Angel

OPINIONS

David Boreanaz is hot. Plus, four other reasons not to cancel "Angel"

By DAVEEN RAE KURUTZ Columnist

March 17, 2004

What was the WB thinking? Less than 10 years after the formation of the network, it has managed to shatter every cornerstone it was built on, antagonizing its fans along the way. First was "Roswell," then "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," followed by "Dawson’s Creek." Now, the WB has announced it is canceling one of the last pieces of its foundation, Joss Whedon’s "Angel."

In its fifth season, "Angel" has been enjoying better-than-ever ratings. Some of this is because of its comical writing, some because of the addition of former "Buffy" star James Marsters — everyone’s favorite platinum-haired vampire — but most of all, it is because of the strength of its fan base.

This fan base has shown its support in ways that are beyond belief. One of the main Web sites for the show, www.cityofangel.com, has posted several of the sites fans can utilize to show their support in light of the impending cancellation.

The two main sites, Saving Angel and Renew Angel, have both been raising funds separately to place advertisements in many entertainment magazines, pleading for the show’s renewal. Kristy Bratton, City of Angel senior writer, encourages fans to speak out to save their series.

I had a chance to chat with Kristy the other day, and she told me some of the best ways for fans to lobby. "Sign petitions, donate distributions to ads, focus your energy to UPN and get everyone you know to watch "Angel" for these last remaining episodes," she said.

So, in support of one of my favorite television shows, I want to give you the top five reasons I think the WB, UPN, TNT or FOX should renew "Angel."

1. "Angel" star, David Boreanaz, is a reason to keep the show on the air. Not only is he unbelievably gorgeous, but he is also a talented actor and director, proven this season with his directorial debut of the "Angel" episode "Soul Purpose." The only movies Boreanaz has done recently are the horror movie "Valentine" and the newest installment of the Crow movies. I need my David fix!

2. "Angel" has one of the most gifted writing staffs in television history. They have taken a far-fetched idea, a vampire with a soul searching for redemption in Los Angeles, and turned it into a series people actually care about. Through quality story arcs and genuine character development, Joss Whedon, David Greenawalt and the rest of the writing staff have made a place for their show in the hearts of millions of fans.

3. This ensemble cast is mostly a group of unknowns who have had their big break with this hit series. The most extraordinary thing about these actors is their interaction with one another. They play their characters off one another, and so believably so that you can almost forget that Wesley, Cordeilia, Gunn and Fred aren’t real people.

4. In five seasons, Angel has tackled everything, including evil lawyers, the return of Angel’s vampiric family, more evil lawyers, a demon hunter after Angel’s son, yet more evil lawyers, Angel’s now-rebellious son, the book of Revelations coming true, a God-like hippie who ate people and, finally, the control of evil lawyers. Notice a theme here? Seriously, the writers have given Angel some wonderful story arcs over the years, some of which last a whole season, and some whose consequences last a whole season.

And finally ...

5. I love this show! The characters aren’t just characters, they’re friends — I know that sounds corny, but it’s honestly a sign of a very good television show. Every week, no matter how stressed out I am, I know that from 9 until 10 p.m., I can lose myself in this wonderful universe full of monsters, vampires and demons. As crazy as that might sound, it is actually a comfort.

If you haven’t seen "Angel," or "Buffy," check out your local listings. As my mom always tells me, it’s constantly on. While the premise might sound a little strange, once you start watching, you’ll find a series unparalleled in the history of television. Please, WB, don’t take it away.