Angel Investigations faced impossible odds every Tuesday night. But what became of Angel, Spike, Illyria, Gunn, and the surviving members of the gang after that final, defiant stand in the alleyway against the endless horde of the Circle of the Black Thorn? The answer, revealed through canonical comic book continuation Angel: After the Fall and subsequent series, is that they won, but at a terrible cost. They survived the initial onslaught and fundamentally altered the power structures of Los Angeles, even though the city itself was plunged into Hell.
Life (and Death) in Hell-A: The Canonical Sequel
The televised Angel ended on a spectacular cliffhanger, leaving viewers breathless and desperate for more. Joss Whedon and IDW Publishing provided that more in the form of Angel: After the Fall, a canonical comic book series written primarily by Whedon himself and Brian Lynch. This series isn’t fan fiction; it’s the official continuation, considered by Whedon to be the show’s true sixth season.
After the Fall picks up immediately after the TV series finale. Los Angeles is plunged into Hell, divided into fiefdoms ruled by the various members of the Senior Partners. Angel, now a monstrous version of himself due to the Senior Partners’ influence, is forced to fight to regain his humanity and free Los Angeles.
The Price of Victory
The fight wasn’t easy, and it wasn’t without its casualties. Wesley Wyndam-Pryce, resurrected by Illyria, dies again saving her. Gunn, also killed in the final stand of the TV series, returns as a vampire, struggling with his monstrous new existence. Spike, the beloved blonde vampire with a soul, becomes a co-leader with Angel, providing strategic thinking and a vital counterpoint to Angel’s brooding.
Ultimately, Angel and his team successfully overthrow the demonic rulers and restore Los Angeles to Earth. However, the experience leaves them deeply scarred. The world knows about demons and vampires, and the fragile peace is constantly threatened. The subsequent comic book series explore the ramifications of these events, showing a world where the supernatural is no longer hidden in the shadows. The victory was pyrrhic, a testament to the show’s enduring theme: the fight against evil is never truly over.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Post-Angel Universe
H3: What exactly is considered canon after Angel‘s final episode?
The IDW Publishing Angel comic book series, particularly Angel: After the Fall, is considered the official, canonical continuation of the Angel TV series. Joss Whedon was heavily involved in its creation, and it directly picks up where the show left off. Subsequent Angel comics published by IDW also generally adhere to this canon.
H3: What happened to Cordelia Chase?
This is a complicated issue. Cordelia Chase died during the fifth season of Angel. While there have been appearances of entities resembling Cordelia in various mediums, including comics and fan fiction, the real Cordelia is, according to canon, deceased. No canonical resurrection or significant afterlife arc exists for her beyond the events of season five.
H3: Did Angel ever truly defeat the Senior Partners?
No. The Senior Partners represent a cosmic, unkillable evil. Angel and his team only disrupted their plans and removed their direct influence from Los Angeles. The Senior Partners remain a constant threat, lurking in the shadows, capable of manipulating events from afar.
H3: Is Faith Lehane involved in the After the Fall storyline?
Yes, Faith Lehane plays a significant role in the After the Fall storyline. She’s shown to be working with Angel, assisting him in his fight against the demonic forces that have taken over Los Angeles. She continues to struggle with her past but remains a valuable and powerful ally.
H3: What role does Illyria play after After the Fall?
Illyria continues to struggle with her identity and the remnants of Fred Burkle within her. She evolves, becoming less of a destructive force and more of a conflicted, powerful being trying to find her place in the world. She remains a valuable asset to Angel Investigations, even if her methods are sometimes unpredictable.
H3: What is the status of Connor in the post-apocalyptic Los Angeles?
Connor, Angel’s son, also features prominently in After the Fall. The trauma he endured in his past significantly impacts his relationships and his ability to trust. He becomes a skilled fighter and a valuable member of Angel’s team, constantly striving to prove himself and find his place in a world filled with darkness.
H3: What kind of threats did Angel Investigations face after the city was restored?
Even after Los Angeles returns to Earth, the supernatural threats remain. Angel Investigations deals with rogue demons, power-hungry sorcerers, and the lingering influence of the Senior Partners. The team also faces challenges adjusting to a world where the existence of vampires and demons is no longer a secret. Public fear and distrust become significant obstacles.
H3: Are there any plans for a televised continuation of Angel?
While there have been rumors and discussions over the years, as of now, there are no confirmed plans for a televised continuation of Angel. Fans continue to express their desire for a revival, but budgetary constraints and creative differences have proven to be significant hurdles. The comics remain the primary source of canonical continuation.
H3: What happened to Wolfram & Hart after Los Angeles went to Hell?
Wolfram & Hart’s presence in Los Angeles becomes even more chaotic and fragmented after the city is plunged into Hell. The various branches of the firm vie for power in the demonic landscape, further corrupting the already twisted environment. While the main Los Angeles branch is ultimately disrupted, the organization as a whole remains a powerful force in the world.
H3: Does After the Fall explain how everyone survived the initial battle?
Yes, After the Fall elaborates on the events immediately following the TV series finale, showcasing the strategies and sacrifices that allowed Angel, Spike, Gunn, Illyria, and the others to survive the initial onslaught. It depicts the chaos and desperation of the battle, providing context for their subsequent struggles in Hell-A.
H3: How does the world at large react to the revelation of the supernatural?
The revelation of the supernatural has a profound impact on the world. Fear and paranoia spread, leading to increased prejudice and violence against vampires and other supernatural beings. Governments struggle to maintain order and control, leading to a volatile and unpredictable environment. Angel Investigations becomes increasingly involved in mediating conflicts and protecting innocent lives.
H3: What is the overall tone and direction of the Angel comics after After the Fall?
The Angel comics following After the Fall continue to explore the complex themes of morality, redemption, and the fight against overwhelming evil. They delve deeper into the characters’ individual struggles and the challenges of maintaining hope in a dark world. The overall tone remains serious and often bleak, but it’s also punctuated by moments of humor and camaraderie, reflecting the spirit of the original television series. While some subsequent runs weren’t as universally praised as After the Fall, they still contribute to the overall narrative of the post-series Angel universe and provide closure for many unresolved plot threads. The fight continues, albeit in a different medium.