Angel S01E20 "War Zone"

Introduction

"War Zone," the twentieth episode of Angel's first season, introduces Charles Gunn and his crew, hopefully for more episodes.

Gunn's Crew

The opening scenes set the stage for the gang's autonomy and resilience. Alonna Gunn, accompanied by her crew, encounters a group of vampires on the street. Charles Gunn and his crew face off against the vampires, showcasing their capabilities and determination. Angel becomes a potential partner, welcomed into their turf rather than their savior.

The Duality of Los Angeles: Wealth and Destitution

Simultaneously, Angel deals with the case of David Nabbit, a wealthy client being blackmailed for visiting a demonic brothel. This storyline highlights the stark disparity between the lives of the wealthy and the destitute in Los Angeles, exposing the city's glamorous facade and its dark underbelly.

Initial Mistrust and Gunn's Independence

Upon encountering Gunn and his crew, Angel is initially seen as a threat. Gunn even plots to kill him. Only when Angel saves Alonna's life does he get a chance to explain himself. The group's guarded independence and resilience are emphasized, as Angel's altruism doesn't automatically earn him a place among them.

Symbolic Acts and Gunn's Resolve

The climax of the episode involves a smoke bomb attack on Gunn's hideout by the vampire gang, resulting in the capture of several members, including Alonna. Gunn locks Angel in a meat locker, symbolizing his mistrust and refusal to be "saved." This act showcases Gunn's unwavering determination to protect his crew, even if it means defying an ally. It also highlighted Angel's reluctance to remember he has a cell phone and could have called on Wesley and Cordelia to help.

ntroduction

Tonight we watched "War Zone," the twentieth episode of Angel's first season, introducing Charles Gunn and his crew, hopefully for future episodes.

Gunn's Crew

Alonna Gunn, accompanied by her crew, encounters a group of vampires on the street. Charles Gunn and his crew face off against the vampires, showcasing their capabilities and determination. Angel despite his efforts is rather unwelcome in their turf.

The Duality of Los Angeles: Wealth and Destitution

Simultaneously, Angel deals with the case of David Nabbit, a wealthy client being blackmailed for visiting a demonic brothel. This storyline highlights the stark disparity between the lives of the wealthy and the dark corners in Los Angeles, exposing the city's glamorous facade.

Initial Mistrust and Gunn's Independence

Upon encountering Gunn and his crew, Angel is initially seen as a threat. Gunn even plots to kill him. Only when Angel saves Alonna's life does he get a chance to explain himself. The group's guarded independence and resilience are emphasized, as Angel's altruism doesn't automatically earn him a place among them. They don't need him.

Symbolic Acts and Gunn's Resolve

The climax of the episode involves a smoke bomb attack on Gunn's hideout by the vampire gang, resulting in the capture of several members, including Alonna. Gunn locks Angel in a meat locker, symbolizing his mistrust and refusal to be "saved." This act showcases Gunn's unwavering determination to protect his crew, even if it means defying an ally. It also highlighted Angel's reluctance to remember he has a cell phone and could have called on Wesley and Cordelia to help.

Harrowing Realities and Loss

The transformation of Alonna into a vampire and her subsequent staking by Gunn form the emotional core of the episode. This moment highlights the hardships, difficult decisions, and terrible losses the group must endure. It also serves as a reminder to Angel of the stark contrast between their existence and his own.

Angel as an Ally: Brokering a Truce

Angel's final act involves killing the vampire gang leader and brokering a truce. This act underlines his role as an ally, as he doesn't usurp Gunn's authority or diminish the agency of the group. Instead, he uses his power to provide them with a breathing space, reinforcing the mutually beneficial dynamic he has established.

Challenging the Conventional Hero-Narrative

The episode concludes with Angel acknowledging that he may need Gunn's help in the future. Gunn called out his 'father-figure' attempt and long winded preachy good bye early on and Angel learned from this and appears to have done some reflection. Angel talked to him as an equal and 'to him' not 'at him'. This admission challenges the conventional hero-narrative, portraying Angel as vulnerable and capable of needing assistance. This realization opens the door for a future collaboration in subsequent episodes and Angel could very well need back up the future.

Angel as an Ally, Not a Savior

n this episode, Angel is not portrayed as the typical hero of the day. We were critical of that angle in ‘She’ S01E13. Instead, by the end he emerges as an ally and collaborator, with a mutual respect.

Redefining the Trope

"War Zone" goes beyond its gripping storyline, serving as a commentary on socio-economic disparity and redefining the traditional hero trope. Through the introduction of Gunn and his crew, the episode personifies the resilience and grit of Los Angeles. The city becomes a living, breathing character, reflecting its stark realities and the determined spirit of its inhabitants.