Angel

"Nothing in the world is the way it ought to be. It’s harsh and cruel. That’s why we’re here. Champions. It doesn’t matter where we come from, what we’ve done or suffered, or even if we make a difference. We live as though the world were as it should be, to show it what it can be."
 Angel "Deep Down"

In a world of demons, vampires and everything children fear is under their bed, there lies a reassurance, an escape.

In the alternate universe of Joss Whedon’s "Angel," millions of fans take comfort in knowing no matter how horrible the world is and no matter what adversity is found within it, there are champions.

But the show’s heroes are not protagonists Spike and Angel. Rather, they’re the cast, writers and crew who bring the series into the home and hearts of millions every Wednesday night.

Unfortunately, this haven soon will be dissolved with the series finale airing Wednesday at 9 p.m. on WCWB-22.

The WB’s decision to cancel "Angel" was announced Feb. 13. The decision came in the midst of what many fans consider to be the series’ most successful season, with Nielsen ratings at an all-time high.

Oddly enough "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" ("Angel’s" parent show) also was axed after its fifth season on the WB.

With an unusual premise - a vampire with a soul "helping the helpless" in Los Angeles - "Angel" quickly worked its way into the hearts of fans and has enjoyed success in both on-screen and DVD formats.

Its cancellation has inspired what Internet fansite www.CityofAngel.com senior staff writer Kristana Bratton calls "the strongest show of fan support to get (a program) back."

The cancellation has spawned numerous other Web sites promoting the show’s salvation, such as savingangel.com and online groups including Angel Fans on the Capital. Both groups are dedicated to drawing attention to campaigns to save the series.

Bratton, who was present at the Web site’s annual Wolfram & Hart review, noted that the cast isn’t angry:

"(Its cancellation) was a complete surprise. With the success of this season, everyone expected a continuation for a sixth season. At last week’s convention in London, the cast didn’t have any bitterness, rather it was like a sad ending. Juliet (Landau, recurring character Drusilla) was saying she had heard talks of TV movies as an alternative continuation.

"One of the reasons why this show is so good is it is character-driven. Over the years they have grown."

The writing for this show has taken an abstract concept and imbedded it into the hearts of fans.

As one fan posted on a message board regarding the cancellation, "Angel is something that comes into your living room, and for that hour, those people are very real to you. And you care what they are going to do."

*box this part as a sidebar*

In honor of the series finale, I’ve compiled a collection of my five favorite moments from the series. A very difficult choice, but I managed to pull one from each season.

5. "Waiting in the Wings," Season 3, Episode 13: The episode establishes Wesley’s frustration toward Gunn for dating the object of his affections, Fred. It also begins to establish the Cordelia-Angel relationship. Showing elements from a "Buffy" Season 2 episode ("I Only Have Eyes For You"), the "demon possession" scene provides many laughs.

4. Numfar’s Dance of Joy, "Through the Looking Glass," Season 2, Episode 21: Joss Whedon doing the silliest dance for celebration, which happens to look identical to the dance of honor, is a classic moment for any "Angel" fan.

3. The Shanshu Prophecy, "To Shanshu in LA," Season 1, Episode 22: The mother of all prophecies, the Shanshu gave Angel hope he one day could experience perfect happiness ... and not lose his soul. An added amusement factor appears in Season 5, as we have two ensouled vampires vying for the Shanshu in the form of a cup of Mountain Dew.

2. Angel as a puppet, "Smile Time," Season 5, Episode 14: The description says it all. Writers get bonus points for Nina the werewolf attempting to eat puppet Angel.

1. The Angelus/Angel fight, "Orpheus," Season 4, Episode 15: This showcases David Boreanaz’s acting abilities. His portrayal of Angel’s alter ego embodies the fluidity of the series and its actors.