Warners pull plug on Whedon's joy.

In a move that shocked fans of Joss Whedon's vampire series, The WB network has issued a statement announcing that the show's current season would be the last.

The WB explained the decision in a press release reading, "For the last seven years Angel and Buffy the Vampire Slayer have been cornerstones of our network. The sum total of the work done on those shows has produced some of the proudest moments in our history... The cast, crew, writers and producers of Angel deserve to be able to wrap up the series in a way befitting a classic television series and that is why we went to Joss to let him know that this would be the last year of the series on The WB.

The release went on to add that possible "special movie events next year" were still be considered, and to compliment David Boreanaz as "one of the finest, classiest and friendliest actors we have had the pleasure to work with."

The decision has obviously taken Joss Whedon as much by surprise as the fans, judging by comments the Buffy and Angel creator made on the Bronze Beta board.

"No, we had no idea this was coming. Yes, we will finish out the season. No, I don't think the WB is doing the right thing. Yes, I'm grateful they did it early enough for my people to find other jobs." Joss posted last Saturday.

Describing how he felt, he wrote, "When Buffy ended, I was tapped out and ready to send it off. When Firefly got the axe, I went into a state of denial so huge it may very well cause a movie. But Angel... we really were starting to feel like we were on top, hitting our stride... you wanna know how I feel? Watch the first act of The Body.

He added that he hadn't yet considered the prospect of TV movies, being too busy on the current season. To the fans he said, "Thanks all for your support, your community, and your perfectly sane devotion. It's meant a lot. I regret nothing.

All of us at Cult would like to send thanks and commiserations to Joss right now. We're standing by for the inevitable backlash and campaign to save the series.