Characterization In The Buffyverse — ‘Angel’ Season 2, 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 that have direct relation to either show in this bi-weekly series.

This week: Angel (David Boreanaz) accidentally kills the wrong individual. Can a bout of karaoke help this situation?

(Warning of spoilers from this point on!)

Angel, via his mistake in this episode, exemplifies the idea that having a very long life does not mean one has knowledge or wisdom for every situation. He acts like an idiot by assuming the demon guardian Kamal (Unknown) is evil due to the scant information delivered in Cordelia Chase’s (Charisma Carpenter) vision. Although this recklessness has some foreshadowing with Angel’s wanton destruction of a mirror at the start. Interestingly enough, Angel’s lack of regard for others is an ongoing trait that is apparent in all of his personas (Season 1, Episode 15, “The Prodigal” and Buffy The Vampire Slayer Season 2, Episode 14, “Innocence”). He also exhibits a lack of confidence when it comes to mundane moments of socialization, such as when he tries to give a card to Jo (Justina Machado).

Wesley Wyndham-Pryce (Alexis Denisof) and Cordy showcase some similarities in personality. Example: when they meet Charles Gunn (J. August Richards), both assume “Gunn” is a nickname. This demonstrates that they are working well together since sharing traits among long-time associates is something can happen in real life. Beyond this development, they don’t have much to do here. Yes, they support Angel, but it is almost as side characters rather than as sidekicks or partners. Respectively, Wesley seems more confident in the beginning of the episode while Cordelia shows improvement as an actress.

Gunn is mischievous before getting to business when meeting Wesley and Cordelia. This is at odds with how against nonsense he is in his initial appearance (Season 1, Episode 19 “War Zone”), but works when one considers his feelings back then.

Lindsay McDonald (Christian Kane), Lilah Morgan (Stephanie Romanov), Darla (Julie Benz), and Faith (Eliza Dushku) fail to receive any real development or have any importance in this episode. They simply all show up to remind viewers they exist.

Lorne (Andy Hallett) shows off his hosting and singing abilities, along with his wit. Yet, he also seems to know more than he lets on before Angel even sings a note.

Jo is a woman who is pregnant with some kind of mystical child. Other than discussing her time as an employee of Costco, there is no information about who she is or why she and her daughter are important.

The Judge (Glenn David Calloway) — who actually speaks — gives declarations that are indecisive since he keeps changing his mind. He also resembles the sorcerer (Gary Bullock) that Rupert Giles (Anthony Stewart Head) knows in both facial features and garb (Buffy The Vampire Slayer Season 3, Episode 17, “Enemies”).

Mordar the Bentback (EJ Gage) and the Merl Demon (Matthew James) are two of the various demons that frequent Caritas. Despite Merl being an information broker, these two demons are only worth mentioning cause they show up in later episodes: Season 2, Episode 5, “Dear Boy” and Season 2, Episode 11, “Redefinition”.

This is very much a pride-before-the-fall tale to teach Angel humility. Unfortunately, the focus is too much on Angel and not enough on any other character.