Characterization In The Buffyverse — ‘Angel’ Season 2, Episode 3
by Benjamin Hall
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 must protect one of their allies. However, this matter includes a complication Cordelia Chase (Charisma Carpenter) does not envision.
(Warning of spoilers from this point on!)
Angel (David Boreanaz), for some reason, does not think it weird that he is having dreams involving Darla — particularly ones that don’t involve guilt. While it is easy to say that he is under magical influence, it is just as easy to say that he should still be questioning them. This is especially true when one considers that his curse supposedly makes him feel guilty all the time for his evil past. Yet, the curse seems as flimsy in this episode as in the prior one (Season 2, Episode 2, “Are You Now or Have You Ever Been”). As for the rest of this episode, Angel acts mostly the same as usual. Although it is interesting that he can’t tell Deevak (Alan Shaw and Scott L. Schwartz) is Jameel (Chris Babers). One would think he would know from either catching a whiff of Deevak’s scent or just from his own years of experience.
Wesley Wyndham-Pryce (Alexis Denisof) gets to make some fun of Angel’s vanity via a pink helmet. Otherwise, he is just Angel’s ride and wake-up call.
David Nabbit (David Herman) makes his final appearance and he is still a stereotypical wealthy nerd. Despite both providing Angel advice of the financial kind and being a gag character, David has no real purpose for existing in this episode.
Cordelia Chase sees a regression in her personality with how she dismisses Charles Gunn (J. August Richards) and practically drools over David’s talk of finances. In spite of this, she shows initiative in trying to help Gunn when she can’t reach Angel or Wesley on the phone.
Gunn is the same level of jerk at the beginning to both Cordelia and Wesley that Cordelia is to him. He is not a fan of movies because of an award show snubbing actor Denzel Washington. Gunn showcases a bad leadership quality — being too demanding of the people under him. This is due to his anger issues over failing his sister, Alonna Gunn (Season 1, Episode 20, “War Zone”). Still, he is somewhat right to be overly strict in the case of Keenan (Edwin Hodge) since Gunn finds him in a different location than his assignment.
Henry (Cedrick Terrell) is one of Deevak’s associates and a car thief. In terms of personality, he displays arrogance towards Gunn while directing a lecherous gaze at Cordelia.
Darla (Julie Benz) appears mostly as a part of Angel’s unconscious mind. Thus, her characterization comes across as non-existent up until the end of the episode, when the revelation of magic being at play comes about
Joey (Lucas Babin), Keenan, Nurse (Sarah Brooke), Dr. Thomas (Janet Song), and Veronica (Angel Parker) are all side characters. They each play a small part in the story, but they all lack enough time to be characters with any real depth.
Desmond (Ray Campbell) is a car thief obsessed with “convertibles.” He primarily serves as a red herring so the runtime can see filling out.
The nameless, young, Black woman vampire (Kelli Kirkland) is one of Deepak’s crew who attacks an open invitation party. She has no real purpose other than providing information to Angel and Wesley.
Deevak/Jameel is a rather generic mix of demon and criminal kingpin. His lack of screen time means that his personality is just cut-and-paste plus hype.
Lorne (Andy Hallett) appears only in a dream. Therefore, his characterization is non-existent with the exception that one can argue he is a representation of the Powers That Be trying to warn Angel.
This episode is arguably filler in that not much happens to affect the various characters’ individual arcs. Additionally, the characterizations are very stock.