Angel - Season 1 (Box Set 2) [2000]

With it's direction sorted, and it's regular cast 'finalised' with the return of another old "Buffy" character - poor Wesley, the man about who everyone wonders 'How did HE become a Watcher?' - episodes seem to get better and better. Of particular note is the two-parter in which Faith, having returned from a coma and causing trouble in "Buffy", comes to LA to cause trouble there. The issue of evil is tackled here, as well as a message that some who are labelled 'evil' are those who can and want to be helped back into good ways. It also proves how much more mature "Angel" is than "Buffy"; Angel solves the problem of Faith, whereas Buffy could only flounder and ultimately fail. It also shows the darker side of Angel and Buffy's new relationship: that of ex's, who fight and yell and get angry, whereas Buffy shows the pair being friendly and almost happy with each other.

Similarly, new ideas are introduced into the "Buffy/Angel" universe in the box set. "Buffy" season four has shown a new player in the demon-hunting field: the Initiative, government-trained soldiers with technology on their side. "Angel" gives us something different: kids, living on the streets and fighting vampires simply because they have to in order to survive. Gunn, the leader of this gang, is destined to become a regular, and brings a cocky defiance and humour that is missing from "Angel"; while Wesley has replaced Doyle's timidness, Gunn can replace his ability to make us smile. Both are more than a replacement, of course, and the cast all work well together, as do the writers, and the overall direction that Whedon is taking this series.

The return of Darla, Angel's sire and once-lover, shall make things very interesting indeed...


Every vamp should have one - I'll pick this one   April 23, 2001
2 out of 4 found this review helpful

Angel. Bless him - although he wouldn't thank me for doing so. A vision in black. Leather. But also a quite exceptionally brooding force in a well written series that has grown beyond it's spin-off days.


Keeps you guessing yet again   October 7, 2001
2 out of 4 found this review helpful

As per usual the storylines in Angel keep you guessing. This is a formula that we saw in Buffy and has obviously been successful in this rollercoaster ride of emotions in Angel. In this box set you see Angel trying to find his place in life, you see evil Lynsay battling with his views on right and wrong and you see Cordelia trying to decided whether her acting is good or very good. The season ends with you guessing even more as an old friend of Angel is reincarnated, what will happen next? we'll just have to keep on guessing.


David Borenaz's best videos ever!   March 2, 2003
Becky (Colorado, USA)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful

This box set is gr8! You get to see David Borenaz/Angel in a new and darker light, away from the cloud Buffy, where she takes all the lead roles. You also get to see Cordelia and Wesley( and Doyle) in a way that explains more about the character behind them, for example, you see why Cordi is usually so mean.
I would recomend this to anybody who has any interest in Buffy or Angel at all.
The best episodes are the ones with Faith, as you see her behind the make up and tight clothes.