Characterization In The Buffyverse — ‘Angel’ Season 2, Episode 5

This is part of a bi-weekly series concerning the characterization of Buffyverse characters. 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. Though this series references things that have no direct relation to the show in order to examine certain elements, such as metaphors and literary analogues.

This week: Angel investigations looks into an alien abduction case. Also Wolfram & Hart continues to help Darla (Julie Benz).

(Warning of spoilers from this point on!)

(Trigger warnings for mentions of stalking and non-consensual actions)

Angel/Angelus (David Boreanaz) is in a daze for some of this episode because of Darla’s machinations and the magical powder she is using. Although, it is unclear how much of his actions — and reactions — are due to the powder. During the flashback, the Angelus persona demonstrates an unending hunger to cause murder and mayhem. This is evidenced in how he talks about his desires, and seemingly breathes heavy, while stalking the human Drusilla (Juliet Landau). Meanwhile, his smelling of Cordelia Chase’s (Charisma Carpenter) hair is an example of how little difference exists between his various personas.

Wesley Wyndham-Pryce (Alexis Denisof) gets a little more involvement in the financial aspects of Angel Investigations. Yes, this starts in the prior episode (Season 2, Episode 4, “Untouched”), but this week cements it happening. This activity also foreshadows his becoming a leader in the organization (Season 2, Episode 11, “Reunion”). His inability to believe that Darla could be back comes across as both a mischaracterization and dumb. He does not entertain the theory upon hearing it despite his knowledge of the mysterious ritual that occurs in the first finale (Season 1, Episode 22, “To Shanshu in L.A.”). His ability to improvise a lie on the spot is improving (Season 1, Episode 16 “The Ring”), though.

Cordelia has a smart battle tactic: trying to remove the leader during this episode’s first fight scene. This suggests she is growing as a fighter. The act of Angel sniffing her hair should really make her question how much difference there really is between him and Angelus.

Charles Gunn (J. August Richards) acts as additional muscle for Angel Investigations. He also is still displaying a very serious attitude about demon fighting and life.

Darla pointing out a pre-vampire Drusilla to Angelus is interesting. It demonstrates Darla still teaching Angelus how to be more evil. As for her being human and feeling guilty for her actions, it is one moment where the show goes too far with the concept of human souls making one good. For example, people like serial killer Ted Bundy supposedly have souls, and yet do horrific things apparently without remorse (The Bundy Murders: A Comprehensive History by author Kevin M. Sullivan [2009]). Plus one would assume that she would automatically feel guilty if a human soul is the deciding factor of morality. Despite Angel’s history with Darla, he also may not know her human history as well as he may think. Darla could have been an uncaring and evil human prior to becoming a vampire in her first life.

Detective Kate Lockley (Elisabeth Röhm) appears obsessive regarding her hatred of Angel. It is continuing to blind her when it comes to cases involving him, including the one in this episode, and it is hurting her job.

Lindsey McDonald (Christian Kane) presents some interest in Darla via his physical reactions to her seeming into in him. Other than that, there is nothing of real relevance to him being in this episode.

Drusilla is only in the flashbacks. Thus, the only element of development for her character is a visual expansion of prior exposition (Buffy The Vampire Slayer Season 2, Episode 7, “Lie to Me”).

Stephen Kramer (Matt North) is just an actor getting paid to play Darla’s husband. Both have aliases during this time. Framing Angel for his murder is used to push Angel into Wolfram & Hart’s machinations.

Lorne (Andy Hallett) denies Angel help; a rare moment for the character considering the show in its entirety. Yet, his choice not warn the rest of Angel investigation about what he sees is unclear.

Cop #1 (Darren Kennedy), the hotel security guy (Derek Anthony), and Detective Jack Carlson (Rich Hutchman) are just extraneous stock characters. Nevertheless, they do serve the plot by acting as obstacles to Angel’s pursuit of Darla.

Claire Jeakins (Cheryl White) and Marty (Sal Rendino) are just two people having a rather typical affair. They — along with the very gullible, worrying husband Harold Jeakins (Stewart Skelton) — only exist to help fill out the run time.

This episode focuses on a few characters despite having a lot of moments for several. The reveal of the upcoming attempt to turn Angel evil through the curse’s escape stipulation will create several plot holes that affect past and future characterization (Season 2, Episode 15, “Reprise”).