Characterization In The Buffyverse — ‘Angel’ Season 2, Episode 6

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 does reference things that have no direct relation to the show in order to examine things such as metaphors and literary analogues.

This week: Angel Investigations needs Angel (David Boreanaz) for a specific case. Unfortunately, he is missing in action.

(Warning of spoilers from this point on!)

Angel acts like a simpleton by going into what amounts to an enemy fortress to find Darla (Julie Benz) without a plan. He also wastes a lot of time trying to acquire guidance from the fake T’ish Magev (Art LaFleur). Interestingly, Angel seems to want to sing for Lorne (Andy Hallett). While it is great that he doesn’t because of his tone-deafness, the moment suggests that he is very unsure of himself. He also exhibits his lack of knowledge about his curse after an accusation of not being able to have sex. These displays of insecurity also combine with other comments Angel makes in this episode to expose how egocentric he can be.

Wesley Wyndham-Pryce (Alexis Denisof) starts out serious and goes back to being a goofy character in a matter of seconds at the beginning of this episode. His mostly-successful impersonation of Angel is something that is more down to luck than skill. Since he is trying to act like Angel he has to be a little more sure of himself while remembering to be like a vampire. Thus, he presents a confident yet goofy front much like Maxwell Smart (Get Smart [1965-1970]). While his impersonation ends, he retains some of the confidence. This is debatably part of his developing into the action hero of later seasons (Season 5, Episode 16, “Shells”).

Cordelia Chase (Charisma Carpenter) makes a sexist comment about Wesley’s clothes. Despite it not being the worst thing she could say, it nonethless displays her toxic view of men having to be obviously masculine. Her not being able to fight off Benny (Saul Stein) is arguably stupid since one would assume she would pick up some training from someone by now. Nevertheless, it is believable since her guard appears to be down before the attack, and therefore it is a surprise to her. Despite her inability to physically react, she does play things smart by having Charles Gunn (J. August Richards) locate Angel. Also, she gets a funny moment where her love of trends and celebrities leads her to locating Benny and his employer via a magazine.

Gunn demonstrates too much trust in Angel having a plan to get into the Wolfram & Hart’s building. His trusting others — plus his not being upset about going to a demon bar — displays a large amount of growth in comparison to his first appearance (Season 1, Episode 20, “War Zone”).

Lorne guides the way as usual. Yet, by not allowing Angel to even hum something, Lorne leaves Angel Investigations to fumble along throughout this adventure.

Magnus Bryce (Todd Susman) makes a xenophobic comment about his business rival, Paul Lanier (Patrick Kilpatrick). When one combines this comment with his methods of acquiring Angel Investigations’s help and a lack of knowledge regarding demons, he comes across like an idiot.

Virginia Bryce (Brigid Brannagh) appears as both a rebellious prisoner and a standard socialite. She mostly impacts the plot by being an apparent damsel-in-distress who doesn’t completely need saving.

The impostor of T’ish Magev is both a murderer and a false swami. He exists to give a reason that keeps Angel from interacting in the main plot during a majority of this episode.

Benny is generic, unthinking muscle a bad guy would hire to get their way. Case in point: he does not know what Angel looks like when threatening Cordelia for the vampire’s location.

The nameless man (Ed Trotta) is arguably a stereotypical noir detective story starter character. This seems to be the case because of his dialogue and way of speaking it, plus how he starts the noir style plot.

Paul Lanier appears to be just a tad smarter than Magnus Bryce. Yet, this is simply owing to the fact that he gains knowledge of Angel’s real whereabouts in the aftermath of prior machinations against the vampire.

Yeska (Danica Sheridan) is a demon that desires celibate offerings. The fact a person has to wait untill age fifty for Yeska to accept or decline an offering is a rather weird condition for the demon to have.

While there are a lot of characters, most of their personalities and traits are generic. Any developments for the main cast are secondary to a plot that fits a noir detective parody. Thus, there is little-to-no growth for the primary characters. The amount of developments are also very few. Two of these include Angel revealing his lack of knowledge concerning his curse and Wesley getting into a relationship. However, the one involving the curse is the most pertinent to the season as this will play into a future episode’s reveal (Season 2, Episode 16, “Epiphany”).