Wesley Wyndam-Pryce does not actually get rid of Elijah in the Angel television series. While their relationship is fraught with conflict and tension, Wesley never directly causes Elijah’s demise.
The Complex Relationship Between Wesley and Elijah
Wesley’s journey in Angel is one of profound character development, transforming from a somewhat bumbling Watcher to a hardened, morally ambiguous warrior. His relationship with Elijah, an ancient and powerful vampire, is central to this transformation, marked by mistrust, manipulation, and ultimately, a degree of respect forged in the crucible of shared experiences.
The Cordelia Vision and the Prophecy
The catalyst for their initial animosity stems from Wesley’s interpretation of a vision Cordelia receives regarding Angel’s future. He mistakenly believes that Angel will turn evil and father a child destined to bring about the apocalypse. Driven by fear and a desperate desire to prevent this outcome, Wesley kidnaps Angel’s newborn son, Connor, intending to kill him. This act of betrayal shatters the trust within Angel Investigations and forever taints Wesley’s relationship with Angel, and by extension, with Elijah, who is fiercely loyal to his progeny.
The Aftermath of the Kidnapping
Elijah, understandably furious at Wesley’s treachery, seeks revenge. He subjects Wesley to a brutal beating, leaving him with permanent physical and emotional scars. This event forces Wesley to confront the consequences of his actions and sets him on a path of self-discovery, leading him to become a far more formidable, albeit flawed, character. Although their relationship never fully recovers, they learn to co-exist and even cooperate, bound by a shared purpose in fighting the forces of evil.
Elijah’s Fate and Wesley’s Role
Elijah’s eventual fate is intertwined with the apocalyptic scenarios that frequently plague the Angel universe. However, Wesley is not directly responsible for his death. To be clear, Elijah’s ultimate demise is the result of the show’s plot, and Wesley had no hand in it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Wesley and Elijah
Here are some commonly asked questions regarding the relationship between Wesley and Elijah, clarifying the complexities and providing deeper insights into their dynamic:
FAQ 1: Did Wesley ever try to kill Elijah?
While Wesley harbored deep resentment and distrust towards Elijah, particularly after Elijah’s brutal attack on him, there’s no instance where Wesley actively attempts to kill Elijah. Their interactions are characterized by tension and suspicion, but Wesley never crosses the line into direct assassination attempts.
FAQ 2: Was Wesley justified in kidnapping Connor?
This is a complex moral question debated by fans of the show. Wesley believed he was acting to prevent a catastrophic future, based on his interpretation of Cordelia’s vision. However, his actions were ultimately driven by fear and a lack of trust in Angel, leading to devastating consequences for all involved. Most viewers agree that while his intentions might have been noble, his methods were unequivocally wrong.
FAQ 3: Did Elijah ever forgive Wesley?
Elijah never explicitly forgives Wesley for kidnapping Connor. However, over time, he seems to accept Wesley’s presence and even acknowledges his usefulness in the fight against evil. Their relationship evolves into a pragmatic alliance, driven by shared goals rather than genuine affection.
FAQ 4: How did Wesley and Elijah’s relationship impact the rest of Angel Investigations?
The conflict between Wesley and Elijah significantly destabilized Angel Investigations. The kidnapping of Connor shattered the team’s trust and created lasting divisions. The others learned to adapt, but the original harmony was lost forever.
FAQ 5: What was the nature of the prophecy that led Wesley to kidnap Connor?
The prophecy was a vision received by Cordelia Chase, which Wesley interpreted as indicating that Angel would father a child destined to bring about the apocalypse. The vision was vague and open to interpretation, but Wesley’s paranoia and lack of faith in Angel led him to believe the worst.
FAQ 6: How did Wesley change after kidnapping Connor?
The kidnapping of Connor marked a profound turning point in Wesley’s character arc. He became more hardened, cynical, and willing to make morally ambiguous decisions in pursuit of the greater good. He transformed from a bookish scholar into a skilled fighter and strategist.
FAQ 7: Were Wesley and Elijah ever friends?
No, Wesley and Elijah were never friends. Their relationship was always characterized by mistrust and antagonism, stemming from their conflicting loyalties and the events surrounding Connor’s kidnapping. They developed a grudging respect for each other, but true friendship never blossomed.
FAQ 8: How did Wesley’s actions affect Angel’s relationship with Connor?
Wesley’s actions had a devastating impact on Angel’s relationship with Connor. By kidnapping the baby, Wesley robbed Angel of the opportunity to bond with his son and created a deep-seated resentment that lasted for years. Their relationship was further complicated by the time paradox and Connor’s memory alteration.
FAQ 9: What were Elijah’s motivations throughout the series?
Elijah’s motivations are complex and often shrouded in mystery. He is fiercely loyal to Angel, his progeny, and driven to protect him from harm. He is also motivated by a desire to maintain order and control in the supernatural world, often resorting to morally questionable tactics to achieve his goals.
FAQ 10: How powerful is Elijah compared to other characters in Angel?
Elijah is one of the most powerful vampires in the Angel universe. He possesses immense strength, speed, and agility, as well as advanced combat skills and a deep understanding of magic and the occult. He is a formidable opponent, feared by many.
FAQ 11: What happens to Wesley at the end of the Angel series?
Wesley meets a tragic end in the series finale, “Not Fade Away.” He is mortally wounded during a fight with Cyvus Vail, a powerful warlock, and dies shortly after sharing a tender moment with Illyria, who expresses genuine grief at his passing.
FAQ 12: Is there any redemption for Wesley after kidnapping Connor?
Whether Wesley achieves full redemption is a matter of interpretation. He spends the rest of the series trying to atone for his actions, fighting tirelessly against evil and protecting those he cares about. While he never fully erases the stain of his past, he does demonstrate a profound commitment to doing good, suggesting a path towards redemption, albeit a difficult and tragic one.
In conclusion, while Wesley and Elijah have a fraught relationship and a history filled with betrayal and resentment, Wesley does not directly “get rid of” Elijah. Their story is one of complex dynamics and character development, highlighting the moral ambiguities and sacrifices inherent in fighting the forces of darkness.