Ep 18. Dead End

Angel season 2 episode 18 titled "Dead End" continues the series' focus on the character of Darla as she continues to struggle with her vampiric nature. The episode centers around Angel's attempts to protect Darla from Wolfram & Hart, the powerful law firm that works on behalf of evil clients.

In the episode, Darla has taken refuge in one of Wolfram & Hart's many dimensionally-confused hotel rooms, seeking refuge from Angel and her own troubled past. However, Wolfram & Hart soon discover her location and set their sights on capturing and re-ensouling her so that she can be used as a weapon against Angel.

Angel, meanwhile, is being observed by a mysterious figure who seems to have ties to Wolfram & Hart. This figure, whose identity is revealed in a shocking twist later on, does their best to interfere with Angel's attempts to protect Darla and ultimately, bring her back to her human form.

As the episode progresses, Angel is forced to confront his own inner demons in order to save Darla. The two have a fraught history, going back centuries to when Angel first turned Darla into a vampire. Angel's struggle to reconcile his guilt over that act with his love for Darla is one of the hallmarks of the series and is given more time and attention in this episode.

Alongside its exploration of Darla and Angel's relationship, the episode also introduces a number of new characters into the mix. We learn more about the enigmatic Lindsay McDonald, one of Wolfram & Hart's most loyal attorneys. We also meet Lilah Morgan, another member of the firm who takes a particular interest in Darla's fate.

Despite its darker subject matter, "Dead End" also injects a fair amount of humor into the proceedings. As Angel and Darla fight to evade Wolfram & Hart's grasp, they encounter a number of oddball characters who are also trapped in the hotel's dimensionally-challenged rooms. Some of these characters are amusing (such as a man who has been stuck in a Grecian-inspired bedroom for years), while others are more unsettling (like a group of demons who have been driven mad by the hotel's mystical properties).

Ultimately, the episode ends in a dramatic confrontation between Angel and Wolfram & Hart. Without giving too much away, we'll simply say that the outcome is unexpected and continues to set up future storylines for the series.

Overall, "Dead End" is a standout episode in Angel's second season. It delves deeper into the characters of Darla and Angel, as well as introduces some intriguing new figures into the show's mythology. Its blend of humor, horror, and drama make it an excellent example of what Angel does best - crafting compelling, character-driven stories that explore what it means to be human (or vampiric) in a world filled with darkness.