Reception and Reviews
The series finale provoked mixed reaction from critics and fans, appearing on Zap2it's list of the worst series finales because "we never saw the end of the fight." E! News quoted another fan as saying, "Well, that was the best first half of a season finale ever...what happened to part two?" A different criticism came from Roz Kaveney, who argued that this episode was a classic example of "'Superhero Exceptionalism' - the idea that superheroes are exempt from normal considerations and entitled to ignore consequences." The characters' attempt at redemption via a single "gratuitous heroic act of defiance," Kaveney felt, was contrary to Angel's message that redemption was slowly earned one day at a time, case by case. The Futon Critic named it the 4th best episode of 2004, saying "The series finale was filled with tons of great "holy shit" moments - Illyria's reaction to Wesley's death alone should be required watching for everyone - but the closing moments cut right to the heart of what the show has always been about: the good fight (and the quest for redemption itself) is always a constant struggle."
Actor Boreanaz says he is "comfortable with the way they're ending it. It's very open-ended goes out fighting." Matt Roush of TV Guide praised the series finale, finding it "incredibly inspiring" that Angel continues to seek redemption despite signing away the reward promised by the Shanshu Prophecy. "The series retired with dignity, integrity — and, yes, soul," Roush writes. This episode was nominated for a 2005 Hugo Award in the category of "Best Dramatic Presentation: Short Form."
Read more about this topic: Not Fade Away (Angel)
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