The Crucial Buffy The Vampire Slayer Season Without Angel: A Closer Look
In Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Angel's absence in Season 6 is due to network changes However, there are still subtle crossovers with his character throughout the season
Article Overview
Angel, the beloved vampire boyfriend of Buffy, is absent from season 6 due to network changes that limited crossover possibilities between Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel.
Despite the network switch, there were still instances of crossover between the shows, including references to an intense off-screen encounter between Angel and Buffy in later episodes.
Although it would have been emotionally satisfying to witness a reunion between Angel and Buffy, season 6 needed to take on a darker and tonally shifting approach to propel Buffy's character development towards the culmination of the series in its final season.
Angel, portrayed by David Boreanaz, was a prominent figure in the TV series Buffy The Vampire Slayer. He played the role of both Buffy's love interest and antagonist, making him a significant character in Buffy's life. Throughout the series, Angel made appearances in nearly every season except for season 6, which stands as an unusual outlier.
The reason behind Angel's absence in season 6 can be attributed to real-life circumstances. Following his departure from the main cast in the season 3 finale, Boreanaz went on to star in his own spin-off series titled Angel, which premiered in 1999. This new show coincided with the fourth season of Buffy, allowing for crossover episodes between the two. As both shows aired consecutively on The WB network, viewers were treated to thrilling double features. Typically, if Angel appeared as a guest star on an episode of Buffy, a corresponding episode of Angel would feature Buffy in return. Acting as a constant reminder of Buffy's lost love, Angel made cameo appearances in subsequent seasons, except for season 6.
Buffy Season 6 Is The Only One Without Angel (Due To Network Changes)
The season finale of Buffy season 5 was a tear-jerker, almost giving the impression of being a series finale. It marked the third time Buffy, as the slayer, faced her death, sacrificing herself to protect the world and her sister, Dawn (Michelle Trachtenberg). Adding to the on-screen drama, there was also off-screen turmoil. At the time, there was a bidding war between The WB, the network airing Buffy, and Fox, the network producing it. Ultimately, Buffy made the move from The WB to UPN and continued airing there. However, despite both shows being produced by Fox, Angel remained at The WB, causing a conflict of interest between the two shows and their characters. While this network switch may have saved Buffy from cancellation, it hindered potential crossovers starting in season 6.
Buffy Season 6 Did Still Have Angel Crossovers... Sort Of
Even with the network change, there were still crossovers between Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel. Until Angel season 3, episode 3, "Carpe Noctem", Angel believed that Buffy was dead. However, in that episode, Willow contacts him and reveals that Buffy has been brought back to life. In Buffy episode 4, season 6, "Flooded", Angel calls Buffy, expressing his desire to see her. As a result, she leaves Sunnydale to meet him. Although this meeting is not shown on-screen, both parties describe it as a deeply intense experience in subsequent episodes. Despite licensing issues, it was crucial for both shows to address the ramifications of Buffy being alive in relation to her connection with Angel.
Angel and Buffy may have had a greater opportunity for companionship if Buffy had remained on The WB. Witnessing their reunion would have been a melancholic yet therapeutic experience. Nevertheless, this alteration would likely not have affected the fact that season 6 of Buffy The Vampire Slayer was characterized by darkness and a tonal shift within the series. Buffy had to undergo the trials and tribulations of season 6 in order to evolve into the character that was necessary for the final season of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, season 7. The encouraging aspect is that Angel did manage to share a final moment with Buffy during season 7, despite his decision not to stay and aid in saving the world.
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z fan, I have mixed feelings about Angel's absence in Buffy The Vampire Slayer season 6. On the one hand, I understand the network changes that led to this decision, and I appreciate that the showrunners still found ways to reference Angel's character throughout the season. On the other hand, I can't help but feel like the season would have been even better if Angel had been able to make an on-screen appearance.
I think the most important thing to remember is that Buffy The Vampire Slayer is a show about Buffy, not Angel. Even though Angel is a beloved character, the show is ultimately about Buffy's journey as a young woman who is trying to save the world. Season 6 is a particularly important season for Buffy, as she has to deal with the aftermath of her resurrection and the death of her mentor, Giles. I think the showrunners made the right decision to focus on Buffy's story during this season, even if it meant sacrificing some of the fan-favorite Angel/Buffy moments.
