Characterization In The Buffyverse — ‘Angel’ Season 1, Episode 1

This is part of a bi-weekly series concerning the characterization of Buffyverse characters. The first installment in this series can be found here. Arguably the best place to begin reading this series is at the beginning, but that is up to each reader. As a reminder this column will cover major and some minor characters from the shows Buffy The Vampire Slayer (1997-2003) and Angel (1999-2004). Other Buffyverse media, such as the graphic novel Spike: Into The Light (2014) are not pertinent to this series. Also there will be no referencing real world events in this bi-weekly series.

This week: Angel (David Boreanaz) starts anew in Los Angeles. While trying to remain out of touch with the populace, two individuals will pull him toward humanity.

(Warning of spoilers from this point on!)

Angel lacks any real character development in this episode. At the same time, though, he gets re-positioned into being a leader type action hero by the ending of this episode.

Allen Doyle (Glenn Quinn) starts out as, essentially, a replacement for Max Perlich‘s Whistler (Buffy Season 2, Episode 21, ‘Becoming, Part One’). Both Doyle and Whistler have similar vague messages that they deliver from those mysterious beings known as “The Powers That Be.” Also, both characters have similar fashion senses and some level of demonic heritage. That said, Doyle is more of an active participant in events than Whistler. An example: when he tries to break down the gate with the car. Unfortunately, we also get the sense that Doyle is morally questionable, such as when he insults a beggar; not to mention Doyle’s use of a slur to describe the Romani who curse Angel — so he’s either an ignorant or willful bigot.

Cordelia Chase (Charisma Carpenter) exposits about her lack of luck in Los Angeles as an actress and her increasingly desperate financial state. Other than those two things, she is mostly the same character we saw in the third season finale of Buffy The Vampire Slayer (Season 3, Episode 22, ‘Graduation Day: Part 2’).

Russell Winters (Vyto Ruginis) is obviously a vampire. Yet, he appears to be smarter than most vampires one sees, or will see, on Buffy The Vampire Slayer or Angel. At least in how he approaches acquiring victims and existing in the world. This also furthers the probability that until Angel confronts him, he has never truly fought physically. Case in point: Russell’s death primarily occurs as swiftly as it does thanks to his arrogance and a possible lack of prior fighting experience.

Lindsey McDonald (Christian Kane) is a young confident evil lawyer. In this episode, he really only serves to introduce the primary antagonist of the series which — infernal legal firm Wolfram & Hart.

Stacy (Jon Ingrassia), Bobby (Sam Pancake), and Janice (Gina McClain) are essentially stock characters. While they each have something to do with other characters, their respective actions are too minor and barely affect the narrative.

Cristina Clarke/Tina (Tracy Middendorf) has no real characterization other than being an almost stereotypical damsel-in-distress. Disgustingly, she is really just a prime time television example of the women-in-refrigerators trope.

Margo (Renee Ridgeley) is an abuser of alcohol and drugs. She also apparently arranges meets between Russell Winters and his potential victims, such as Cordelia Chase.

Oliver Simon (Michael Mantell) is mostly a gag character in this episode. His gag is the meta-commentary of finding acting talent with a basis in looks versus seeing if they have actual ability.

The first episode of this series is rather lazy when it comes to proper characterization. Nevertheless, it does establish Angel as a lead character versus just being a love interest/villain/support on Buffy The Vampire Slayer.