Angel vs Angelus: A Question of Characterization
I've been in a bit of a funk the last few days. Winter lethargy appears to have set in. It's starting to lift, which is good I guess.
So, I was reading a story yesterday, cute and funny, a bit hot and then I came to the following (which is paraphrased in my own words, since this isn't about this particular author):
Angel always thought of himself and Angelus as separate beings
Now, this isn't uncommon characterization. But it doesn't make any sense to me.
In three seasons of BtVS, I can't find any evidence that Angel ever refers to Angelus except to say "I did these things". Even when it would be much easier for all concerned if he did separate himself, he never does. (Everybody else does, but I'm not concerned with their feelings on the subject).
Over on AtS, the only instances I can find are tied in with the season 4 storyline. Immediately before his soul is deliberately removed Angel does refer to Angelus and that I think that has more to do with grammar and ease of distinction between soul and un-souled. When he talks to Connor right before he has he soul deliberately removed, he tells Connor:
Well, just keep in mind that whatever Angelus says, whatever he does-remember, he's not your father. I am. No matter what happens-or, happened-I-I love you.
In this instance, the exchange makes sense, especially considering Connor's feelings toward Angel.
And finally, after Angel's soul is restored he makes a distinction between himself and Angelus, the only time I can remember him ever doing so. I tend to see it as partly a tactical move - the world is still in grave danger and he can't afford for his team not to have complete trust in him. I see it also that since losing his soul was a deliberate move that was sanctioned by the group as a whole, he feels less guilty about it than usual. After all, he didn't like the idea to begin with.
So, as you can see, I have a problem. As far as I can tell, canon doesn't support the "Angel pretends he's two people" idea. But I could be wrong. I know a lot of people subscribe to it. So, if you do, splainy?
So, I was reading a story yesterday, cute and funny, a bit hot and then I came to the following (which is paraphrased in my own words, since this isn't about this particular author):
Angel always thought of himself and Angelus as separate beings
Now, this isn't uncommon characterization. But it doesn't make any sense to me.
In three seasons of BtVS, I can't find any evidence that Angel ever refers to Angelus except to say "I did these things". Even when it would be much easier for all concerned if he did separate himself, he never does. (Everybody else does, but I'm not concerned with their feelings on the subject).
Over on AtS, the only instances I can find are tied in with the season 4 storyline. Immediately before his soul is deliberately removed Angel does refer to Angelus and that I think that has more to do with grammar and ease of distinction between soul and un-souled. When he talks to Connor right before he has he soul deliberately removed, he tells Connor:
Well, just keep in mind that whatever Angelus says, whatever he does-remember, he's not your father. I am. No matter what happens-or, happened-I-I love you.
In this instance, the exchange makes sense, especially considering Connor's feelings toward Angel.
And finally, after Angel's soul is restored he makes a distinction between himself and Angelus, the only time I can remember him ever doing so. I tend to see it as partly a tactical move - the world is still in grave danger and he can't afford for his team not to have complete trust in him. I see it also that since losing his soul was a deliberate move that was sanctioned by the group as a whole, he feels less guilty about it than usual. After all, he didn't like the idea to begin with.
So, as you can see, I have a problem. As far as I can tell, canon doesn't support the "Angel pretends he's two people" idea. But I could be wrong. I know a lot of people subscribe to it. So, if you do, splainy?