30 Days of Bangel

[Buffy Summers]

Day 2: Favorite Buffy/Angel episode

"I Only Have Eyes For You" - it was just so heart wrenching and emotional, seeing Angelus and Buffy playing those parts.

🙂

 

[Bop]

Favourite Bangel episode:
It's hard to pick but I'm going with 'The Prom' simply because of the wedding scene that shows Buffy and Angel in the sunlight and totally content with each other. It was surreal!

 

[EarthLogic]

Favourite Bangel episode:
It's hard to pick but I'm going with 'The Prom' simply because of the wedding scene that shows Buffy and Angel in the sunlight and totally content with each other. It was surreal!

Except when, you know, she bursts into flames! This reminds me though that the shooting script has them walk out of the church to the cheers of the Scoobies. Anyone know why that was cut? It would have tied in so well to Angel's desire for acceptance and family.

 

[Grace]

Day 2: Favorite Buffy/Angel episode

After much thought, I'm going with Angel. It's a like preview of the next two seasons in one little neat package of joy and confusion and heart-wrenching pain.

First, we have Angel coming out of nowhere to save Buffy from The Three and the sweetness of that kitchen close-talking.

Then, Angel vamps out -- "goes bad" -- after an intense emotional/physical connection with Buffy (that super sweet/hot kiss in Buffy's bedroom).

Buffy doesn't want to believe he's bad, but when she thinks he's hurt someone close to her, she's ready to take him out. Once she realizes he wasn't really at fault, she immediately shows her trust by putting down her weapon and daring him to bite her. Then he kills his own sire when Buffy is threatened.

At the end, they agree they can't be together because of the crazy obstacles between them, but they share a last tender moment.

And we see that she has been indelibly branded on his heart.

 

[MarlieTheSlayer]

Day 2: Favorite Buffy/Angel episode
My answer will always change, but today I choose ''Surprise''. So many sweet moments. Angel's first 'I love you', the Claddagh ring, Angel trying to sacrifice himself in order to safe Buffy,... It has such a special place in my heart 🙂

 

[Bop]

Except when, you know, she bursts into flames! This reminds me though that the shooting script has them walk out of the church to the cheers of the Scoobies. Anyone know why that was cut? It would have tied in so well to Angel's desire for acceptance and family.

I'm not sure why that was cut but IMO the scene was perfect with just Buffy and Angel there, if the Scoobies had been there for one that would spoil the mood and secondly the Scoobies' approval isn't really something that Buffy and Angel care about that much. Of course they would like the Scoobies' approval but Buffy would marry Angel even if they all hated him 🙂

 

[EarthLogic]

I'm not sure why that was cut but IMO the scene was perfect with just Buffy and Angel there, if the Scoobies had been there for one that would spoil the mood and secondly the Scoobies' approval isn't really something that Buffy and Angel care about that much. Of course they would like the Scoobies' approval but Buffy would marry Angel even if they all hated him 🙂

True, but I meant more that Angel would like nothing more than to be a part of Buffy's life - her daytime life, of which the Scoobies are a part. So it would make sense if they were present in his dream too. It does however work fine without them anyway, so no complaints there 🙂
 
Doing Days 1&2 together:

Fav season: This is a really tough decision. 2 was a game changer on so many levels. I loved the innocence and sincerity of their love in the first half of the season, then we got the gut-punch of Surprise/Innocence, the darker side of Angel's love in Passion, then the parallels between both their 'becomings' in Becoming 1&2. S3 apart from their initial back-and-forth, goes on to give us broadens their dynamic and we get to see them as an almost-normal couple (in the brief moments when they're allowed to be), as a solid fighting team, and Angel begins to come into his own this season, which paves the way for his own show. So I think for their relationship S3 is when its at its best, but if you were to put a gun to my head and ask me to pick a season....I'm going to say 2.

Fav episode: I'll go with Becoming 1 &2 (is that cheating? - I think not if we're considering 'Bangel' and how their individual journeys inform their combined one) for all the reasons that @Jam listed. Of course, everything I have just said will be a LIE by tomorrow because 'Surprise' and 'Amends' are also on par as my favourites - sometimes IWRY too, but mainly as a selfish indulgence rather than as a Damn Good Episode.

By the way thanks for that tumblr rec @dcai0830. I've also just found this old blog which I think people may find interesting. The blogger seems to be a fan of Angel (though not of Buffy-the-character and hates Bangel🙁) but has some really interesting analysis of Angel and the role of the soul in the 'verse. Unfortunately s/he seems to have stopped blogging in 2012 so they don't cover a lot of ground in terms of AtS/BtVS episodes.

 

[Mylie]

Day 2 : Favorite Buffy/Angel episode

Earshot!

I was tempted to pick IWRY because that episode is everything but Earshot makes me the happiest! The episode has a nice progression and starts with Buffy worrying about the Angel/Faith stuff and the taking one characteristic from the demon thing and I love how that scene at Angel's mansion is an answer to both. The episode gets them talking about Buffy's insecurities and Angel's past and he manages to make her feel more secure and gets how harmful for her that new gift can be.

It's also a sweet and funny scene where Angel gets to be funny and Buffy looks freaking adorable!

I love that he can be around her without her reading his mind, but he still lays his cards on the table. It's just such a simple and honest conversation and I think it's a rare thing to see on television.

And of course Angel getting the demon's heart for Buffy's cure and that sweet and pure moment between the two that always makes me melt... I feel like Angel isn't the most demonstrative person out there (it's often Buffy who initiates those kinds of moments I think) but here he's all in!

Sorry for the gifs fest 😀

 

[Antho]

Day 3 : Least fav Bangel episode overall ?

I'm going with "Bad Eggs" ! They didn'do anything in that episode except kissing. It's cute, they are happy, relaxed and it feels good to see them live as well, like a normal couple and it's the best part of this episode. The reason for my choice : This is the episode where I find that the relationship despite being very "normal" has the least depth and the most banalities, which I appreciate anyway by the way !

 

[Taaroko]

Day 3: Least favorite Buffy/Angel episode overall?

Easy. "Some Assembly Required." The Buffy/Angel interactions themselves aren't terrible, but the writers seem to have suffered concussions and forgotten how to write Angel as a very intelligent ~250-year-old vampire. He gets laid out with a spade by a brand new fledgling, wears a horrible beige jacket, thinks a vampire rose even though the grave was super obviously dug up, mistakes Cordelia for Buffy at rather close range, and is just generally bad at everything.

 

[Jam]

Day 3: Least favourite Buffy/Angel episode

None, really, but the first episode that comes to mind is Sanctuary. I certainly understand both Buffy and Angel's perspectives during this episode, but it doesn't mean I love watching the conflict. Having said that, I'd definitely be more bothered by the episode if it didn't lead to their interactions in The Yoko Factor – which I really enjoy.

 

[Antho]

I would have liked to add these questions to the list. Why do I think about it now ? 🙁
- Imagine Angel tells the truth to Buffy about Connor ?
- How would be Buffy's reaction in front of Connor ?

 

[Buffy Summers]

Day 3: Least favourite Buffy/Angel episode

Does Season 8 count? lol

 

[EarthLogic]

Day 2 : Favorite Buffy/Angel episode

Earshot!

I was tempted to pick IWRY because that episode is everything but Earshot makes me the happiest! The episode has a nice progression and starts with Buffy worrying about the Angel/Faith stuff and the taking one characteristic from the demon thing and I love how that scene at Angel's mansion is an answer to both. The episode gets them talking about Buffy's insecurities and Angel's past and he manages to make her feel more secure and gets how harmful for her that new gift can be.

It's also a sweet and funny scene where Angel gets to be funny and Buffy looks freaking adorable!

I love that he can be around her without her reading his mind, but he still lays his cards on the table. It's just such a simple and honest conversation and I think it's a rare thing to see on television.

And of course Angel getting the demon's heart for Buffy's cure and that sweet and pure moment between the two that always makes me melt... I feel like Angel isn't the most demonstrative person out there (it's often Buffy who initiates those kinds of moments I think) but here he's all in!

Sorry for the gifs fest 😀

Love Earshot! It's a solid episode all round. My fav line is Angel's 'So ask me' because it is so simple and speaks volumes about how he feels in their relationship. I really wanted to see more of these conversations between them, where Buffy asks him about his life and just gets a chance to know him better.

Are the first and third gifs from the HD version? They look horrible.
 
Day 3: Least favourite Buffy/Angel episode

'Some Assembly Required' for me too. Even Angel looked like he'd suffered a concussion. That spade must have really done a number on him!

 

[MarlieTheSlayer]

I couldn't really come up with an answer, but now I agree with ''Some Assembly Required'' for the reasons @Taaroko stated.

 

[Mrs Gordo]

Day 3: Least favourite Buffy/Angel episode

I’m going to have to go with Sanctuary as well but ONLY because of the fact that Angel hit Buffy which i find so amazingly OOC. Now I’m not here to discuss whether there was merit to it. All i mean is that in my perfect world that punch would never have happened. Shove or push fine. Also hate that Buffy tell him that she doesn’t trust him. Grr.

But i like them arguing with each other Buffy’s jealousy and Angel’ anger shows me that they still harbor feelings for each other. And i like that Buffy gets to see this change in dynamic in Angel where he has his own mission and he isn’t merely going to follow her lead if he doesn’t agree with her. It establishes him once and for all as her equal and sometimes they may disagree. And i just spent half this post defending the episode. Lol

 

[Grace]

Day 3: Least fav Bangel episode overall?

I think I'm going to be alone on this one, but I'm going with Halloween. Some Assembly Required is also a good choice, but I enjoy the Bangely scenes the most, while I find Halloween a very good ep in which the Bangely bits are part of what stops it from being great for me (which never happens!).

I don't like that after the buildup over five episodes, Buffy gives up on the first date fairly easily and Angel doesn't do more to convince her to stay. Understandable reactions on both sides, but it irks me. And then at the end, I dislike Angel writing off all women of the past as dull and noblewomen as simpering morons. Again, understandable, given that he wanted to reassure Buffy, and possibly true in his experience, but it mars my enjoyment of the scene.

Halloween also boasts its own questionable Angel wardrobe choice (which inspired its own thread), and he ends up being pretty useless in the fight there, too. And, while this is no fault of the episode on its own, I dislike that Halloween has become a touchpoint for Cangel shippers to argue that Cordelia has always been able to make Angel smile and laugh when I think he's pretty clearly uncomfortable in that scene.

Now, on the plus side, we have some sweet physical interactions: Angel plucking the straw from Buffy's hair, Angel sweeping Simpering Buffy up in his arms romance-novel-style, and the kissing at the end. So it's not like it's actually bad. I just think that when they decided to do the "Buffy worries Angel is more attracted to her shadow self than her whole self" concept again, they handled it much better in Earshot.

 

[EarthLogic]

I'm tempted to throw in 'When She Was Bad' as a candidate for 'least favourite' as I really don't like the argument scene in the last Act. I think it's because of DB's still-green acting skills there since SMG, as usual, is very good. The way he says 'why are you riding me?' kinda grates on my ear; it also doesn't sound like something Angel would say. But then again I love the rest of their scenes in that episode so that probably makes up for it.

Going back to 'Some Assembly Required', anyone else notice the very strange gait DB has at the end of the episode. It's like a waddle and it really takes me out of the scene because Angel does not walk that way!

I saw someone on another thread say that DB used to have posture issues because of an old injury - could that be the reason?

 

[Mrs Gordo]

I don't like that after the buildup over five episodes, Buffy gives up on the first date fairly easily and Angel doesn't do more to convince her to stay.

So much in agreement with this. Also, why didn't he say something to Cordelia? It didn't have to be rude or overly aggressive but something even as little as "That wasn't very nice." Or a glare... or SOMETHING. Cordelia bullys Buffy and Angel just stands there and says nothing when he knows her feelings are hurt. 😕

I dislike that Halloween has become a touchpoint for Cangel shippers to argue that Cordelia has always been able to make Angel smile and laugh when I think he's pretty clearly uncomfortable in that scene.

Angel looks achingly uncomfortable there but I do find it amusing when I hear that from Cangel fans. Gotta wonder if some fans are looking at this from Angel's lens or Cordy's lens?
 

I'm tempted to throw in 'When She Was Bad' as a candidate for 'least favourite' as I really don't like the argument scene in the last Act. I think it's because of DB's still-green acting skills there since SMG, as usual, is very good. The way he says 'why are you riding me?' kinda grates on my ear; it also doesn't sound like something Angel would say. But then again I love the rest of their scenes in that episode so that probably makes up for it.

Going back to 'Some Assembly Required', anyone else notice the very strange gait DB has at the end of the episode. It's like a waddle and it really takes me out of the scene because Angel does not walk that way!

I saw someone on another thread say that DB used to have posture issues because of an old injury - could that be the reason?

Hmm I had never noticed that before this post. It looks a like he is limping a bit at the beginning but when he walks away with Buffy it seems to be gone. I have always heard stories of him having injuries as you say so who knows if that was the issue. I absolutely LOVE this scene though - so the walk didn't take anything out of it. I love how honest Angel is being with her. No holds barred. "I'm jealous. He gets to be with you when I can't." And Buffy's reassurances are so precious. See if Angel feels something for someone - he tells them. No games. 🙂 That's how he rolls.

Also side note confessional I kinda love the "Why are you riding me" line... Idk why I know its not Angel but I always laugh when I hear it.

 

[EarthLogic]

I absolutely LOVE this scene though - so the walk didn't take anything out of it. I love how honest Angel is being with her. No holds bar. "I'm jealous. He gets to be with you when I can't." And Buffy's reassurances are so precious. See if Angel feels something for someone - he tells them. No games. 🙂 That's how he rolls.

Yeah I love the dialogue. The gait doesn't ruin the scene for me either, it's just something I noticed.

Also side note confessional I kinda love the "Why are you riding me" line... Idk why I know its not Angel but I always laugh when I hear it.

So do I! It's so cringey I can't take it seriously, which is why it kind of takes me out of the moment.

I don't like that after the buildup over five episodes, Buffy gives up on the first date fairly easily and Angel doesn't do more to convince her to stay.

So much in agreement with this. Also, why didn't he say something to Cordelia? It didn't have to be rude or overly aggressive but something even as little as "That wasn't very nice." Or a glare... or SOMETHING. Cordelia bullys Buffy and Angel just stands there and says nothing when he knows her feelings are hurt. 😕

TV logic - because the writers needed to instigate THE DRAMA, which is what drives Buffy's story in the episode. But doesn't make sense realistically, especially when you consider all the other times when Angel is completely up front with her about why he likes her. Maybe put it down to Angel's poor dating skills and general lack of confidence at that point?
 

dcai0830: But "why are you ridin' me" < "I'm Angel, I beat the bad guys" amiright??

Oooh, tough one! But yeah, I can forgive cringey lines early on much more than in the final season of AtS! There's no excuse for that.