Characterization In The Buffyverse — ‘Angel’ Season 2, Episode 18

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. Although 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: Lindsey McDonald (Christian Kane) gets a hand transplant. When he learns it has a supernatural cost, he goes to Angel Investigations for help.

(Warning of spoilers from this point on!)

(Trigger warning for a mention of sexual harassment)

Angel (David Boreanaz) displays his rather poor detective skills by hiring an actual private investigator to get information on the current case. His social skills also are still lacking, partly because he forgets what Cordelia Chase (Charisma Carpenter) prefers for food. He also fails to properly tip despite apparently having enough funds to order a large quantity of food. Additionally, he acts out of jealousy toward Lindsey singing ability. Yet, Angel learning the horrendous nature of own singing voice is a good bit of levity since he remains in denial about this truth.

Cordelia gets some ableist dialogue while rationalizing the reason for her vision involving Joseph Kramer (Pete Gardner). This is nothing new for any of the main Buffyverse characters when it comes to discussing mental health, though. It is becoming a way of speaking that dates the characters and their way of thinking. Still, when one combines it with the homophobia Cordelia exhibits in the prior episode (Season 2, Episode 17, “Disharmony”), it definitely hurts her characterization. A new and depressing development occurs when viewers learn she is retaining — and able to access — some of the visions in her memories. Finally, she displays a flirty admiration for both Lindsey and Angel.

Wesley Wyndham-Pryce (Alexis Denisof) and Charles Gunn (J. August Richards) are arguably afterthoughts in this episode. While some moments occur where they standout, these happen only for levity or so they can exposit about Cordelia’s visions.

Lorne (Andy Hallett) is clearly a fan of buddy cop movies, seeing as he enthusiastically references one when suggesting Lindsey and Angel team-up. Other than this trait, there is seemingly nothing of relevance in this adventure that helps develop him.

Lilah Morgan (Stephanie Romanov) has the desire to die by her own initiative rather than by the designs of her bosses. Her other actions include sniping at Lindsay and doing research in the hope of staying alive.

Lindsey acts out a lot of buddy cop movie clichés and tropes. The most prominent one occurs when he recklessly waves a gun around while arguing with the partner he does not want. His knowledge of hacking feels episode-specific, but it does assist in growing him as a person. Giving Angel some final help in the vampire’s fight against Wolfram & Hart suggests Lindsey genuinely wants to change. Unfortunately, he grabs Lilah’s butt nonconsensually while quitting. This action makes him seem more like a scumbag than someone on a possible path to redemption.

Irv Kraigle (Michael Dempsey) is a corrupt businessman with something of a guilty conscience. He is a contradiction since he is unflinching at the mention of spellwork in legal affairs, but he is hesitant about doing anything illegal.

Nathan Reed (Gerry Becker) is obviously an emotionally manipulative boss to Lindsey and Lilah because of the ways he treats each of them. Not only is Nathan abusive to those under him, but he is stupid in other ways. The most obvious case: he steals from those higher up the corporate ladder at a demonic law firm that regularly kills people. He also is a man with a family. Of course, whether Nathan actually cares about them or just has them for a public image is unknown. What is apparent, though, is that Wolfram & Hart are not above making the families of their employees disappear. Thus, Nathan is putting himself and his family in danger by being bad at his job.

Bradley Scott (Steven DeRelian) is a victim of Wolfram & Hart’s transplant process who wants to die. He serves to give the episode’s narrative an argument for and against assisted death.

Sam the parole officer (Mik Scriba) is a stereotypical individual. His main traits are being a tough guy and a corrupt authority figure. He is also a plot device since the information he provides under duress to Angel and Lindsey moves the story forward.

Joseph and his wife, Mrs. Kramer (Stephanie Nash), along with their children, Hayley Kramer (Unknown) and Jesse Kramer (Unknown), appear to be a rather stock nuclear family. Their scene primarily exists to make one feel sympathy for Kramer’s death and set-up the plot involving Bradley Scott.

Dr. Michaels (Dennis Gersten), along with the Nurse (Kavita Patil) and The Pockla demon (Robin Atkin Downes), are responsible for grafting supernatural body parts. When it comes to characterization, they are all just stock villains with very little in terms of personality or traits.

Although most of the characters get some level of personality to them, there is not a ton of growth. There is also a lot of immaturity on Angel’s part ,which he projects onto Lindsey. An example: the “Cops Suck” sign he attaches to Lindsey’s truck. This action suggests Angel does not truly respect even the possibility of someone attempting to change for the better. It also furthers this writer’s belief that Angel is a narcissist no matter the persona he puts on. Other than the exposition regarding Cordelia’s visions and Lindsey leaving Los Angeles, this episode’s importance is debatable.