How the Worst Character in Buffy the Vampire Slayer Almost Derailed the Show with an Unpleasant Romance

The Buffy the Vampire Slayer universe has its fair share of controversial characters, with Connor from Angel frequently being singled out for criticism. His hotheaded demeanor and juvenile, sometimes whiny, traits have led many fans to label him as one of the least favorable characters. The discomfort surrounding Connor’s character is largely attributed to his unsettling romantic relationship with his surrogate mother, Cordelia Chase, which remains one of the most controversial storylines in the franchise’s history.

While the comics attempt to address some of the grievances expressed by fans about Connor, his narrative choices continue to raise eyebrows. Notably, his complex relationship with Gwen Raiden, a character who returns to trouble Team Angel after betraying them, further complicates Connor’s already shaky romantic history.

Connor, Nina, and Gwen Raiden secure survivors at a hotel safe haven in Angel After the Fall #1

Connor’s tumultuous experiences in love seem to be a recurring theme, with his unfortunate romantic record stemming from deeper issues than mere bad luck.

A Controversial Romance: Connor and Cordelia

Exploring Connor’s Unfortunate Love Life

From the outset of Connor’s storyline in Angel, it is evident that he is plagued by a lack of romantic success. His unsettling relationship with Cordelia marks just the beginning of his unfortunate ventures in love. Connor’s backstory reveals that he was raised in a Hell dimension and returned to Earth as a teenager, having been raised by Cordelia, who initially cared for him as an infant after his mother, Darla, passed away. The narrative takes a disturbing turn when Cordelia is possessed by Jasmine and becomes involved with the teenage Connor, to the point of giving birth to herself.

After a troubled upbringing, Angel takes drastic steps to offer Connor a fresh start, making a deal with Wolfram & Hart to erase his past memories. In this new life, Connor develops feelings for Illyria, consequently revealing a problematic penchant for older women—a detail humorously noted by his father, Angel. Interestingly, during this time, Connor briefly dates a classmate named Tracy, but she is never fully developed or seen on-screen.

A Glimpse of Self-Awareness in “After the Fall”

Connor remembers sleeping with Cordelia Chase in Angel After the Fall #6

In Angel: After the Fall, the story picks up after the dramatic finale of the series. As Los Angeles plunges into chaos due to the machinations of Wolfram & Hart, Connor’s erased memories resurface, forcing him to confront his grotesque past with Cordelia. In a moment of clarity, he likens his situation to that of Oedipus, signaling a self-reflective acknowledgment from the show’s creators of the problematic nature of his relationship with Cordelia—a sentiment that parallels certain infamous moments within Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

This self-awareness, however, did not prevent subsequent creative decisions from placing Connor back into troubling romantic entanglements. His relationships continue to echo themes of manipulation and emotional exploitation, perpetuating a pattern that has kept him at arm’s length from the overall fandom acceptance.

Romantic Misfortune: Connor’s Story Continues in the Comics

Further Complications: Connor’s Relationship with Gwen Raiden

Gwen Raiden, a character introduced in Season 4 of Angel, is a mutant with electric powers that hinder her from physical contact. After a brief romantic liaison with the team, Gwen returns to assist Connor and Nina during the chaos in Hell. Off-screen, Connor engages in a romantic involvement with the much older Gwen, which raises eyebrows when it is revealed she has been secretly working for a vampiric Gunn, using her connection with Connor to extract information. When her role as a mole comes to light, Gwen’s actions take a fatal turn, leading to a dramatic confrontation.

Hope for Connor: New Beginnings in the Comics

Willow Gunn and Faith try to get Angel to talk to his son Connor after seeing his girlfriend Natalie in Angel and Faith #11

Despite his troubled past, there is a glimmer of hope for Connor in Angel and Faith #11, where he is portrayed as happily dating Natalie, a college student he meets through a social work program. Connor describes her affectionately as “special.” Though Lorraine remains a peripheral character, her presence marks a welcome step away from Connor’s previous age-inappropriate encounters, eliminating the Oedipal themes that have haunted his earlier relationships.

While Connor may not rank among the most beloved characters in the Buffy the Vampire Slayer universe, he deserves better treatment than he has received thus far. One could argue that his record with women—a mix of manipulation and disastrous consequences—far exceeds the romantic woes faced by his father, Angel. Ultimately, Connor’s trajectory might not shine brightly, but it is paramount that fans remember he deserves a chance at healthier and more relatable relationships in future narratives.

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