#j.augustrichards

#5 Charles Gunn

Why?

Gunn was the most upfront and honest character to grace the series, except for season five when his character was completely screwed up during lawyer mind thing and the Fred turning Illyria storyline.

Gunn showed up as a badass with a sense of who he was. He stuck to his instinct about how he felt about vampires and demons and wasn't swayed so easily. Angel earned his trust and that is the most /IMPORTANT/ part of any friendship. I continued to like Gunn throughout the seasons, especially his loyalty to those who gave it to him in return. His character grew to have feeling and a charming personality. Until season 3... when Fred sort of screwed up the dynamic of his character as well as his friendship with Wesley. To put it into terms: Fred pussywhipped Gunn.  Now Gunn was still just as charming as ever, still badass, don't get me wrong, he was loved and showed respect for the woman he loved. Gunn was an honest true man, something I and every woman or man can respect. Even during season 4, Gunn was that same charming man, proving he'd give up his conscience for the woman he loved, even if she shit on what he did for her. During this season 4 Gunn was the most honest, he said what he felt should be said and he kept to his dignity, gained his self-respect back (Example: Not wanting to dive back into a relationship with Fred after she kissed Wesley).

We come to season five- Gunn as a lawyer. I didn't like how he agreed so easily to wanting to go join Wolfram & Hart. It was too Out of Character for how the writer's established him. That place proved nothing but trouble and even if Gunn wanted so much to be more than the muscle or belong, I don't think he would've agreed or been swayed to join so easily.

I get why he did the lawyer deal. All of the gang would be of importance to the firm and if he was going to be a part of it, he wanted to give something and be something there. But he literally sold his soul to the devil, again something Gunn would be the least likely of the Angel gang to do. As for him signing for Illyria's coffin to be released into customs, he didn't know it was going to harm anyone, Fred /ESPECIALLY/.

What I really don't like is how they portrayed Gunn being a stoic stone when Fred died. She was the woman who made him feel like he deserved love, like he was someone who had everything to give. And even if she never fully respected Gunn, even if she was with Wesley, I still think Fred's death would've been the hardest on Gunn because he truly did love her with his whole heart.

That said, I think reactions of Gunn and Fred during season 5 would have been different had their memories not been changed of events by the mindwipe. Without their real memories they were not really themselves, as the events in our life shape who we are.

Moving on........

Gunn further proved how much of a decent man he was by punishing himself to the suburban dimension for torture everyday, even when Fred's death was NOT his fault. He assumed it was, so he took responsibilty and didn't wallow. He went head on into what he thought he deserved. And after he returned he redeemed his awesomeness all the way through the battle in the alleyway in the series finale.

Ultimate Gunn Moment: Taking on the senator in his task to help Angel bring down the black thorn. "Looks like you boys are gonna have to find a new canidate. And you wonder why folks don't vote?"