Buffy the Vampire Slayer is gearing up for a revival that aims to reintroduce familiar faces, particularly the enigmatic Angel, portrayed by David Boreanaz. As an integral character in the original series, Angel not only served as Buffy’s love interest but also became a fan favorite, ultimately leading to his own spin-off, Angel. The revival of Buffy the Vampire Slayer begs the question: how can David Boreanaz return to the screen without the need for de-aging technology?
The new series is set to explore the life of Buffy Summers two decades after her original adventures, likely addressing the fates of her allies and foes alike. Given Angel’s significant role in Buffy’s narrative, it would be inconceivable to have a revival that omits him entirely. There is, however, a compelling narrative pathway that could reintegrate Angel into Buffy’s universe, potentially making him mortal and allowing for a realistic portrayal of his character’s age.
The New Buffy Revival Could Uncover Angel’s Fate
What Became of Angel After “Not Fade Away”
It is crucial for Angel to make a return in the upcoming revival of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. One avenue could be to utilize elements introduced in Angel’s own series, enabling Boreanaz to reprise his role authentically without visual alterations. Following the tumultuous events of Angel season 5, particularly the finale “Not Fade Away,”which left fans with numerous unanswered questions regarding his fate, the revival has the perfect opportunity to delve into his story.
In the last moments of Angel, the team faced off against the malevolent law firm Wolfram & Hart, leading to a precarious cliffhanger. As the revival focuses on an older Buffy, this storyline begs exploration—what became of Angel during and after this climactic showdown?
The Deep Connection Between Angel and Buffy
Frequent Crossovers Between Angel and Buffy
The narrative universe of Buffy the Vampire Slayer naturally overlaps with that of Angel, featuring numerous crossovers that showcased their lasting bond. Even after Buffy transitioned to another network, the two series maintained interconnected narratives and character relationships. This dynamic led to some gripping storylines where their paths intertwined even in conflict.
Significant moments, such as Angel’s refusal to turn over Faith or the dilemmas faced by the Slayers regarding Angel during season 5, reflected their complicated yet deeply connected history. Given the profound importance of Angel in Buffy’s life and vice versa, the revival would feel incomplete if he did not play a part in the new story. A simple mention wouldn’t suffice; fans deserve closure regarding the aftermath of “Not Fade Away.”
Offering Closure to Angel’s Story
The Ambiguous Ending of “Not Fade Away”
The season 5 finale, “Not Fade Away,”encapsulated a sense of finality while leaving many threads dangling. With the losses sustained by Angel and the remaining crew, viewers were left contemplating their fate. Although the sequel comics have touched on the consequences of this finale, the revival presents a fresh canvas to address these unresolved arcs.
This series would also allow for insights into the fates of characters such as Gunn and Illyria, all while shedding light on how Angel and Spike navigated post-battle life, potentially intertwining their journeys with Buffy’s growth in the ensuing years. The shared history of these characters necessitates their inclusion in the revival; their presence would contrast significantly with Buffy’s evolved narrative.
Keeping the Focus on Buffy
Buffy Needs to Remain the Central Figure
While incorporating Angel and Spike into the revival is vital, it is equally important to ensure the narrative centers around Buffy. The series should not shift its primary focus away from her character, even as it explores unresolved tensions with Angel and Spike. The love triangle that has loomed throughout Buffy’s journey needs resolution, allowing a more mature Buffy to make definitive choices about her future relationships.
With the original Buffy the Vampire Slayer airing for seven seasons, concluding in 2003, and Angel running until 2004, the combined legacies of these shows warrant careful handling of their characters to honor their histories without overshadowing Buffy’s developmental journey.
The resurrection of Angel and Spike should support Buffy’s narrative, enriching her experience rather than diverting attention. Their roles could vary from love interests to grounded friends—no matter the angle, any reappearance of these characters must align with Buffy’s continuing saga.
Angel and Spike’s Return in the Buffy Revival
The Shanshu Prophecy and How It Could Explain Their Aging
One of the primary challenges in bringing back Angel and Spike is the visible aging of Boreanaz and his co-star. As timeless vampires, this poses a significant continuity issue. Although de-aging techniques exist, they can be expensive and often come with mixed results. However, the Shanshu Prophecy introduced in season 1 may offer a narrative solution. This prophecy suggests that a vampire with a soul will eventually achieve redemption and be returned to humanity for their virtuous deeds.
Should the prophecy have been fulfilled off-screen, perhaps through their ongoing battle against Wolfram & Hart, it could allow both Angel and Spike to re-enter Buffy’s life in human form, naturally aged and ready for resolution regarding their complicated relationships. This would not only facilitate their return but also provide a satisfying narrative arc that addresses long-standing romantic tensions.