Angel Season 4: A Deep Dive Into Cordelia, Jasmine & Controversies

Did "Angel" season four truly fumble its potential, or was it a season of bold risks and unforgettable moments? Despite the controversy surrounding the Jasmine arc, season four of "Angel" delivers a compelling narrative tapestry, weaving together darkness, redemption, and shocking twists that linger long after the credits roll.

Many viewers find season four a polarizing entry in the "Angel" saga, primarily due to the storyline involving Cordelia Chase and the entity known as Jasmine. The initial plan for Cordelia to become the season's big bad was derailed by Charisma Carpenter's pregnancy, necessitating a significant rewrite. This led to the introduction of Jasmine, a rogue Power That Be who sought to bring about world peace through mind control. The execution of this arc, particularly the elements involving Cordelia's possession and her relationship with Connor, drew criticism. However, to dismiss the entirety of season four based on this single arc is to overlook the many other compelling aspects that make it a standout season for some fans.

One of the most significant strengths of season four lies in the development of its supporting characters. Wesley Wyndam-Pryce undergoes a dramatic transformation, evolving from a bumbling Watcher into a hardened and morally ambiguous figure. His descent into darkness, fueled by his love for Fred and his desperate attempts to protect her, is one of the most compelling character arcs in the entire series. Similarly, Fred and Gunn's relationship is further explored, revealing both its strengths and its vulnerabilities. The season forces them to confront difficult choices, ultimately leading to their separation and paving the way for new character dynamics.

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The season also boasts several thrilling storylines independent of the central Jasmine narrative. The Beast arc, preceding Jasmine's arrival, is a standout, introducing a formidable foe who poses a significant threat to Angel and his team. The return of Angelus, albeit briefly, provides a welcome dose of chaos and reminds viewers of the darkness that lurks beneath Angel's stoic exterior. Faith's brief but impactful trilogy of episodes adds another layer of complexity to the season, exploring her ongoing journey of redemption and her complicated relationship with Angel.

The season four finale is often cited as one of the best in the series. It serves as a culmination of the season's many threads, bringing together the various character arcs and storylines in a satisfying and unexpected way. The episode is filled with emotional moments, shocking revelations, and a sense of impending doom that leaves viewers eagerly anticipating the fifth and final season.

For many, the "Angel" season 4 experience, while flawed, is undeniably captivating. The strange, meandering, and sometimes surreal nature of the story arc is a draw for those who appreciate unconventional storytelling. No other season packs quite so many disparate elements into its narrative, resulting in a truly wild and unpredictable ride. It's a season that dares to take risks, pushing the boundaries of the show's established format and exploring complex themes of free will, destiny, and the corrupting influence of power.

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The impact of Charisma Carpenter's pregnancy on the season's trajectory is undeniable. According to interviews with Tim Minear and David Fury, the writers had to significantly retool their original plans for Cordelia, shifting her from a potential big bad to a vessel for Jasmine. This change in direction undoubtedly affected the overall tone and structure of the season, and some viewers feel that it ultimately detracted from the quality of the storytelling. However, others argue that the writers were able to make the best of a difficult situation, crafting a compelling and thought-provoking narrative despite the unforeseen challenges.

One recurring criticism of the Jasmine arc is the way in which Cordelia's character is handled. Many viewers felt that her possession and subsequent actions were out of character and that the storyline ultimately undermined her development as a strong and independent woman. There is a sentiment that to the audience it's just Cordelia going through the motions, trying to be a champion, instead it's all a subtle manipulation of us and team angel, to not notice that something's wrong, until the twist happens 5 episodes later. However, proponents of the season argue that Cordelia's possession is a reflection of the larger themes of control and manipulation that run throughout the season. Jasmine's ability to influence and control others serves as a metaphor for the seductive power of ideology and the dangers of sacrificing individual autonomy for the sake of collective harmony.

Some fans speculate about what could have been if Charisma Carpenter had not been pregnant. Some believe that Cordelia's original arc, as envisioned by the writers, could have been truly groundbreaking, pushing the character to new and unexpected limits. Others feel that the Jasmine storyline, while flawed, ultimately provided valuable opportunities for character development and exploration of complex themes. My head canon is everything up to birthday was cordelias natural arc. I believe the ptbs wanted cordelia to be part demon to endure the visions. What the ptbs didnt know was that skip was secretly working for jasmine, who then changed cordelia to be part demon, but also a suitable vessel for jasmine.

The relationship between Angel and Cordelia is another point of contention among viewers. Some believe that the writers intentionally sabotaged their potential romance for the sake of drama, while others feel that their dynamic was always destined to be tragic. In my opinion, I knew that angel and cordelia's relationship wouldn't have a happy ending, so i was just waiting for cordelia to die anyway. Regardless of one's perspective, there is no denying that their relationship is a central focus of the series and that its evolution throughout the seasons is both compelling and heartbreaking.

Ultimately, the success of "Angel" season four is subjective and depends on individual preferences. While the Jasmine arc may be a stumbling block for some, others find it to be a fascinating and thought-provoking exploration of complex themes. The season's strengths lie in its character development, its thrilling storylines, and its willingness to take risks and push the boundaries of the show's established format. It is a season that rewards multiple viewings, revealing new layers of meaning and complexity with each iteration.

The impact of Jasmine is far-reaching. Both the first and jasmine took credit for it and jasmine says she manipulated a lot of events in his life like him coming to la and cordelia becoming a half demon. Tptb definitely existed and they were the ones who gave doyle the visions, but it seemed like team angel forgot about them until cordelia gave angel the vision of the black thorn. Jasmine is 'born' in episode 17, inside out, written by steven s. Deknight, where she says all of one word: Jasmine.

Some argue that the treatment of Charisma Carpenter was unfair and that the writers could have found a way to accommodate her pregnancy without resorting to such a controversial storyline. While i'm trying to understand what joss and the writers were even trying to do. In the final episode of the jasmine arc, peace out (a4.21), angel brings back jasmines true name, and her psychic hold over all who see her is broken by its release from the mouth of the keeper. The only mistake that they made in season four was that jasmine should have killed cordelia once fred and angel used her blood to convert the others rather than hiding her in a church. She forced the bookstore owner to burn the bookstore in magic bullet and she sent connor and the national guard into the sewers to exterminate the rest of the group.

Looking back, it would have been fascinating to see what cordy's arc in season five could have been. birthday signalling the end of part one of my reviews is convenient timing, as birthday also ushers in the jasmine arc of angel. Sure, it doesnt take affect until the next season, but cordelia becoming part demon is the catalyst. Haven't you learned anything working for the powers? I offered paradise, you chose this! jasmine jasmine (also known as the blessed devourer,[1] the beast master,[2] and cordelia chase,[3, true name unpronounceable by human tongues)[1] was a rogue member of the powers that be.[4] Jasmine was the big bad that angel.

Actually cordelia was supposed to become the big bad of the season but due to charisma carpenters pregnancy, they had to retool the plot because cordelia was supposed to have some awesome fight seasons with angel but due to the real life pregnancy, the character of jasmine was created. When cordelia returns, it is her, just her with amnesia. However, lorne's spell unlocks jasmine (along with all of cordelia's memories) and from there begins all the problems. It's likely if they let cordelia's memories recover naturally, cordelia would have returned to more or less her normal self and jasmine would have laid dormant forever. When a tv show makes me feel as hurt or sad as its characters do, that's a success, and that is what angel season 4 did best. Plus, the strange, meandering, sometimes even surreal nature of the story arc really appeals to me. No other season had quite so many disparate elements throughout it. It's such a wild ride.

Season 4 could have been really really great. Hell, to fix season 4 and make angel a great show they needed just a few changes. Jasmine inside cordelia hooks up with gru not connor. While i think the jasmine arc isbad, the rest of season 4? Weslah, dark wesley, the beast, angelus's return was fun (even if angelus was a bit weaksauce), faith's little trilogy, and of course, the season 4 finale episode, which was so fucking good. Overall, season 4 is absolutely the best season for ats for me. I don't really think there's a good reason other than to give the audience the heads up before the gang knows. I guess you could argue that it's a distraction for cordy to get away while angelus fed on lilah, because almost immediately the gang arrives to suggest that angelus did it. Granted, the crew running season 4 would have to come up with an entirely new season arc for season 4. But, the show was in a tough spot when charisma carpenter got pregnant season 4 was set up to be a season where cordelia (or some entity possessing cordelia) would be a fight scene worthy big bad. This interview with tim minear and david fury after s4 talk a lot about the rewrites, cordelias arc and the pregnancy, etc. It sounds like charismas only direction was she was playing a higher being. Initially it was male before changing it to jasmine mid way through the season.

The beast arc short of cordy and connor was phenomenal. Hell we got gwen raiden out of it. We got hardened/ dark wesley. According to wikipedia, the season 4 plot featured cordelia under possession by a malevolent deity named jasmine. This possession led to a disturbing storyline where her character seduces angels teenage son, connor. The controversial arc peaked in the episode inside out. Granted, the crew running season 4 would have to come up with an entirely new season arc for season 4. But, the show was in a tough spot when charisma carpenter got pregnant season 4 was set up to be a season where cordelia (or some entity possessing cordelia) would be a fight scene worthy big bad. This interview with tim minear and david fury after s4 talk a lot about the rewrites, cordelias arc and the pregnancy, etc. It sounds like charismas only direction was she was playing a higher being. Initially it was male before changing it to jasmine mid way through the season. Jasmine has cordelias body hidden to protect herself from further use of her blood.

2) the passion of cordelia chase' interpretation of cordelia's first ascension also doesn't fit with how i view the series. Aside from the freshman s1, every subsequent season portrays a main character's flaws and the fallout of that.