Character Arcs in Buffy and Angel: Wesley’s Journey and a Hated Fluke

The craft of storytelling often lies in the arcs that characters undergo, shaping their destinies and captivating audiences. In the context of TV and movies, character arcs are a crucial element that keeps viewers invested in the narrative. In this exploration, we delve into the fascinating character arcs of Wesley Wyndham-Pryce from the Buffy spin-off Angel and compare it to a storyline in the original series that was widely criticized.

The Hated Fluke Storyline in Buffy

One of the standout aspects of the original Buffy the Vampire Slayer series is its character development. However, a story arc in season 3 does not align with this excellence. The 'fluke' storyline is a prime example of a poorly executed narrative that not only fails to make sense but also undermines the previous character development.

Central to this storyline were Xander and Willow, two characters whose relationships were clearly defined in earlier seasons. Willow was openly in love with Oz, and Xander with Cordelia. Despite this, the fluke storyline attempted to depict romantic/sexual feelings between Xander and Willow, which was inconsistent with their known relationship dynamics. This not only disrupted the believability of the character arcs but also felt forced and inadequate.

The most significant issue was that the characters' actions and emotions were not reflected in their behavior. They were portrayed as having feelings beyond friendship, but the narrative did not accurately capture these feelings. This inconsistency led to a narrative that undermined the earlier character development, particularly that of Xander and Willow, and fundamentally altered the trajectory of their arcs.

Wesley Wyndham-Pryce’s Character Arc in Buffy and Angel

Conversely, Wesley Wyndham-Pryce boasts a character arc that is admired and celebrated for its depth and complexity. Introduced as a comic relief character in season 3 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Wesley’s journey is a masterpiece of character development that spans his appearances in both series.

From the nerdy newly qualified Watcher in Buffy to the hardened ex-Watcher demon hunter in Angel, Wesley’s character transformation is both significant and impactful. His character development is marked by a series of pivotal events, including the torture by Faith and the shocking decision to work for Angel.

At the beginning of Buffy, Wesley was portrayed as an inexperienced character, primarily functioning as comic relief. However, as seasons progressed, Wesley underwent a profound transformation. His experiences in both series—such as his difficult time at the Initiative and his work with Angel—shaped him into a darker, more complex character. Each small event added layers to his personality, making him more relatable and engaging for viewers.

This transformation culminated in the fifth season of Angel, where Wesley became a more cynical and trigger-happy individual. The arc is characterized by a series of impactful events that slowly but surely changed his character. Even seemingly small decisions, such as his torture by Faith, had significant and often unnoticed impacts on his overall character development.

Impact of Wesley’s Character Arc

Wesley’s character arc is multifaceted and nuanced. It is marked by a series of crucial decisions that significantly alter his personality and outlook. For instance, his kidnapping of Connor, dating Lilah, and shooting Gunn in Buffy are all out-of-character behaviors that, when placed within the larger context of his experiences in Angel, make perfect sense.

One of the defining moments in Wesley’s arc is his decision to work for Angel in the fifth season. This decision, while seemingly a return to his roots, was a critical turning point that solidified his transformation into a darker, more hardened individual. This arc culminated in his pivotal role in the Not Fade Away episode, where he seamlessly fulfills his character arc by making the ultimate sacrifice.

Conclusion

While the 'fluke' storyline in Buffy serves as a cautionary tale of how poorly crafted narratives can disrupt a show’s character development, Wesley’s journey in Buffy and Angel exemplifies the powerful impact of well-executed character arcs. These episodes remind us of the importance of consistency in storytelling and the rewards of carefully crafted character journeys.

Through Wesley’s transformation, we see that characters with depth and complexity can provide substantial viewing enjoyment and emotional engagement. In contrast, the fluke storyline in Buffy offers a stark reminder of the dangers of poorly integrated character arcs that damage the overall narrative coherence.