to an alley, where Darla sacrifices her own life so that her baby can live; she stakes herself, and the unharmed child appears when her ashes disperse. Holtz aims a crossbow squarely at Angel's progeny, but allows it to live. He promises the demon Sahjhan (Jack Conley) that although he has spared the child, he will show no mercy on Angel. Originally broadcast November 19, 2001, on the WB network, "Lullaby" marked season three, episode nine of the supernatural comedy drama. The third installment in a four-part sequence, the story line concludes in "Dad." ~ Brian J. Dillard, All Movie Guide
- 2001
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
- 2000
Angel (David Boreanaz) tries to assure Cordelia (Charisma Carpenter) and Wesley (Alexis Denisof) that he's recovered from his grief over Darla (Julie Benz). It turns out he's actually had Gunn (J. August Richards) trailing his formerly dead, formerly vampiric former paramour. Lindsey McDonald (Christian Kane) gets to Darla's tenement hotel before Angel can, and, taking her to his superiors at Wolfram & Hart, learns that she was resurrected in the same state she was in before she ever became a vampire. In other words, she's dying of syphilis. In a desperate attempt to escape her looming mortality, Darla later tries to convince a total dweeb of a vampire to "sire" her -- drink and be drunk by her so she can once again become an immortal bloodsucker. Angel interrupts the proceedings, tries to reason with her, and learns of her condition. Crushed, he takes her to Caritas, where the Host (Andy Hallett) sends both of them off on a mystical quest to heal Darla. The Valet (Jim Piddock), an interdimensional functionary, wagers with Angel. If he passes three nearly impossible tests, Darla will be healed; if he fails, she will die immediately. Angel just barely survives the three tests, including one that's more psychological than physical. But even this third challenge is nothing compared to the anguish Angel suffers when the Valet belatedly informs him that because Darla was already resurrected once, she cannot be granted yet another lease on life. Back at Darla's hotel, Angel offers to sire her, theorizing that because he's a vampire with a soul perhaps she will be, too. She demurs, telling him that because of the love and dedication he's shown her, she's content to die the way nature intended 400 years ago. Just then, Wolfram & Hart's minions break in with a surprise guest, Drusilla (Juliet Landau), who promptly drinks Darla's blood and opens her own veins while Angel is held in check. Originally broadcast November 28, 2000, on the WB network, "The Trial" marked season two, episode nine of the supernatural comedy drama. References to the character of Holtz in this episode's flashback sequence will take on new significance in season three when the time-traveling vampire hunter becomes Angel's chief nemesis. ~ Brian J. Dillard, All Movie Guide
