Editing Angel (1999 TV series) (section)

== Format ==
Much like ''Buffy'', ''Angel'' is told in a [[Serial (radio and television)|serialized]] format, with each episode involving a self-contained story while contributing to a larger storyline. Unlike ''Buffy'', however, the season-long narratives are not marked by the rise and defeat of a powerful [[antagonist]], commonly referred to as the "[[Big Bad]]" in the parent series. Instead, the overarching story of all five seasons of the series pitted Angel as the central player in a battle between the "good" [[The Powers That Be (Angel)|Powers That Be]] and the "evil" law firm Wolfram & Hart and his possible role in a prophesied apocalypse. It mixes the complex, series-long storyline along with more stand-alone, [[Villain of the week|villain-of-the-week]] episodes. The show blends different genres, including horror, fantasy, supernatural, and a combination of comedic and dramatic content.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://tvlistings.zap2it.com/tv/angel/EP00317395 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071201093030/http://tvlistings.zap2it.com/tv/angel/EP00317395 |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 1, 2007 |title=Angel |publisher=Zap2it |access-date=November 23, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/9479/angel-season-three/ |title=Angel - Season Three |publisher=DVD Talk |author=Tyner, Adam |date=February 11, 2004 |access-date=November 23, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/11/01/angel-collectors-set |title=Angel (Collector's Set) |website=IGN |author=Goldman, Eric |date=October 31, 2007 |access-date=November 23, 2012}}</ref>

Season 1 is mainly told in a "[[villain of the week|monster of the week]]" format, with each episode creating a self-contained story that took place around the title character. Later seasons became more serialized, where the majority of episodes contribute to a larger [[story arc]] that unfolded over many episodes. The most extreme example of this is season 4, in which almost every episode contributed to the main storyline, and often picked up exactly where the previous episode ended.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/12183/angel-season-four/ |title=Angel - Season Four |publisher=DVD Talk |author=Tyner, Adam |date=September 5, 2004 |access-date=November 23, 2012}}</ref>

The series' narrative revolves around Angel and his colleagues, collectively making up the detective agency Angel Investigations, who fight against [[supernatural]] evils and work to "help the helpless".<ref name="autogenerated3" />  A typical episode contains one or more villains, or supernatural phenomena that is thwarted or defeated, and one or more people in need of help, a few of whom Angel and associates are not able to assist (including some main characters) since episode one. Though elements and relationships are explored and ongoing subplots are included, the show focuses centrally on Angel and his road to redemption.

The most prominent monsters in the [[List of Buffyverse villains and supernatural beings|''Angel'' bestiary]] are [[vampire (Buffyverse)|vampires]], which are based on traditional myths, lore, and literary conventions. Angel and his companions fight a wide variety of demons, as well as [[List of Buffyverse villains and supernatural beings#Ghosts and spirits|ghosts]], [[werewolf|werewolves]], [[List of Buffyverse villains and supernatural beings#Undead|zombie]]s, and [[List of Buffyverse villains and supernatural beings#Dangerous mortals|ethically unsound humans]]. They sometimes even save the world from annihilation by a combination of physical combat, [[magic (paranormal)|magic]], and detective-style investigation, and are guided by an extensive collection of ancient and mystical reference books. Visions from higher powers guide the group, and are received by Doyle and later Cordelia. [[Hand-to-hand combat]] is chiefly undertaken by Angel and later Gunn, though every member of Angel Investigations is combat-ready to some degree. Lorne is able to read peoples' destinies and intentions. [[Winifred Burkle|Fred]] uses her scientific knowledge to contribute, whilst Wesley contributes his extensive knowledge of [[demonology]] and supernatural lore.