He was a tortured character. His entire character arc was a thing of beauty. No one would ever want to go through what he did, but no one could deny the experiences made him a bad ass. By the end he was the tormented hero. Just as much as Angel ever was.
Agree with the others that noted Wesley had fantastic character growth - just like Spike, Angel, Willow and Cordelia. Wes was perhaps the most dramatic and unexpected of all, going from bumbling British stereotype to cool man of action and finally to tragic bereaved lover, and it never felt anything other than organic. The scenes between him and Fred/Illyria are some of the finest I've seen on television.
12:50 Cordelia was such an amazing friend to Wesley, she knew about his feelings before everybody else. Its so heartbreaking she never got to see him succeed after years.
Interesting breakdown infact if u look at the 2 shows Wesley is basically a twisted version of willow . Both put their hero on a pedestal and emulates to be like them eventually falling into darkness.
Also, Willow had a difficult relationship with her mother, although not in the same way compared to Wesley's relationship with his father. But there are similarities between them.
Mostly good, but I feel that not covering illyria makes this incomplete. Illyria is the true culmination of his arc; facing him with the same challenge it began with. Illyria being a demon trapped in a human body isnt a 1 to 1 comparison to a slayer, but it's a similar situation in that shes someone with great power being suddenly thrust into a whole new world. And like faith, illyria is violent, volatile, and in a situation where she could easily become a threat. And wesley is essentially tasked with being a watcher for illyria, even before she agrees to it. Right from their first scene, where wesley tells her how humans are now dominant in the world, he is acting as her guide. And wesley, as anyone can see, is at by far his lowest point in the entire series. He wasn't exactly happy during the time he was faiths watcher, but he was Mostly okay emotionally as far as we know. But now he's a complete wreck. And yet despite being at his lowest point, he succeeds. Unlike faith where he royally screwed everything up despite his intentions, here wesley is able to be the by far the greatest influence on illyria becoming an ally of team angel when she could have been a threat to the whole world. And he's able to do this, even at his lowest point, because of everything he's learned over the course of the show. There's more I can say about his relationship with illyria, its incredibly impressive how much the writers put into it in so little time, but I'd say that's a good summary of its most important points.
Well... I would do it but you beat me to it :) Seriously though it's a good point and now somewhat disappointed with myself for not spending more time looking at these episodes.
Another interesting point is that most Demons are highly resilient or outright immune to firearms. So Wesley picking up guns as his man weapon showcases his proclivity towards engaging Human opponents, who are notoriously easy to kill with guns.
This was a great review of Wesley's journey. I had never made the connection that Wes's own childhood trauma would've played a role in his decision to take Connor away from Angel. Twenty years and I can still be surprised by something new from the Slayerverse. And Wes's journey in particular is so good because every decision he makes, whether good or bad, is rooted in his character. He doesn't just betray Angel to give the show a twist, he does it because everything he's experienced and learned has led him to make that choice. It makes sense that that's what he'd do. I love that his journey, like Angel's, Faith's, Spike's, and Cordy's, spans both shows and that the characters are almost unrecognizable from where they started off. Though Wesley is the one who has the most visual change out of all of them.
Beautiful summary and exposition of this tragic character. Would have liked a mention of why Wes chose not to view Illyria in her pretend Fred form ("The Girl in Question") - was it from respect to her memory or just avoidance of pain? If respect, then why give in when mortally wounded? The tragedy is compounded when we think Fred's soul is not in an afterlife for Wes to ever meet, but "burned up resurrecting Illyria". Also his last day spent while caring for Illyria ("Not Fade Away") strongly hints that, since Fred is gone, he has nothing else to live for. Perhaps he had a death wish when fighting Cyvus Vail - not unlike how Spike expounds to Buffy how every Slayer has a secret death wish. I'd like to know whether you think this ending fits his character arc, and why the writers chose this for his ending - whether it is a "happy ending" for him.
In honesty I was very focused on wes turn in seasons 3 and 4. Looking back I have missed quite a lot in the second half of season 5. I may go back and do a follow up focused on this as part of another video. But I agree with your insights, especially the death wish angle mirroring that of the slayers that he trained.
This was my favourite character arc in either Angel or Buffy (Faith was second, though Willow, Spike and Angel are great too). Can't get over Cordelia and Connor so can't include
*But the thing people seem to forget about Wesley is he never apologised for what he did. That is the only part of his character evolution I HATE. He refused to accept responsibility for Connor's fate after being duped by a fake prophecy. Hell even in Angel's fantasy Wesley apologised to him, sad that it was a fantasy that his BEST FRIEND apologised for taking the child away from the father.*
He never apologized verbally, because he probably felt like something like that wasn't something that could be fixed with words, only with actions. I got the impression that his parents were the type who after he disappointed them in a major way would actively make it known that he had done something wrong until he made some other grand success to make up for it and trying to just say he's sorry would just be turned into ammunition for another lecture that wouldn't change anything. It makes sense from his perspective why he wouldn't verbally apologize, especially since he also knows that Angel values what people do more than what they say. Saving Angel after he's locked in the ocean and repeatedly tracking what's been going on with them and passing them on feel like him trying to apologize through his actions.
@@Twisted-View Wesley’s story is really rich with substance and angles to look at it so makes since stuff gets missed. If I made the video I’d probably end up missing a good chunk of stuff.
No it's him! Actually problem they have had with the change from the 4.3 aspect ratio. He was stood at the side waiting to join them so it gave the illusion of seeing the mirrors to show he wasn't in them. Origonally the shot would have the sides cut off so you don't see David, but in 16.9 you do!
If you are referring to the piano piece, it's 'Somewhere Fuse' by French Fuse (or the other way round, got it from the RUclips library. If you are referring to the more 'Rock' music. Both the intro and outro music is from a Brighton UK based band called By Definition. open.spotify.com/album/2biy6knIYS9eKlelL4Qkso
Wesley is one of the characters who's age is never actually locked down. He could be anywhere from 21-25 when he first shows up (well, he could actually be 18-30. But that doesn't work with later stuff). If he's 25, it's still icky. If he's closer to 20, it's really not a problem at all. We saw Cordelia make a point all 3 seasons of being into college aged guys.
![I wish I could (and I don't) love Wes [Angel the Series]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/QesOzxN3Vss/mqdefault.jpg)
He was a tortured character. His entire character arc was a thing of beauty. No one would ever want to go through what he did, but no one could deny the experiences made him a bad ass. By the end he was the tormented hero. Just as much as Angel ever was.
Wesley’s character arc is my favourite, even above Spike. His last scenes are still incredibly moving.
Honestly the characters with the two greatest character arcs would be Wesley and Cordelia, both are fantastically written across both series.
except for the end of cordelia ... it was going so well 🥺😩
I gotta go with Wes and Willow. They pretty much butcher Cordelia starting with the end of S3.
spike
Winifred Burkle didn't die for this slander.
Fred was amazing when she died and turned into Illyria OMFG I LOVE ILLYRIA.
Agree with the others that noted Wesley had fantastic character growth - just like Spike, Angel, Willow and Cordelia. Wes was perhaps the most dramatic and unexpected of all, going from bumbling British stereotype to cool man of action and finally to tragic bereaved lover, and it never felt anything other than organic. The scenes between him and Fred/Illyria are some of the finest I've seen on television.
12:50 Cordelia was such an amazing friend to Wesley, she knew about his feelings before everybody else. Its so heartbreaking she never got to see him succeed after years.
Interesting breakdown infact if u look at the 2 shows Wesley is basically a twisted version of willow . Both put their hero on a pedestal and emulates to be like them eventually falling into darkness.
Also, Willow had a difficult relationship with her mother, although not in the same way compared to Wesley's relationship with his father. But there are similarities between them.
Mostly good, but I feel that not covering illyria makes this incomplete. Illyria is the true culmination of his arc; facing him with the same challenge it began with.
Illyria being a demon trapped in a human body isnt a 1 to 1 comparison to a slayer, but it's a similar situation in that shes someone with great power being suddenly thrust into a whole new world. And like faith, illyria is violent, volatile, and in a situation where she could easily become a threat. And wesley is essentially tasked with being a watcher for illyria, even before she agrees to it. Right from their first scene, where wesley tells her how humans are now dominant in the world, he is acting as her guide.
And wesley, as anyone can see, is at by far his lowest point in the entire series. He wasn't exactly happy during the time he was faiths watcher, but he was Mostly okay emotionally as far as we know. But now he's a complete wreck.
And yet despite being at his lowest point, he succeeds. Unlike faith where he royally screwed everything up despite his intentions, here wesley is able to be the by far the greatest influence on illyria becoming an ally of team angel when she could have been a threat to the whole world. And he's able to do this, even at his lowest point, because of everything he's learned over the course of the show.
There's more I can say about his relationship with illyria, its incredibly impressive how much the writers put into it in so little time, but I'd say that's a good summary of its most important points.
Well... I would do it but you beat me to it :) Seriously though it's a good point and now somewhat disappointed with myself for not spending more time looking at these episodes.
@@Twisted-View DO A PART TWO
Agreed. My favorite relationship in Angel was the one between Wesley and Illyria
Great video and analysis. I have always felt sympathy for Wes and his tragic character arc.
So glad you gave this the sort of runtime needed to really put WWPs story into proper context, made me kinda hyperd for my own angel rewatch
I do feel like his relationship with Iliriya was a great part of his character arc.
Wesley's an awesome character. Easily one of my favourite characters in the Slayerverse!
All your characters analysis videos are fantastically done, but this one in particular is exceptional. So so good!
Another interesting point is that most Demons are highly resilient or outright immune to firearms. So Wesley picking up guns as his man weapon showcases his proclivity towards engaging Human opponents, who are notoriously easy to kill with guns.
He loved that shot gun
This was a great review of Wesley's journey. I had never made the connection that Wes's own childhood trauma would've played a role in his decision to take Connor away from Angel. Twenty years and I can still be surprised by something new from the Slayerverse. And Wes's journey in particular is so good because every decision he makes, whether good or bad, is rooted in his character. He doesn't just betray Angel to give the show a twist, he does it because everything he's experienced and learned has led him to make that choice. It makes sense that that's what he'd do.
I love that his journey, like Angel's, Faith's, Spike's, and Cordy's, spans both shows and that the characters are almost unrecognizable from where they started off. Though Wesley is the one who has the most visual change out of all of them.
Wesley, IMO, is the most tragic character in the Buffyverse. He just keeps losing everything :(
I always find the loa scene with wesley to be hauntedly painful.
Yep. simply stated, he is the best character in the Buffyverse.
Good breakdown.
This video is perfect.
Why thank you. Though I'd say not perfect there is more that could be explored.
Wesley is my favorite male Buffyverse character.
Well done
Beautiful summary and exposition of this tragic character. Would have liked a mention of why Wes chose not to view Illyria in her pretend Fred form ("The Girl in Question") - was it from respect to her memory or just avoidance of pain? If respect, then why give in when mortally wounded? The tragedy is compounded when we think Fred's soul is not in an afterlife for Wes to ever meet, but "burned up resurrecting Illyria". Also his last day spent while caring for Illyria ("Not Fade Away") strongly hints that, since Fred is gone, he has nothing else to live for. Perhaps he had a death wish when fighting Cyvus Vail - not unlike how Spike expounds to Buffy how every Slayer has a secret death wish. I'd like to know whether you think this ending fits his character arc, and why the writers chose this for his ending - whether it is a "happy ending" for him.
In honesty I was very focused on wes turn in seasons 3 and 4. Looking back I have missed quite a lot in the second half of season 5. I may go back and do a follow up focused on this as part of another video. But I agree with your insights, especially the death wish angle mirroring that of the slayers that he trained.
Im not crying YOU'RE crying!
This was my favourite character arc in either Angel or Buffy (Faith was second, though Willow, Spike and Angel are great too). Can't get over Cordelia and Connor so can't include
More Wesley please
*But the thing people seem to forget about Wesley is he never apologised for what he did. That is the only part of his character evolution I HATE. He refused to accept responsibility for Connor's fate after being duped by a fake prophecy. Hell even in Angel's fantasy Wesley apologised to him, sad that it was a fantasy that his BEST FRIEND apologised for taking the child away from the father.*
He never apologized verbally, because he probably felt like something like that wasn't something that could be fixed with words, only with actions. I got the impression that his parents were the type who after he disappointed them in a major way would actively make it known that he had done something wrong until he made some other grand success to make up for it and trying to just say he's sorry would just be turned into ammunition for another lecture that wouldn't change anything. It makes sense from his perspective why he wouldn't verbally apologize, especially since he also knows that Angel values what people do more than what they say.
Saving Angel after he's locked in the ocean and repeatedly tracking what's been going on with them and passing them on feel like him trying to apologize through his actions.
Forgot the parts with Illyria but otherwise good video
Yeah, it took me a while to put to together suppose I was a bit tired. I will go back and look at that last segment mote closely.
@@Twisted-View Wesley’s story is really rich with substance and angles to look at it so makes since stuff gets missed. If I made the video I’d probably end up missing a good chunk of stuff.
Is that Angel with a reflection at 9:54?
No it's him! Actually problem they have had with the change from the 4.3 aspect ratio. He was stood at the side waiting to join them so it gave the illusion of seeing the mirrors to show he wasn't in them. Origonally the shot would have the sides cut off so you don't see David, but in 16.9 you do!
Was he really going to stay for longer? He should have.
Whats the song at the end
If you are referring to the piano piece, it's 'Somewhere Fuse' by French Fuse (or the other way round, got it from the RUclips library. If you are referring to the more 'Rock' music. Both the intro and outro music is from a Brighton UK based band called By Definition. open.spotify.com/album/2biy6knIYS9eKlelL4Qkso
Spike and Wesley had the best arcs!
I think Spike otlived his arc, specially after season 7 of Buffy. Wesley could have had two more seasons or even his own spin off.
@@whedsleywould much rather have seen that over Giles in London
it looks less worse since cordy appears so much older kissing him.
Wesley is one of the characters who's age is never actually locked down. He could be anywhere from 21-25 when he first shows up (well, he could actually be 18-30. But that doesn't work with later stuff).
If he's 25, it's still icky. If he's closer to 20, it's really not a problem at all. We saw Cordelia make a point all 3 seasons of being into college aged guys.
Doyle we get it we all have something to return for You're going to be quite annoying for a dead guy