Characterization In The Buffyverse — ‘Angel’ Season 1, Episode 20

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 Investigations handles a wealthy person’s case. Also, Angel (David Boreanaz) meets Charles Gunn (J. August Richards).

(Warning of spoilers from this point on!)

Angel arguably has too light of a character moment when he talks about hidden money and Cordelia Chase (Charisma Carpenter). He is smiling and sounds jovial — similar to when he is Angelus, or Liam, and feeling happy. He also comes off as overdramatic when tracking down and intimidating Lenny Edwards (Joe Basile). This is so that Gunn and his group can spot him jumping from roofs and get a mixture of impressions about Angel. Thus, the plot moves along while highlighting how Angel enjoys the drama no matter his persona (Buffy The Vampire Slayer Season 2, Episode 21, “Becoming, Part 1”).

Wesley Wyndham-Pryce (Alexis Denisof) starts this episode as a font of exposition about the brothel. His former connection to the Watcher’s council is all the reason viewers, and the other characters, get for his having this specific knowledge. The only new development to his characterization: he displays an acerbic wit when he and Cordelia talk about who should talk to a destitute individual. His past attempts to be witty feature him being the butt of the joke by the end of his commentary (Season 1, Episode 12, “Expecting”). Other than that he gets no growth in this episode.

Cordelia comes across as opportunistic in her interactions with David Nabbit (David Herman). This seems to be an attempt to reinforce the materialistic side of her so audiences can see her change at the end of the season finale (Season 1, Episode 22, “To Shanshu in L.A.”).

Gunn shows actual leadership skills, but his recklessness is more a creation for the plot than anything else. He acts like leader by displaying those skills in his interactions and attitude, but that authority is undermined by the dictates of the writing. Yes, he has anger which he expresses through his justifiable disdain for vampires due to his past, but both he and that backstory are, at this point, generic. This is especially true once he loses his sister Alonna (Michele Kelly).

Chain (Maurice Compte) is apparently Gunn’s second in command. This is not totally obvious as the command structure does not get much focus. Chain is apparently also a bit of a scout since he can track a vampire back to their lair. Nevertheless, his actual prowess is unknown as there is no scene or exposition detailing it. He is also not a discerning fellow since he doesn’t care if a demon is peaceful or on his side.

David Nabbit is literally a stereotypical wealthy nerd. His introduction at a party where he seems not to personally know any of the guests falls into the stereotype of nerds lacking friends.

Alonna arguably displays potential as a possible recurring character. However — like Eddie (Pedro Pascal) from Buffy The Vampire Slayer Season 4, Episode 1, “The Freshman” — her potential gets cut short with a turning and a subsequent dusting. Possibly her most memorable aspect is being Gunn’s sister. Unfortunately, this, and how it affects Gunn, will have no real impact in future episodes of Angel. Thus, one can easily say that her character exists to die and motivate Gunn, and therefore she fits the women in refrigerators trope.

Knox (Mick Murray) is a vampire who, in a way, runs a rival group to Gunn’s for control of their mutual area of California. Knox has a debatable level of intelligence as he kills off minions who disappoint him and yet knows how to entrap a good portion of Gunn’s team.

Ty (Sven Holmberg) is one of Knox’s vampires. Despite showing survival instincts by escaping from Gunn, Knox dusts him for allowing himself to fall into a trap of any kind.

Bobby (Sean P. Young) is a member of Gunn’s vampire hunter group who arguably serves no purpose to the story. Still, he displays some skillful accuracy when shooting stakes from a weapon on the back of a truck.

James (Ricky Luna) is another member of Gunn’s crew who initially seems high up in the group’s chain of command. However, he is really just the doorman/security guard for their headquarters.

Lenny Edwards is a blackmailer who is familiar with the demon world. Since the episode is primarily following the plot line featuring Gunn’s group, Edwards’s personality is pretty generic.

Madam Dorian (Rebecca Klingler) and Lina (Kimberly James) are both stereotypes of brothel staff with Dorian being the boss and Lina being a worker. Despite both having some personality, they are really just plot devices so that Angel can solve Nabbit’s problem.

The characterization, like the Nabbit plot, is very cookie-cutter in this episode. Yes, Gunn joins the cast of characters, but both he and the rest of the characters have nothing novel to them.