Good Omens 2 is a Masterful Sequel/Adaptation

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[@RedMagius]

I adored season 2- focusing on Aziraphale and Crowley was the smartest move they could have made because the writing potential of these characters is practically limitless. Aziraphale and Crowley have existed _basically_ forever, so they get to be both the A plot [modern setting] _and_ the B plot [historical minisodes], and because the flashbacks are afforded so much more time, we get an incredibly expanded view on how they bonded on their 'adventures', far beyond what the first season could provide. All the more ammo for Neil to shoot us with.

[@tiararoxeanne1318]

I think the last part of your comment should be "...more ammo for Neil to break our hearts with..."😂. But I don't mind. The ending of season 2 is so damn good that I felt like a masochist. I watch it repeatedly and cry at the same point... everytime... only to watch it again later.

[@sarahs.6838]

I actually liked this season better than the first. I think Gaiman is at his best (for me) when he focuses on his characters and with Michael Sheen and David Tennant to write for, it was perfect.

[@letolethe3344]

I liked parts of it better too. I enjoyed some of the other characters besides Aziraphale and Crowley in s1 (especially Shadwell and Madame Tracy; they were hilarious) but the acting of some of them was a bit weaker. It was nice to concentrate on A & C.

[@Lina-ch5ee]

Same!

[@AUBREY-ml4ex]

Yeah, I really liked how they focused on the characters more, and it wasn't just Aziraphale and Crowley. It was also Beezlebub, Gabriel, Nina and Maggie. That did make the over-arching story a bit weaker compared to the first season (in my opinion) but it was done in a way that didn't feel like a downgrade to me. It just felt like a more relaxed season.

[@tiararoxeanne1318]

So do I! First season feels like an adventure. 2nd season feels like a deep dive on the characters and relationship between them.

[@narnigrin]

@@tiararoxeanne1318 This exactly! I love the book, and since the first season is basically the book with some of the more Pratchett-y sidetrack narration handed over to the voice of God, I really love it too - but I love the second season even more. A deep dive on interesting characters will get me hooked ANY day, especially when it's THIS good.

[@Concreteowl]

I worked as an SA on season 2. I can be seen clearly in Episode 1 on the street just after the matchbox is discovered. We made it under strict lockdown restrictions. We had to go off to testing centre twice before even being allowed at the Studios where we would be tested again. We were isolated in pods between takes. You will notice that most exteriors are socially distanced. The joke about a few demons being allocated to the book shop raid is a clever use of our social distancing rules. With all that in play it's astonishing how well the final show played out. And the 11th Doctor is right. In real life David Tennant is super skinny and always stayed in character.

[@nagitokomaeda6312]

cooooolll

[@catfancier270]

I feel like Neil Gaiman deserves some kind of award for putting Sheen and Tennant together. It’s like discovering the combo of peanut butter/jelly or salt/pepper-two great things that are even better together!

[@bialynia]

The funny thing is that a "make Maggie and Nina fall in love" trope is used exactly because it's a bad trope. It had to be there! I mean technically it could have been something else as long as it was thematically the same. The original book ended with Adam scolding both Aziraphale and Crowley for meddling in people's lives, and they both reflect on how wrong it is. It's even acknowledged that "we were only doing our jobs" is not a proper excuse. This does not happen in the show but I believe it's quite likely that it's still meant to be the final message. People's lives being made worse by supernatural intervention is a running theme this season, it's Maggie and Nina in the main story but it's also present in all three minisodes.

[@iesika7387]

I have a strong suspicion that the big conflict of S3 is going to end with Heaven and Hell being permanently cut off from Earth (possibly after being merged through mass forgiveness via the Second Coming), and our pair (and maybe any celestial/occult allies/refugees because I would love to see some unionization happen especially for the folks of Muriel or Eric's standing) left Earthside, with these two in particular getting their long-promised South Downs retirement.

[@erinhawkins1950]

It took me a while to stop crying after the end and realize that it WILL be a better overall story for their relationship that they didn't just fall into perfection the way we wanted. But I adore everything Good Omens.

[@jeanettemullins]

I was the same. It's heartbreaking but then sets everything up for a really good season 3.

[@aisleelovegreenwood6448]

Exactly. I know he has every intention of these characters fully falling in love by the end of the series, and working out their issues. But they do have to work through their traumas and false perceptions and _mature_ a little before they can be truly right for each other, despite how adorable they clearly are. We know Aziraphale and Crowley are soulmates, but they each have deep-seeded issues that directly relate to how they perceive not only each other but also themselves. They have to examine and work through those things before they're right as a couple.

[@chasecox3374]

I think Gaymen's biggest talent is, he's not a novelist, He's not a showrunner, He's not a producer, He's not a scriptwriter, He is a storyteller first and foremost.

[@TheAndando]

Totally agree

[@nagitokomaeda6312]

i. i dont think thats how you spell his surname

[@iesika7387]

Something I think Neil might be the first to say was helped along a bit by having Terry for a mentor and friend. I can't think of any author who has written more stories about stories and especially the transformative power of stories. He made the argument that instead of homo sapiens our species should be called pan narrans - the storytelling ape. Everything we do is powered by stories, and understanding how stories work and what they can do to people can make massive changes in the world even if our periodic table is missing the Disc's extra element of Narrativium. That's not to diminish Neil's storytelling in any way, or to say he wouldn't have been a good storyteller if they'd never met, but when extraordinary artists bounce ideas off each other for decades you get something even better than they could have done in isolation.

[@Katherine_The_Okay]

Season 2 was amazing, even if it ripped my heart out a little, too. The storytelling, acting, and cinematography were all absolutely superb, and it felt very true to Sir Pterry's legacy. I was TERRIFIED when season 2 was announced, right up until I sat down with some friends to watch it. Season 2 had me at "Is something supposed to happen?" and we binge-watched the whole thing in one night. It's possible I've since rewatched it another 3 or 4 times....🙈

[@searchingfororion]

I literally watched it 6 *before* realizing that intentional theme Gaiman did in S1 and S2.

[@stephjovi]

The end ripped all our hearts out. He better sticks them back in with season 3. Damn strike we need to know. Just a other reason to finally give in! (I mean the studios)

[@searchingfororion]

@@stephjovi Well if it's any consolation, Neil has said that if S3 doesn't get picked up (which would be really dumb if they did not) he'll write a book. So he's not going to leave the story unfinished no matter what.

[@saphcal]

@@searchingfororion we dont deserve him. we must cherish that man.

[@searchingfororion]

@@saphcal He is an amazingly progressive guy for every decade he's been in the media landscape.

[@mitchlynroberts4726]

I think the thing that most impressed me as someone who'd been kinda watching what the fandom was saying leading up to the show, was how he managed to give exactly what everyone was asking for in the last way any of them would have asked for it.

[@tiararoxeanne1318]

Yup. Neil granted our noisy collective wish (probably because we wouldn't shut up about it😅). But he did keep us in check with the twist. He reminded us that he is the owner of the story, not us. It would be interesting to imagine Neil as Santa Clause. What he would give to children, and what twist he would pull to keep them in check.

[@annaglover2470]

Miranda Richarson is just amazing! She's a perfect foil for David Tennant. And Derek Jacobi! Ahhhh!!!! And do I sense a double agent in Heaven in Season 3??? I can't wait! I love Neil Gaiman's work, and I was really bummed when American Gods went sideways. It really had so much potential. At least we have Stardust and Sandman.

[@andrewbowman4611]

One of the things people seem to forget is that Good Omens is a comedy. The tongue-in-cheek tone and the rather arch performances are a good indication of this. On top of that, the majority of the cast have experience in comic acting, most notably The League of Gentlemen performers Mark Gatiss, Steve Pemberton and Reece Sheersmith. Also, Miranda Richardson will forever be Queenie in 1980's sitcom Blackadder II. While the themes are undoubtedly sincere in intent, it should be clear that Good Omens is a profoundly silly programme at its core.

[@ericamacs3875]

Also having John Finnemore writing was a genius idea as he is very funny.

[@a.y.j.3166]

Came for the Good Omens but this is also such a correct take on Strangers Things as well. Gaiman was so very smart in recognizing the biggest strength of the original miniseries (Tennant and Sheen) and which characters stories were concluded. He was also willing to bring Aziraphale and Crowley in a new direction and let them progress and develop and make mistakes in Season 2. After I watched it I came to the conclusion that there really only was one way to have continued that story, and that was to take the romantic direction and Gaiman saw that and fully went for it. He knew that the characters had to have somewhere to go. This is something the Duffer brothers have continuously failed at doing on Stranger Things, which suffers from having a huge budget and a strong cast but completely sub par storytelling (honestly the most frustrating a show can be for me, I harp on it all the time). Meanwhile Good Omens essentially downsized and still slapped. That's the value of good writing (PAY!!!! YOUR !!!! WRITERS!!!!!) Also it was very queer 😺👍

[@AnnieNowakDragonflyJewels]

You are so right about Neil's ability to adapt to different mediums. If you've not seen it and you get the chance the theatre adaptation of Ocean At The End Of The Lane shows how well his writing works in a different medium even when adapted by somebody else. I think he is one of those people who has always been part of the audience, seeing a piece of work from that perspective as much as from a writers one if that makes sense. He's also of the nicest people around and develops strong bonds with so many people that he works with and that somehow filters into the productions, they always seem like people had fun making them.

[@HuntingViolets]

That sounds interesting.

[@lovebunny2345]

As someone who loved the book I enjoyed Good Omens S1, but realized that I would only rewatch the parts I loved, which were all about Aziraphale and Crowley (including the S1 ep3 flashbacks that weren't in the novel). Which is why I realize how S2 is so much better, infinitely rewatchable, because it focused on Crowley and Aziraphale's relationship. David and Michael disappear into their roles, they really become so attuned to them. I also loved that Neil continued the moral debates from S1 ep3 and expanded them even further in S2, making us question the "ineffability" of sacred laws. I also was glad to move on from S1's other characters, and certainly did not miss them AT ALL, not to mention their stories felt truly over and there was no need to know how they moved on from the NotApocalypse. You are absolutely RIGHT in that S2's ending is so smart. Most of the fandom were confused/angry at first, but it made so much sense with all the episodes and the subtle ways in which they showed that Aziraphale is yes, in love with Crowley, but also unsettled with the status quo. Aziraphale and Crowley are the beating heart of Good Omens, David and Michael are superb, they are all we need, and an intimate story between the two before the "Second coming" is all we needed

[@dotty3825]

Great to hear you speaking on pressure of bringing back the old characters. I heard so many people complain that Adam wasn't around but why would he? They did not raise him like they did Warlock. He just met them once and they are strangers to him. Also, he is not an Antichrist anymore so he would be just taking up time without a reason. They could bring back Anthema or just something about prophecies in a 3rd season as it is the end of the world but I also doubt they will do that because like you said it would be going back to a closed off stories.

[@marocat4749]

I guess the prophcies would fit in, should they be needed for a pot, trough in that case it could just be them tosing it to the bookshop. I mean if i needed it as pot device,

[@cawareyoudoin7379]

I don't think I've actually heard anything along the lines of "Gaiman thought it was more of a Pratchett book". Neil had the original idea, and Terry helped him continue it, and so they wrote the book together. They even made two covers, one with Terry's name at the top, the other with Neils, so that it appeared in both their sections.

[@ThePrincessCH]

From what I've seen of the adaptations of their works Pratchett writes more story focused narratives while Gaiman is more character focused. The first season of "Good Omens" always had more of a story focused feel and I've read the book the emotional, character focused moments that were added to the show were more brief. But I've only watched the film versions of their works, so I could be wrong.

[@florofern6470]

​@@ThePrincessCH Pratchett's books also tend to be fairly character focused, or at least fairly balanced between plot and story though I can't compare it to gaiman's because I haven't read much of his stuff

[@ThePrincessCH]

@@florofern6470 Maybe, but the "Good Omens" show has a similar level of charm and stupidity that I've seen in the "Discworld" films. The only "Discworld" adaptation I've seen where character development was so strongly focused on was "Going Postal".

[@JustAfterJericho]

@@ThePrincessCH To be fair, Discworld adaptations are generally not really the best. Not all of them are bad, but all I've seen were definitely worse than the books. The Watch subseries for example has very strong character developement, but I would argue that so have the Witches (+ Tiffany Aching) books and I would say the Death books can be pretty character driven too (Reaper man being probably the best example), the same can be said for Moist books (Going Postal is a very good example of that) and even about some standalones (Monstrous regiment or Truth). Not to mention that the books were written for a very long period of time, so you can see how Pratchett's writting changed and developed over the time (Colour of magic is very different in quality from Going postal, both have adaptations but the fact that the second half of the discworld books sans the few last ones (Pratchett's ilness is startingt to show in those) is generally on the similar level and tone as Going Postal and most of the books after Guards! Guards! (and I would maybe go as far as after Light Fantsatic) are quite different from the Colour of magic, which is a fact you can't see from the few low-budget adaptations Discworld had).

[@ThePrincessCH]

@@JustAfterJericho I guess, but I find that the first season of "Good Omens" has that same level of charm and absurdity than that of the "Discworld" adaptations.

[@QuarterMoonRachel]

Totally agree about it working so well because it was a 'smaller' story that focused on A&C - I said something very similar when praising it to a friend. Also! Shout out for John Finnemore, who co-wrote on this series. He's a comedy writer who's written a lot of great stuff for radio (look up Cabin Pressure). Good to know that he can write for tv too :)

[@Elwaves2925]

I didn't really have the fears over this that you did once I knew Neil was doing the script again. That eased any concern I had but I didn't expect to like it as much as the first. The cast was spot on, excellent and I love the angelic copper who was so adorable. My only real issue is that I missed having a song from the Chattering Nuns, which is understandable given their fate in season 1. Also, that ending and tease for season 3.....woh!!

[@m.b.6402]

I love it. It's a bridge work--which I enjoy, though many people get tetchy about the function of bridge works. By necessity they gather elements of the old work (Aziraphale and Crowley), restate and reformat existing themes In this case Gaiman continues to ask what it means for something to be "written," whether supernatural creatures can be self-willed, what fate means, who actually runs Heaven and Hell, and what the point is--and, again, what the heck being written, being in the Book of Life, being a self-willed being, being good, evil, angelic, demonic, MEAN in both the big picture and the tiny personal portrait. That is the huge issue that not only connects GO 1 to GO 2, but the central topic that must be dealt with in GO 3 for Aziraphale and Crowley to be able to resolve their issues with Heaven, Hell, Earth, and each other. And Gaiman's managed to use GO2 to reframe all of that and end with a heart-breaker ending that can only be fixed by taking on the question of "what is written." We're going from scripture and Armageddon and Agnes Nutter's prophecies in GO 1, to the gazillion little references to scripture, books, first lines of books, quotes, literary tropes (falling in love in the rain under an awning or at a Regency ball while dancing a country line dance), Metatron, God's voice, the questioning of God and of what is written, the formulaic approach both Heaven and Hell take to choice and action. Then he gives us a forever questioning Crowley, and a faithful Aziraphale who struggles in his life and his actions to integrate "what is written" with "what is RIGHT." Right now Aziraphale can't--truly CAN'T give up the idea of service to goodness, and Crowley can't--truly CAN'T give up the idea of freedom from the toxic aspect of Heaven and Hell--which he frames as essentially amoral. "Just us." There is the ongoing concern to protect the books and the function of the bookstore as a vital embassy where people can flee to safety and enemies can meet. There's Muriel's comment that books are like people but you can carry them around with you--her fascination with reading. There's a quiet, passionate ode to writing AND to fanfic. There's the original message of Adam and Anathama and Newton just refusing to accept life-by-scripture or prophecy. There's the additional message of Madame Tracy and the Witchfinder General finding a happy ending by outright subverting their own presumed defined roles. Gaiman's built all of this thematic material into a glorious, emotional, intimate story, funny and fascinating, that also extends our understanding of how Aziraphale and Crowley have come to be life-mates, even without always knowing it--and demonstrating their inner fragility and needs along the way. Then the added and informative--and sweet--framing story of Gabriel and Beelzebub? Ye Gods, what a bridge story! If they get a chance at GO 3 it's already clear Gaiman, Sheen and Tennant know where they want to go, and what they hope to do with this to complete the set. And in the meantime, it's fun, and beautifully produced and performed, and crammed so full of easter eggs. Just wonderful.

[@Brunoxsa]

Thank you for the video, Vera! And I love the -Crawly- Crowley's cosplay! As Vera mentioned before, with most of the media being just franchises currently, the expectations of sequels usually demand to escalate even more the conflicts and stakes, and also bring back every character (functionally) non-dead, even as just cameos. It not only diminishes the original media work, as also could create extreme tonal shifts in the stories. Without mentioning how tiresome becomes keep hearing about certain franchises which refuse to die (as examples, looking at you, Fast and Furious, and Lord of the Rings), because... money, always because money. I am really glad that Good Omens was able to avoid that for the most part! Something also worthy of mention: other problem with the American Gods TV series was probably the change of showrunners between seasons, causing conflict between producers and actors, with the latter's roles being recast, very reduced or straight cut down from the series. In retrospect, even more reasons for the current SAG-AFTRA/WGA's strike.

[@maurinet2291]

I shared your trepidation about a season two without source material. We all sadly remember the lesson of Game of Thrones after the show passed the books. It took me two watch throughs to really get Good Omens 2 because there wasn't a strong, complex narrative unlike the first one; but I ended up loving it. I was also happy not to see a lot of the cast brought back because few of them worked for me. Really, just the citizens of heaven and hell were spot on. I thought Miranda Richardson was straight up miscast, and was glad to see her redeem herself in Shax, where her performance was absolutely perfect. And when Russell leaves, NEIL GAIMAN NEEDS TO SHOWRUN DOCTOR WHO. I think if Russell asked him, very persuasively in a few years, he would. I hope so, anyway.

[@alfje5492]

Gaiman is sadly way too bsy to be showrunner on DW, but we can hope that he'll write another episode (or two...)

[@maurinet2291]

@@alfje5492 He's as busy as he wants to be...with what he wants to be busy with. I've always thought if someone asked him properly, the way Russell asked Steven back in the day, he'd say yes. Doctor Who is in his blood. It's certainly shaped his fiction, and who wouldn't want to be a part of that shaping for the future?

[@kathywinn2617]

The biggest hint for season 3 were the apples in back of Aziraphale when he and the Metatron were having their chat in Ep 6. Is the Metatron the snake now by tempting Aziraphale?

[@Sara_TheFatCultureCritic]

I think of it as a footnote, which is perfectly Pratchetty. I honestly love the attempted romcom shenanigans, the two nonhumans thinking they know how love works because of books and movies.

[@letolethe3344]

Such a thoughtful, insightful review! I love how you explained how the minisodes, far from being filler or extraneous, carefully build and grow A & C's characterizations in crucial ways toward making the ending scenario make sense! I don't think A's decision or reactions to C's proposal need any kind of "theory" to explain them--the minisodes showed us A's changing but still needy attitude toward heaven perfectly.

[@aisleelovegreenwood6448]

Thank you! I too saw all of the little moments that made Azi's decision make perfect sense, and although I understand that people put a lot of thought into those theories, I do think in this case they were failing to personally understand the complexity of how Aziraphale is mentally and emotionally attached to Heaven, and the people he's served under and been raised by/with. When you can see where a person is coming from (because you once thought like them), even if you can also see how it's flawed, you just refuse to think of them as evil. They're just mistaken. He wants to make them _see_ what Crowley has helped him to see, rather than walking away from them and letting them burn the world while he and Crowley just go off and live in paradise. He can't bring himself to walk away like that. He has the chance to educate, and prevent destruction to so many innocent humans who'll otherwise be caught up in Heaven's next scheme (the second coming).

[@AllyCraig]

For the original Good Omens, Neil Gaiman collaborated with Terry Pratchett. For this new season he collaborated with John Finnemore (writer of the amazing radio sitcom Cabin Pressure, and the sketch show Souvenir Programme). He has impeccable taste in collaborators.

[@DhampirParadox]

How did I not click that John Finnemore was involved?! (I adore Cabin Pressure)

[@poisoned_rock]

i was waiting for someone to do a video like this for season 2 ! i loved it so much, BECAUSE it tore my heart out. it was perfectly in character for both of them, and a masterclass in writing complex characters and relationships

[@dorotasokolowska2941]

1) Loved your discussion of the problem with keeping characters in the story because audience expects/demands it - it's such a common problem and it's made worse if the character in question is, on their own, a very good one. Pratchett himself discussed many times that writing Discworld books set in Ankh Morpork got difficult, because he struggled with keeping Vimes and the Watch from dominating it. I agree that not having many of the characters from S01 was a great choice - they are not needed in this story (but if rumours about the unwritten 2nd book are true, some of them could appear again in S03). 2) I also don't like 'let's make them fall in love trope', but here I think we were supposed not to like it (as evidenced by Nina's words at the end). For me, this plot point together with the grave robbers flashback was supposed to highlight Aziraphale's character flaws (and a bit of Crowley's, but to a lesser extent) and his genuine beliefs, which ties to the choice he made at the end.

[@tsuritsa3105]

I loved Season 2's smaller focus. It was nice to see a story where the stakes were deeply personal. I know there are far-reaching implications, but at first you can't really see that. The season manages to be incredibly engaging, avoid queerbaiting (that ending!) and not feel like a bridge despite doing so much to lay groundwork for the next season. It was beautiful.

[@TheDopekitty]

I was so mad at Neill for the ending at first because I didn't realize there's plans for a third season, but I really enjoyed it otherwise

[@hannahbrennan2131]

He even said that if the series doesn't get a Season 3, he'll write it anyway as a book.

[@saphcal]

how could you not guess there were plans for a third with how it ended? it basically all but turned to the camera and said the plot of season 3 lol

[@TheDopekitty]

​@@saphcalI was very very distraught. I have a hard time regulating my emotions. It's been out for months now and I still can't watch the last episode without being heartbroken every time.

[@sinimeg]

I still haven’t watched it because everyone is saying that the end is very angsty and I can’t deal with it right now :( Edit: Thank you for all the kind responses, I appreciate it a lot :’)

[@stephjovi]

it's just a cliffanger (cant figure out the spelling). It's amazing to watch and sure the ending makes everyone go noooooooo but nothing that can't be resolved

[@stephjovi]

and I hope you'll feel better soon about whatever troubles you now ❤

[@a.c.1839]

If it can help, Neil Gaiman has reassured people multiple times that he plans for the complete story to have a good ending. The ending of season 2 is no more than a classic act 2 low point like many trilogies tend to have. It's just a matter of being patient through the strike and through the time it will take for season 3 to be made (or for the novel to be written, alternatively)

[@stephjovi]

@@a.c.1839 maybe it's a blessing. Neil won't write until the strike is over but his mind is free to fantasise about the ending

[@melly2094]

While I agree with the others that everything will be well in the end, I feel I just have to say this to you: a lot of people, including me, got really, really devastated by the ending of season 2. A lot of people are still really affected by it even a month after watching. So if you believe now is not the time for you to watch it, don't. Seriously. You can watch it in a few months if you're feeling better, or you can watch it when season 3 comes out so that you won't have to wait too long for the happy ending. Of course it's your decision. Be well! I wish you all the best.

[@koivunen2489]

I feel like the Nina/Maggie romance was supposed to feel contrived ...because it was.

[@CouncilofGeeks]

Yeah but I file that under the same category as writing a character to be annoying: doing it on purpose doesn't change the fact that it's annoying.

[@koivunen2489]

@@CouncilofGeeks yeah, that's fair

[@KitttyNinja]

The pacing of s2 was honestly so good as well? There's not a single moment that feels boring or dull, it's so easy to watch!

[@WhiteWolf496]

Liked it a lot more than season 1 and I loved season 1 a fair bit.

[@stephjovi]

It's soooo good. I was really worried. Stand alone story getting a second season there's no second book. But Gaiman did a great job

[@SpinstersLibrary]

Fantastic analysis that touched on many things I hadn't thought about (as someone who has read the book only once and enjoyed both seasons of the show) and made me think about the way sequels work, and the things that bother me about them so often. One other thing Gaiman did for this sequel that I think helped with tying it into the canon of the book, is that he brought in John Finnemore as a co-writer, who is one of the funniest, cleverest comedy writers working at the moment, and who adds that sharp comedic edge that Gaiman's writing lacks. Of course it isn't exactly the same as Pratchett's style of humour, but it complemented it really well, and his influence on S2 was noticeable. Btw, your Crowley impression at the beginning is terrifyingly accurate.

[@crolmac]

This series and sequel have so many levels, and i always find something new to understand. Major humor, major fun, lots of emktion, and mainly each character has its own agenda, in total contrast with the others. All secondary characters are whole, not skeched, and i absolutely love miranda richardson, always brilliant of course. Just thought of giving her a special mention, as i never see anyone really mentioning her. Cheerz!

[@stephanieking4444]

Season 2 is amazing 😍 it's in perfect Pratchett tone, you can feel the deep respect that Gaiman has for his departed friend's imaginarium. Thank you Vera for bringing together all screen adaptations by Gaiman here, as doing so does reveal the kind of storyteller he is: one excellent craftperson who will honour the story in all its quirks and nuances, and see it through without pandering to metrics or critics gossip.

[@anxiousrobot82]

I had no idea GO2 had no source material, but I remember noticing how it never touched on characters from the previous season! I was surprised by that, but I didn’t mind it at all.

[@stephjovi]

It was only one short book that was completey used in season 1. I was really worried but season 2 is so good

[@moondivine2288]

@@stephjoviseason 3 would be based on the planned 2nd book that never came into fruition. I think Neil does have the notes. Season 2 is only supposed to be like a bridge between season 1 and 3

[@searchingfororion]

Me, A psychologist: I will finish the last 10 minutes of this video of someone's mental health story... *Vera is talking about GOS2!!!* Me: Well, the MH vid *is* four years old...

[@searchingfororion]

I got a heart from Vera?! I feel esteemed. Seriously. Thank you fellow human.

[@entity22]

I liked season 2 more than s1 precisely because it focused on the best parts of the story/universe : Aziraphale and Crowley's relationship and just generally their characters, their interactions, their relationship with the world, with Heaven and Hell, told through this pretty contained plot(Gabriel's amnesia, Nina and Maggie). I loved s1 and the original story, of course, it was great, but recently I rewatched s1 and s2 one after the other and it confirmed that I liked s2 better(btw, a good friend of mine who is a fan of GO and Neil's other work also said the same thing and I got my mum into GO too and she also watched s1 and s2 one after the other and liked s2 more). I hope s3, despite clearly having some major plot with the Second Coming, will tell that story in a similar contained way that focuses on Aziraphale and Crowley and their relationship and doesn't keep them apart and on bad terms for the entire season(their interactions while on good terms are the heart of the show and where both characters shine as well). And I think s2 was funnier and more bold about leaning into its best parts. Same for the acting, Sheen and Tennant are great in s1 but I think they're both even better in s2. When you compare how they are in s1 vs s2, in s1 they almost seem a bit more restrained or something, it's like both the writing and acting is turned up a notch, leaning into the characters' quirks, flamboyance, it's like they're louder and prouder, more playful and that's so much fun to watch! Loved all the minisodes too and how they each were relevant and/or worked as parallels to what's happening in present time. Absolutely agree with resisting the temptation to include the characters from s1 that had finished their arcs pretty much, as in everyone except for the likes of Gabriel, Beelzebub and others who are relevant as long as they're "alive". Honestly, on the show, in s1, at times I felt like I'd rather see more of Crowley and Aziraphale than the others. The plot, while fun, is not what makes this story, it's these 2 characters and s2 avoided cluttering with various other characters fighting for screentime. I think it's important to takes some cues from how the audience reacts to your story, your characters and arcs, it can tell you what the strong points are, what seems to connect with more people, what doesn't connect, it's good to care and be aware of the impact your writing can have and so on, just as long as you don't force it, like say the good example of keeping a character that has no place in the story anymore, forcing their presence. Neil so far seemed good at this, intentionally or not, season 2 has all the best things and ditched what wasn't necessary. Ofc, I have to say, I'm glad they leaned into the love story and acknowledged it beyond subtext and glances, that's very important, it changes everything going into s3 and hopefully they(Neil and co) don't chicken out somehow or make it underwhelming to keep it het friendly or something, it's a beautiful love story with such a strong foundation, such depth and emotion and deserves some epic gestures, an epic resolution, etc. Also, again kudos to the casting because the chemistry is intense on all levels, probably even better now after the actors have been friends for some years.

[@etherealtb6021]

I think i liked Season 2 even better. I mean, so funny and touching. The P&P scene on crack has got to be one of my favs!

[@etherealtb6021]

P. S. Have you ever seen the 1946 movie A Matter of Life and Death? There were a lot of references to this film and other Powell & Pressburger films in GO:S2. AMOLAD also was a cheeky British look at heaven, life and desth. Like, the record shop is named after one of the filmmakers other movies (The Small Back Room) and they have a wonderful film called I Know Where I'm Going! Just wondering how many more references someone who's read the book could've picked up on. Anyway, AMOLAD is a weird little fantasy movie, which I think you'd appreciate, if you've never seen it! Maybe a great film to review during the strike? 🤷‍♀️

[@scottwilkinson8378]

Remember we still have Anansi Boys to come which was shot about the same time as Good Omens 2...

[@antonellamR2D2]

Let's hope it would be like the radio adaptation

[@anneschurman5328]

As always I really appreciated your thoughts- you have a far deeper background with the material than I do and I’m grateful for your expertise (I know that might not sit well with your imposter syndrome, but you are certainly more of an expert than I am). That said, I really loved this season too. I consumed it like another adventure for the characters I loved and really enjoyed seeing them in this set of scenarios. I really love Gaiman’s ability to present characters in a deeply compassionate human way. Bringing that to his “godly” creations has moved me and given me more compassion for myself somehow. I watched this video in a moment where I needed to be reminded of that feeling and of the people like you out in the world who put so much effort into sharing that with the rest of us. So, I guess what I’m saying, though not as well as I would like, is thank you for this and all you do!

[@bacul165]

I still remember the time when Neil himself commented on your careful optimism on twitter... He's a good one.

[@catfancier270]

I think how powerful Crowley and Aziraphale are when they are together will come up again. If they can set off Heaven's alarm without trying, well what if they both tried as hard as they can?

[@yaliscribbles]

You had some really clever points in this video! Lots of interesting new directions to consider about the show itself, as well as a lot of little writing tips that I’ll be keeping in mind in the future as an aspiring writer myself. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts!💕✨

[@CamCamCamCamCamCamCamCamCammmm]

As a fangirly who has spent a shameful amount of the last month on tumblr I am shook by the total lack of the mention of the last scene (not going to name it in case you were specifically not trying to spoil it)! (this is not at all a criticism, loved the video and I know it‘s not something you generally care about, although I would love to hear your thoughts regarding representation and how it relates to it being adapted from the original source material!)

[@searchingfororion]

I was bowled over by the acting *especially* by the facial expression Michael Sheen makes in reaction to Crowley's (how to say without spoiling?) "last ditch effort". - In *the moment* before (or catalyst of) "the last scene". There is *so much* in that look before he musters the ability to speak. It's stunning. (No pun intended.)

[@AndromedaD]

Neil Gaiman's reasoning for doing it, that no one can deny it happened, is interesting to me.

[@searchingfororion]

@@AndromedaD in my desire to get something like what Vera provided us, I ended up going down the rabbit hole of fan videos and was introduced to *tons* of conspiracy denialism, (oops!) I mean "fan theories". I've yet to encounter official word from Neil Gaiman (other than the clock displaying a 15-minute time elapse was definitely an error). Since quite a lot of the theories denying the ending of the season in one way or another not only is wish-fulfillment but also (IMHO) selling Neil Gaiman short in many ways, I would really be interested in your source where he outright confirms it's canon. I know that YT can be prickly about external links, but if you could please guide me in the right direction (please know that I am Tumblr illiterate if that's where it is) I would be tremendously grateful.

[@CamCamCamCamCamCamCamCamCammmm]

@@AndromedaD I agree and I think it makes sense in many ways. Them not being human would make it more than reasonable to be some form of asexual (which I realise might sound like I am saying being asexual is not human which is really NOT what I am trying to say, just that they have no biological reason to be interested in sex) but unfortunately that sort of representation is just so much easier to ignore if you are so inclined… I have seen a theory which I also quite like that Crowley doesn‘t necessarily want to or care to do these things, but did it as a way of making it clear because that‘s what humans do and angels and demons don‘t have the same signs of love as they don‘t really seem to experience it or when they do it is very different.

[@AndromedaD]

@@searchingfororion Sorry, I shouldn't have been so vague. He said that no one could deny that they kissed and were, in fact, in love and not just close friends.

[@ak47rockin47]

Zeroing in on Crowley and AZ for season 2 was the best decision they could’ve made. Two infinitely complex beings provide much to think about

[@heatherrockwell9012]

I absolutely love that Gaiman has confirmed that, if a third season wasn’t greenlit (which it now has been, I believe), he’d just write it as a novel. I know that sort of seems expected, but it still meant a lot.

[@melly2094]

Yessss I've been waiting for your video about s2, can't wait to watch it!! ❤

[@HuntingViolets]

It's about time a part was written for Nina Sosanya; now someone should write her a lead. :)

[@luminyam6145]

I love your videos. Thank you for your commentary on Good Omens. I love those two actors and the chemistry between them is magic.

[@danielmatthews1032]

I really hope Neil Gaiman becomes the showrunner of doctor who at some point in the future

[@Radak1985]

7 months and I'm still broken from the final 15

[@nikomarek951]

You perfectly encapsulated why I am also in constant awe of Niel Gaiman and his work. Thank you for being able to voice it.

[@KjoshWaddellBananasAreGood]

I loved it so much. I really hope to see Neil continue to broaden his repertoire. Really looking forward to the next season and sandman 2 as well.

[@jamiefrontiera1671]

There were so many details in season 2 that were so good that make you watch it again and again. like Aziraphale grabbing Crowley when he realizes that Gabriel and Beelzebub are a thing. And i think everyone loved the apology dance, especially when angel emphasizes every time he had to do it.

[@bubblesbybimmiebell4144]

Loved this show so much. I liked it better than the first one and I adored the first one. Thank you for your great thoughts!

[@elliart7432]

It's always so baffling to me when people just write the second season off as fan service. Because... really? Really. The show about escaping over bearing religious authority figures... little by little coveting aspects of your unacceptable identity in the safety of un-monitored spaces... secretly maintaining relations they don't approve of... being happiest with someone you've been indoctrinated to hate the nature of... fearing for that person's life for the sole reason that they associate with you in a particular way... going out in public openly together after elaborately breaking away from those abusive organizations... would in absolutely _NOOOOO_ way organically go in this direction?

[@cantantenoel]

💯💯💯

[@zicyzacbonanza]

You mention that the original story didn't need a sequel but one was planned. Which is very on brand for Terry Pratchett. The Discworld novels all have a full ending that works by itself but it's also one part of a larger series.

[@androstempest]

I liked the flashbacks. Building the lead characters and establishing their relationship worked really well this season. But the story set in the present felt weak. You said it was lower stakes, I just felt it was under cooked. Maybe I was more into the apocalyptic plot of season one, and by comparison this just felt less necessary. Though I did feel the final cliffhanger was worth the wait. I’m on the fence as to whether the third tv season is necessary, but Gaiman has promised he will write the novel it would be based on, should Amazon pull the plug on making more. So at least the story will exist.

[@aziraphaleluvr]

Yepeee!! Can't wait!

[@nebulousmovieguy1659]

I'm glad that season 2 seems so have pleased a lot of fans. But I just couldn't get into it as much as season 1. I agree with all your points, Neil made a lot of smart decisions with this season. But at the same time, there's a lot that throws it off. I think the mini-episodes kill the pace of the season and could have been shorter or cut. Honestly, this season feels like it's being spread real thin to make it to six episodes. Maybe I'll change my mind after a rewatch or when season 3 comes out.

[@FlyingTeaRex]

There was a lot to love in season 2 but it felt a lot less focused and there were a few scenes in every episode that were too drawn out. I felt the absence of Pratchetts writing, the tone was slightly different. Hoping that S3 will feel more balanced.

[@santiagocastaneda7276]

YES THANK GOD YOU'RE THE FIRST PERSON I'VE SEEN TO SAY EXACTLY WHAT I WAS THINKING

[@wreckitremy]

It's almost like good omens 2 is something of a miracle 😋

[@thatchrisguy188]

On the topic of excellent Neil Gaiman adaptations, I cannot rave enough about the stage adaptation of The Ocean at the End of the Lane. Don't know if it ever left the UK, but it's a poignant, if harrowing, take on childhood and family dynamics, and the whole thing was a visual spectacle. Well worth checking out.

[@mariaclaragomesdecarvalho4117]

Yeah, i really, REALLY love this series! And season 2 (in my opinion) is even better than the first one.

[@tiararoxeanne1318]

There are rare occassions in which I was thankful to KZbin algorithm for bringing a random video that I really really like. This is one of those rare occassions. Your analysis is concise but spot on! It's informative but still entertaining. Are you a scriptwriter?

[@dhericean5260]

I would point out that back in 1996 Neil Gaiman wrote the scripts for the all six episodes of Neverwhere (admittedly with prompting from, and for the production company of, Lenny Henry). He also created the novelisation in parallel.

[@CouncilofGeeks]

Yeah I forget about that because he semi-disowned the show.

[@mwmheps]

Really enjoyed Good Omens 2! The focus on Aziraphale and Crowley was definitely the best direction to go in. The only episode I didn't enjoy as much was the Nazi zombie one felt like I didn't quite get it but wonder if it'll set up something further down the line. Really really hope we get the third season!

[@ineffablemars]

I agree that the love story between Nina and Maggie felt weird. I think some of that was intentional.

[@christineboyce4076]

I love it so much! I'm obsessed!

[@LovelyRuthie]

I loved the series - it's not perfect & there were some choices that I found irritating, although I understand why they were made. The story was also pretty choppy in places too but given it's a bridge towards series 3 I can forgive pretty much anything. I also worked out the final episode bar one little thing which made me feel a right Inspector Constable ;) Gaiman has managed to give us two series that has kept as true to the spirit of the source material as possible. That's a real rarity these days.

[@jessicafutrell3204]

I watched it then rewatched with my tween. Considering the Jane Austen influence was a great lens to rewatch both. I love a good Jane Austen novel or adaptation and the formalities of identity and rules of what can or can't be said. I had seen reviews and reactions of the first season and felt for LGBTQ+ fans were still nervous because the love hadn't been spelled out on screen. My bi tween knew they were in love the whole time and I hope creators in the future have more freedom in the future for nuanced will they won't they stories and other variety of queer romance without fair or queer baiting.

[@aisleelovegreenwood6448]

Yes, I remember watching Season 1 and being like... "Okay, so...they're obviously in love, right? I mean, just _look_ at the way Aziraphale looks at him! And look at how much Crowley cares for Aziraphale and their friendship!" But...I was just so nervous that they hadn't _intended_ for that romantic tension when writing it, and that they wouldn't go for it, and it would always remain this obvious tension between the characters that never amounts to anything. I was so anxious that I let myself view spoilers before I could properly watch Season 2, and I was _so_ happy and relieved. I think I had just been especially nervous because this was a biblical tale, so...I worried they wouldn't want to anger the religious folks. I _love_ that this _is_ religious, though, because it gives us Aziraphale and his complex relationship with his family/beliefs, which directly conflict with his ability to have a happy ending, so it's something we'll have to see him work through in Season 3. Crowley, too. We see so many moments that indicate not only that he's still upset with Heaven for casting him out, but also that he views himself as "unforgivable," and "NOT NICE!" specifically because of Heaven. They've done just as much damage to his psyche as they did to Aziraphale's, though in very different ways. Aziraphale seeks their approval, their praise, their love, despite knowing that they're flawed, while Crowley believes that no one can really love him, because he was rejected and cast out. He doesn't even belong with the people he ended up with. He thought Aziraphale could be the one person who would understand him, but he was ignoring the differences in their histories that would change how Aziraphale sees things. It's not that they can't be on each other's side: it's that they each need to do work on themselves before they _can_ be right for each other. Some of that work needs to be done apart, and some of it together. I can't wait for the next season, so they can begin to mend our broken hearts!

[@aprilharvey2225]

Loved it and was sorry it ended and I am glad there will be a Three.

[@satunbreeze]

Good omens season 2 is so good i havent been obsessed with something like this since i was a teenager! They make me feel giddy and complicated and yearn. God it was so fucking nice to see people like me on screen, just living their lives and being complicated and wrong and in love and I know that at the end of it all, theyll be happy. Its a tragedy until it won't be. All the pain will be worth it!!!! Itll make the ending THAT much sweeter. All I wish thatll explicitly happen is for them to dance together in the rain, to kinda bring their first blossom of love full circle. I think Id simply perish

[@andrewlonghofer]

Jon Hamm’s role in “A Young Doctor’s Notebook” gives similar vibes to this performance.

[@supremeoverlorde2109]

I thought Good Omens season 2 was great. I ended up watching it twice because it really is just that kind of story. Imo it’s better once you already know what to expect and can pay attention to all the foreshadowing and little details. The first time I watched it, I enjoyed it a lot but remember wondering around episode 4 when it was going to get to the point. It was so satisfying when everything clicked right into place at the end though. All I can say otherwise is that I’ll be heartbroken if we don’t get a season 3 after the strikes are resolved. Those last few minutes destroyed me and they can’t leave it like that, lol.

[@RachelChristopherson]

Great video!

[@christineherrmann205]

I liked it a lot. There were a few places where the story felt a little _too_ silly-brutal (the zombies bugged me, for example) but the story always swayed back to its center - the demon and angel in love, where - weirdly - only the demon knows it. The premise fits the character dev like a glove, and the ending (sadly) fits the dev. I really hope we get that 'bones' third season. I agree about _American Gods_ and I wish the show had leaned into character dev. Gah.

[@catfancier270]

I hope in Season 3 we learn the circumstances of Crowley being damned. Season 2 really establishes that he is kind-even as a demon (offering the Nazis a chance to run, giving the French Revolution guy a chance to repent, etc). So maybe he didn’t deserve to be cast out of Heaven.

[@zicyzacbonanza]

I love the ending of this show. It's masterfully designed so that you can be romantic and view it as true love between them or you can view it as Aziraphale only wanting friendship and Crowly just getting carried away by the relationship he just helped tried to start.

[@bookwermofthefandoms]

Yes!!! Good Omens 2 is so good :)

[@tommihorttana860]

In hindsight, it makes sense that it was a kind of a bridge. I liked a lot of the episodic arcs, especially the one on the story of Job, but the main story with Gabriel just seemed to be meandering forever and the resolution to that felt far too anticlimactic (also, Heaven and Hell now feel really.. small). So the real ending - Aziraphale's promotion - being setup for the real sequel makes sense.

[@tenmark7055]

Thanks!

[@miserybutane298]

I would like to point out here that Neverhwere by Neil Gaiman was literally the story of the 1996 miniseries Neverhwere written as he WANTED to write the script for tv. Neil Gaiman definitely had experience in this kind of thing, or at least backwards.

[@ak47rockin47]

I personally love John Hamm’s characters. They are so freakin funny to me. Idk why

[@catfancier270]

Another fan commented that instead of a dance, Aziraphale owes Crowley an apology broadway musical next season.

[@katlinath]

That was a lovely video! LOVED Good Omens 2 :) gotta love Neil Gaiman ugh

[@ksaunders4362]

Nah, I couldn't see any sweat at all! :-) As much as loved what Neil did with Crowley and Aziraphale's relationship (yes, I'm a shipper, don't @ me because I use flames to toast marshmallows!) what I really loved the most was all the little easter eggs that popped up through the episodes. Some of them had me laughing, others had me crying, but it was just so wonderful that Sir Pterry wasn't forgotten or left out even though this series was all Gaiman's work. I do hope the writers and actors get what they want and that we get a series three but, even if we don't, I'm so glad we got this one.

[@DonnaRoKa]

I loved season 2 even more than season 1. I agree with you that it was masterfully done. Even with the ending that will haunt us all until Neil G either creates season 3 or writes a novel to conclude the series

[@HuntingViolets]

I loved _Good Omens 2!_ Fantastic show, even though I realized a (minor) similarity to something (unpublished) I wrote a long time ago. Just adore the show. Incredible love story. I like that it appeared to go against the idea that things have to be bigger every time (although next time might be).

[@nothgirl]

In what way did it remind you of your story?

[@michellegiacalone1079]

Gaiman can write in other voices. His 'Doctor Who' episode, "The Doctor's Wife", was one of the best.

[@sunny_xiao]

23:50 *cough* bbc sherlock 💔

[@erinhollow773]

Her: The falling on its face of- (Me who has never watched this channel or American Gods): "American Gods" Them: "American Gods" I fkn called it!

[@literaterose6731]

Couldn’t agree more with your assessment! So glad you did this, makes me realize it’s time for a rewatch sooner than I’d originally planned. Also, this made me think of another stellar follow-up book written long after the death of the author of the original, though a little different from the works discussed here: the novel Jacob T. Marley by R. William Bennett. It’s a…I guess I’d call it companion to A Christmas Carol; it has elements of prequel, sequel and parallel storylines, telling both the story of the titular character and including intersections with the beloved classic. It’s masterfully done, and feels really authentic to Dickens’ voice-it’s easy to imagine him creating this story. It’s become one of my favorites, and now my yearly tradition (as someone who doesn’t celebrate Christmas, but nevertheless loves Dickens’ story!) of listening to the audiobook of A Christmas Carol read by Tim Curry (and omg, that is a magnificent experience I heartily recommend to all!) includes Bennett’s book in audio afterwards.

[@Lycandros]

I loved this season so much. Even if/ because the end frustrated the fuck out of me.

[@Noahquinn7177]

I really really liked the first and second season of good Omens

[@obviouslyqueer]

I have a question regarding the last scene in S2, so spoiler question below. Is the last scene true to the book? Are they a couple in the books? Was this take on their relationship (making it explicitly romantic) unique for the show?

[@CouncilofGeeks]

Well keep in mind that the end of the book was the end of the first season. So if you're asking what's true to the book, the answer is "season 1." I would personally argue that this progression of their relationship as depicted in the book makes sense. But if you're asking if the book is explicitly romantic, the answer is no, but that can be argued that it's because the book ends before they reach that point in their relationship where it gets too intimate to deny.

[@obviouslyqueer]

@@CouncilofGeeks thank you! 🙏

[@okamiseele8614]

I watched the first season when it came out and while it was good, I wasn't crazy about it. Mostly because of all the subplots with the kids and the witches. But I absolutely adored season 2! I love it more than the first which I rewatched after the sequel because I didn't get the "nightingale" reference. Oops.

[@kurathchibicrystalkitty5146]

That Crowley cosplay is so awesome. 😎 I'm curious, is there anything in particular that you didn't like? When it comes to my own thoughts/feelings, I'm kind of in the middle of the whole 'it's brilliant!' vs 'it's utter trash!' fan-war that seems to be going on. There's loads about it that I love [the flashback with Job, Eric the Disposable Demon returning again, the off-the-wall dance party, among others], but a lot that I don't. Episode 3 and 4 were the lowest of the low points for me, to the point where I almost gave up completely [and then spoiled the last two episodes on purpose and then regretted it instantaneously, and yeah, it was a mess]. I think there's three major factors at play: 1) The lack of PTerry is an unchangeable, yet noticeable thing. 2) The pandemic more than likely made filming incredibly difficult, and the episodes were also shortened from 60 min. to 45 min. 3) Bringing in another writer who'd never worked on Good Omens before might've been a mistake. Also, a minor thing, but David Tennant randomly channelling Bill Nighy was so immersion-breaking and jarring and annoying.