10 Things Angel Did Better Than Any Other Show

5. Action

Television shows have notoriously smaller budgets than film productions so they usually have to spread out their action bits over multiple episodes, or conserve most of their budget for something major that happens in a milestone episode. As such, it makes it even more impressive that 'Angel' was able to provide top-notch action sequences on a weekly basis. I mean, it's hard enough to stage and perform elaborate fight scenes with actors and their stunt doubles, but it's even more difficult when most of the people doing the fighting have to wear make-up or bulky demon costumes. Sure, it helps to hide the performer's face and makes it easier to sub in a stunt double for the actual actor, but it also hinders movement and limits what you can do with the characters. And yet, 'Angel' was able to provide a wide variety of different fight scenes, with a plethora of different combatants. The writers even used the action to further develop certain characters like Lindsey, Wesley and Fred, who were all non-fighters in the beginning but eventually became adept €“ or at least able to hold their own €“ during fights in the later seasons. Even the style of fighting and the weapons used told a lot about the characters wielding them. People like Angel, Spike and Gunn would use swords and axes and other melee weapons for up-close attacks, while people like Wesley, Fred and Cordelia used crossbows or guns and other projectiles for more ranged attacks. The action in 'Angel' always felt like a natural extension of the story being told and provided a nice counterbalance to the drama. And it always felt like the stakes were real. Angel and the others all got injured and were on the verge of death multiple times, but it always felt like they could die during any given battle. And that's a testament to the writing. The writing informed the action, but the action elevated the writing.