I recently wrapped up the series (After deciding to dive in based on Devin’s suggestion in a Geek Chic article a few months back) and couldn’t find another thread, so i figured i’d start a new one here.
I was a very casual Buffy fan, but always heard Angel was the better show overall from my hardcore Whedon fanboy friend. I enjoyed it very, very much, though i had a few questions for the longtime fans here:
-When Fred was (mostly) killed, were fans upset at the time because her demise mirrored Cordelia’s fate from the previous season? It wasn’t an exact repeat, i know, but the similarities struck me a little redundant as i watched.
-This is maybe a little gossip-y, but what’s the story on Cordelia going from essentially second lead to cameo to gone? Was it just a curve ball plot move (I know Joss Whedon doesn’t like happy couples to stay that way for long) or some kinda behind the scenes trouble?
My favorite moment is easily Spike’s rooftop appraisal of Angel (“To the Angel-mobile!” "Not the hair!".
And I’m sure I’m only the first of several that will name “Smile Time” as their fave episode. I’m rather fond of “Why We Fight,” too (the introductions kill me: “Nostroyo, Spike, Father of Lies”…).
Originally Posted by Expo67View Post This is maybe a little gossip-y, but what’s the story on Cordelia going from essentially second lead to cameo to gone?
I don’t know how true it is, but rumor had it that Whedon was furious because Charisma Carpenter became pregnant, forcing the show to scrap a year’s worth of storylines. Bye-bye, Cordy, although she was brought back to resolve her story arc in the final season.
Originally Posted by JebView Post My favorite moment is easily Spike’s rooftop appraisal of Angel (“To the Angel-mobile!” "Not the hair!"Wink. And I’m sure I’m only the first of several that will name “Smile Time” as their fave episode. I’m rather fond of “Why We Fight,” too (the introductions kill me: “Nostroyo, Spike, Father of Lies”…).
Smile Time was the only episode i’d heard of before watching the show, mostly because my teenage hero Ben Edlund was the writer/director. It’s great, of course, but i was mad there was no Edlund/Whedon commentay to go along with it!
Loren is an obvious choice for favorite character, but he’s just great. As much as i love his reference-heavy oneliners, i really dig Loren’s smaller moments. His welcoming Conor into the family with a simple “Hello, young man” was classy and helped me look at the character beyond just a light-hearted joke machine.
Originally Posted by Anyawatchin AngelView Post The transformation of Wes from pussy to bad ass.
His arc was by far the most interesting. After finnishing the show, i read the character’s bio on wikipedia..it starts out along the lines of “Silly comic relief sidekick” and ends with “…after lasping into alcoholism and deep depression, he’s murdered.”. How many other shows, even among sci-fi/genre, can claim that arc?
I’ll probably get shit for derailing this, but my room-mate is a classic case of ‘loves the Angel ending, but hates the Sopranos ending’. I argue that they’re essentially the same thing, he argues that Tony had to get die. I counterargue that the entire series dropped massive hints about Angel becoming human and it didn’t pay off. And on and on.
So basically, am I crazy? Is he crazy? I love the ending to ‘Angel’, it’s pitch perfect for the series and was wondering all your thoughts on it, given the similarities.
I think the ending is pretty cool. I forgive it’s open ended-ness because from what i understand, they were told they were being cancelled mid-season, which doesn’t leave a lot of room to wrap everything up. My girlfriend didn’t care for the finale at all, though. (She wanted to see the fight!)
One of my favorite moments was in season 4, episode Apocalypse Nowish. The fight against The Beast was extremely badass, and the heroes pulled out all the stops but all got their asses handed to them.
Of course Smile Time was awesome as well.
The fact that Sawyer from Lost is the first vampire that Angel dusts in the series is also a cool little tidbit.
I always liked Spike and Angel’s adventure in Italy, also learning that the Immortal sent Spike to prison for tax evasion.
Angel: Wes, did you ever hear that the devil built a robot?
Wesley Wyndam-Pryce: [in awe] El Diablo Robotico.
[pause]
Wesley Wyndam-Pryce: Why?
Angel: Nobody ever tells me anything.
Originally Posted by BubWilliamsView Post I always liked Spike and Angel’s adventure in Italy, also learning that the Immortal sent Spike to prison for tax evasion. Angel: Wes, did you ever hear that the devil built a robot? Wesley Wyndam-Pryce: [in awe] El Diablo Robotico. [pause] Wesley Wyndam-Pryce: Why? Angel: Nobody ever tells me anything.
Yea, I definietly loved the way the show ended. The last two episodes were fantastic. And I loved the fact they killed half the cast off. Only seen a handful of Buffy, just could never get into it, but asides from Angels weak first season, it was pretty great.
I actually like Lorne’s arc more than Wes’. It’s a total downer, but so well-written.
The only major stumble the show made was in completely blanding Cordy out in season 3 in order to make her suitable as a love interest for Angel. Rare that a show’s final season is far and away its best, too.
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