Los Angeles ? The WB has done what no vampire slayer could: It killed “Angel,” the do-gooder bloodsucker with a soul.

WB network executives said Tuesday they announced their cancellation decision earlier than usual to give series creator Joss Whedon, who spun off the supernatural comedy-thriller from “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” a chance to prepare for a grand finale.

David Boreanaz stars as the title character in the WB's Angel. The series, a spin-off of Buffy

“We did not want to contemplate this being the last year of ‘Angel’ without giving the show the option of crafting their own destiny for this character and for this series,” WB co-chairman Jordan Levin said.

“Angel” has struggled in the ratings, but it maintains a loyal cult-fan base and has had strong reissue sales on DVD.

There may be hope for resurrection. Although nothing is finalized yet, Whedon is talking with the network about possible “Angel” TV movies next year to tie up any loose ends in the story.

A lot depends on whether Whedon and 20th Century Fox Television, which produces the show, will succeed in shopping a sixth season of “Angel” to another network, such as TNT, which carries reruns of the show, or UPN, which previously picked up “Buffy” after it left the WB.

“Angel” stars David Boreanaz as an 18th century monster living in present-day Los Angeles as he tries to redeem his past evil deeds. The series is in its fifth season.