Angel tv series question...
- Thread starter Othello
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I know some people are going to vehemently disagree, but as long as you know the basics about Angel's place in the Buffyverse, you should be fine watching Angel without seeing Buffy.
You won't get some of the in-jokes or references to events or characters from Buffy, but Angel stands on its own quite well, IMO.
You won't get some of the in-jokes or references to events or characters from Buffy, but Angel stands on its own quite well, IMO.
I don't think it's very necessary to watch Buffy to understand Angel. The only thing you miss is the origin of the characters, of their back history with each other, but that would be clear enough in dialogue. Any kind of storyline or continuity is pretty independent of the mother series. Except for one addition in the fifth season premiere 
Oh, and ANGEL is a truly excellent series. One of my top five favorite shows. Great action, great story, hilarious comedy... The first season is definitely flawed but starting with the second season it really picks up and somewhat improves every year.
Oh, and ANGEL is a truly excellent series. One of my top five favorite shows. Great action, great story, hilarious comedy... The first season is definitely flawed but starting with the second season it really picks up and somewhat improves every year.
It definitely makes it more fun at times, but no you don't have to really
And speaking of getting into the Buffyverse, I saw some awesome fanmade trailers on Youtube recently. Really well done-
Buffy Season 1
Buffy Season 2
And speaking of getting into the Buffyverse, I saw some awesome fanmade trailers on Youtube recently. Really well done-
Buffy Season 1
Buffy Season 2
I love those trailers! Can't wait for the next trailers to be made.
Definitely not required, I didn't start watching Buffy until the fourth season of Angel, I think. There are a few things that might be confusing, but probably not very.
The show stands very very well on it's own. I'd say the only 2 big things you miss are where Buffy sends Angel, and you miss out on Cordy's beginning.
Cordy's beginning on Buffy isn't too too major, but it just makes you appreciate her arc a bit more.
Cordy's beginning on Buffy isn't too too major, but it just makes you appreciate her arc a bit more.
Agreed. I would say the same also applies to Wesley; he came a long, long way from the pussy he was in Buffy season 3.
There is also the relationship between Angel, Darla, Drusilla, and Spike which is fleshed out in Buffy.
Ah, I had forgotten about all that, that crossover between BTVS' "Fool For Love" and Angel's "Darla" was great--those were both standout episodes for me.
Oh definately, I'm just biased because of how much I love Cordy.
If you do decide to try Buffy, just remember that the first season and a half or so is not representative of the rest of the series. It was still kinda finding its footing there. The second half of the second season is where things really take off.
I avoided Buffy like the plague, but when Doctor Who's most recent season ended, BSG took a break, and Journeyman got cancelled, I decided to fill the void with the Buffy DVD's a friend had forced me to borrow. Even though I liked Firefly, for some reason I was sure I was going to hate both SMG and the show; but I was pleasantly surprised. Season 1 passed the time, I got over my aversion to the actress (even grew to like her, despite the preponderance of angst midway through the series that got a little tiresome for a while). By the end of season 2, I was so hooked on it that I bought the "Season 8" comics, and once I finished the series finale (which was spectacular, IMO), I read them both in about an hour.
I started watching my friend's Angel DVD's during Buffy's season 4, just to be sure I wouldn't miss any crossover stories, and I'm glad I did, because there were a few.
One other thing you'll really miss out on, aside from the character arcs mentioned above, is the arc of a minor character who's referred to as "Rupert Giles' best man" in Angel's last season. I don't think that development would be anywhere near as good if you haven't already seen the guy go from point A to point B over the last couple seasons of "Buffy."
IMO, the shows weren't all that different in tone, writing, themes or acting, and watching them together I felt like I was watching a single series. I recommend watching it that way, but if you really can't stomach Buffy for whatever reason, Angel probably stands on its own. It just won't be as good.
I started watching my friend's Angel DVD's during Buffy's season 4, just to be sure I wouldn't miss any crossover stories, and I'm glad I did, because there were a few.
One other thing you'll really miss out on, aside from the character arcs mentioned above, is the arc of a minor character who's referred to as "Rupert Giles' best man" in Angel's last season. I don't think that development would be anywhere near as good if you haven't already seen the guy go from point A to point B over the last couple seasons of "Buffy."
IMO, the shows weren't all that different in tone, writing, themes or acting, and watching them together I felt like I was watching a single series. I recommend watching it that way, but if you really can't stomach Buffy for whatever reason, Angel probably stands on its own. It just won't be as good.
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