When Buffy left us they had time to plan, we had time to prepare. With Angel we were slammed. Like a vengeful wrath spewed forth from the hell room, I mean board room of the WB just to dig at them for the network switch that Buffy pulled on them. And what have they done, they have taken away our heroes, for no good reason, Angel has the ratings and the viewer ship to more than support it. But that’s ok. We will go, and hope for TV movies and a spin-off we will take the lessons that the Jossverse has taught us and show how the reflect all of our lives in someway. I know that this may sound lame, and slightly obsessive, like I am taking the show too seriously, but step back and look at what I mean.

They have taught us that we have to stand up for what we know is right, and stand up for what we believe in. As bad as it sounds, what else tells us to do this? Not Friends or any other Sitcom. There are very few things that teach us real lessons like that, not only did they entertain, but they teach as well. Angel and Buffy has taught us the importance of friends. They show us that we sometimes can’t do it by ourselves and that there are loving people out there willing to help, and willing to fight with us. Also, they have taught us that some things are worth fighting for. That is something that people tend to forget lately. Sometimes we don’t need to roll over and just let people walk over us. Sometimes we need to rise up and fight back, even if we know in our heart of hearts that we won’t win. The fact that we stood up can make a difference; look at the Save Angel campaign. Because of us standing up, donating, sending in postcards, and emails we may actually get those TV movies. But most importantly they have taught us that there are people out there that fight for us, even though they don’t know us. That there just might be battles raging on that we don’t know about, or don’t even see. That there are Champions in this jaded world that we live in, there are people who stand up for those who can not stand up for themselves. PEOPLE DO HELP THE HELPLESS. Whether or not they are taking a stake with them each night I cannot tell you. But there are still good people out there, and I think Angel reminds us of that. They put on that badge, that 100 pound fire proof suit, that uniform, and they fight in one way or another.

In fact, even if you don’t want to believe it, there are people who fight for our country and all others everyday without ever receiving recognition. Like Angel Investigations they are “Black Ops” they do what can’t be done, and they do it without hesitation, many of them die without us ever knowing they existed. Even if there is no “Supernatural” battle going on, there are always unsung heroes that live and die, with their only reward that they fought the good fight and stood up for what mattered. This is what Angel reminded us of, that no matter what the fight, we will always have a champion on our side.  I know it may sound corny, but Angel gives us hope, a tribute to the fight. I sit here wondering how the episodes will come out tomorrow night, who will have to lay down their life? Who will live and continue on with the fight?

Tomorrow night we will find out these answers and more, as Angel and the fang gang make their stand, one last act of rebellion, they will spit in evil’s eye, just to show them that they aren’t quite as strong as they thought. Will it accomplish anything? Maybe, but like Angel said, and I have quoted more times than I can count. If nothing that we do matters, then all that matters is what we do. And I truly believe that. We fans will keep on making everyday matter, and we will do it on our websites, chat rooms and message boards. In our fanfics, fan groups and conventions.

Tomorrow, we will gather for our parties, or huddle around our television sets with friends and family, we will all band together, in spirit at least, with fans from all over the US (Later to be joined by our out of country friends). Fans, that word should have new meaning for all of us today. We can't be consumed by our petty differences anymore, like ships and mythos discussions. We will be united in our common interests. Perhaps it's fate that tomorrow will be less than a year from Buffy’s Series Finale, and you will once again be fighting for our freedom... Not from tyranny, oppression, or persecution... but from the annihilation of good and entertaining programming. We are fighting for our right not to be bombarded by reality shows. To be entertained. And should we win the day, should the ratings prove that genre shows are profitable, we will no longer be known as a minority, but as a target audience.  Tomorrow will be known as the day the Jossverse declared in one voice: "We will not go quietly into the night! We will not vanish without a fight!" We're going to live on! We're going to survive! Tomorrow we celebrate, not the end of Angel, but a new beginning, a new recognition for all fans out there, OUR Independence Day!