It is well documented by now the extent of my adoration of Joss Whedon shows. From both mentions on my staff page and reviews/commentary of both Firefly and Buffy on this here very site, to the cardboard cutouts of Joss himself I have setup in strategic locations around my place to scare away burglars (“Guard Joss”), I am, indeed, a Joss fan. And here I am, once again writing about one of his shows, this time on Angel, the spin-off of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, starring mostly-everybody’s-favorite vampire-with-a-soul, Angel (David Broeanaz). But while I could just wax eloquent and extol the virtues of the show exclusively, and/or just give a general overview a la some of my other reviews, I think instead that I will indulge in a little Point/Counterpoint about the show, discussing some of the specific aspects that either worked or didn’t work (yes, alas, ‘tis true… Angel is not perfect). If you wish to read this as if it were written in the style of a Stephen Colbert-esque “Formidable Opponent”, be my guest: I wore a color changing tie for that very reason.

Point: Expanding of the Buffyverse.

Buffy had a tendency to discuss different dimensions but never showed them, or different types of demons but they only appeared if it was integral to that particular episode’s plot. Angel expanded on that, by showing actually having characters travel to a variety of different dimensions and/or planes of existence, or showed a slew of different demons who, for better or worse, were just trying to live their lives. The added scope to the world that the show brought definitely added weight to the conflicts (such as the many, many Apocalypses) with which the characters dealt.

Counter Point: Expanding the mythology of Vampires

So, as one may expect from a show whose main character is a vampire, the mythology of vampires was greatly expanded for the show, but it felt more like rewriting the rules rather than expanding on them. Suddenly Angel was able to move at super speed, leap great heights, etc. which he never was able to do on Buffy. Or how it suddenly had to be direct sunlight on Earth that could hurt his vampire self (I understand the limitations on only being able to film indoors or at night, but it was still awfully convenient). And then there is the thought that didn’t come up until later in the series, about how Angel and Angelus were two separate entities (or personalities, at least) fighting over control of the body. That just didn’t seem right to me, and not in line with all the previous mentions in Angel and Buffy about Vampires with or without souls.

Point: Killing off Doyle (Glenn Quinn)

So, by now, any fan of a Joss show lives in dread that in any given episode he may just go ahead and kill off a favorite character. But back when Angel first started, it was rather inconceivable that he’d do so 9 episodes in. And not only was killing Doyle a great shock to us viewers, showing that anything could happen with this show, it also lead to the introduction of Wesley (Alexis Denisof) to Angel Investigations (what is a rogue demon, anyway?), who turned into the best character in the entire series, as well as an intriguing plot line late in the series where evil-former-lawyer Lindsey (Christian Kane) takes up the guise of “Doyle” while working with Spike (James Marster) as a way to get to Angel.

Counter Point: Disappearance of other characters

There were other characters that appeared throughout the show that just vanished without much of an explanation. From early on in the show was the rich nerd guy David Nabbit (David Herman), who I thought brought an interesting aspect to the show, who then disappeared. And whatever happened with Drusilla (Juliet Landau)? That plotline randomly disappeared.

Point: Great plot lines

Some highlights of outstanding plot arcs and developments include the exploration of dark-yet-not-Angelus Angel in Season 2, the appearance of The Beast in Season 4, and the redemption of Faith (Eliza Dushku) throughout the series.

Counterpoint: Iffy plot lines

Haphazardly ending a season by ignoring everything that had gone on previously that season and sending the entire group to an alternate dimension? Granted, it a) gave us Fred (Amy Acker), and b) gave us Joss as Numfar, doing the Dance of Shame, but still. And then, at the end of Season 4, having the entire group take over a law firm? Really? Okay, sure, the final season turned out to be freakin’ awesome, but how do you easily explain to a non-Angel-phile how the show went from a being about small PI firm helping the helpless to running the branch of a multi-dimensional law firm? Odd plot directions, indeed.

Point: Evolution of Wesley

By far the best (regular) character on the show, it was fascinating to watch the development and evolution of Wesley. From his insecurities upon first arrival to the dark places he visits to do what needs to be done (though, it’s not like he flayed a guy alive and tried to destroy the world; yes, I’m looking at you, Willow), Wes turned out to be one of the most well-rounded and yet natural characters on TV. Kudos to both the writing staff for the ability to create such a compelling and captivating character and to Alexis Denisof for pulling off the subtleties and nuances necessary to really give the character weight.

Counterpoint: Evolution of other characters

It must be said, though, that the growth experienced by other characters seemed a bit forced. Gunn (J. August Richards) goes from street tough to enhanced super-lawyer? Well, it makes for interesting episodes, but it seemed more like the writers couldn’t figure out what to do with him later in the show to just figured out what was needed for the plot. It didn’t make for bad TV by any means, but compared to the natural progression of character found for Wesley, the evolution of Gunn is not up to the same standard.

Point: Firefly guest stars

Yes, how fantastic was it that the show brought in two Firefly actors to fill in nicely evil roles, with Gina Torres and Adam Baldwin continuing the trend started by Nathan Fillion on Buffy? Once a Jossian, always a Jossian.

Counterpoint: Well…

…the only problem with bringing in the Firefly-ers (Firefliers? Fireflisians?) was it just was yet another reminder that Firefly was cancelled. Sigh.

Point: Faith.

Still the best (and hottest) Slayer, Faith was involved in some of the best scenes of the show, from the first season with her screaming at Angel to kill her because she’s evil, to Season 4 with her escape from prison. “Angel’s gone, Faith. Angelus is back.” <pause> “Step away from the window”. Brilliant.

Counterpoint: Er…

Point: “Smile Time” (05.14)

The Puppet Episode! The best episode EVAR of any of Joss’ shows (and possibly all shows). ‘Nuff said.

Counterpoint: Um…

Point: Everything else

The writing, the minor characters such as evil lawyers Lindsey and Lilah, the relationship between Wes and Fred, the brilliance of Amy Acker handling both Fred and Illyria, the little moments such as Angel’s insecurity at singing “Mandy” or envisioning himself dancing at a party. Heck, robot ninjas!

Counterpoint: Oh…

…yeah, I got nothing else. For all its -- really very minor -- flaws, this show is fantastic. Watch it if you haven’t. Re-watch it if you have. Make sure to cheer every time puppet Angel vamps out.

  -- K. Burtt

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