Angel

Fans who are still mourning the loss of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" can at least take solace in this week’s premiere of "Angel" (9 p.m. Wednesday, WBXX, Channel 20).

"Buffy" favorite Spike (James Marsters) is resurrected and will be a permanent member of the "Angel" family.

Well, he’s as permanent as someone from the undead can be.

Spike’s arrival also heralds changes in the venerable supernatural series, which is searching for larger ratings.

Other "Buffy" characters are reportedly on the way, too, though they might only be in short guest shots.

"I know it’s going to be different," star David Boreanaz says of the upcoming season.

"I know that there will be a lot of changes in the characters and (more) stand-alone (episodes)."

He says he doesn’t mind what’s coming.

"It’s exciting to be involved in something that’s changing," he says.

"It’s a new direction for the show, and I am excited about it."

Boreanaz says "Angel" is getting a major overhaul in terms of plotting, characters and storylines, too.

And what of Angel himself ?

"Well," he deadpans, "he’ll be changing clothes every day."