Review: 'Angel' is one of the greatest TV series of all time
In the early 2000s, Warner Brothers established a small channel outlet simply labeled "WB." At one point, it was a station that highlighted an underrated series which paved the way for the experience that is modern television today.
Joss Whedon's creative genius became recognized with his ability at crafting unique, powerful and emotional story lines featuring an ensemble array of characters without losing the importance of their impactful development. Before reaching the stratosphere of success with Marvel's "Avengers" and its sequel "Avengers: Age of Ultron," he brought forth two influential supernatural series with massive fan bases, spin-off comics, video games and fan-fiction sites. The first was "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," with its spin-off "Angel."
The character of Angel portrayed by David Boreanaz first appeared as a mysterious ally to vampire slayer Buffy Summers in her battle against the forces of evil via vampires, demons and other mythological beings threatening the sanctity of Sunnydale's existence. Revelations unveil Angel is an 18th-century vampire from Ireland. His centuries as a soulless vampire made him a legend for his known brutality and sadistic nature. During his chaotic spree, he slaughtered a blessed ancient Traveller. As punishment for his crime, he became cursed with a human soul, granting centuries of internal torment filled with guilt, pain and a constant reminder of his past deeds. Using his newly acquired soul, he begins a journey of atonement as a champion in battle of good versus evil.
I have to say to understand the expanded story line of Angel, it is imperative to watch "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" before venturing into its related spin-off series. "Angel" and "Buffy" go off on their separate ways, with Angel transitioning to Los Angeles, initially working as a reclusive private investigator. The first season of "Angel" has alumni members from "Buffy" joining the cast with Charisma Carpenter as Cordelia Chase allying herself with Angel. Both characters find an ally in a half-demon/human named Doyle who uses his premonition-like visions in assisting Angel in helping the helpless.
"Angel" in comparison with "Buffy" became more of a preference for me on an emotional and thematic level. Its darker story lines; deep, intriguing characters; and the raw acting combined with genius writing made far more memorable episodes having a rewatchable factor. Eventually Angel and Cordelia gain an ally from another "Buffy" alumni cast member with Alexis Denisof portraying Wesley Wyndam-Pryce, an English scholar/hunter from the Watcher's Council. Whedon excelled with each season having more personal stakes and at the same time exploring impending apocalyptic themes challenging Angel physically, emotionally and even spiritually, considering he is a creature of the night with a human soul. It is difficult to create stories focusing on multiple characters without one or the other losing their importance to the actual plot. Whedon successfully weaves masterful character development of everyone experiencing a level of dramatic change.
It becomes more apparent with Angel's journey expanding into personal and painful themes in the second, third and fourth seasons. I still have memories of how the series became a family event in the Ridley household every Wednesday evening at 7 p.m. My mother, father and I would record each episode, never missing one during its syndicated run. The third and fourth seasons are the pinnacle of excellent writing, acting, atmosphere and apocalyptic themes with more characters introduced, making the series fire on all cylinders.
One of the greatest character transformations is on full display with Wyndam-Pryce as he grows from being a whimsical and pompous hindrance to a far more ruthless, dangerous and intense member of Angel Investigations. This is all in part due to the wonderful acting of underrated actor Denisof. I cannot stress enough how shocking it is that he has yet to receive any significant roles in the world of cinema. He is a wonderfully gifted actor capable of conveying every range of emotion.
All the actors and actresses involved give powerful performances that can, will and have moved viewing audiences like me to tears. What makes the series special is Whedon's fearlessness in exploring the darker reflections of complicated themes. One episode tackled a harsh topic of domestic violence, and another homed in on religious concepts and even child/parent relationships. Considering the series' early 2000s period run, it had the ability to present rough and complicated topics without the concern of controversy.
The series ran for five seasons as one of the most popular and highest-rated shows on the WB network before cancellation. Its fifth season ended on an exciting cliffhanger, prompting Whedon to continue the aftermath in a spin-off comic book titled "Angel: After the Fall." Angel was the first television series I remember becoming emotionally invested in from the beginning after my father mentioned it to me in passing one evening.
Boreanaz exhibits the ability to convey innocence, shyness, determination and viciousness, which make Angel relatable and even realistic. Its ensemble cast of Carpenter, Denisof, J. August Richards, Amy Acker, Vincent Kartheiser and James Marsters solidified "Angel" as one of the greatest, most underrated and exciting series that should have had one more season to complete the story.
It will always remain a favorite series of mine which I highly recommend to anyone interested in vampires, monster of the week and supernatural mythology combined with a serious and atmospheric approach without apologies. Whedon's creative and artistic genius is another reason he deserves acclaim as a visionary. The series has it all with drama, horror, action, comedy, suspense, interesting and unique characters, intelligent writing and haunting atmospherics, making it one of the greatest television series of all time.
To watch Isaiah Ridley's movie reviews online, find him @Izzy's Cinematic Escape on YouTube.