Season synopsis
Contains spoilers for this season and earlier seasons.
Angel Investigations takes control of Wolfram & Hart’s Los Angeles branch and tries to do good from inside the corrupt firm. Spike returns as a ghost and regains a body, reviving his rivalry with Angel over the Shanshu prophecy. Cordelia returns to warn Angel and help him confront Lindsey. A hospital call then reveals she has died without waking from her coma; her visit was a final goodbye. Fred is infected by the ancient demon Illyria, released from a sarcophagus in the laboratory. Her friends cannot find a cure without killing thousands, and Fred dies as Illyria takes over her body.
Wesley grieves and helps Illyria understand the world, while Angel secretly protects Connor’s new family and memories. Angel discovers the Circle of the Black Thorn, the group behind Wolfram & Hart’s plans, and organizes a strike. He gives up his chance to become human to prove his loyalty. Wesley is fatally wounded fighting Cyvus Vail; Illyria reaches him too late and comforts him in Fred’s form. Lorne kills Lindsey on Angel’s order and leaves. Angel, Spike, Illyria and wounded Gunn regroup in an alley as an army and a dragon approach. The series stops before the fight is resolved. Earlier cases include a werewolf threat, a puppet show draining children, and a cyborg attack on the firm, as the staff adjust to their new jobs and temptations.