Angel is the perfect example of a programme cancelled at its creative and critical height. In its fifth season, the programme underwent several creative boosts, with Spike joining the cast of characters, the demon Illyria taking over the body of another regular, and Angel being placed in charge of a law office belonging to arch-villains Wolfram & Hart. The popular show lasted from 1999 to 2004 and would probably have returned for a sixth season if only Joss Whedon hadn't pressed The WB for an early decision on renewal. Unable to commit so early, the network instead chose to cancel the ratings-grabbing programme, much to Whedon's astonishment. Fans everywhere were equally aghast. Comics, so often the last haven for continuing science fiction shows, once again provided the means for showing what happened next. Thankfully.
Mike has lived in the UK, Japan and the USA. Currently, he is based in Iowa with his wife and 2 young children. After working for many years as a writer and editor for a large corporation, he is now a freelancer. He has been fortunate enough to contribute to many books on Doctor Who over the last 20 years and is now concentrating on original sci-fi & fantasy short stories, with recent sales including Flame Tree, Uffda, and The Martian Wave. Also, look for his contribution on Blake's 7 to "You and Who Else", a charity anthology to be released later this year.
You can find him on Tumblr at https://www.tumblr.com/blog/culttvmike
