20 years of Angel the TV show

20 years ago today one of my favourite TV shows, Angel premiered on the WB Network. For those not in the know, it’s a spin-off of my all time favourite TV show, Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Created by Joss Whedon and David Greenwalt. The show details the ongoing trials of Angel, a vampire with a soul.

So, who is Angel?

From his back story on Buffy we learnt that his human soul was restored to him by gypsies, as punishment for murder of one of their own. This means that Angel now feels deep remorse for all the actions he did as a soulless demon, and tries to make amends for them.

Angel along with his companions work together to “help the helpless”, which often means battling the forces of darkness, including an evil law firm (Wolfram and Hart).

What I loved about Angel was how much grittier it was than Buffy. It was more grown up (in places) and had some pretty dark storylines, like the stalker who could remove his body parts and sneak his hands under your sheets! 😐 Ick.

So to celebrate Angel’s birthday, I thought I’d “create” ‘The Angel tag’, I say create but what I’m really doing is re-using the Buffy tag questions. 😉 If you would like to do this one, please feel free!

The Angel Tag

1. Favourite Episode

One of my favourite episodes of Angel is ‘Hero’, where one of Angel’s companions dies, but saves the lives of many friendly (soulful) demons in the process.

2. Favourite Season.
Season 2 or 5.

3. Least Favourite Episode.
Most of the Jasmine episodes to be honest as I felt the storyline was too farfetched even for a fantasy show.

4. Angelverse OTP.
Doyle and Cordy, but because that was so short lived, I’ll also say Angel and Cordy.

5. Favourite Major/Minor Character.

Major has to be Wesley or Fred. Minor would be Faith or Lilah.

6. Favourite Quote.

The recording at the end of the episode Hero…

Doyle:
‘If you need help, then look no further. Angel Investigations is the best. Our rats are low…’

Cordelia:
‘Rates’!

Doyle:
It says ‘rats’… ‘…Our rates are low, but our standards are high.
When the chips are down, and you’re at the end of your rope, you need
someone that you can count on. And that’s what you’ll find here. Someone
who’ll go all the way, who’ll protect you no matter what. So don’t lose
hope. Come on over to our offices, and you’ll see that there’s still
heroes in this world.’ …Is that it? Am I done?

7. Favourite Villain.

Angelus.

8. Biggest WTF moment.
Connor and Cordy getting together.

9. Death that made you cry the most.

Fred.

10. Last Episode you saw/read.

It’s been a while since I’ve rewatched Angel, but I think the last episode I saw was ‘Five by Five’. Which is one of the Buffy / Angel crossovers so I usually watch them when I’m doing a Buffy rewatch.

As for reading I’ve just started the Angel & Faith comic books.

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Have you ever seen Angel? What are some of your favourite characters or episodes?