Ep 12. Provider

Angel, season 3, episode 12 titled "Provider," centers around the issues of care, responsibility, and parenthood. Angel, the vampire detective, is soon confronted with a mystery when a woman named Darla shows up on his doorstep. She carries in her arms a child whom she claims was left for her to keep. Darla is desperate and makes Angel vow to keep the child safe.

As soon as Angel takes the baby into his care, he realizes that he knows nothing about childcare. Along with his partner, Cordelia, he embarks on a frantic yet comical search to find someone who can help with the baby. His first try at finding a caregiver leads them to a demon who specializes in babysitting. The demon ultimately refuses to look after the child unless Angel can pay him an absurd amount of money.

Meanwhile, Angel's team at the agency is investigating a string of mysterious deaths in which homeless people are found butchered on the streets. The group discovers that the killer is a demon who feeds on the flesh of the homeless, taking advantage of the vulnerable to satisfy their hunger. The discovery gives Angel a new sense of responsibility, as he realizes that the baby in his care could face the same dangers. He decides that he must protect this child at any cost.

The two storylines in this episode come to a head when Angel realizes that the demon babysitter they met earlier is somehow connected to the homeless killings. The team rushes to locate Darla and the baby, who the demon has kidnapped, hoping to use the child as a bargaining chip.

The episode delivers a fantastic mix of drama, humor, and suspense. David Boreanaz's portrayal of the protective and clueless father figure is captivating, and Charisma Carpenter steals some scenes with her comic timing. The episode also touches on themes of loss and grief, as Darla's past is revealed, and Cordelia grapples with the aftermath of a traumatic vision.

"Provider," is an episode that shows the softer side of Angel, the ruthless vampire with a heart who now has to navigate the world of caregiving. The episode was a critical and commercial success when it aired, and it is still considered a fan favorite. The episode is worth watching for fans of the series who want to see how Angel navigates the complicated world of parenthood.