‘Good Omens’ (Season 2) Review: Earth’s Lovable Angel and Demon are Back Again!
This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labour of the writers and actors currently on strike, the series being covered here wouldn’t exist.
In the world of angels, demons, and prophecies, Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett’s Good Omens follow Aziraphale and Crowley’s ineffable friendship. Prime Video and BBC’s adaptation returns with a second season, even though the first season covered the novel of the same name altogether. It was clear that when Prime Video announced the second season, audiences would get a new and original story.
The first season dealt with worded prophecies, the Antichrist’s powers wreaking havoc on Earth, and the friendship between two unlikely immortal beings despite their different job descriptions. Aziraphale and Crowley band together to reverse the apocalypse. In the first season, the stakes were bigger and the threat was dangerous. Is it possible to continue Aziraphale and Crowley’s love story after they averted Armageddon from destroying the world? The second season extends the immortal beings’ friendship, with a much quieter premise.
After retiring from their former jobs, Aziraphale (Michael Sheen) and Crowley (David Tennant) return to Earth. Aziraphale, the loving and fussy angel, lives in his Soho book shop, while Crowley, permanently banned from returning home, lives inside his beloved Bentley with his plant collection. (Although, he spends most of his time in Aziraphale’s Soho bookshop). When a naked Archangel Gabriel (Jon Hamm) turns up at the door with a cardboard box and no memory of who he is or how he got there, Aziraphale and Crowley must figure out what caused this situation.
Now, Heaven and Hell are on high alert. Gabriel’s archangels, Michael (Doon Mackichan) and Uriel (Gloria Obianyo), send an undercover angel, Muriel (Quelin Sepelveda), to spy on Aziraphale and Crowley. The show also focuses on the love story between a record store owner, Maggie (Maggie Service) and barista Nina (Nina Sosanya).
Unlike the first season of Good Omens, which had destruction and chaos, the new season is quite gentle. It is mainly set around Aziraphale’s bookshop, and the drama just never stops. Aziraphale and Crowley figure out what to do with Gabriel and his lost memories while warding off the demon, Shaz (Miranda Robertson), away from the bookshop. Instead of fighting the Antichrist, they walk around the neighbourhood, visit the cafe or record store, and visit the local pub; it’s almost like they are ordinary people! Crowley chooses to live in his Bentley with his plant collection. He goes back and forth to Aziraphale’s bookshop (with his plants) and follows Aziraphale around the neighbourhood. Even though he despises being part of the community, he cannot help but develop a soft spot for Aziraphale’s plans, such as arranging a meeting for shopkeepers’ associations and coordinating a romantic relationship with Maggie and Nina. He commands a rainstorm, even though he clearly and repeatedly shares his disdain.
On the other hand, the season spends a great deal of time showing Aziraphale’s perspective. Just like the first season, it shows Aziraphale’s dilemma on good versus evil, or rather, his understanding of his limitations of being a soldier of Heaven. He’s an angel; he’s everything that is goodness. But the second season shows how he struggles to accept some of the terms set by Heaven. Aziraphale is in constant battle with himself to understand these terms and portray goodness amongst the other archangels and humans. While processing these terms, he finds his voice and speaks his mind. It’s a refreshing improvement since Aziraphale is usually a step behind Crowley and lets his demon companion take the reins. But in the second season, he truly shines by himself. He leads the investigation and goes on an adventure by following the clues from Gabriel and the decades-long memories (or flashbacks) with Crowley.
The charm of Good Omens is the flirtatious relationship between Aziraphale and Crowley. Their quick banter and constant bickering, which quickly turns into heartfelt moments, is what tingles the audience’s hearts. Their ineffable romantic story inspires artwork, fan fiction, and cosplays; the fanbase keeps growing! Tennant and Sheen’s incredible performance and chemistry are part of the charm. Their slow burn and flirtatious teasings are humorous. Crowley constantly calls Aziraphale ‘angel,’ which will be a good tease for the show’s fans and shippers! It’s always fun to watch Aziraphale and Crowley battle their feelings for each other while helping other lovestruck humans find romance in their small neighbourhood.
Good Omens moves quickly and quietly. Out of five of six episodes available for critics to review, it’s not easy to say how the season will end or if there will be a third season to follow. The series goes back in time and jumps forward to the present to check in with the supporting characters and poke fun at the historical events. The second season successfully builds the romance and the character’s journey. It’s a surprisingly good follow-up season with an original story that stays true to its adaptation.
Strike Funds: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1weorhmG1H7cszY3rGHCpNYsgleegkuOSH7rD47JzSAQ/edit
Solidarity with striking film and television workers: https://freelancesolidarity.org/wga-sag-strike-solidarity/
Here are some reading materials to learn about the genocide and ethnic cleansing in Palestine and the BDS (Boycott, Divest, Sanction) movement:
Books about Palestine on Verso Books
Books about Palestine on Haymarket Books
