Plot Details: This opinion reveals major details about the movie's plot.
The same loser friends who got me hooked on "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" did what I thought they'd never be able to do--get me hooked on "Angel." Every time I saw any part of "Angel" it looked cheesy, and I never liked the character of Angel much on "Buffy the Vampire Slayer." Too one-note, except when "turned evil" as Angelus, a killer vampire...I just didn't think he was the best character.
In Season 1 of his own series, all that changed. He inherited some supporting cast from Buffy, and started developing his own stories as a detective in L.A. whose mission it is to "help the helpless." Season 2 builds on the cast and his mission, and is better in many respects than Season 5 of "Buffy" which was concurrent with this season of "Angel."
In the closing episode of Season 1, Angel's old girlfriend and "mentor" into the ways of vampiring was resurrected by the lawyers at Wolfram & Hart--the big bad guys in Los Angeles. Darla becomes a driving force for much of the season. She was originally killed in "Buffy" Season 1, so she's been down for a long time--and I wasn't sure I'd like seeing her back. But she's back in a big way, and so is another old enemy, Drusilla. This pair of she-vampires is awesome together, and although I've had my share of eye-rolling moments about both of them, in these episodes, they're a force to be reckoned with. Both characters gain new depth, and bring a new darkness to Angel that was impressive. I was sure the writers/producers would go to that stand-by plot line and have Angel "turn evil" and become the killer Angelus, but they didn't ever go there. This darkness was cool, but alienated him from his true friends for most of the season.
These friends include Cordelia, who now carries the visionary link with the Powers That Be--this psychic connection is what brings them to help the People In Need. Wesley becomes the de facto leader of the group without Angel around, and Charles Gunn, a character introduced last season, becomes the muscle and wit needed in these dark times. Two other allies are added over the course of the season--a green-skinned, red-horned demon karaoke bar owner who's simply called "the Host" for most of the season, but who we later find out is named Lorne. His story drives an impressive arc through the last four episodes of the season, where we meet another ally, "Fred," short for Winnifred.
There were some twists and turns in Season 2, and some characters didn't end up where I thought they'd be. Elizabeth Roehm's character Kate Lockley is drummed out of the police force, and I thought she'd end up part of Angel's regular team--instead she makes it clear she wants nothing to do with any of them, and for the time being has disappeared. It'll be interesting to see if she's a recurring character next season. The lawyers at Wolfram & Hart, who I thought would be more disposable, kept returning as well--and have become reliable baddies. One in particular, Lindsey, has shown more depth than I thought he'd have, and seems like he'll have a larger role in Angel's future.
The acting and writing this season is up a notch, and surprisingly, for a show with such a dark premise, I probably laugh out loud more at this show than any others I'm currently watching (barring "Arrested Development"). One episode in particular, featuring a visitor from Sunnydale, had me laughing from beginning to end. "Angel" is clever, witty, smart, and funny...but adventure is still the driving force behind the series. The drama--the conflict between Angel's desire to do good and his demonic inner self ignite the screen--and sometimes some of his enemies. It's undoubtedly a dark series, and not for children, but if you watch it, it's really a character-driven series, not just a soap opera that happens to have a few vampires and demons in it.
In the last episodes of Season 1, the gang lost their offices; they end up with a hotel as their new digs with an impressive backstory we see in Angel's past. These sets are more spacious and impressive than the claustrophobic P.I.'s offices last year, and the art deco styling makes it a distinctive setting for the series. The other set design, costumes, and makeup are all above par for an hour-long series, sometimes to the point that I start wondering how they can afford all of that on a weekly budget.
My one complaint is that in Season Five of "Buffy," there are some major MAJOR things happening in Buffy's life...people dying, other big important things happening. Angel even travels back up to Sunnydale at least once to lend a hand...and these events are never mentioned in the "Angel" series. A throwaway line, or phone call, or...anything would have made the series seem more real, like they really were both happening in the "Buffyverse." They've done it before, to great effect--it doesn't have to be a full-on crossover; just a line here and there. But that's nit-picking.
If you've never seen "Angel" before, well, you have to start by watching "Buffy." But if you've watched and enjoyed "Buffy," and haven't taken the trip down to L.A. yet--it's time you got onboard. The show is currently in reruns on TNT, but the best way to watch it is to start with Season 1 and move on from there. If you're a fan of sci-fi and fantasy--or even if you're not--you'll like "Angel."
Product DetailsOriginal Title:Angel - The Complete Season Two (Boxset)Condition: NEWFormat: DVDDirector: n/aRuntime: 990 minsLanguage: EnglishD...More at iNetVideo.com
Angel continues to seek redemption, but a fatal mistake makes him realize that racking up the body count isn t the way to go. So with a renewed sense ...More at Buy.com Marketplaces
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