TheAngelspin-off featured several characters who first appeared inBuffy the Vampire Slayer, where their potential was often wasted.Both theBuffyandAngelshowshad large casts with memorable characters, and the running themes in both series had attractive young women chasing the monsters rather than vice versa. This new take was extremely popular with audiences then, andAngeltook these themes to a darker setting, expanding on the Buffyverse while being a very different show. This tone change gavethe characters inAngelthe chance to shine in a more serious show.
Buffywas often more comedic thanAngel, which was popular among its audience but occasionally led to problems with its character development. When somebody became a “comic relief” character inBuffy, it was difficult for them to break away from that role. While Xander has regularly been referenced as the best example of a character stagnating, other characters also suffer from a lack of development and wasted potential. Out of the13 Buffy the Vampire Slayercharacters who appear inAngel, one was saved by her new leading role in the show.
Angel Unlocked Cordelia’s Potential After Buffy The Vampire Slayer Ignored It
Buffy The Vampire Slayer Could Not Give Cordelia The Development She Deserved
Cordelia Chase had some of the wittiest lines inBuffyand a character arc that took her from a “mean girl” stereotype to an asset to the Scooby Gang. Still,Buffy keptCordelia as either the snarky comic relief, or the love interest, and it was only when she arrived inAngelthat her true potential was unlocked.Angelshowed Cordelia’s pain, pride, and resourcefulness when she was broke and infiltrated celebrity parties so she could eat the food.Angelshowed Cordelia as a three-dimensional character, and gave her depth, setting her up as the show’s biggest hero.
Actress Charisma Carpenter was nominated for a Saturn Award four times, for her portrayal of Cordelia Chase inAngel.
Cordelia became a fan favorite during her time onAngel, and the show’s darker themes gave Cordelia the development she needed. Cordelia began the show hungry, desperate, and ashamed of herself. WhileBuffy’might have portrayed a character in this position as getting their comeuppance,Angelgave Cordelia a redemption arc. Cordelia turns down her dream life to prevent Angel from being tortured, witnesses the collective pain of humanity, and even becomes a challenge for some ofAngel’s “Big Bad” villains. Cordelia was a perfect hero for a more serious show likeAngel, whileBuffycould not have done her justice.
Spotlighting Underused Characters Was One Of Angel’s Biggest Strengths As A Spin-Off
Cordelia Returned For The Buffyverse Audiobook Spin-Off, Set Before Her Controversial Angel Death
Cordelia was not the onlyBuffycharacter who became better and more compelling after switching toAngel. Cowardly Wesley was extremely unpopular onBuffy, especially when sharing scenes with the antihero, Faith. However,Angelallowed him to become a more interesting (if tormented) character, and his death was one of the show’s most heartbreaking. WhileHarmony became a vampire inBuffy,Angelgave her a similar arc to Cordelia, taking her from being one-dimensional to a well-rounded character.Even Angel spent much ofBuffybeing a love interest, while his darker spin-off made the most of his vampire-with-a-soul selling point.
“Personally, I Kind of Want to Slay the Dragon”: Angel’s Ending Gave Cordelia the Perfect Badass Tribute
Cordelia Chase’s death in wider Buffy continuity didn’t mean she was forgotten - as a genius twist in Angel continuity proves.
Cordelia’s long coma and offscreen death were poorly received in season 5. Though the comic books continuedAngel’scliffhanger endingand tributed Cordelia by naming a dragon after her,her death was a low point, with many reviewers feeling thatAngelhad failed Cordelia. TheSlayersaudiobook has retconned this to an extent, with an alternate-universe Cordelia starring as “the chosen one,” and a slayer herself.Angelmay not have given Cordelia a fitting end, but without appearing inAngel, she would not have had the chance to shine and become popular enough to return.
Angel
Cast
A spin-off of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel is a drama series with supernatural elements that stars David Boreanaz, reprising his role as the titular vampire. An immortal cursed with his human soul returning to his body, which makes him susceptible to human emotions such as remorse. Angel lives in Los Angeles as a private detective, seeking redemption for his murderous past as a vicious warlord. Angel will face threats such as humans and demons that rival his own cruel potential as he ventures to help those in need.
Buffy The Vampire Slayer
Buffy the Vampire Slayer is a television series created by Joss Whedon, focusing on Buffy Summers, portrayed by Sarah Michelle Gellar, a young woman chosen to battle against vampires, demons, and other supernatural forces while navigating the complexities of teenage life.
