Taking a bow

The world of Buffyverse temporarily closes. After five years of brilliant storytelling, the series finale of Angel aired last Wednesday night. Thank you, Joss Whedon.

Knowing Whedon’s love of breaking people hearts, the biggest emotional scene for the evening came from the passing of the finest “demon rogue hunter” in L.A. Although I dislike characters being killed off one by one, Wesley’s death provides a relief to his character. When he was first introduced in Sunnydale, he was some sort of a pompous wuss, scared of his own shadow. Six years later, he lays down on the floor with blood gushing out of his flesh trying to fight the good fight. After enduring betrayal, forgiveness, love, pain, and all that made him the person he is today, hopefully, the fates will grant him peace in his slumber. My optimistic self still hopes for him and Fred to meet in one of the heaven dimensions.

Illyria was the one who comforted the dying Wesley. After freeing herself from deep sleep, she awoke to an unfamiliar world. With her former glory long forgotten and her power diminished, she opted to form a fragile alliance with Wesley to gain familiarity to the confusing times. Her pride and stubborn nature continually refused to accept that the more she spent with humans she herself develops attachment to them. Once she saw the eye’s in Wes’ eyes’ dimming, for the first time she understood grief. Kudos to Amy Acker for her performances as Fred and Illyria. She definitely nailed down the personalities of two opposite characters.

Gunn’s atonement for his indirect part for Fred’s death is only beginning. The team already forgave his sins if not forgotten. However, he has learned the hard earned lesson and now he himself side by side with Illryia, Angel, and Spike will fight head to head with demons, monsters, and dragons.

Because of Lorne’s unimpressive fighting skills, he was always relegated as the weakest link of the Fang gang. Nevertheless, he stood by them and helped out the only way he can. After years of working with his friends, it is time for him to move on and find another path. For his final mission, he shot Lindsey in a point blank range. Although Lindsey aligned himself with Angel temporarily, Lorne understands that this man will never be part of the solution. The scene between the two manages to convey that good and evil exists in black and white. Harsh, but true. (I’ll probably change my opinion later, once I clear out my head.)

I knew that Spike will survive the whole ordeal. Why? Because if he dies again, the meaning of his sacrifice in Sunnydale loses its essence. Last year, after it was announced that James Marsters, an awesome actor I might add, was added in the Angel casts, my jubilation was apparent. However, even with usual one-liners, wit, and nekkid body, I am reluctant to admit that he was better off resting in peace. Nevertheless, one of the highlights of his character in the entire run in both BtVS and AtS was his performance in front of a live audience. Even after centuries, he remains a poet at heart. His infamous poem he had written as William for Cecily has finally found acceptance. Damn, all I can say is, “Effulgent”. Cecily, you lost your chance.

Angel’s character never was a predictable one. He used his wits and strength to help the innocents and fight the oppressors. However, in a moment of clarity, he finally came up with an answer to his piling questions. With or without the Shanshu prophecy, he still has a reason to fight. He IS a champion. A hero. All he needs to live is to keep on tipping off the balance of power to the good side.

This entry is getting too long. I’ll try and include some more of my thoughts on the season five of Angel later on. Man, although I said before that ending Angel seems to be a good idea, watching the finale somehow changed my mind. I realize with the direction it took this last episode is a good set up for another season.