Not Fade Away (19 May 2004)

In the series finale, Angel reveals that his questionable moral behavior has been part of a bigger plan: to destroy The Circle of the Black Thorn and show the Senior Partners that the power... See full summary »

Director:

Jeffrey Bell

Writers:

Joss Whedon (creator), David Greenwalt (creator),

Stars:

David Boreanaz, James Marsters, J. August Richards

Cast

Episode cast overview, first billed only:
David Boreanaz	...	Angel
James Marsters	...	Spike
J. August Richards	...	Charles Gunn
Amy Acker	...	Illyria
Andy Hallett	...	Lorne
Mercedes McNab	...	Harmony Kendall
Alexis Denisof	...	Wesley Wyndam-Pryce
Vincent Kartheiser	...	Connor
Christian Kane	...	Lindsey McDonald
Dennis Christopher	...	Cyvus Vail
Sarah Thompson	...	Eve
Julia Lee	...	Anne Steele
Leland Crooke	...	Archduke Sebassis
Stacey Travis	...	Senator Helen Brucker
Adam Baldwin	...	Marcus Hamilton

Storyline

In the series finale, Angel reveals that his questionable moral behavior has been part of a bigger plan: to destroy The Circle of the Black Thorn and show the Senior Partners that the power of good can still make a difference. Wesley struggles with helping Illyria adapt to the world, scolding her for her attempts to take on Fred's form. As Gunn continues his quest of self-discovery, Lorne becomes more aware of the lack of happiness in the world. Harmony attempts to seduce Marcus Hamilton for information, Lindsey makes an important decision regarding his alliance, and Eve continues to deal with being mortal. As Spike comes closer to understanding the nature of heroism, Angel pays a visit to the one person he truly loves. On Angel's bidding, the gang goes out and spends each day as if it were their last...

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Genres:

Action | Drama | Fantasy | Thriller

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Certificate:

TV-14

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

19 May 2004 (USA)

Filming Locations:

Paramount Studios - 5555 Melrose Avenue, Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Mutant Enemy, Kuzui Enterprises, Sandollar Television

Technical Specs

Runtime:

44 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

As of the series finale, David Boreanaz is the only actor to have appeared in every episode, David Boreanaz and Christian Kane are the only actors to appear in both the first and last episodes of the series and David Boreanaz, Charisma Carpenter, Alexis Denisof, Julie Benz and J. August Richards are the only actors to have appeared in every season.

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Goofs

During Angel's chat with Connor, Angel says he was at the 1st taping of the Carol Burmett Show and says, "Tim Conaway was on fire." Tim Conaway was not in the 1st season of the show. He was not listed as a regular in the credits until season 8.

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Quotes

[last lines; the gang faces an endless onslaught of demons]
Spike: And in terms of a plan?
Angel: We fight.
Spike: Bit more specific?
Angel: Well, personally, I kinda wanna slay the dragon. Let's go to work.

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Crazy Credits

The WB added a short "thank you" to the credits, thanking the creators for their work on the series. This angered many fans, who blame the WB for canceling the series.

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Connections

References The Godfather (1972)

User Reviews

Series Finale 10 Stars

Hi All:

I know the series ended a while ago but I was just recently "introduced" to the show "Angel". I saw one episode and was hooked. I thought it may be a "girly" thing like Buffy, but I was wrong. A 38-year-old grown man, married with a four year old daughter watching Angel every morning from 6:00am to 8:00am....is that pathetic? Anyway, I have so much to say that I can't say it all here. I have never shed a tear while watching a television show or a movie, but one of the final scenes in "Not Fade Away" actually caused my eyes to well up with tears. It was the scene where Wesley gets stabbed and Illyria walks in.

ILLYRIA Wesley. ILLYRIA This wound is mortal. WESLEY Aren't we all? It was good... that you came. ILLYRIA I killed all mine, and I was... WESLEY Concerned? ILLYRIA I think so. But I can't help. You'll be dead within moments. WESLEY I know. ILLYRIA Would you like me to lie to you now? WESLEY Yes. Thank you. Yes. (Wesley then opens his eyes to see Fred's face, her hand stroking his cheek) WESLEY Hello there. FRED (trying to smile through her tears) Oh, Wesley. My Wesley. WESLEY I've missed you. FRED (kisses his lips twice gently, sniffles, kisses his forehead) It's going to be OK. It won't hurt much longer, and then you'll be where I am (crying)..We'll be together. WESLEY I—I love you. FRED I love you. My love. Oh, my love. (wesley now dies and Fred gently lays his head to the ground. She then hears Vail's voice behind her. VAIL How very touching his meaningless death was, but this fight was never for mortals. VAIL (he sees the anger in fred's face, chuckles then says) Take your best shot, little girl.

Fred then transforms back into Illyria and swings such a powerful punch at Vail's head that it shatters into a million pieces.

That scene was just so powerful. Wesley's undying love for Fred which he was never able to really show / tell her. God how I wish they did another season or two but like they say...nothing lasts forever. (except maybe a vampire?)

Thanks for listening / reading,

Paul