Angel

It’s a tough moment to digest as the final scene of "Angel" concluded Wednesday in the series ending episode, "Not Fade Away."

Since March 1997, series co-creator Joss Whedon has consistently enticed viewers through the course of "Buffy The Vampire Slayer" and its eventual spinoff "Angel." Both shows enjoyed a deft blend of engaging drama and sharp humor. Credit Whedon there. And credit the Emmys for a staggering display of embarrassing indifference. No writing or best drama wins for a pair of shows that outclassed peers in so many ways. Please, don’t even mention "Once More With Feeling."

"Angel," which debuted in 1999, began to immediately climb from beneath "Buffy’s" shadow. Though it took time for it to find its footing, the last two seasons clearly demonstrated the show’s potential. That’s what makes "Not Fade Away" all the more tragic. This is a television show deserving more seasons. After The WB was elevated from life support by the success of "Buffy The Vampire Slayer," you would have hoped Whedon would be granted time. Instead, The WB short changed fans and derailed a series with a bright future.

As for the final, penned by Whedon and Jeff Bell, it makes a bold showing of the show’s best assets. Writing, acting, surprises, it’s all here folks. Angel (David Boreanaz) shows his true measure as a stubborn, fearless vampire who surges into battle against the unbeatable. It’s an ongoing theme in the show, and we see with heart-wrenching clarity that those who stand with him are compelled to do the same. Think of the final of "Buffy The Vampire Slayer" and you have a fair idea of the stakes and the loss. The one surprise I will reveal here is the episode is not directed by Whedon. Perhaps "Serenity" duties required his full attention.

One recent development deserving special mentioning is the transformation of Amy Acker’s character Fred to the ancient, outdated god, Illyria. This character shines, and is an amazing credit to Acker. Wow. I want more of Illyria. She is a fascinating, complex and powerful force that is truly captivating to behold. If we only had time to make a better acquaintance ...

And nods are certainly in order for Spike (James Marsters) and Wesley (Alexis Denisof), whose contributions evolved into some of the show’s best moments. How can we ever forget Wesley’s massive character arc (starting in Season 3 of Buffy), transforming him from a sniveling goof to a hardened man of action, toting .45s and a pump-action shotgun!

So what lurks on the Buffyverse horizon? Good question, but it seems obvious that a spinoff show or movie will come. Comics and an animated series, too. A big budget feature combining both shows would be ultra cool. As for television, how about a spinoff based on Whedon’s Buffyverse graphic novel, "Fray." Now that would be dreamy and probably overly ambitious.

Oh, and Whedon, don’t forget Illyria!

Not Fade Away
Angel
Writing: A
Story: A
Acting: A+
Directing: A-

Overall: A