Back in August 2002, a memorable Saturday unfolded in Santa Barbara, California, as I joined a friend for an exciting autograph session. The draw? None other than Christian Kane, known as Lindsey McDonald from the hit series Angel, and the delightful Mercedes McNab, famed for her portrayal of Harmony Kendall in Buffy the Vampire Slayer. This wasn’t just any meet-and-greet; it was a chance to get up close with stars whose work we deeply admired.
The venue, Metro Entertainment, was a haven for genre fans. This comic store specializes in authentic autographed memorabilia, particularly from actors in beloved TV shows and movies within the genre. They have built a reputation for guaranteeing the authenticity of their autographs and regularly host both public and private signing events. For those who couldn’t attend in person, Metro even offered a service to mail in items for signing, returning them with photographic proof of the autograph session.
Our anticipation was palpable as we joined the ticket line outside Metro Entertainment. Despite holding fairly high ticket numbers which meant a bit of a wait, the time passed quickly as we soaked in the atmosphere. Curious onlookers, both in cars and on foot, couldn’t help but glance at the gathering of enthusiastic fans, likely wondering what all the excitement was about. Once our ticket numbers were called, the process became remarkably efficient. The Metro staff were clearly seasoned professionals at managing autograph lines. We were ushered into the store in small groups based on our ticket numbers, ensuring a comfortable and unhurried experience as we approached the stars for autographs and optional Polaroid photos. I had the pleasure of speaking briefly with both Christian and Mercedes and even shook hands with Christian. My friend seized the opportunity for a Polaroid with Christian, while my own shyness (and budget!) kept me from opting for a photo.
Mercedes McNab at an autograph session, smiling and engaging with fans
Christian Kane’s career spanned a variety of roles, from the Western Crossfire Trail and the comedy EdTV to Broken Hearts Club and teen dramas like Dawson’s Creek and Summer Catch. He also appeared in the MTV movie Love Song. However, he was perhaps best recognized at the time for his compelling two-year stint as the morally ambiguous lawyer Lindsey McDonald on Angel. Many fans, myself included, eagerly hoped for his return to Angel, feeling that Wolfram & Hart’s sinister law firm had lost some of its edge without his presence. When asked about a possible return to Angel, Kane remained playfully elusive, deflecting with a smile and “No, you’ll have to ask Joss [Whedon].” He did mention his recent work on two film projects, which I speculated were likely Life, or Something Like It and Just Married, both showcasing his range in different genres. Beyond acting, Kane was also deeply involved in his music career with his band Kane, an “outlaw” country duo yet to be signed to a major label. Their CD, while primarily available in the Los Angeles area, was a surprise find at Metro Entertainment, allowing my friend to snag a copy and have it personally autographed by Kane.
Mercedes McNab had been a fixture as Harmony Kendall on Buffy the Vampire Slayer since 1997. Her portrayal evolved significantly over the years, starting as a stereotypical, somewhat clueless high school student for the first three seasons, and then hilariously transforming into a similarly ditzy and shallow vampire for another three seasons. Beyond Buffy, Mercedes Mcnab Movies and TV show appearances showcased her versatility. She had roles in The Fantastic Four (the earlier Roger Corman production), the thriller Savage Land, and memorable parts in Addams Family and Addams Family Values. She also appeared in family-friendly fare like Harry and the Hendersons and even an episode of Touched by an Angel. This diverse filmography demonstrated her ability to move between genres and character types, though she remained particularly beloved for her comedic timing and portrayal of Harmony.
In person, Mercedes McNab was incredibly gracious and radiated warmth, looking lovely in a pink sweater. She was a far cry from her often-airheaded Buffy persona, a testament to her acting talent (though, in hindsight, perhaps I shouldn’t have expected her to be in character!). Having heard rumors about Harmony’s return in the upcoming seventh season of Buffy, I inquired if she had begun filming yet. Mercedes confirmed that she hadn’t, explaining that there were still details being finalized. Unfortunately, the fast-paced nature of the autograph session didn’t allow for further questions, but it was exciting to hear confirmation of her return.
Metro Entertainment’s autograph event was, without a doubt, the most efficiently managed signing I had ever attended. If you plan to visit such an event, my primary piece of advice is to bring cash. Everything at these events has a price tag – from the initial line tickets to autographs, 8×10 photos, and Polaroids. While I found the pricing structure a little complex initially, the overall experience, from the drive to Santa Barbara to meeting these talented actors, was absolutely worth it. It was a truly enjoyable day for any fan.
