Random TV Show Review - Angel

You know, after a successful show like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, having spin-offs and tie in media is inevitable. What's also inevitable is show runners not having their way with shows as most have their plans get shelved as a result of disagreements with people, fan and audience reactions and licensing issues among other things. But not for Joss Whedon who despite being accused of incompetence following his Justice League reshoots, got his way and was able to create a spin-off show to Buffy which continues the story of one of her ex-lovers Angel (reprised by David Boreanaz), a vampire who got his human soul back and moves to Los Angeles when it becomes clear that him and Buffy's relationship is no more. Of course there are crossovers with Buffy throughout this show's lifespan which lasted five seasons. So let's take a look:

Season 1

After leaving Sunnydale when it becomes clear that him and Buffy will not work out, Angel relocates to Los Angeles where he slowly gives in to his vampire hunger. But upon meeting and befriending the half demon Doyle (played by Glenn Quinn) and fellow Sunnydale resident Cordelia (reprised by Charisma Carpenter), they help Angel find newer purpose and meaning, which prompts him to set up his own detective agency Angel Investigations to allow him and his friends to help the helpless. Throughout the season, it becomes apparent that the demonic law firm known as Wolfram & Hart are going to cause problems for Angel's mission, especially with their plans for an apocalypse. Angel gains further allies throughout this season which overall is very different to Buffy, though it's clear that this is more for an audience that enjoys crime dramas such as Lucifer, Bones and so on. It's also considerably darker than Buffy in nearly every way, but that's fine. Angel has a dark past after all, so a show about him would make sense to be dark. It's a good first season that, as all first seasons do, sets the stage for further stories with a familiar cast of characters and some new people too. 9/10

Season 2

In this season, Angel is forced to take on a couple of vampires, of which he wanted to help, but ultimately went down to their level to take out some of Wolfram & Hart's resources. Meanwhile, he fires his team, who decide to work on their own for a little while. Before then bringing them back together in their new HQ within the Hyperion Hotel. This season also features some new people in Angel's team including former member of the Watchers' Council Wesley (reprised from Buffy by Alexis Denisof), former gang leader Charles Gunn (played by J. August Richards) and mystical demon guide Lorne (played by the late Andy Hallett), though some of these join his team properly later on. This season is definitely the one that further establishes who the villains and the heroes are and with these new characters joining the show, it's only going to get ever more interesting from here on out. 8/10

Season 3

In this season, Angel finds out he has a son, which attracts some unwanted attention from far and wide, including Wolfram & Hart. Wesley develops feelings for another new member to the team, Fred (played by Amy Acker) and becomes afraid of what Angel could do to his son. Cordelia becomes half demon and later goes to a Higher Plane. And eventually Angel's son ages into a 16-year-old which he calls Conner (played by Vincent Kartheiser). Nearly all the main characters in this season get story arcs that develop their characters to a point where you wonder if any of them are the bad guys or not. Kinda of like seeing a group of heroes disbanding over something that went horribly wrong (sounds familiar, doesn't it?). Anyway, this is another great season that is full of character development, and you could also say that this becomes the start of a much darker show going forward. 8/10

Season 4

In this season, Conner and Cordelia (the latter of which behaves out of character throughout this season) cause a stir within the team as they take on a being called The Beast (played by Vladimir Kulich) and a mysterious being that is possessing Cordelia to make her the way she is throughout this season. Also, Angel's alter-ego Angelus returns, Faith (reprised by Eliza Dushku) and Willow (reprised by Alyson Hannigan) assist the team in their endeavours and a remorseful Wesley returns to the team when the truth about Conner is revealed. All ending with a surprise twist at the end concerning Wolfram & Hart. This fourth season is definitely one that focused on the main protagonists and their struggles with possession and each other. It does have a lot of "why do this?" moments and some other things that may p*** the fans off. But overall another good season. 8/10

Season 5

Angel and the gang are given the Los Angeles branch of Wolfram & Hart and start once again helping people all over the world using the resources that are made available to them. Former Sunnydale resident turned vampire Harmony (reprised by Mercedes McNab) becomes Angel's secretary, while new character Eve (played by Sarah Thompson) becomes the team's liaison to the partners (or higher ups as I like to call them). Spike (reprised by James Marsters) returns, having previously been sacrificed to destroy the Hellmouth which causes the prophecy regarding the apocalypse to consider him in the place of Angel. Nevertheless, the two become allies in the end as everything starts to take place. Unfortunately the final season ends on a cliffhanger that would ultimately be resolved in the comic book series. But overall, it has a lot of silly episodes such as Angel turning into a puppet, but is otherwise a solid final season that has us all begging for there to be more. Oh well. 8/10

Not an entirely perfect series, and like I said it is for a different audience to what Buffy has. But it has its quirks and charm and many of us will enjoy it for its silliness, darkness and action packed moments. And of course the many beloved characters that lurk within. 8/10