Not Fade Away

[jchrisobrien]

I was very satisfied with the ending of Angel. Let me address the biggest problem people had with it, the cliffhanger ending. This was not a cliffhanger. The message of the last two episodes, and for a good part of this season, was winning or losing doesn't matter, what matters is fighting, is trying. The series ended as it began. Angel (and his friends) are here to help the helpless, and to fight evil. Angel may have signed away his soul and given up his chance at redemption. Forever? Please. Even if he has no chance at redemption or becoming human, he Still Chooses to Fight. It's one thing to do something if you know there's a (chance of a) reward. It's another thing to do something if there isn't a reward.

All of the characters had a moment to shine, in different ways. Gun reconnected with the people on the street, and had a glorious moment fighting vampires (and raiding Angel's weapon locker). Wesley's shell shocked demeanor finally found some solace; in the end let himself live a little lie in his last moments, which was touchingly human. Speaking of touchingly human, Illyria shows that even in the last damn episode, Joss still cares about character growth and development. She was an amazing character, and Amy Acker gets all my respect for showing real versatility as an actress. Spike may have been short changed in the fight scene, but his real defining moment was his poetry slam. And Lorne. Poor, poor Lorne. He was a casualty too, because the Lorne we met has died, and yet lives on . And that is a bigger tragedy than losing Wesley.

Even characters like Conner and Harmony were well used. Connor was much more likeable, and Harmony's dialogue. Perfect. Angel: "You don't have a soul." Harmony: "I would have if you trusted me more." And, a small aside, her scene with Hamilton? Yum.

Ah, Mr. Baldwin. Always letting your mouth get you into trouble. It was great seeing him on the show, even in a small role.

Some people think that Lindsey got a raw deal. Let me remind you all that Lindsey and Angel are arch enemies. And that after turning his back on L.A., he returned to wreck vengeance on Angel. I think that in the end, power was what was important to Lindsey. Angel knew this, and eliminated him. Which is still very callous. Angel may still fight for good, but can do bad things.

So, yes. A lot of very good acting. Several memorable zingers. The finale damn well should have been two hours long, it did seem a little rushed here and there. But dammit, the show ended just like the characters did. It went out swinging.

Thanks for 12 seasons of the Buffyverse, Joss. And thanks to all the friends who share my love for the show, for coming along for the ride.



Here are some good articles about the series finale, including interviews with Joss. Links courtesy of my awesome ex-roommate, Da Zhuang.

http://www.thestar.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=thestar/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=1084617511637&call_pageid=968867495754&col=969483191630

http://www.tvguide.com/news/insider/040520a.asp

Comments

[pyrric.livejournal.com]

And, a small aside, her scene with Hamilton? Yum.

The thumb-licking thing might have been the dirtiest thing I've ever seen on network television.

There is no other way Angel could have ended. This was perfect.

[silas7.livejournal.com]

THANK you.