nce again as typical with our writing contests, CoA has gathered, what we feel, are some of the best episode scripts of Season 3 as our prize finale. And over the course of the year we've gotten the cast and crew of Angel--including that ingenious fellow himself, Joss Whedon--to personally autograph the covers. These unique script covers, exclusively designed and created by CoA are a one-of-a-kind collector's item sure to enhance the compelling episodes written within by some of the best writers in television today. All scripts are copies of the actual Shooting Scripts of their episodes and come presented in a 1/2" black binder with a clear plexi cover to protect this worthy prize.

First Place:

"Waiting In The Wings", Ep13 ~ Written & Directed by Joss Whedon

An evening at the Ballet for Angel Investigations, what could possibly go wrong? All seems as it should until Angel recognizes the Prima ballerina of Giselle from the exact production he attended over a century ago. Investigating further, Cordelia and Angel discover there is more to backstage than unused scenery and props; a mystical barrier has been formed to keep the troop as it once was and their evil director's love for his ballerina alive. But other spirits exist and overtake the bodies of Angel and his friends to express their once lost loves as newly discovered passions are revealed. Written and directed by Joss Whedon himself, this beautiful story of obsession lost and gained sheds new light on all the AI crew and brings new meaning to the phrase, "Encore!"

As an added Bonus, this Script is Autographed by Joss Whedon!

Ariel ~ by Julie G. - Acacia Ridge, Australia
Read the Winning Entry HERE

Second Place: (Two Winners)

1. "Lullaby", Ep9 ~ Written & Directed by Tim Minear

With all forces, good and evil, coming together to the climactic pinnacle of Darla's birth Angel must face more than his expected fatherhood. Holtz has renewed his vengeance to destroy what Angel holds most dear, Darla departs to deal with her emotional-and somewhat human-feelings for the soulful being inside her, and Lilah discovers that the birth of Angel's child will lead to further advantages for Wolfram & Hart. All energies funnel to a compelling and shocking conclusion as the gang at Angel Investigations race against time and their pursuers to save what may be a new champion against the forthcoming darkness. Tim Minear drives this outstanding episode on the page an behind the camera as Julie Benz delivers, perhaps, her best performance ever as the one true demon love of Angel.

As an added Bonus, this Script is Autographed by Tim Minear & Julie Benz!

The Itch ~ by Stuart D. - Moray, Scotland


2. "Fredless", Ep5 ~ Written by Mere Smith & Directed by Marita Brabiak

Fred is happily falling back into the daily rhythm of life in a non-demonic reality when her parents unexpectedly drop by Angel Investigations to reclaim their long-lost daughter. Things are far from the happy family reunion you might expect when they confide they are set on bringing Fred back home with them. Fred panics upon seeing her family and she flees to the sanctuary at Caritas. Meanwhile Angel fights an insect-demon who has set its sights on the Hyperion while Roger and Trish try to persuade Fred's friends that their intentions are good. Fred resigns herself that maybe a demon-free life might be good after all as things go from bad to worse. In the end, with tearful farewells, it's up to Fred to decide if home is where the demon-goo is. A humorous and insightful story by Mere Smith as only she can tell it. A great spotlight for Amy Acker who proves there's dramatic depth inside cave-girl.

As an added Bonus, this Script is Autographed by Mere Smith, Amy Acker & J. August Richards!

Scars ~ by Rodolfo P. - Chicago, Illinois

Third Place: (Three Winners)

1. "That Old Gang Of Mine", Ep3 ~ Written by Tim Minear & Directed by Fred Keller

When Gunn discovers that his old Crew is behind the recent spree of random and vicious vigilante demon killings he has to come to terms with his loyalty to his friends of his past and those new friends of his future. With Angel's unlife hanging in the balance, Gunn finds his allegiance waver for the vampire who represents the one constant in his life that he has fought again. No one is safe, not even at the violence-free Caritas and just when Fred is coming out of her proverbial cave, with the help of Cordelia, more than a little sanity may be lost. Penned by Tim Minear who takes a fresh and twisted look at what makes society decide who is to live and who is to die in this world, be you a champion of good or not, the only good vampire is a dead vampire. J. August Richards takes center stage in this episode that continues to expand his character and challenge his acting skills.

As an added Bonus, this Script is Autographed by Andy Hallett & J. August Richards!

Last But Not Least ~ by Ryan O. - Derby, England

2. "Offspring", Ep7 ~ Written by David Greenwalt & Directed by Turi Meyer

Another day, another Prophecy! After Gunn and Wesley acquire an ancient document, the Angel Investigations crew goes into deep research mode on the pending prophetic arrival of a Tro-clon; a being that comes to bring the ruination of mankind. Angel's less than normal world is turned sideways when Darla reappears in town, bursting through the Hyperion doors, pregnant and none too happy for it. Unable to resolve her perplexing condition she turns to Angel for answers, who in turn goes to Lorne for some mystical insight. Cordelia sides with the distraught, yet still deadly, Darla over Angel's deception and momentary weakness only to see a new light in this father-to-be yet Darla takes matters into her own hands. David Greenwalt propels this dramatic story and leaves us catching our breath at the end as Holtz arrives in the 21st century.

As an added Bonus, this Script is Autographed by Julie Benz & Stephanie Romanov!

Angel: Fall From Grace ~ by Adaem L. - Canberra, Australia

3. "Birthday", Ep11 ~ Written Mere Smith & Directed by Michael A. Grossman

When a powerful vision extricates Cordelia from her physical body, her astral self is left to struggle with the realization that she may be dead. While the Angel Investigations crew watches over a comatose Cordy, Angel goes in search of answers to the Powers That Be. Meanwhile, on the astral plane, Cordy must helplessly contend with the vision of a girl in distress and being unable to convey the information to Angel. Thinking it couldn't get any worse, Skip, a demon Guide offers her the life Cordy was meant to have--devoid of her mind-numbing visions--a life where she is a rich and famous actress, yet without her friends. Seeing this alternate reality, where Wesley is without an arm and Angel is reduced to a schizophrenic imprisoned in his own mind, Cordy must choose to remain a superstar or risk a demonic alternative to keep her visions. Charisma Carpenter transcends, in more ways than one, in this brilliant intricately written episode by Mere Smith and beautifully directed by Michael Grossman.

As an added Bonus, this Script is Autographed by Mere Smith & Mark Lutz!

The Gryphon Case ~ by Niels E. - Soest, Netherlands