CGA:
Character Greiving Anonymous

"My name is Jessie and I can not stop grieving for Wesley and Cordelia. Season Five of Angel saw the end of an era and the end of two of our longest running characters. They have come soooo far that the fact that they are no more is still weighing on my mind. I need help."

Why is it that we sometimes can not get over the death of a character? That when we randomly realize that they are not there, even months after their death, we feel that harsh lump in our throats? Why do we think they are real people? Stand back I am about to throw some light on the matter.

NOTE: %s are based on a poll by Atnzone.com after Angel Finale (does not include BtVS Characters).

[Cordelia] Cordy was one of the longest running characters. We saw her from Highschool Queen to Holy Vessel (and back, that god). After 7 yrs it is only right that she seemed like a sister.
[Why was her death hard to take?] Her come back ep "You're Welcome" was one of much joy and humor b/c Cordy was back, and I mean REAL Cordy. Then she just disappeared. Extra hard b/c we saw her grow up, but she was so young. 18% said Cordy's death was hardest to take. 55% would bring Cordy back over Fred.

[Tara] Tara was so mellow she just sort of calmed you. She was a character that I feel was taken for grantite, but once she was gone, you go, "Oh my god, I miss Tara!"
[Why was her death hard to take?] Tara was killed by a stray bullet not ment for her right during a conversation. It was at the end of an ep so there was no grieving time w/ a sad song. It was one of the most unceremonious deaths yet. (A good time to grieve is during "Killer in Me")

[Doyle] Doyle was only around for 9 eps, but he seems like such a core character. He was little and Irish and had a cool voice and we loved him. Alot.
[Why was his death hard to take?] He had just kissed Cordy, but he had to sacrifice himself to save the demons and his friends. It was worse b/c Angel and Cordy couldn't do anything about it. 15% thought Doyle's death was the hardest to take.

[Anya] Anya was such a fun character. She rarely got serious lines, but you always seemed to feel with her. She was just charming like that. I thought she would make it.
[Why was her death hard to take?] It was a Series Finale Death, someone must die, you all probably saw it coming, I didn't. It was hard because of the brutality of it. I wince everytime I see it, oh and cry too. However, you feel compensation when Andrew tells Xander of her death and his chin quivers- (I'm done, I'm gonna cry).

[Fred] Fred was a strange bird. She was so sweet I figured nothing would ever happen to her. Admittedly, I found ehr to be a wall flower of sorts, but I never wanted her to die.
[Why was her death hard to take?] "A Hole in the World" had me shaking the whole hour. "What will happen?" I figured they would save her. When Illyria popped up I was so confused I didn't even know if she had died. I still thought she could be saved. This took a huge blow off the impact. Those who are quicker that I must have been very sad. 18% thought Fred's was hardest to take. 40% would have Fred back over Cordy.
NOTE: I am not lamenting this death. Why? Illy. I think she is much more interesting that Fred. Sorry, but that's what I think.

[Wesley] Wesley was such a character. He went from British prig to big scary to Mr. Cool. Surprisingly Wes is 33% of peoples fav Angel character (Spike was at 22%). Again we have another Series Finale Death, you saw it coming, I thought it would be Gunn.
[Why was his death hard to take?] He is another charater that we saw grow up. Just looking back at how far he's come makes me want to cry. He was ready to go and Fred was there with him. This scene allowed enough time to cry, always a good thing. Extra tears b/c we associate Wes's death with the end of Angel. :(

Take Solice: They may be gone, but not totally. Do not dwell on what they woun't be doing, dwell on rather what they have done. Think, you have seasons and seasons of memories.

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