Buffy Revival Must Explain Angel’s Fate: Closure for Fans

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Summary

  • The Buffy revival must address Angel’s unresolved cliffhanger to provide closure for fans.
  • Fans speculate about what happened after the chaotic final battle, creating anticipation for the revival.
  • The revival could directly reference Angel’s fate or indirectly explore the battle’s consequences to integrate both series.

As a devoted movie connoisseur, I must say, the television comeback of everyone’s favorite Vampire Slayer, Buffy, is truly a thrilling turn of events for long-standing fans like myself. Yet, as we eagerly anticipate the return of the Slayer’s realm, there’s one lingering query from the franchise that demands an answer. The spinoff series, Angel, which followed the tale of Buffy’s former vampire paramour, concluded on a towering cliffhanger that left several central characters’ fates hanging in the balance. Since the revival of Buffy takes place within this interconnected universe, it’s crucial for the storytellers to shed light on the aftermath of Angel’s tumultuous final conflict.

In the finale of Angel, its principal characters—Angel, Spike, Gunn, and Illyria—were pitted against an onslaught of demons that seemed insurmountable, hinting at their possible demise. Nevertheless, the fact that a revival exists suggests that the world endured this apocalyptic conflict. Therefore, the upcoming series presents an opportunity to unveil the enigma surrounding their fate and reveal what happened next after the screen went black.

Angel’s Cliffhanger Needs Resolution

In the concluding episode of the “Angel” series titled “Not Fade Away,” viewers were left pondering one of television’s most contentious unresolved endings. Following their victory against the Circle of the Black Thorn, Angel and his team confronted the vengeance of the Senior Partners—dominant forces ruling the underworld of Los Angeles. As the series came to a close, a horde of demons, dragons, and other terrifying beings assaulted them. The screen faded to black at the instant Angel said, “Let’s get to work,” leaving their destiny uncertain.

Since that fateful event, fans have pondered about the ensuing sequence of events. Some of these questions were partially addressed in the comic series “Angel: After the Fall“, which delved into the aftermath of the battle and showed Wolfram & Hart sending Los Angeles to Hell. However, the TV continuity hasn’t definitively confirmed or rejected the comics as canon. As a result, for any potential revival to be consistent, it must either reference those events or offer an alternative explanation for what transpired. If Angel and Spike are still present in the revival timeline, then we need to know how they managed to survive. And if the world remained unscathed, we’d like to understand how the danger was eliminated.

In the event that Angel and Spike exist within the rebooted universe, what circumstances led to their survival? Also, should the world have persisted, how exactly was the danger eliminated?

Since Spike had come back from death once, following the end of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, there’s a chance that the show might handle his survival in a similar fashion again. However, Angel, Gunn, and Illyria seemed to be in much more critical conditions. Gunn was already severely wounded before the fight started, and Illyria, despite her strength, wasn’t invincible. If any of them reappear in the revival, it’s crucial that the show provides an explanation for their survival.

How the Revival Can Address It

In various scenarios for the Buffy reboot, there are multiple paths to address Angel‘s unresolved cliffhanger. One clear-cut method might involve including Angel or Spike, and discussing what transpired after “Not Fade Away.” Even a brief mention of their survival from the battle and any subsequent repercussions could be sufficient to please devoted fans.

As a movie enthusiast, I ponder over the possibility of the revival subtly delving into the aftermath of the epic battle. Imagine if Los Angeles remains haunted by mystical remnants of the past, or if characters are grappling with the long-term repercussions years on. Such an approach would seamlessly incorporate the final chapter of “Angel” into the fresh narrative, making it a captivating continuation for us fans to savor.

Why It Matters for the Buffyverse

The “Buffyverse” is an exceptional TV universe where several shows share a cohesive and interwoven world. This means that the ending of “Angel” leaves a somewhat unresolved storyline, which stands out as a loose end needing closure. If a revival overlooks this entirely, it could potentially upset fans who have followed both series and appreciate continuity between them.

Furthermore, it’s crucial for the revival of Buffy to demonstrate that actions always have consequences in her universe. This implies that the events from Angel’s finale must have lasting effects. Regardless of when the series is set, there should be some reference to how the previous battle influenced the evolution of the supernatural world over time.

As a devoted cinema enthusiast, I can’t help but express my enthusiasm about potentially seeing David Boreanaz reprise his role as Angel or James Marsters as Spike once more. Even a brief cameo from either character would be a heartfelt acknowledgement of the Angel series finale, providing fans with a sense of resolution we’ve been yearning for. If the revival dares to delve deeper, it could unravel the mysteries surrounding that final battle and its impact on Angel’s mission. Did he retreat from the fray? Did he strike a bargain instead? Is he still waging war against evil in secret? These are all intriguing possibilities for where the revival might head. Are they now human, or perhaps they’ve retained their supernatural essence? Such questions would undeniably add depth to the storyline.

By tackling the dangling plot thread concerning ‘Angel’, the revival could offer resolution to one of the series’ most intriguing enigmas. This might be achieved by a sequel, a subtle mention, or a thorough examination of the aftermath, but addressing this lingering question would enhance the Buffyverse and demonstrate that the revival values its origins. As the ‘Buffy’ reboot unfolds, one point is certain: it must acknowledge its past. And regarding the destiny of Angel and his crew, the fans are entitled to an explanation.

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2025-02-08 23:24