Sunday, May 23, 2004

“Not Fade Away”

— Matt Harris @ 9:13 pm

Well, I finally got around to watching “Not Fade Away”, the series finale to Angel. My thoughts, in no particular order (spoilers ahead!):

“Not Fade Away” was excellent, but not perfect. The “Circle of the Black Thorn” did not seem that menacing compared to the First Evil, Glory or some of the Buffy über-villains. The budget cuts Angel suffered this season also really showed in the finale. The “army” of demons at the end looked pathetic compared to the hordes of Turok-Han (übervamps) in “Chosen”, the Buffy series finale.

I think the scenes with Eve, who I liked as a character, added nothing to this episode. I did like the brief appearances by Connor and Anne. I sort of felt that they helped reconnect the main group to the rest of the world.

Angel’s dialogue with Lindsey was great (paraphrasing here, not a verbatim transcript).

Angel: I’m the greatest mass murderer you’ve ever seen.
Lindsey: And I’ve never given you props for that.

Angel: I want you, Lindsey.
Angel: I’m thinking about rephrasing that.
Lindsey: I’d be more comfortable if you did.

The Wesley/Illyria moments were excellent as well, especially Wesley’s death and Illyria pretending to be Fred. I found it especially sad, as Illyria really was lying – Wes isn’t going to see Fred in the afterlife, as Fred’s soul was destroyed when Illyria took over Fred’s body.

I must admit that I never really warmed up to Fred. Illyria, on the other hand, I really like – “I wish to do more violence.” Amy Acker really showed her talents as an actress with this role, especially in switching back and forth between personas.

Lorne killing Lindsey was another good, traumatic scene. Everybody seems to lose something in this episode. Lorne, by committing intentional murder (I assume at Angel’s behest), loses some of his innocence.

I was totally spoiled for “Not Fade Away”. I understand that the plan was for Gunn to die of his wounds prior to meeting behind the Hyperion, but I liked that he made it back.

Angel signing away his “Shansu” didn’t seem real, unless it really applies to Spike. Prophecies in the Buffyverse (unless written by time-traveling demons) always seem to come true, although in unexpected ways. Angel’s fight with Hamilton was excellent, especially the blood reference. Reminds me of Spike’s line, “It’s always about blood.”

As for the future of the Buffyverse – well it may have one, but I doubt if we will see it, especially with David Boreanz and Sarah Michelle Gellar’s reluctance to return as their characters, even on the big screen. I could see other potential spin-offs involving the other characters, Illyria especially. Sadly, I don’t think it is going to happen, though there might be a slight chance on cable. I think the most likely chance of a spin-off will be 10-15 years down the road, in the same manner that Star Trek was followed by Star Trek – The Next Generation. Somehow, if there is such a spin-off, I doubt it will take the risks of the shows that inspired it.

I don’t have any profound closing thoughts. I enjoyed the finale, enjoyed the series, and enjoyed Buffy immensely – more so than any other TV show. With them gone, and “un-reality” TV strangling the broadcast airwaves, I find myself watching less and less TV. I can see a time coming when I give it up entirely.

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