Angel - Season One

Rating:
Summary: Spin-Off
Review: When I first heard that Angel would get his own spin off of Buffy my first thought was how, how can Angel come back after being killed in season 2 of Buffy? After season 3 Angel left to L.A. and so did Cordelia. The scene where they first meet up in L.A. is hilarious. Angel season 1 was filled with many great episodes, the stories were solid, and the writing was whitty. It still is of course but season 1 set the tone for what was to come. When Buffy season 1 was released I couldn't wait untill they released Angel season 1. I waited and waited, then Buffy season 2 came out and I waited. Finally i figured it out, they are going to release it after Buffy season three, and I was right. But dont worry about my rambling, if you've never seen an episode of Buffy you still get enough recap to know what is going on. Angel season one was great and there are certain episodes that I hope have commentaried because I would love to hear it. I cant wait for Angel season 2.

Rating:
Summary: Spinoff success
Review: Spinoffs, much like sequels, often fall short of the original and, as such, should be avoided. Few exceptions, such as Frasier, Godfather II and Aliens spring to mind. Add Angel to the mix. Joss developed BTVS (Series) as a result of the sour taste left in his mouth by the watered down studio version of the movie by the same name. Angel takes the next step of evolution in this dark but comical series whereby character development is key. If you can't love and root for the characters, you won't watch. It's that simple.

Angel picks up with the lead character (David Boreanez) leaving Sunnydale for L.A., and redemption. The plot is quickly set up as Angel opens a detective agency with the help of Cordelia (Charisma Carpenter) and Doyle (Glen Quinn). Doyle was a new character who, due to fan indifference, was unfortunately cut short from the series and replaced by Alex Denisoff as Wesley W. Price. The comedy is highlighted by scenes such as the one when Cordy learns from Wesley that he has left the Watcher's Council and is now a rogue demon hunter. This quickly prompts the question: "What's a rogue demon?"

The comedy is a magnificent offset to the dark and often disturbing aspects of the seedy and supernatural underbelly of L.A. We encounter demons, vampires, monsters and worst of all...lawyers. The first season utilized cross-overs from BTVS to not only help Angel "get his legs" in the first season but also to flush out the characters vulnerabilities such as love, redemption and self-loathing.

Some of the best episodes include the sacrifice of Doyle (Hero), the lost love of Buffy/Angel (I Will Remember You), the 2 part episode (Five-by-Five/Sanctuary) where Faith (Elisha Dusku) reappears, and the most chilling episode of the season (I've Got You Under My Skin) which shows that not everything is as it appears.

As both Angel and BTVS have developed since Angel's inception in 1999, many think that the student has surpassed the master. Buffy has gone through a dark tailspin that has seen the introduction of several characters and a constant challenge to the conventional thinking of how series should be portrayed, not always successfully. Angel, on the other hand, has shown brilliant moves in character introduction and development. Whether it's because Joss is now splitting his time between the two series or that BTVS, as the older show, has outgrown its original intent and has difficulty finding new and fresh angles to reinvent itself (probably a little of both), Angel has developed into the favorite of many Buffy watchers. BTVS is still a staple on Tuesday nights, but Sunday night "Angel Night" is now the time people set aside. Tape the Sopranos and watch Angel.

Rating:
Summary: Question...
Review: Ok. So... What's with all the dudes in black convertables? I mean, Highlander had one, Angel has one, some vampire dude on TV just the other day was tooling around in one. Is it an immortal rule or something? The height of coolness when you hit 100 yrs old ... From now on, I'm keeping an eye on any dude driving a black convertable. Just in case.

Ok. So, as a Buffy fan, I inevetably watched this, and somewhat to my surprise I liked it. (Except David Boreanz got bigger as the years went on, and here I was thinking vamps didn't change like that...)

Anyways, this was by far the best season of Angel. Sigh. Doyle, lad, we hardly knew ye...

Rating:
Summary: Gothic drama
Review: Okay so we all know that Angel was always going to have a hard job living up to the expectations set by Buffy, and okay so it isn't quite as good. That certainly doesn't mean that this series isn't superb in its own right. Set up in L.A. we have Angel (David Boreanaz) running his own detective agency with the help of Cordelia (Charisma Carpenter) and Doyle (the sadly deceased Glenn Quinn). It's a lot darker than Buffy, or at least it was when Buffy was still in its fourth series, and some would argue Buffy series 6 to be even darker than Angel. The main theme is obviously redemption and what we have here is probably the closest to the kind of monster-of-the-week, no story arc material that Joss Whedon and David E. Greenwalt have ever done.

To say this isn't as good as Buffy is kind of a cop-out, because there are some absolutely superb episodes here. In particular there is I Will Remember You, an absolutely heartbreaking episode in which Buffy (Sarah Michelle Gellar) and Angel are reunited, but only for a day and of which only he will carry the memory. There's also In The Dark, the closest the show has got to something that's really disturbing, in a horrible torturer character. This episode also sees the crossover of Oz (Seth Green) and Spike (James Marsters), with probably just about the funniest speech that has ever come out of Spike's mouth starting the episode off. What will really get your attention though is the stunning, spectacular two-parter where we see Faith's (Eliza Dushku) return in Five By Five and Sanctuary. Both shows have always shown an amazing tenderness to this character that is practically abnormal among other series, with Faith being presented as a real person rather than your typical bad guy. After a fairly close-to-the-bone torture scene who can say that they didn't feel a slight shiver down their spine as Faith pounded on Angel's chest begging him to kill her. This is drama of the best kind, this is chracterisation of the best sort, heck this is TV of the best sort.

The rest of the series seems to have a main theme of redemption and lost souls in, appropriately enough, the City of Angels. Worth pointing out are Lonely Hearts (which introduces the compelling character Kate Lockley - please can we see a return of her?) and Rm W/A Vu, in which Cordelia buys a new house only to find it's haunted. Hero is one of the most tragic episodes, in which Doyle sacrifices himself to save his friends, something that has grown magnificently in poignancy since the tragic death of Glenn Quinn, who plays Doyle, recently. After that we get to see the reappearance of Wesley (Alexis), a character which Angel has done wonders with considering the almost universal cringing that accompanied his role on Buffy that has now turned him into a character with surprising depth. Given his chance to sparkle in the Exorcist-riff I've Got You Under My Skin he really pulls it off, especially given the hint at his relationship with his father that has been threatening to bubble over ever since. Angel is also capable of pulling a CSI clinical crime like investigation in the utterly compelling Somnabulist, perhaps the most underrated episode of the series, in which one of Angel's 'pupils' comes back to haunt him. The last two-parter to end the series is also entirely gripping, with the first obvious signs of what was to become Angel's major threat, lawyer's firm Wolfram and Hart. This is action drama of the highest quality that isn't afraid to get some genuine emotion in there at the same time.

Angel series 1 is a show that's trying to find its feet, and it finds them. Now in its fourth series, season 1 shows the foundations that made it nearly as popular as the cult phenomenon of Buffy.

Rating:
Summary: Angel comes into his own
Review: Building on the success of the televison-BTVS, Joss Whedon launched this equally (if now, not more endearing) spin off in 1999.

Fusing James Bond, Dracula, and Forrest Gump, Angel relocates to Los Angeles and discovers there are no shortage of people in need of his help--and equally numerous opportunities for healing and self-introspection. Earlier episodes especially appear to be infused with Tim Burton's gloomy cinematic perspective, which truly enhances the viewing experience.

If the episodes seem uneven even viewed in order, it is because Whedon had changed his mind about the direction the series was going to take. Erstwile confidant Doyle (Glen Quinn) was replaced by 'rouge demon hunter' Wesley Windham Price (Alexis Denishoof) who had been fired by the watcher's council following Buffy's big battle.

Although I had been a fan of Mr. Boreanaz's work following his BTVS debut, even I wondered to myself whether a spin off was feasible. I am proud to say my doubts were proven wrong, and encourage everybody to purchase this series for yourself or a loved one.

Rating:
Summary: A Great Series
Review: It is very rare when a spin-off does anywhere near as well as the show it was spun off of. Angel manages to do both. Coming off of what was arguably the best season of Buffy, the creators of Buffy/Angel took a big leap removing two main characters from Buffy to create a new show. While the first season was somewhat disjointed due to a change in cast and change of direction, the show still managed to hold its own nicely. I like the fact that Angel often tackled more "adult" topics. In my opinion the standout episodes were "five by five" and "sanctuary" dealing with the redemption of Faith. That storyline did much to separate Buffy and Angel into their own shows with their own identities. Season one is a great foundation to even better second and third seasons.

Rating:
Summary: The Best Spin-Off Series Ever Created
Review: "Angel" just keeps getting better and better.

Season 1 was excellent. At the end of Buffy's Season 3, we saw Angel leave Sunnydale for good. Angel has gone to LA, where he opens Angel Investigations with Cordelia (also a former resident of Sunnydale), and Doyle (a demon half-breed, Angel's direct link to The Powers That Be).

But that's just the beginning. I've been watching this show from the beginning. It just doesn't stop getting better!!

If you like TV shows with Action, Adventure, Comedy, and a touch of Romance, this is exactly the show to watch.

Rating:
Summary: A wonderful series
Review: From the start of this series I loved it. Being an avid Buffy fan certainly didn't hurt. Knowing the characters prior to the series is one of the benefits of a spin-off. I must say though there was a point in the series when a favorite characte died and nearly stopped watching. The amazing credit to this show is so many fans were in agreement, but we stayed because the the fantastic writing this series has. If you are looking for a fluffy fun series look elsewhere. If you want television drama writing at its best stay right here and its cousin series Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

Rating:
Summary: Searching For Redemption
Review: Spin offs, more often than not, are not looked upon as anything good or anywhere near as good as whatever it was it was spun off from. Very rarely is it the opposite. "Angel" breaks the spin off 'curse' and achieves great success well on it's own. The show is a spin off from the brilliant "Buffy The Vampire Slayer" series, that debuted in the fall of 1999. The series is about a vampire named Angel who was cursed by a group of gypsy's and has regained his soul and will forever be tortured by the memories of the horrible crimes he has comitted in the past. After three seasons on "Buffy", he leaves Sunnydale and heads to the city of lost souls, Los Angeles, to continue his fight for the good and to redeem himself. Things are all set up nicely in the debut episode, "City Of". Angel meets Doyle, a half human/demon fella who becomes Angel's mentor. He has visions that tell them who is in trouble and what exactly is going on. Cordelia Chase, from Sunnydale, has also gone to L.A. in search of becoming a famous actress. Her and Angel and Doyle form an unlikely team and set up 'Angel Investigations'. The show, unlike "Buffy", didn't really have an overall, season long story arc in it's first season. Those would come later. The first season fumbled around a bit trying to find it's legs. Find out what kind of show it actually is. This is why a good chunk of this first season was a basic 'person in jeopardy' story with Angel and the team as the rescuers. There are many things to like here. The show is a little grittier and darker than "Buffy". More tougher. The intelligent writing and sharp humor is there like on "Buffy". The cast is great. David Boreanaz as Angel is the most famous and charismatic vampire to ever be on television. He ranges to deep broodiness to light comedy in nothing flat. Charisma Carpenter can still deliver a sharp tongued comeback like nobody's business. Stand out episodes here include "Rm w/a View", where Cordelia's new apartment is haunted; "Eternity" is a stand out that finds Angel acting as a bodyguard to a famous actress. Things get deadly when the youth obsessed actress wants Angel to bite her to keep her young forever and her career going; "I Will Remember You" finds Angel being visited by Buffy herself. Thru a fight with a demon and some mixed blood, Angel turns human. He and Buffy are together. Things happen and it all changes(I won't say how or why). The remaining best episodes here are a two part episode dealing with rogue slayer Faith. She appears in "Five By Five" and "Sanctuary". These are pivotal episodes for the Faith character. It's a major turning point for her and the fans. I won't spoil it. Plus, there is the superb episode with Spike called "In The Dark", which is an episode destined to be a fan favorite. That episoe also includes a hilarious open teaser with Spike making fun of Angel. Because of the undecided path the show was taking, there are it's fair share of not so good episodes. The worst being "I Fall To Pieces", where a doctor can remove body parts to spy on victims. It's a pretty bad episode. Other non highlights include "The Ring", which was a sort of like a 'Fight Club' knock off, and "She". Halfway through the season saw the re-introduction of former watcher Wesley Windham Pryce(Alexis Denisoff), who has become a rogue demon hunter and, fortunatley, a member of the 'Angel Investigations' team. The constant thorn in Angel's side is the demonic law firm of Wolfram And Hart. They are always a constant presence, especially it's young, hot shot lawyer Lindsey McDonald(Christian Kane), and the beautiful, but evil, Lilah Morgan(Stephanie Romanov). Like "Buffy", the show has a constant run of recurring characters. They go from the lawyers at Wolfram And Hart, to street wise vampire hunter Gunn(J. August Richards), who is introduced in "War Zone" and soon becomes a series regular. "Angel" does what it does extremely well. It is a tightly written, directed, acted, and choreographed show that stands well on it's own outside of "Buffy". It probably won't reach the iconic status of the buffster, but that's okay. It has set out to be a great show that does things as best it could and it has succeeded on all fronts. Season one of "Angel" isn't the best season of the series(that would be season 3), but it is full of great episodes and moments and characters. It is really good, but it only gets better. A lot better.

Rating:
Summary: Angel and Groundhog Day - two peas in a pod
Review: Angel is the overlooked sibling to Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The show is at the same time more broody and more humorous than BTSV. What makes this show so compelling is the focus on its central character. If Martin Scorcese was to do television, I imagine that it would touch on the same themes: almost Catholic takes on good, evil, weakness, and redemption. And of course, who can forget the violence? Many times Angel is warned that he should not go into battle without a plan B only to answer with something along the lines of 'Plan B? Plan B is I go over there and start hitting people in the face.'

But for my money, the most appealing thing about Angel is what it shares in common with "Groundhog Day" starring Bill Murray. Granted, Groundhog Day was a great comedy with no serious violence, but shared an unrelenting theme that, in both cases, is inspiring: what would you do if you lived forever? Bill Murray's character tries wine, women, song and then suicide before trying to be a genuinely good person.

Angel's character arc takes centuries. This is not only a metaphor for human redemption possibly taking a lifetime, but a 'realistic' scenario of how it might go for someone in Angel's situation. Both Angel and BTSV have flashbacks that show us Angel's moral trajectory. He is a self-centered Irish teenager who disrespects his father and is only interested in ale, brawling, and the opposite sex. After Darla sires him into a vampire, Angel kills his own family and then goes on an unprecedented killing spree across Europe. After being cursed by gypsies for killing one of their own, Angel get back his soul ' and HERE IS WHERE IT GETS INTERESTING.

Angel does not leave the company of the evil demons with whom he has been striking fear into the Continental heart. He first tries to hide it and fake being evil (he feeds only on criminals and animals) so he does not have to leave the comfort of the familiar. Only after being confronted by Darla with his humanity, Angel flees and spends what seems like more than a century being depressed and living an even more marginalized existence of homelessness and feeding on rats. It takes him over a century with a soul to decide to do good, in part to try to atone for his sins. He slowly becomes a hero and crusader, always knowing that he may never be able to do enough good to atone for the horror he has unleashed. The real life stages of atonement, chronology aside, are not so different.

Angel is, at its essence, a story about redemption. It takes him a lifetime to realize that as long as he is going to exist, he might as well get on the side of good even if he may never be forgiven for his too heinous sins. He can spend many lifetimes trying to atone, and it still may or may not be enough. Talk about metaphysical burdens! Kudos to the creators and writers for the premise and the great cast of characters.