David Boreanaz's Angel proved to be one of the most interesting characters to appear in the '90 classic television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Cursed to have a soul, this vampire was unlike any other, and as a result, received his own show about his adventures in L.A. The series saw Angel go up against bigger threats than ever before, this time without a Slayer to back him up.
Angel differentiated itself for the original series by being a little darker and more adult, focusing on Angel's unique smorgasbord of issues, including becoming a father. Viewers stuck by the underdog spin-off and experienced five grand seasons. And, from those seasons, they discovered ten of the best episodes.
Spin The Bottle (9.1)
Season 4's "Spin the Bottle" sees Lorne begin with the best intentions as he tries to restore Cordelia's memory with a magic spell. However, as these spells so often do, it backfires and causes every member of Angel Investigations to revert back to their teenage selves.
This also extends to Angel, who changes into the man he was before his transformation, now sporting an Irish accent. The group then decides to hunt down Angel, unknowing that he is among them.
Orpheus (9.2)
"Orpheus" offers an insight into Angel's past like only a few episodes have. Featured in season 4, the episode sees Faith return and attempts to stop the murderous Angelus by injecting herself with a psychedelic drug. Upon feeding on Faith, the pair slip into a coma and witness Angel's good deeds.
If that wasn't enough the episode also features Willow, who is brought t on board to restore Angel's soul. The strange structure of the episode makes it one of the most memorable of the season, and one of the best the show had to offer.
Sanctuary (9.2)
Season 1 saw the series finding its feet, but still offered one of the strongest episodes of the series. "Sanctuary" crossed-over with Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and saw the titular Slayer in town to capture the rogue Slayer Faith.
Despite all the bad she's done, Angel still sees some good in Faith and comes to blows with Buffy who wants to hand her over to the police. Angel's dark past makes him the perfect person to help Faith find redemption, and the episode illustrates what makes him different from Buffy.
A Hole In The World (9.3)
"A Hole In The World" remains one of the most heartbreaking episodes in the series, and its events saw the show change forever. The season 5 episode was written and directed by Joss Whedon and features Fred becoming infected with an ancient deity.
This leads to the team scrambling to find a cure, only to discover that if they do free the essence of the demon within her it will cause the deaths of thousands. The episode pulls the rug out from under the audience and features one of the most shocking endings of any episode.
Five By Five (9.3)
"Five By Five" is Faith's first appearance in the series, who is hired by Wolfram & Hart to kill Angel. Although she would go on to try and find redemption in the next episode "Sanctuary", here, she has yet to find her humanity and commits some of the worst acts she ever has.
The episode features Wesley subjected to horrendous torture at the hands of Faith, as he is beaten within an inch of his life. Despite this, Angel doesn't give up on her, and eventually causes her to have a change of heart.
I Will Remember You (9.3)
The tables are turned in one of the most unexpected ways in season 1's "I Will Remember You", as Angel has his abilities removed and he becomes human again. Featuring a crossover with Buffy, the couple can spend time together and get a glimpse into what their relationship could be.
This leaves Angel with a difficult decision to make, and ultimately he chooses to revert back to his old Vampire self, with all the responsibilities and problems that come with it.
Reunion (9.3)
Angel was confronted by two familiar faces in season 2's "Reunion" when Darla and Drusilla visit L.A and go on a murderous rampage across the city. This proves to be one of the biggest threats Angel has ever faced and he must race to uncover why they are working with Wolfram & Hart.
The fickle nature of the vampiric pair sees them turn against the very people who hired them, resulting in an unexpected and shocking ending that drives a wedge between Angel and his friends.
Smile Time (9.4)
"Smile Time" is undoubtedly one of the most unique episodes in the series and sees Angel transformed into a puppet, at the hands of the host of an evil children's television show. Despite his new felt form, Angel continues the fight against evil, with hilarious results.
Featured in season 5, the episode changes up the status quo like never before and proved that even as a puppet Angel was still a champion.
You're Welcome (9.5)
For Angel's 100th episode the show produced one of the greatest episodes in the series, with season 5's "You're Welcome". With Angel now the head of the evil corporation Wolfram & Hart, he found trying to change things from the inside was proving fruitless and he had stayed from his original mission.
Miraculously Cordelia wakes from her coma and inspires him to continue the good fight. This marked a farewell to Cordelia, as the episode served to conclude her character arc with satisfying results.
Not Fade Away (9.6)
"Not Fade Away" marked the epic conclusion of the series and saw Angel try to take down the members of the Circle of the Black Thorn, to the fury of the Senior Partners at Wolfram & Hart. With a plan in motion, the group each spend the day doing what they want, knowing it may very well be their last. This proves to be the perfect opportunity for Spike to perform his poetry, with unexpected results.
After taking down the Circle they are confronted with an army of demonic creatures descending upon L.A and continue the fight. The episode is bursting with sacrifice and tragedy, along with great action, making in the best of the series.