Angel

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Buffy spin-off fights new demons in L.A.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

Kids say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that while even grade-schoolers may enjoy the horror-movie aspects of this series (a spin-off of the hugely popular Buffy the Vampire Slayer), its mature themes make it a better fit for teens. Monsters and other creepy-looking baddies make frequent appearances on the show, and some storylines (an implied homosexual romance, for example) are adult enough that parents may want to preview before letting older tweens and young teens watch.

  • Angel is a bad vampire turned good who now devotes himself to battling evil beings.
  • Built around a character seeking redemption for his past heinous misdeeds, Angel is a surprisingly moral show, with its main character a vampire who's trying to do good and fight against his evil impulses, a concept that may resonate with teens. Characters show growth over the life of the show, and learn from their actions.
  • Supernatural meddling results in invisible punches and the like. The vampires' enemies are menacing, scary-looking creatures.
  • Characters date, but there's no implied nudity or too much beyond kissing. Some implications of homosexual relationships. The vampire myth is traditionally a very sexualized one.

What's the story?

In ANGEL, a spin-off of cult phenomenon Buffy the Vampire Slayer, the titular vampire (Buffy's ex) takes on Los Angeles' dark forces -- including other vampires, demons, and even lawyers. David Boreanaz plays Angel -- who, as Angelus, was one of the world's most evil vampires. Having seen the error of his ways, he founds Angel Investigations, whose two-part mission is to protect those who can't defend themselves and to help lost souls find their way. Working alongside him are Cordelia Chase (Charisma Carpenter), a former classmate of Buffy's who's moved to L.A. in search of fame and fortune; Allen Francis Doyle (Glenn Quinn), Angel's trusted friend; and Wesley Wyndam-Pryce (Alexis Denisof), a self-described "rogue hunter."


Is it any good?

 

Angel has all the ingredients for a successful TV drama: attractive Gen-X characters, interesting storylines, and enough (mostly) innocent romance to keep both teen viewers -- and their parents -- happy. Still, the show's themes of redemption, its noir undertones, and the callous acts that some of the unprotected fall victim to makes the show best suited for teens and up.


Explore, discuss, enjoy

Families can talk about mythological creatures -- like vampires. What are their traits? What's their role in folklore? Why is pop culture so fascinated by vampires, from books to movies and TV shows? What does this series have in common with its "parent," Buffy? What sets it apart? Why do you think it never got as popular as Buffy did?


This review of Angel was written by
Adult
April 9, 2008
 
Better than Buffy.
This is the only spin-off show in existance that surpasses the show it parted from. While Angel is darker, it is also more human. Which is kind of ironic, because as a vampire, Angel is far from human. That being said, Angel's drive to be 'human' in his actions, and for redemption gives more meaning to his quest. Also, the humor is quick and all the side charactors are even more enjoyable than those from Sunnydale.

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Adult
September 19, 2011
 
Not as good as Buffy - The Vampire Slayer, but then again what is?
A little too much violence, too little drama. But Angel makes me want to watch again just because the supernaturals are so darned funny. As always with Whedon, it keeps getting better in every season.
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Parent of 5, 9, 11, and 14 year old
January 4, 2009
 

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Teen, 16 years old
April 9, 2008
 
My favorite show I've ever seen.
It doesn't matter that this show never gained as much popularity as "Buffy" did. In my opinion, "Angel" was better-but that might be because I'm into darker themes than "Buffy" traditionally carries. The main character, Angel (go figure), strikes me as an admirable guy. For one thing, as he's trying to atone for years of wrongdoing, he refuses to take the easy way out in multiple situations. This, among other values displayed throughout the five seasons, teaches a very positive lesson that outweighs whatever problems the show might have.

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Kid, 12 years old
April 30, 2009
 
Brilll
I loved buffy the vampire Slayer But in buffy i didn't like angel but now this show is brill!!!! much darker but not more violent

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Adult
November 7, 2008
 
the best vampire story over
i like angel form buffy but when he started his owen show i was in for one fun ride the only thing i did not like about was it had to end

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Teen, 13 years old
August 6, 2011
 
amazing
fantastic buffy spin off with superb acting done by david boreanaz
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Parent of an infant, an infant, 3, and 5 year old
January 7, 2009
 

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Teen, 15 years old
January 11, 2010
 
Perfect for teenage girls who like twilight!
This TV show is amazing all though i must say Buffy is way better. Teenage girls and parents will love this the idea of a sexy vampire fighting evil a bit like twilight really. It's humourus and thrilling to watch- Warning addiction may acur!
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Teen, 14 years old
April 23, 2010
 
love it up until one episode that was to disturbing about a mom who tied her son and put him in a wall and plastered brick up and killed him so beware if you are ready for some disturbing things and talk of sex.
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