Characterization In The Buffyverse — ‘Angel’ Season 1, Episode 14

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 that have direct relation to either show in this bi-weekly series.

This week: Angel (David Boreanaz) investigates a demonic possession. Yet, there is more to this possession than there seems.

(Warning of spoilers from this point on!)

(Trigger warning for mentions of a non-consensual act and abuse)

Angel is apparently still not over the death of Allen Francis Doyle (Glenn Quinn) (Season 1, Episode 9, ‘Hero’). Although, it is hard to say how much of his curse is causing it. Whatever the cause, the verbal fighting between Wesley Wyndam-Pryce (Alexis Denisof) and Cordelia Chase (Charisma Carpenter) may be bringing this guilt to the forefront. At the same time, he appears to feel no guilt for essentially drugging a family with “special” brownies to flush out a demon. Yeah, they are not in any real danger from it, but it is still a non-consensual act. Finally, Angel’s pre-judging Mr. Anderson (Will Kempe) foreshadows the reveal of Angel’s relationship with his own father in the next episode (Season 1, Episode 15, The Prodigal).

Cordelia’s inability to cook correctly is a new aspect of her character. Other than that, she is just a seer and team gopher in this episode.

Wesley reveals some of his personal history in this episode with a reference to abusive parenting. But it is only when the Ethros demon (Anthony Cistaro) taunts him that the truth of the matter is confirmed fully. There is also still a bit of the gag character to him with his suffering a scare by a doll. The demonic possession plot, meanwhile, allows Wesley takes on the role of an exorcist — an action that foreshadows him eventually becoming the magic-using powerhouse of the group later in the series.

Ryan Anderson (Jesse James) and the Ethros demon are rather generic variations on characters from stories featuring exorcisms. Nevertheless, they do have a twist regarding which one is the actual evil that makes them somewhat refreshing.

Mr. Anderson and Mrs. Anderson (Katy Boyer) are parents at their wits’ end regarding how to handle their son, Ryan. Mr. Anderson comes across like an abusive father because of his frustration over how helpless he feels and Mrs. Anderson a wife and mother suffering that abuse. They seem to know a little of his possession before the episodic reveal due to Mrs. Anderson’s heavy belief in angels. Lastly, Mr. Anderson seems somewhat suicidal with his comments on smoking and longevity.

Stephanie Anderson (Ashley Edner), Ryan’s sister, is really just an extra character to help hide that Ryan is the one under possession.

Detective Kate Lockley (Elisabeth Röhm) only acts as a familiar “face of authority” that takes Ryan in. She otherwise doesn’t serve a real purpose or see any growth.

Rick the Clerk (Jerry Lambert) and the Nun (Patience Cleveland) are both extraneous characters. Both could easily see replacement with several lines of dialogue.

While the main cast of characters see some development in this episode, it is still one with weak in characterization likely thanks to its copy-and-paste of the movie The Exorcist (1973).