Angel and Cordelia do not sleep together in the Buffyverse canon. While a dream sequence in the Angel episode “Birthday” (Season 3, Episode 11) depicts them consummating their feelings, this is not a real event within the show’s established narrative.
The Dream That Shook the Fans: Examining “Birthday”
The episode “Birthday” revolves around Cordelia’s impending 21st birthday and her growing frustration with her visions. Skip, a demonic figure posing as a benevolent guide, offers her a choice: relinquish her visions and revert to a normal life, potentially with Angel, or continue as she is, burdened by the constant influx of others’ pain.
During this pivotal episode, Cordelia experiences a carefully crafted illusion designed by Skip to tempt her. This illusion includes a scenario where she and Angel are a couple, living a carefree and seemingly idyllic life. Within this dream, they share a passionate and intimate moment, culminating in them sleeping together.
It’s crucial to emphasize that this is not real. It’s a calculated manipulation, a fabricated scenario intended to sway Cordelia’s decision by highlighting the seemingly easier path. The episode’s power lies in its exploration of sacrifice, responsibility, and the burden of choice, but also in the tantalizing glimpse it offers of a potential (but impossible) reality.
The Reality: Why Angel and Cordelia Never Truly Were
Angel and Cordelia’s relationship is one of the most complex and compelling aspects of the Angel series. It evolves from initial antagonism to begrudging respect and ultimately to deep love, but it never crosses the line into a fully realized physical relationship in the show’s timeline.
Their connection is built on shared experiences, mutual reliance, and a slowly developing understanding of each other’s strengths and weaknesses. Cordelia’s initial superficiality gives way to profound empathy and bravery, while Angel gradually sheds his brooding exterior thanks to Cordelia’s humor and unwavering loyalty.
However, their destiny lies in sacrifice and duty. Their love story is one of profound connection, near misses, and heartbreaking separations, all shaped by the forces of good and evil battling for their souls. The writers deliberately avoided a romantic union, likely realizing that such a development would fundamentally alter the dynamic of the show and potentially detract from the larger narrative arcs.
Unpacking the Impact: Fan Reactions and Canon Debates
The “Birthday” dream sequence remains a contentious point amongst fans. Some argue that it represents a missed opportunity, a chance to explore the romantic potential between Angel and Cordelia. Others maintain that the writers made the right decision by keeping their relationship platonic, arguing that it preserved the integrity of their characters and the overall themes of the show.
The scene undeniably fueled the flames of the “Angel and Cordelia” shippers, generating countless fanfictions, artwork, and online discussions exploring the “what ifs” of their potential romance. The power of the scene lies in its ability to evoke strong emotions and spark debate, a testament to the compelling nature of their relationship.
Understanding the Context: Angel’s Brooding Nature and Cordelia’s Growth
Angel’s tortured past and his curse requiring him to remain pure contribute significantly to his reluctance to engage in romantic relationships, especially with those close to him. He consistently prioritizes his mission of fighting evil and helping the helpless, often at the expense of his personal happiness.
Cordelia, on the other hand, experiences immense growth throughout the series. She evolves from a shallow high school student into a powerful and compassionate being, ultimately ascending to a higher plane of existence. Her transformation reinforces the theme of personal sacrifice and the unwavering commitment to the greater good.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into Angel and Cordelia’s Relationship
Here are frequently asked questions designed to clarify the nuances of Angel and Cordelia’s relationship and address the complexities surrounding the “Birthday” episode.
FAQ 1: Was there ever a romantic relationship planned between Angel and Cordelia beyond “Birthday”?
While the writers acknowledged the chemistry between the actors, David Boreanaz and Charisma Carpenter, there was no concrete plan to make their relationship romantic beyond the dream sequence in “Birthday.” The creative team explored various possibilities, but ultimately decided against it, citing concerns about diluting the show’s core themes and potentially alienating viewers.
FAQ 2: What was Charisma Carpenter’s opinion on the Angel and Cordelia dynamic?
Charisma Carpenter expressed her belief that Angel and Cordelia were deeply in love, but their circumstances and destiny prevented them from acting on their feelings. She appreciated the complexities of their relationship and enjoyed the on-screen chemistry she shared with David Boreanaz.
FAQ 3: How did Wesley Wyndam-Pryce factor into the Angel/Cordelia dynamic?
Wesley’s unrequited love for Cordelia created a complex love triangle that added another layer of tension to the series. His jealousy and desire for Cordelia often fueled his actions and contributed to the overall drama of the show.
FAQ 4: What is the significance of Cordelia’s visions in the context of her relationship with Angel?
Cordelia’s visions are intrinsically linked to her journey of empathy and self-discovery. They burden her with the pain and suffering of others, forcing her to confront the darkness of the world. This shared experience of fighting evil binds her and Angel together, fostering a deep sense of mutual respect and understanding.
FAQ 5: Did the “Birthday” dream sequence change how fans viewed Angel and Cordelia’s relationship?
Undeniably, the “Birthday” dream sequence significantly impacted fan perceptions of Angel and Cordelia’s relationship. It provided a glimpse into a potential romantic future, sparking debates and fueling the hopes of many viewers who desired a romantic pairing.
FAQ 6: Why did Cordelia ultimately ascend to a higher plane of existence?
Cordelia’s ascension was a plot device used to further her character arc and to introduce a new, more powerful threat to Angel and his team. While controversial, it served to highlight Cordelia’s selfless nature and her unwavering commitment to fighting evil.
FAQ 7: How did the writers handle Cordelia’s absence in later seasons?
Cordelia’s departure was handled with mixed reactions from fans. While the show attempted to fill the void with new characters and storylines, many felt that her absence was deeply felt and that the show never fully recovered.
FAQ 8: What is the “Buffyverse” and how does it relate to Angel and Cordelia?
The “Buffyverse” refers to the shared fictional universe created by Joss Whedon, encompassing the television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel, along with related spin-offs, comic books, and novels. Angel and Cordelia both originated in Buffy the Vampire Slayer before moving to Angel, establishing a shared history and continuity between the two shows.
FAQ 9: Are there any alternative interpretations of Angel and Cordelia’s relationship that are popular among fans?
Beyond the romantic interpretation, some fans view Angel and Cordelia as soulmates in a platonic sense, arguing that their bond transcends physical intimacy. They see their relationship as a testament to the power of friendship, loyalty, and shared purpose.
FAQ 10: How did the behind-the-scenes tension between Charisma Carpenter and Joss Whedon affect Cordelia’s character arc?
Unfortunately, reports of tension between Charisma Carpenter and Joss Whedon during the filming of Angel are well-documented. These alleged tensions may have influenced the direction of Cordelia’s character arc, particularly her eventual departure from the show.
FAQ 11: What are the most compelling arguments for not putting Angel and Cordelia together romantically?
The most compelling arguments revolve around preserving Angel’s broody, tormented persona and maintaining the focus on his mission of redemption. Introducing a romantic relationship, particularly with someone as integral to his support system as Cordelia, could have compromised these key elements of his character and the show’s overall narrative.
FAQ 12: If Angel and Cordelia had become a couple, how might the show’s storyline have changed?
Hypothetically, a romantic relationship could have shifted the focus from Angel’s internal struggles and his battle against evil to the complexities of maintaining a romantic relationship while facing supernatural threats. It also could have introduced new dramatic conflicts and challenges within the team dynamic. However, it also risked becoming predictable and losing the nuanced tension that defined their relationship. The writers ultimately prioritized the tragic beauty of their unspoken love over the potential for a conventional romance.