Angel does end embracing his inner demon towards the end of the season due in part to Buffy's urging in order to save his life - which almost kills her, and sends him scurrying off to LA to find himself. At least that's how I remember it.
Angel has already decided to leave, and told her he is leaving town, when that happens.
Both Angel & Oz leave because they have an inherent monstrous nature they cannot control or wholly suppress, (but wish to because they value the human side of their nature), and because they do want to impose that struggle on the people they love. It is perhaps noble and stupid, but also a valid value choice. Particularly as both believe Buffy and Willow can (and should) be happy without them. Whether they prefer it or not.
And also, Angel has aspirations to do things with his life, that would be permanently frustrated if he remained in a small town like Sunnydale. In fairness, I think this applies to Buffy too, who always looked considerably less miserable every time she contemplated possibly escaping town.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
branchandroot
no subject
Date: 2009-04-25 11:07 pm (UTC)Angel has already decided to leave, and told her he is leaving town, when that happens.
Both Angel & Oz leave because they have an inherent monstrous nature they cannot control or wholly suppress, (but wish to because they value the human side of their nature), and because they do want to impose that struggle on the people they love. It is perhaps noble and stupid, but also a valid value choice. Particularly as both believe Buffy and Willow can (and should) be happy without them. Whether they prefer it or not.
And also, Angel has aspirations to do things with his life, that would be permanently frustrated if he remained in a small town like Sunnydale. In fairness, I think this applies to Buffy too, who always looked considerably less miserable every time she contemplated possibly escaping town.