Angel Chronicles Volume 2

FROM THE ARCHIVES (Buffy book reviews)

ANGEL CHRONICLES VOL. 2

By Richie Tankersley (1999), based on teleplays “Halloween” by Carl Ellsworth, “What’s My Line, Part 1” by Howard Gordon & Marti Noxon, and “What’s My Line, Part 2” by Marti Noxon

RATING: 3/5 Stakes

SETTING: Season Two

CAST APPEARANCES: Angel, Buffy, Cordelia, Spike, Xander, Willow, Giles, Principal Snyder, Larry, Ethan Rayne, Drusilla, Oz, Dalton, Kendra, Willy

BACK-OF-THE-BOOK SUMMARY: “The course of love in Sunnydale never runs smoothly, especially for Buffy Summers the Vampire Slayer and her boyfriend, Angel the vampire. They’re going through the usual early stages of a romantic relationship--dressing to impress, going on coffee dates, and saving the world. When Buffy tries to be more like the girls from Angel’s distant past, she succeeds a little too well--becoming helpless in the face of real evil. Career week at school finds Buffy questioning her future as the Slayer--and all the relationship baggage that title comes with--until an unexpected ally gives new insight into her calling. And when Angel is taken hostage by an old aquaintance [sic] with sinister plans, Buffy realizes she must draw on all her passion to save the one she loves. Now, collected for the first time, are three stories from the hit-TV series chronicling Buffy and Angel’s growing romantic relationship.”

REVIEW

Volume 2 of the Angel Chronicles novelizes three strong Second Season episodes. The novelizations stick very close to the scripts, with the only original material being a new prologue and a new epilogue.

In “Halloween,” Buffy and her friends are transformed into the people they’ve dressed up as for Halloween--thus, Willow becomes a real ghost, Xander becomes a soldier, and Buffy turns into a simpering eighteenth century noblewoman. A good example of how the show can be humorous without becoming stupid and silly (contrast some season four episodes) makes “Halloween” a good read.

“What’s My Line” parts 1 and 2 introduce Kendra the Vampire Slayer and sees Buffy attempting to survive a trio of assassins while facing teen career-fair angst. These episodes have some fun action sequences, introduce a whole new dimension to Cordelia and Xander’s relationship, and provide more insight into how Buffy views her life. Spike and Drusilla play a major role in part 2.

Much like Volume 1 of the Chronicles, Angel fans should note that their gel-haired favorite is mostly on the sideline in the first story, although “Halloween” does have a few touching scenes involving Buffy and Angel’s failed first date. The “What’s My Line” stories contain more Angel, as his presence is a major plot point in Spike and Drusilla’s plans.

Overall, Richie Tankersley delivers a smooth, straightforward adaptation of all three episodes with no surprises.