Angel S01E15 The Prodigal

When Joss Whedon created the enigmatic vampire with a soul, Angel, in the Buffyverse, little did he know that this character would undergo such a transformative journey that would be relatable on a deep human level. Angel's past and his introspection about the choices he made serve as the backdrop for an enriching narrative. This essence is captured beautifully when Kate reminds Angel before she interrogates a witness, "People have a way of seeing what they need to." It’s like Giles's wisdom from "The Harvest" when he says, "People have a tendency to rationalize what they can and forget what they can't." This sets the stage for Angel's encounter with her father, Trevor Lockley.

Unearthing the Origins:

It's no secret that Angel's past is as murky as a haunted bog. His transformation from Liam to Angelus, and ultimately Angel, is fraught with pain, tragedy, and torment. One of the significant catalysts for this metamorphosis was his strained relationship with his father back in the 18th century Ireland. His reckless life and the violence surrounding his transformation into a vampire create an emotional cauldron that keeps bubbling through the centuries.

Darla, Angel’s sire, acknowledges the role of the past in shaping their vampire selves, saying, "What we once were informs all that we have become." This contradicts Buffy’s statement in "Doppelgängland" that "a vampire's personality has nothing to do with the person it was." Interestingly, Angel almost corrects her but decides against it. Perhaps his past is too tangled to unravel in a brief conversation.

The Fateful Encounter:

Fast forward to Los Angeles, where Angel, now a champion for the innocent, meets Trevor Lockley. Their initial tension is almost tangible. Angel realizes that Trevor’s shadows may endanger his daughter Kate, whom Angel respects. This realization forces Angel into a battle not fought with fangs and fists but within the depths of his tormented soul.

A Confrontation of Shadows:

The deep-seated scars of Angel's past manifest themselves as he confronts Trevor. It’s like staring into a mirror that reflects the haunting shadows of the past. His own sins, especially the killing of his father, loom large. The remorse, the guilt, the regret – everything is laid bare. In Trevor, Angel sees a darkness that is eerily reminiscent of his own.

Redemption and Forgiveness:

Despite the shadows, it’s in this encounter that the true essence of Angel’s character shines through. He is no longer the Liam of the past. He is Angel - the guardian, the protector, and the warrior. His concern for Kate pushes him to protect Trevor from the looming danger. However, despite his best efforts, he fails to save Trevor, who is killed by other vampires.

This failure hits him hard. It's a reminder of his limitations, the consequences of choices, and the realization that even with the best intentions, not everything can be saved or fixed. Kate’s grief and anger, and her rejection of Angel’s presence, is a bitter pill that reflects the and only reaffirms the accusation deep within Angel's conscience. Through this and all of the flashbacks, we understand more why he wants to brood in the dark so much these days.