Warning: If you want to remain "In the Dark" about SPOILERS for the latest episode of Angel, please turn back now. There are major SPOILERS just ahead....

In short: An impressive effort.

As a series, "Angel" is growing on me. It took two weeks to really sort of establish itself and the voice it wanted to use and now, in the third effort of the season, the show has really delivered well. Part of that can be chalked up, I think, to a feeling like we're finally getting to know these characters (esp. Quinn), but another part of it can be chalked up to the fact that Spike was on the show.

Let's face it--Spike just brings a magnetism and energy to the screen that makes any episode he's in that much more enjoyable.

And, for the most part, it really helped.

In many ways, this episode was virtually flawless.

Notice, I say virtually.

Let's start with what I liked though.

I enjoyed the plotline surrounding the Ring of Amarra. On most levels it worked and it did so reasonably well.

I liked the fact that Angel was dubious about using the ring for himself. If you've watched Buffy, you know what a monster Angel can be without his soul....so you've got to ask yourself, do you want to take the risk of having that creature be unstoppable? It's certainly nice to see that Angel does ask himself that and question the morality of his using the ring. Also, his explanation of why he feels he can't use it full time and is forced to destroy it in the final scene was also nicely done. I love the fact that Angel wants to get down there and identify with the people he's trying to save on some level. That works nicely from a character standpoint. It also works because of the fact that we see Angel has such trouble really honing in on those who need saving. (We saw that last week in some really funny sequences) I think it will be interesting to see how this plotline/thread progresses as the year goes along.

As for the other side of the arguement, Quinn presented it pretty well. I've got to give them credit that in this episode Quinn came off as a lot more interesting than he did last week. Part of it may be that the show is, at this point, concentrating more on Angel and his character and at some point, we'll see a bit more depth to Quinn. But using him as the counterpoint to the arguement worked fairly well.

After all, from his point of view, why shouldn't Angel use the ring?

But, the biggest part of what worked in this episode was the presense of Spike. From his opening scene on the rooftop to his eventual temper tanturm at not getting the ring, he really, really worked. Spike serves as a good counterpoint for Angel--a good foil. He's got a deeply sarcastic sense of humor, which I, for one, appreciate (the opening seqence with him adding his own MST3K-like dialogue was probably one of the best realized sequences in the entire show...). Also, add to it that there's a good menance to Spike--he is capable and respectable villain. He is also threatening and he backs it up.

The scenes with Spike in them worked and hummed.

I think that by seeing him on Angel, I realized what the show, overall, needs. A main villain to provide some focus. I see Angel as a bit like Quantum Leap--wherein, Angel helps people week in and week out. But Quantum Leap also had some episodes that dealt with a central arc--Sam trying to get home and the exploration of the friendship between Sam and Al. (If you have never seen "The Leap Home, Parts 1 and 2" you have missed out on one of the ten best shows of all time...ever...) I think it will be interesting to see if the law firm crops up soon as a focus for Angel to fight against. I think the show needs that focus.

Because, the biggest drawback, last night, was the plotline with the abusive husband. I understand what they're trying to do with that plotline and I saw how it neatly dovetailed into the ending. But, it just seemed to bring the plot to a complete halt at points. I felt like the writers remembered the plotline suddenly and then added a few moments of dialogue and a scene here and there to address it. And it really sort of drug things down a bit, at least for me.

Overall, though, the rest of the story worked--especially the last few minutes.

Yes, I will give you that the torturing vampire getting the ring wasn't totally unexpected, but it did set up an intense final few minutes. The scenes in which Angel leaps out of the van and pushes him into the water was nicely done, as was the final battle (thought it paled in comparison to the huge fight between Buffy and Spike just an hour earlier). Those parts really worked because it set up the tension well and then gave us a good payoff.

And then, of course, this being a Joss show, it wrapped things up with a nice coda.

I liked seeing Angel watched the sunset and then seeing his logic at destroying the ring. I only hope in future we might see some fallout from this...as in, Angel might be able to save someone if he'd saved the ring. It's an interesting possiblity...

Well, I guess that about wraps it up for now, except for a few small things...

--OK, I have to ask this--is it just direct sunlight that kills vamps? Obviously since Angel battled the demon under the bridge. You wonder if that might not have been painful for him....
--Again, the Batman references abound....I love it.
--Having Oz be integral to the show's resolution was nice. I am glad that he served a purpose other than the bringing on the ring, as it were...

So, that's about it. Overall, it was an enjoyable episode and a nice resolution of the cross over.

Speaking of the crossover....

I've got to admit that going into it, I was a bit nervous. But, after seeing this one, I have to admit it worked well. I will give Joss and company credit for making it belieavalbe and interesting. Part of it is that both episodes can exist as separate entities, which I think is good. You get a richer overall viewing by seeing both, but it's not required. I like that. I hope that future crossovers will continue this.

My rating: 8.0 (out of 10.0)
Crossover rating: 8.0 (out of 10.0)

Next up: Kate needs Angel's help....

"How can I thank you, you mysterious black-clad-hunk-of-a-knight-thing?"
"No need little lady. Your tears of gratitude are enough for me. You see, I was once a bad-ass vampire. But love, and a pesky curse, defanged me. And now, I'm just a *big* fluffy puppy with bad teeth. No! Not the hair! Never the hair."
"But there must be some way I can show my appreciation."
"No, helping those in need's my job. And working up a load of sexual tension and prancing away like a magnificent poof is truly thanks enough."
"I understand. I have a nephew who's gay, so..."
"Say no more. Evil's still afoot. And I'm almost out of that Nancy-boy hair gel I like so much. Quickly! To the Angel-mobile! Away!"
--Spike