Characterization In The Buffyverse — ‘Angel’ Season 2, Episode 19

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: Lorne (Andy Hallett) and Angel Investigations team up to stop a demon from his home dimension. Also, Cordelia Chase (Charisma Carpenter) winds up somewhere other than home by the end of this adventure.

(Warning of spoilers from this point on!)

(Trigger warning for mentions of abuse)

Landokmar of the Deathwok Clan or Landok (Brody Hutzler) is essentially a brutish, yet honorable warrior — plus a good tracker. He is also Lorne’s disapproving cousin.

Angel (David Boreanaz) displays qualities of being cheap and old. Both aspects mainly present themselves in the opening scene, where he expresses them in slightly different ways. For instance, he is cheap by acting like a $19 appetizer at an apparently fancy restaurant is a massive splurge. Subsequently, he tries assuage Cordelia’s guilt over what he believes is the price by referencing the past cost of a meal plus a tavern woman. Not only is Angel exhibiting his age and cheapness, but he is acting like his Liam persona. He also proves hypocritical toward sexist director Seth (Kevin Otto) despite Angel’s earlier comment. Finally, Angel’s face presents his obvious desire to be a champion like he believes Landok to be.

Cordelia suffers a lot of abuse and humiliation in this episode. She also seems to know things about the dimensional spell book in a way similar to a leap in logic. She is unable to provide an explanation for why the book seems important to her. While she gets a few moments to provide debatable levity in this adventure, these occurrences are rare. Arguably, her purpose this week is to suffer before renewing her resolve to helping Angel Investigations.

Wesley Wyndham-Pryce (Alexis Denisof) and Charles Gunn (J. August Richards) are again a duo by means of the interactions. In this case, though, they are not just providing levity. Also, both seem at cross-purposes in their respective lives. Wesley is trying to be a leader, yet also wants others’ approval, especially his abusive father’s. Gunn, meanwhile, must decide between his desire to help his old group and Angel investigations. Therefore, one could say they are mirroring each other in a complimentary manner.

Krevlornswath of the Deathwok Clan and Lorne’s past starts to see some exploration with this first part of the Pylea story arc. As a result, he is a font of exposition in this episode.

Winifred Burkle or Fred (Amy Acker) makes her first appearance in the series as part of Cordelia’s visions. The most that one gets about her characterization: she is missing and is probably in Lorne’s home dimension.

Rondell (Jarrod Crawford) and George (Darris Love) are both angrily dismissive of Gunn when their former leader does not immediately help them against some vampires. Thus, George dying in the attempt to rid California of these vampires results in Rondell becoming further angered at Gunn.

Seth is just a director whose actions are toxic to those working with him on set. Other than discouraging Cordelia from a career in acting, his existence is unimportant.

Claire (Lynne Maclean) is a librarian with a general connection to Fred’s post-disappearance life. Like a lot of humans without knowledge of the supernatural, she explains away the existence of demons via rationalizations.

The majority of the plotting appears to be an attempt to fill out screen time. This makes most of the characters’ various moments unnecessary. For instance, Cordelia has multiple scenes in which she puts up with an abusive boss. Arguably, one might expect this to probably be one scene if not just one line of dialogue concerning the abuse. Also, the important plot is mainly set-up for the next few episodes. Thus, the focus is more on establishing a better relationship between Angel investigations and Lorne, plus an alliance with Landok.