Why was the Angel finale called "Not Fade Away"?

R

Robb Stark

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The name itself, I don't really understand the meaning. I usually get why each episode is called what it is, but I've struggled a bit to understand this one. I really like the name (it's actually the name of one of my iPod playlists), and it seems very fitting, but I was wondering if anyone had any insight as to what it means or why it was called that.
 
I persoanlly interpreted it in a similar way to the 'official' reason.

1. Looking it up on Wikipedia, the title is a reference to the Buddy Holly song of the same name. The song repeats the line Love is love and not fade away, which I think, referring the episode to the song, means that the fight against evil is always there and just because we are not seeing it doesn't mean it isn't still going on.

2. Before looking it up, I read it to mean 'Do not go gentle into that good night'. My thinking behind it was that the fight is ongoing and it will not be lost easily, if it is indeed lost at all. That Angel and whoever is with him will continue to fight the good fight.

But for all my fancy words, the one thing I am really bad at is interpreting poetry and song, so anyone with a grasp on these things can feel free to tell me I am way off base 🙂
 
R
Robb Stark
Seems like good theories
I believe it references the quote "Old heroes never die, they just fade away." Angel and the gang would never fade away; they sacrificed everything for their last battle.
 
BuffyElevated
BuffyElevated
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Almost certainly, it was an assurance that, while that was the series swan song, the characters themselves, somehow, would carry on.

Personally, whenever I think of the title of that episode, I'm reminded of the Kurgan's statement in the original "Highlander" movie:

"I've got something to say! It's better to burn out...than to fade away!"

I think that Angel, Spike, and Illyria in particular, but Wes and Gunn just as well, would have seconded that sentiment. If you have to go out, go out swinging, and take as many of the b**tards with you as you possibly can.
 
sk
sk
Yeah, that quote from Highlander always comes to my mind also when I see this episode title.
R
Robb Stark
awesome
I always think of the Rolling Stones song when I see this ep.
 
Maybe it was Joss Whedon's way of saying, "Please, please, please pick us up for another season!"

Otherwise, what I thought was the quote:

"Old soldiers never die, they just fade away." It implies they would go out fighting.
 
I interpreted this title to mean that the characters on the show above all did not want to lose sight of who they are, or "not fade away". Angels mission was to continue fighting to earn his redemption, however unlikely it was that he would ever achieve it. He did not want to go out without a fight, which is something he shares in common with Gunn and Spike. Everyone had a reason to fight, even Wesley who lost the love of his life so brutally soon after winning her affection. This is a crushing blow yet he will still fight at the side of his companions to prove that the fight was worth fighting. Okay end rant.
 
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