Ep 5. Fredless

In the Angel season 3 episode 5 titled "Fredless," the viewers get an insight into Fred's past, who is a new addition to Angel Investigations. The episode begins with Fred's parents arriving at the hotel, looking for their daughter. They are unaware that Fred has been missing and presumed dead for five years and are shocked to see her alive and working for Angel Investigations.

Fred's parents are overjoyed to see their daughter, but Fred's reaction is entirely different. She is apprehensive to meet them and is consumed by the fear of returning to her past life. Angel and the gang try to persuade her to talk to her parents, but she turns down their advice.

As the episode progresses, Fred's memories of her time in Pylea - a dimension that she was trapped in for five years - resurface. The flashback scenes reveal the gruesome torture that Fred endured during her captivity. The scenes are brutal but are only shown in flashbacks, so it doesn't affect the overall mood of the episode.

Fred's flashbacks also show her relationship with a fellow prisoner, named Knox. The viewers can see that Fred has romantic feelings for Knox, which builds up as the story develops. The episodes subtly tease the possibility of romance in the future, but nothing is entirely conclusive.

The arrival of Fred's parents forces her to confront her past, as well as her present. Her parents intend to take her away and return her to her old life, which terrifies Fred. She worries that her parents will be corrupted by the same evil that consumed the residents of Pylea.

The tension rises when Fred's parents enlist the help of a demon who can track Fred's location. The demon causes havoc within the hotel, and the team has to fight him off. Meanwhile, Fred is forced to confront her parents and reveal the truth about her time in Pylea.

Overall, the episode "Fredless" presents a character-driven story that focuses on Fred's trauma and emotions. It also gives the fans a glimpse into her backstory, which has been unknown until now. The episode is well-paced, and the flashbacks are inserted seamlessly, providing accurate information at the right time without overwhelming the audience. The tension is built up steadily, and the climax is thrilling but not overbearing.

In conclusion, "Fredless" is an excellent addition to the Angel series, exploring characters' depth and hardships. It gives an insight into Fred's back-story and establishes her as a well-formed, dynamic character. The episode successfully intertwines action and emotion, making it an engaging watch for fans of the series.