Was THE KISS really an excuse to SWAP BODIES? Why is there a 15 minute time jump?

[@letolethe3344]

I have two theories about Aziraphale's smile in the elevator: 1) He's being mind erased on his way to heaven. 2) He thinks he's come up with a really good way to thwart heaven.

[@july_juli]

I feel like mind erasure is a bit of a boring plot device so I’m hoping it’s not that

[@Sendarya]

I really need to talk about the mind wipe theory! @letolethe3344 Love it!

[@FranziskaS6364]

Interesting, but I don't see it. If he was erased, shouldn't the smile be very childlike? Kind of happy and naive? And would he be of any use to heaven if he had been erased? Maybe he has some half-baked plan or idea. There is a lot going on on his face in that elevator.

[@letolethe3344]

@ Absolutely. Michael Sheen--I've never seen an actor better able to authentically convey a series of nuanced, complicated emotions. Regarding being of use to heaven, I'm not sure the Metatron really wants to use him so much as contain him and keep him from combining his power with Crowley's.

[@FranziskaS6364]

That thought (getting him out of the way) crossed my mind, but I discarded it immediately because I cannot see a story where Aziraphale is happily working as a scrivener while whoever becomes supreme archangel. I guess the question icomes down to: how much does heaven know about aziraphale's charakter? Do they know enough to perceive him as a threat?

[@sumar207]

The FBI could benefit from the brainpower of the theorists in this fandom! Excellent work!

[@letolethe3344]

I don't think so. These "theorists" are more like conspiracy theorists who see patterns that support what they've already decided. Some fans just can't stand the idea that a character they like, Aziraphale, did something they didn't like so they feel they have to develop some theory to excuse it.

[@pikaboubou]

'He-who-must-not-be-named' did clear up the clock issue on tumblr quite a while ago, as there were fans that asked about it. He said it was a set mistake, and that they forgot to restage the clock. So essentially, we just get to see how long the filming of that scene actually took 😂

[@Sendarya]

Indeed, he did say he thought is was likely a production error. I hesitate to quote him anymore, which really handicaps my ability to accurately lay out information. Calling him he who must not be named is a great way to get around that! Noted for the future.

[@StubbyandShifu]

You are so great at this. I can believe that Crowley stopped time, but it could be anything. These two actors are so great that they can make things ambiguous and foreshadow different things. In the hands of David and Michael and the writing of he who shall not be named it can be everything and will be wonderful.

[@letolethe3344]

I can buy that Crowley might have stopped time, too. But not the body swap.

[@robinfarrar3493]

He who shall not be named!😂 The man isn’t Voldemort.🤣

[@catfancier270]

When I hear that name now my reaction is: Ew! I got something icky on me! Now I’ve got to go change.

[@StubbyandShifu]

​@@robinfarrar3493I had to call him something.😁

[@AziraCrow4Ever]

Thanks so much Sendarya! Loved the video. It’s so nice to get back to theory videos. Thank you to you and your team. Keep em coming,and I’ll keep watching!😃

[@nypia22]

OMG I thought I would never have to hear this theory again and here we are. I will be truly disappointed if they do that. Not only would it be repetitive, but it would also invalidate that whole beautiful scene and the kiss. I would reduce it to a "HAHA, we made fun of you" (for no reason). But perhaps they do, demonstrating a total lack of imagination.

[@Sendarya]

I'm covering a lot of controversial theories in the next month or so. I've had so many requests to talk about them. I agree that it would invalidate the emotional impact. I honestly don't think this will be the case. I'm not a personal fan of this theory, but I do see why some people get caught up in the mechanics and oddities.

[@FranziskaS6364]

I feel the same. But I think the authors know how to write a good plot, and even if some theory I hate turns out to be true it will be a great story. Meanwhile, I started to regard any theory rather as inspiration for fanfiction that can be explored than something that will actually happen. Just think about all the possibilities! 🙂

[@nypia22]

@@Sendarya Truly sorry if this seems like an attack on you or your video. Not at all, I love your videos and they're all great! It's just that some theories, like this one, although they're fun to laugh for a while, there are people who take them as justification for Aziraphale's reaction. For me it takes away the character complexity and makes impossible an evolution that we have been seeing from the beginning. And, of course, one Azhiraphale dance ;)

[@Allegro11Maestoso]

Everything else aside, how is everyone understanding "stopping time" as "the clock moves 15 minutes forward"? Stopping time means stopping time. When the time restarts, the clock should be ticking again from 9:25.

[@w1ndchas3r86]

Wait you’re so right…

[@catfancier270]

Because their conversation is brief-the hands on the clock should have moved just a little. So the hands should have moved maybe by 5 minutes, not 15. The onscreen events didn't take 15 minutes to happen. I really hope it wasn’t just a set/prop mistake.

[@captv334]

DUDE RIGHT?? ISTG i've been fighting woth ppl over this, like come oooon

[@captv334]

​@@catfancier270it was (neil confirmed it back in the day )

[@Sendarya]

In all likelyhood, it was just a prop mistake. And excellent point If time is stopped, why does the clock movie? and why do we hear ticking for the WHOLE confession?

[@letolethe3344]

I will be very disappointed if this theory holds true, and this franchise hasn't disappointed me yet. Using the same plot device twice in two separate seasons reduces it to a lazy gimmick. Repeating the swap would be a cheap and easy way of resolving thorny character conflicts and plot points, like the ending of a film where "it was all a dream." It would also, like the dumb "coffee theory", completely undermine and waste Aziraphale's character development and Michael Sheen's sterling acting, reducing the final 15 to a cheap parlor trick.

[@Allegro11Maestoso]

I completely agree with you

[@w1ndchas3r86]

Agreed.

[@catfancier270]

Also agree

[@Barockisi]

Agree too!

[@ericamacs3875]

Yep. Maybe they just need to come out of the shower in the first few minutes.

[@Koi_light]

OMG! I love the clock theory!!

[@FranziskaS6364]

I remember reading someone asked NG about this (probably on twitter or tumbler) and he said that it was an error during filming. Can't find the post now, but I'm 98% sure that's what he wrote.

[@Sudgilicious]

@@FranziskaS6364he did

[@aAureliusSsSS]

I'll be honest some parts of the theory do make sense and appear convincing without the cons. However I have to agree with the overarching character development in Aziraphale specifically. The whole final 15 turned out tragically for one (of many) major reason: Aziraphale has shown to somehow still have faith in heaven. That's Aziraphales character, he's been brainwashed into thinking heaven is what it's meant to be on paper "perfect and innocent" With the body swap, you wouldn't get Aziraphale finding out the truth that we already know. We wouldn't get Aziraphale being frustrated at being unable to fix heaven's corruption. And that's rather major in my opinion! Still, I'd say it's a more plausible theory in a sea of less plausible ones

[@letolethe3344]

Well, it wasn't all Aziraphale's fault. Crowley could have made his proposition to Aziraphale at any time. He chose to wait and happened on an unlucky moment. Crowley also made a demand that he should have realized would have been just as incompatible with Aziraphale's nature as returning to heaven was incompatible with Crowley's: He wanted Aziraphale to abandon the earth to heaven's (lack of) mercy and go off for his own gratification. Aziraphale, as a guardian angel, could not have done that.

[@aAureliusSsSS]

@letolethe3344 I am such a proud Aziraphale apologist, I believe Aziraphale did no wrong in the lead up to the final 15 He was merely a victim of manipulation via the Metatron and what heaven stands for as a whole We know that Aziraphale has begun to question heaven but that's the reason he LEFT To fix heaven The whole final 15 was all just miscommunication after miscommunication

[@catfancier270]

I don’t think Aziraphale is quite as brainwashed as some think. He wants to save Crowley from Eternity in Hell because he loves him. He hopes God is basically well-meaning somehow, and that perhaps the angels have misunderstood His intent. Aziraphale himself has good intentions mostly, and wants the other angels to be good because they are his family. And I think some of what he said in the Final Fifteen was for Metatron to overhear, and not really his real opinion.

[@jackihutch87]

personally i think the "swap" that happens here--crowley's slow driving, azi's dry smile maybe--isn't a literal body swap but evidence of the underlying strength of their relationship and how they've learned and grown from each other... like the way glinda and elphaba swap voice parts in "for good"

[@irrelevantperson6070]

It's also Dickens Tale Of Two Cities we see on Jim's shelf, where one character swaps places with another, who looks similar, to die from guillotine instead of him

[@appletater6842]

Wow, this is very convincing, really liked the video! A good magician never does a trick twice for the same audience though, so i still have my doubts. However, i can't stop thinking about this tumblr post i've stumbled upon that compares the bullet catch scene with the kiss, and they seem to be intentionally similar. The whole "aim at my mouth, but shoot past my ear" thing, and a bullet that maybe sorta is there in Azi's mouth if you squint hard enough, also him covering his mouth and doing this thing with his jaw could be to secretly put it in his pocket or smth.

[@letolethe3344]

You think the kiss was done to put a bullet in Aziraphale's mouth?

[@ericamacs3875]

Why would he need a bullet? The beings in Heaven aren't physical so can't be shot.

[@Wolfmoon55191]

This makes so much sense!! They would have swapped because they love each other and want to protect each other!!!

[@sumar207]

This thought will sustain me til the finale!

[@letolethe3344]

How would a body swap help protect each other? Crowley just got through saying he didn't want to go to heaven. It makes no sense whatsoever and it would be terrible storytelling unless you like movies that have lazy endings where the main character wakes up and it's "all a dream."

[@freedragon6405]

this is what season 2 finally does to a Fandom

[@Sendarya]

A million theories? lol

[@catfancier270]

Melts our brains?🤣

[@victoriar4637]

I read a theory saying they might have swapped not bodies or appearances, but a little bit of each others essences, which may help recover either of them if one of them was Book of Lifed - though also it's possible that whatever they tried to do didn't work because of their talking past each other and with Metatron watching.

[@frannyg1609]

I don't think Crowley stopped time or that they swapped appearances but I can get behind there being some sort of magic trick involved. Some people have pointed out that Aziraphale seems to mouth something and when he touches his lips after the kiss he moves moves his mouth in a way that could indicate that he has something in his mouth. Both those things are parallels to the bullet catch. It's undeniable that some weird stuff is going on in S2 and it's unclear what's intentional and what we're gonna get an answer to in the shortened finale. But I do hope that Aziraphale went to Heaven and has some sort of plan whether Crowley is in on it or not.

[@janapruskova3620]

I am conflicted about all the theorising we are doing. On one hand, it is fun and keeps us entertained while we wait. One the other hand, I remember similar atmosphere around the last season of Sherlock, and how disappointing it was in the end... Thank you for the video though, you made good points for both sides :)

[@letolethe3344]

I disagree that it's fun. It's boring to hear about all these tiny details and it reminds me of conspiracy theorists who just see patterns everywhere to support whatever they've already decided.

[@PixelSE46]

Oh don’t remind me of Sherlock theorising…

[@sdontiveros]

I’m not really for the body switch theory in the final 15. I like the idea of our beloved duo going through the motions of fear, regret & heartache, like natives. Relationships come in all shapes and sizes, so emotions will hit differently for everybody in the process of a breakup so we shouldn’t rely on A&C’s mannerisms being out of character for a swap. Not sure about the freezing of time either, could be a flop, happens literally all the time in film, I’m always catching mistakes in the background or one scene an actor is pouring water into a cup and the next frame there’s no water and cup yet, so idk. If you send C as A up into Heaven to do the work then it doesn’t seem like a very epic story. It’s reusing and rescuing all over again. It would take away Azi’s character development which he needs, badly. This angel has his “demons” to battle and I want to see him grow and find enlightenment. I will say, the theory of Crowley’s kiss passing protection to Azi while upstairs does intrigue me, I could buy that. I always like to think while Azi is in the elevator generating ideas that he’s also channeling an inner Crowley (not a body switch Crowley) and that’s why we see the smile. So no tricks in the final 15 for me, when they’re most likely to perform a miracle or some magic in the final 90. Just some good old fashioned heartache, destined for failure by H & H and it’s up to them to beat the odds. Their love and determination will be strong (maybe the miracle?). And if I’m wrong, so be it, just as long as we get some happy 90 min conclusion.

[@everydaisy]

i love this video and it's very fun to theorise about, i just don't think they'd do it again! they were not on the same side at the end of episode 6 (as is enhanced by them being on the wrong side in the credits) , and i bet they couldn't come up with a coherent plan to work together even if they wanted to. aziraphale leaving is raw, and makes sense for his character. it's nothing else. he thinks he can fix the system from within, and crowley watches hopelessly as aziraphale won't get it into his thick skull that they won't ever listen to him up there. season 1 had a wacky supernatural conclusion in which the 2 rescued themselves from heaven & hell, season 2 has a much more befitting character-focused and emotional ending, which compliments the rest of the season BUT AHH i have to admit it would be so cool if they did swap.

[@MizTori]

I’ve had a theory about Crowley. I noticed when he went to Heaven with Muriel when he miracles his hive appearance- the sigil. On his face turns gold. Has anyone else wondered why it seems like he has been partially mind wiped? Like he didn’t remember Furfur or Sandra(?). Yet he still has “the codes” It makes me wonder if God Herself didn’t send him down with Azerophale to balance Good/Evil or for Crowley to be a sort of Double agent… In case the Metatron & others decided to Usurp powers.

[@AziraCrow4Ever]

I definitely think God wants them doing what they are doing. I believe that they have Free Will. The angels are arrogant. The demons predictable in that they are doing evil. But Crowley and Aziraphael are a different breed. Having been on earth as long as they have,and having more in common with each other than they do with their own sides oh Heaven and Hell. (This has always been known). I think A & C are favorites of God and that she is watching VERY closely and personally rooting for them and cheering them on like we do when we watch a show. I think they entertain her immensely. I look forward to when she meets with them in the end like the wizard does with Dorothy and company in the Wizard of Oz and all is revealed!

[@Temptation666]

There is one reason and one reason alone i do not believe in this teori. Crowleys behavior/manerisme is to spot on when he stands leaning on the Bentley and enters the car. Turns of the radio and stares out on the road while driving. We saw Aziraphale as Crowley in last episode of season 1. There were so many little tell tale signs he was not really Crowley. From micro expressions to walk to .. well many. I don't think Aziraphale could have pulled of Crowley being angry and sad as well as it was shown in and outside the car. Especially not inside where he most likely felt nobody was watching.

[@critchook]

Nice catch on the leitmotif. I’m not observant enough to catch most of that kind of thing on a conscious level, though my brain absorbs it subconsciously and will spit it out randomly. I need to listen to the soundtracks more!

[@catfancier270]

I have mixed feelings about a body swap. The main thing I want is to either see Aziraphale progress where Crowley didn’t (with Heaven), or to see Aziraphale’s goodness/faith at least be noticed by God (I understand this probably won’t happen). I want Sheen to get a monologue or something where he gets to stand out more. And I want Aziraphale to have plenty to do. I don’t think I mind plot elements being reused if the actors seem to have enough to do and the story seems to be going somewhere even with the reused elements.

[@northshoregirl8173]

Wow, amazing!!! It makes perfect sense the way you laid it all out!

[@mikkareads]

If they only took on each other's appearance, Crowley would be on a suicide mission in Heaven. When he went up with Muriel, he never really stood still and did that weird hopping walk at one point. It must be like being on consecrated ground. So he'd never be able to keep up the charade for long.

[@mikkareads]

...I know, he was convincing when he went up for Aziraphale's trial, but that was relatively short-term. Unless however they took on each other's appearance included some miracle for protection.

[@netherfield2000]

I don't think he was affected at all by standing in Heaven. He did do that weird Looney Tunes hop, but that was showmanship.

[@MizTori]

Yeah but Micheal didn’t have any issues when they were in Hell.

[@carlaedithmartinezvital7143]

To be honest, I wouldn't like this. Don't take this the wrong way, it's quite a good theory, makes sense and things such as the behavior and clock, of course give the chance to think about this being canon, but it would be repetitive, they have done this before, so it could be a plot twist not so surprising as it was in S1. And just like the coffee theory, this wouldn't help to develop their relation, they still have issues and doubts, and if the plot just gets fixed with something like these, they wouldn't have the character development they need to finally be together. I suffered too much watching E6 S2, it broke my heart and I cried so much, but I think that ending will finally make them communicate properly.

[@BirgitPa]

Thank you, great video! I don’t think that they swapped their bodys. Why should they this time? For me it’s more likely that they only exchanged their visuals (as last time) or as you call it, their appearance. Especially Crowley would need his whole power in his own body if he has to fight or arrange things in Heaven. But body swap or visual swap, I’m not sure about that anyway. It’s possible yes. I’m quite sure they did something special and maybe between the time difference. And I’m also sure that we’ll see the explanation in The Finale. And I’m so excited to experience the resolution of that mystery.

[@Mikrowavedhampter]

THIS MAKES SO MUCH SENSE OMG

[@letolethe3344]

It only makes sense if you like lazy, unsatisfactory storytelling.

[@Koi_light]

Ahhh! Yay new vid!

[@vermileee]

I love the mental gymnastics in this one. Love it though.

[@letolethe3344]

What would be the point of the body swap? Why would they do that? How does this "help protect each other"? What evidence is there that Crowley is more powerful? Yes, he could read Gabriel's file, but we don't know that Aziraphale wouldn't be able to. Plus, Crowley just got through saying he had no interest in going to heaven.

[@FrolleinFroschbein]

Well, Aziraphale is a principality, and while we don't know what Crowley was, Muriel says that the files can only be opened by "Throne, dominion or higher". Therefore, Crowley must have been one of that ranks, even if he had the password, he wouldn't have been able to open the file otherwise.

[@FranziskaS6364]

Another thing to consider: In season 1 the body swap (and thanks for explaining that it was actually an appearance swap) was kind of a major plot twist. Not to the main story of averting Armageddon, but to Crowley and Aziraphale's plot. It also stands out because it's not from the novel. We also know that the plot for season 3 was planned by Terry and Neil a long time ago. If a body swap was to play a major role in season 3, would Neil already have used it in season 1? I think not, because this would spoil what would otherwise have been a real plot twist in season 3.

[@pikaboubou]

Super long comment/ending rant incoming: 100% believe that all of Crowley's actions were just genuine feelings and desperation to keep Aziraphale with him. No body swap. No tricks. Just genuine confessions. As for Azi, I've stated time and again that he's faking his happiness in this scene and is actually super scared for Crowley, himself, and the world. (I posted a video on this, too, but I'm not going to plug it) There might be some tricks with the Bentley, or maybe some mouthing before he goes in the elevator, but I honestly believe that the entire confession scene is just both of them trying to figure out how to stay together while executing their true plans. Aziraphale knows heaven can't be stopped upfront, and plans to dissolve it from within, but Crowley believes that they can solve everything right where they are at currently. Both want to solve the problem, both want the same thing (to be together) but are torn on how to do that based on their own personal boundaries. Aziraphale is willing to sacrifice everything he loves to protect Crowley, while Crowley desperately wants to keep Aziraphale and the life they made for themselves. Crowley has always tried to run from heaven and hell, but Aziraphale knows that doing so will be pointless in the end. He keeps repeating "There's nowhere to go." Because yeah, God is everything, God is everywhere thus heaven is EVERYWHERE. At any point they can be uprooted and destroyed if they wrong heaven in any way. Aziraphale understands this, and I think Crowley does too, but Crowley is just going in blind because he isn't emotionally stable enough to see another way out. What if all this time, 6000 years of time, Aziraphale has been plotting out different ways to make the world and heaven a better place? Just like Crowley has been agonizing over all of the probabilities of punishments over them getting caught, Aziraphale has also been thinking the same but figuring out strategies to mitigate it? Aziraphale was always carefree with Crowley, while Crowley was constantly looking over his shoulder. Just like in the bookshop when it was being raided, Aziraphale was calm and composed for the most part because he had a backup plan that Crowley didn't know about. That smile at the end? Aziraphale realizing that he has countless opportunities at his fingertips. On earth as a principality he (and Crowley) had managed to best heaven and hell, but with this new power and higher clearance he realises how much more he can actually do. You thought that Aziraphale and Crowley's combined power was crazy before? Add that Supreme Archangel power to the mix. They are going to be like an ethereal super-nuke. Unless, you know, Crowley is too upset to join back up with his favorite angel, but I assume that will change with some coaxing... maybe a lot of coaxing... Either way, both Crowley and Aziraphale are now at archangel status (I'm 99% sure Crowley was an archangel before he fell), and this finale is going to be ridiculous, but I have faith 😅

[@ART-ificial]

I highly doubt it's a body swap, both of them stay in character, apart from that elevator smile, they both seem devastated after the kiss and very much in character. I think Aziraphale just came up with a perfect plan in the elevator or at least he thinks he did :)

[@letolethe3344]

I think his mind was being erased as he was riding up to heaven. I think heaven wasn't going to risk another Gabriel incident happening.

[@ART-ificial]

@@letolethe3344 maybe..

[@slateportraichu5416]

Ahhh, this theory makes so much sense=) I love how clever this fandom is=) Hugging you all gently=)

[@Rosewood_Roads]

Maybe the kiss was to make sure The Metatron wasn't watching? They might have kissed so that they could be sure that he wasn't spying on them and they could swap without him knowing? Straight after the kiss, Aziraphale looked out the window instantly, so maybe he was waiting for The Metatron to burst in? Either way, still so excited for Season 3!

[@xine1972]

As we know, the two of them in one body "probably would explode", but maybe another possibility would be a kind of a half miracle, this time a double half swap miracle, maybe. Each splitting up into both bodies, so that one half of each go to heaven together really strong in Aziraphales body, AND the other halves stay together in the Crowley-body on earth, also verrry strong. Wild theory, I know ;)

[@Sendarya]

Like the TV show "Severence"?

[@xine1972]

@@Sendarya sorry, I don't know the show you mentioned, generally I do not watch so much TV, but was kind of forced into Good Omens last summer, by my child... 8)

[@xine1972]

I thought about dissociative identity disorder (multiple personality disorder), it also would explain the signs of amnesia both characters show from time to time.

[@deafLDgirl]

This reminds me of how I feel about reading or watching whodunit mysteries. I don’t try to figure it out as I go along, I just enjoy the story and the surprise at the end. Color me impressed by the analysis details, but I don’t personally think it’s a body swap. I’d heard the theory before and always brushed it off, and this was the first time I was *almost* thinking it might be.

[@LauraSmith-t6e]

The "clues" and evidence shared for the swap theory are very interesting! And there's probably some kind of meaning there. Even still, trying to hear the evidence with an open mind, I can't get on board with the theory. Character development and story structure will always take precedent in high-quality shows imo. And I do think the swap undermines their development. I think they act out of character at the end as a way of showing how unprecedentedly devastated and/or scared they are. I mean, another time we see Crowley stock still is after he returns from hell in the 19th century, scared and asking for holy water

[@LauraSmith-t6e]

I think a lot of what happened was a setup for the prestige part of the magic trick that will pay off in season 3

[@Sendarya]

Excellent points, and I do agree about the character development and story structure

[@flippetskater]

You know - I never noticed that the clock's time moved forward 15 minutes. HOWEVER, I did notice that when Crowley is standing against the Bentley, his watch is VERY prominent. And I couldn't assign a particular meaning to it, so I let it go (having completely forgotten that messing with time is one of his specialties). Also, while yes, the clock IS and has always been simply part of the set and part of the background - having it quite visible over Crowley's shoulder in what's arguably the most important 15 minutes of the show, can't possibly be an accident. And also - it's the final 15 minutes of the show, AND it's 15 minutes that the clock moves. I think it's logical to assume a connection there, as well. SOMEthing sleight-of-hand happened in those 15 minutes, and logically, in the last 15 minutes from our perspective, as well. I think that the watch being so prominent is our "clue" - look at the time.

[@letolethe3344]

Nope. None of that means anything. You're just fixating on meaningless details and seeing what you've already decided you want to see.

[@netherfield2000]

I love this deep dive. Wouldn't it be fantastic if we had seen a bit of the underside of Aziraphale's jacket lapels when Crowley releases them from his death grip. And they were red! AKA Season 1 swap!

[@Thing1meetsThing2]

These are all so entertaining. But I don't care what happened as long as the ineffable husbands get back together

[@DarlaTri]

I love curling up in this world but if I were to bet on canon, they did not switch. Azi needs to grow up and this is the only way for him to do that. So heartbreaking but I believe he will need to choose Crowley and the Earth over Heaven in the end.

[@Sendarya]

I do agree, Aziraphale in particular has some character growth to accomplish. Crowley has some things to learn as well, and it would be tragic to lose those arcs.

[@letolethe3344]

Aziraphale and Crowley both need to "grow up." I hate the way most fans blame everything on Aziraphale. They both demanded something of each other that the other couldn't give. Neither of them chose earth. They were both being terrible listeners and were both being hurtful and thoughtless to each other. Aziraphale didn't "choose heaven"--he chose to try to work to change things in heaven so that it wouldn't keep trying to destroy earth. His demand of Crowley to go back to heaven was unreasonable and unfair, but so was Crowley's demand that Aziraphale forget about protecting earth and go off with him at a moment's notice for their own selfish happiness.

[@AziraCrow4Ever]

⁠absolutely. Aziraphael was created to protect. It’s who he is at his core. Asking A to walk away is asking him to deny who he is. To be other than himself. It is impossible for him. He DOES need to evolve. It’s been his characters arc. But he can not change who he fundamentally is and walk away.

[@FranziskaS6364]

I totally agree and I think we have already seen the beginning process of Aziraphale growing up in the last episode. When he said he had a plan "but rescuing me makes him so happy", this shows that he in not as helpless as it might seem but rather chose to appear that way. Then he blows up his halo, and even if he feels uncomfortable about it I'm sure he knows what he is doing. And later when everyone is talking and he resolutely shakes that bell (and Crowley sees it through the window and is so proud), that also is very grown-up - like a parent or teacher trying to resolve a fight between young children. I can even imagine that Aziraphale isn't as naive as we think, or rather hasn't been for some time (this is my own theory/headcanon). He chose the quaint life he lives and he likes himself in that role. He is also aware Crowley likes him that way. So he keeps it up as long as possible; he is living a dream, knowing that it won't be forever. And when he says "Oh, Crowley, nothing lasts forever", he is acknowledging that now the time has come to wake up from that dream. It's not easy for him, we can see him struggle with his decision, but in the end he does the 'right' thing, the responsible thing. He has always been the responsible one, unlike Crowley who would rather run away, and in that regard Aziraphale was always more mature than Crowley. So what do they have to learn? Aziraphale needs to learn that Heaven and Hell are not the same as good and evil. He thinks that he is good because angels are good by definition. And he sees that Crowley isn't evil, and concludes he cannot be a real demon, but is still the angel he was. He has to learn to see Crowley as what he is (a demon) and accept him that way. Crowley, on the other hand, needs to learn to take responsibility.

[@marzettik]

Theories are a fun and creative outlet for the fandom to keep talking about their favorite show. I like both theories, personally. I just can't wait to see the final 90 to see what shenanigans our ineffable husbands get into. Wouldn't it be nice if we got a wedding at the end? But wait, after 6000 years, are they common law?!😂❤

[@DarkBandicoot]

I don't think they swapped. I think the point of the final 15 is what we see, at least for the most part. I believe there might be more going on we didn't see yet, but I still believe it's Crowley and Aziraphale as we see them. I think the point IS the breakup. Despite their thousands of years of friendship, they are still lacking in communication and understanding of each other. The final 15 wasn't pleasant for either of them, and left angry and saddened with each other. I believe the final 90 minutes is going to truly show the audience that they are an US, without thinking about outside forces or influence. All that aside, I would just find it strange if they did another swap, because it feels a bit repetative to me.

[@katpiercemusic]

I never subscribed to the body swap theory. The idea of it kind of irritated me because relying on the same twist plot device twice in a row would be extremely lazy writing in my opinion. However, you lay out some good points that I hadn't considered. I'm not visually astute. I didn't notice the clock. I did notice the smile and some of the other body language. I still think Aziraphale is an extremely unreliable narrator in his account of his conversation with the Metatron. This has me thinking that maybe Crowley picked up on Aziraphale's caginess and that, for once, he understood what it meant. Maybe he did stop time and gave Aziraphale a chance to explain things, away from the Metatron. Maybe that makes it all the more tragic because that would suggest that Crowley relented to some extent. He knows Aziraphale has not fallen for heaven's line again, but he has to go up anyway. Less tragic because even though they are apart, at least Crowley doesn't feel abandoned. The smile might have been Aziraphale channeling some of Crowley's fuck shit up energy that he will need to do what needs to be done. His look after the kiss could have been him for once really being conflicted about doing what's right. He knows he has to go to Heaven for whatever reason, but he's REALLY considering saying screw it and just staying with Crowley.

[@letolethe3344]

There are explanations for all the so-called "evidence" these people are raising. They just can't stand that Aziraphale, a character they liked, did something didn't like, so they're grasping at anything that would explain away all his character development over the season. It would be dumb, lazy writing and it would reduce the entire final 15 minutes, and all of Aziraphale's character development and Michael Sheen's fine acting to garbage.

[@katpiercemusic]

In the very first episode of season 2 in the coffee shop he observes "This was your 'something's wrong' voice." He didn't recognize that voice in season one after Aziraphale discovered Adam's address. In fact they make it pretty clear that Crowley is bad at reading when Aziraphale is hiding things. He does recognize it in season 2. It means he probably would recognize Aziraphale's 'something's wrong' voice when he recounts his conversation with the Metatron. He knows Aziraphale is hiding something. That would further lend to the stopping time theory... to find out what Aziraphale hasn't disclosed to him, or to the audience. Still don't think they swapped.

[@ΈλεναΜαυροπούλου-τ6ω]

Love the theory, but when they "switched back" in the park, we could actually see them changing their appearance! That's why they looked around first to see if someone was looking! If a body switch happened during the kiss, should we be able to see it? I prefer the lip-reading one! I don't want to destroy the heart breaking emotions from the final 15! As masochistic as that may sound!😅

[@Sendarya]

No it's not masochistic, I think it's just emotionally invested I feel the same way!

[@nicoledezzutti7455]

Anyone notice Crowley driving away slowly? When has he ever driven slowly? He doesn’t, but Aziraphale does

[@LisaBeta-42]

AND he is recomending a book to Muriel - does he even read, normally?😅

[@Allegro11Maestoso]

​@@LisaBeta-42the recommendation happens before the kiss though

[@AziraCrow4Ever]

Crowley has no where to go. He has been living in his car. His life revolving at round Aziraphael and the bookshop. Now he has nothing.

[@robinfarrar3493]

Didn’t Neil Gaiman say that the kiss wasn’t intended to be romantic? Not that it couldn’t be, that they can have romantic feelings towards each other, but that THAT wasn’t the reason for the kiss?

[@robinfarrar3493]

If so, that puts the body glamor theory that much closer to being possible.

[@FranziskaS6364]

Don't know if he said it, but if he did I would interpret it in a different way. A kiss is something humans do to show affection/love. But it doesn't has to be romantic love. There are other forms of love (think about parental love or how someone loves a pet). Neil might have meant exactly this.

[@adeledeveaux8238]

love this theoryyyyyyyy so well presentedddddd!!!!!

[@letolethe3344]

Sorry, this one is just too abstruse for me. I feel like some "fans" spend more time fixating on minute background details than they do appreciating the show's rich themes, characters, acting, humor, and other elements that are plain to see. What's the purpose of this type of theorizing? To guess ahead of time so you can say you were cleverer than everyone else?

[@FranziskaS6364]

Relax! 🙂(And I do mean that as a very friendly and respectful reminder because you seem a little on edge regarding this theory) Everyone is different, so if some fans' way to engage with the show means going through it frame by frame to find Clues (and, yes, that is a capital C), so be it. It doesn't mean they don't appreciate the more obvious things. Besides, those fans are also likely to find some easter eggs that others (like me) might have missed. I don't think they do it just so they can say "told you so" afterwards. They are probably just having fun, or they saw something on their umpteenth rewatch they hadn't seen before and they get exited and start to dig deeper. And having a close look on scenes or props can also be seen as a form of appreciation. Don't forget that everything we see is there because someone put it there. Personally, I think this is one of the more conclusive theories. I don't mean I believe a body swap what happend, but I can see why some fans think it did or deem it possible. In fact, I don't really believe in any theory. What I do believe is that Terry and Neil came up with a good story. Meanwhile, I have started to regard theories as interesting ideas: WHAT IF they swapped? WHAT IF the coffee was messed with?... Things that can be explored, even if I don't like them, and especially if they are unlikely to happen anyway. This has helped me to be more relaxed when it comes to those theories.

[@mackenziedrake]

It would also put Crowley among the archangels again, where he wasn't entirely unwelcome, at least among the record keepers. IIRC, Heaven is prepping for the Second Coming, which was temporarily derailed by Gabe and Beelz in the second season. As to the theory, I don't know. I guess we will find out.

[@DeveshiTaneja]

I love ur vids

[@Sendarya]

Well, thank you!

[@ericamacs3875]

I don't think I buy it mostly for the quality reasons, it feels like lazy storytelling and a Deus Ex Machina, literally. I think we can take the writer's word for it that the clock was a prop error, and that the kiss was a last ditch attempt to communicate. Of course he may have been trying to divert fans but it seems unlikely when those asks could have been ignored. I do think though that there must be something going on and the face journey at the end can't be for nothing. I would buy Crowley stopping time and them plotting I guess but even so it's reusing an idea from S1.

[@FranziskaS6364]

@Sendarya, I've been thinking about the leitmotifs you mentioned, because I listen to the score a lot and know it is full of leitmotifs and I would love to dive in deeper. Do you know if there is a list of leitmotifs somewhere, has anyone done that? I know all the melodies so well that I hum along, but as soon as a new motif starts I forget which one I heard before, wich makes it really hard to pinpoint them :-D

[@PatriseHenkel]

I heard a new body swap theory that I really like. Aziraphale and MURIEL swap, sending them to be supreme archangel, and Az staying in charge of the bookshop!

[@robinfarrar3493]

I like that theory, but the Metatron referred to them as the ‘Dim One’ for a reason. 😂

[@catfancier270]

Muriel isn’t really dim. You don’t have dim people check important documents. I think her confusion/lack of catching on is due to being extremely sheltered as well as neglected, not lack of native intelligence. I would love for her to know a bunch of random Earthly stuff in the finale because she read the entire bookshop. That would amuse me.

[@letolethe3344]

That makes absolutely no sense. Do you really think that Muriel could fool the Metatron, or that Aziraphale, after breaking Crowley's heart, would refuse to try and save the earth? Why would he put Crowley through all that if he was just going to stay? And how would they do the body swap?

[@FranziskaS6364]

That sound more like a fanfic than anything anyone considered as something that actually might happen in season 3. Could be a fun story

[@your_lil_witch]

Small details seem interesting and they could probably convince me, but the one thing I do not understand is why the body switch is needed. I mean, yeah, the last 15 are very weird, but the whole thing with stopping time and discussing sounds really weird too. At the least, I guess, it seems very stupid to use the same plot device twice at the end of the each season. Idk, I'm basically don't believe it.

[@Allegro11Maestoso]

There's also the absurdity of body-swapped Crowley telling Aziraphale "I forgive you" and body-swapped Aziraphale answering "Don't bother"

[@your_lil_witch]

@Allegro11Maestoso yeah, it doesn't make sense at all

[@Vc-ot1bt]

Or was it there to mess with our minds? 🤔

[@Sendarya]

Red Herring! There is a barrel of them in the intro

[@lorrainefeuerstein8546]

if they can do a small miracle, can't they do a partial body swap? i noticed the clock, because it's obvoius in the frame, but the picture is so fuzzy, I decided it didn't mean anything. Also, how could Crowley be more powerful than the Metatron, so that he could stop time and affect him? When Crowley stopped time in Season one and affected Gabriel, I assumed ihewas able to do that because Adam was a apart of it. and/or because Aziraphale was. And, if Crowley did stop time, wouldn't the clock have stopped too? Unless he had already stopped time after the girls left and that's why the clock didn't move during the scene. I don't think running is enough to stop time. I think he needs the crank. And--Book of Life? Where would Crowley get that?

[@mnkid25]

I don't believe there was any swap.

[@BytheBentley]

Some musings.....Neil knows the entire ending to the story that he and Terry created over 30 years ago....he never expected to get anything more than that one season, so much of the whole story is in that first season. So, a body swap...again....makes no literary sense. Stopping time makes a lot of sense....during the kiss where Crowley could do this, kiss Aziraphale, which if the Metatron was watching, would kind of make sense. He is aware of their relationship. Now, during this time, the plan would be concocted to finally put an end to Heaven's interference. Aziraphale would go to Heaven and set things in motion, and Crowley would set things in motion with Hell and with the humans. Christ is coming....Crowley knows who he is. I believe the reason why Aziraphale was not fiddling with his ring is that during the kiss and the planning, he finally put Heaven where he needs it to be...behind him. This is Aziraphale saving the day. Aziraphale smile is almost sinister and Crowley's stoic drive in the Bentley, they are both out of character, but they are now working as a team so each can be what the other needs....okay, I'm done. Great video Sen....as always

[@Allegro11Maestoso]

...but Aziraphale only finds out about the Second Coming *after* the kiss. What things would they be putting in motion?

[@BytheBentley]

@@Allegro11Maestoso the fact that they need to finally get rid of Heaven and Hell's interference in their lives....I think the second coming put a monkey wrench in it and that's where Aziraphale turned to Crowley and said, "trust me."

[@ADropofScottish]

Okay... my thinking would be to look at the scripts themselves, and see if any "underlying" motivations are detailed there, because the actors would need to know in order to convey the appropriate emotions. Having just seen a repost of a meme where director Douglas MacKinnon told David Tennant to "imagine the TARDIS exploded" as a motivation for the scene where the Bentley exploded, there's a lot of factors that go into such a production. I can't imagine there's a conspiracy theorist on-set to make sure all these deep, dark subplots are accurately highlighted. Maybe we're overthinking this? Can't we just sit back and enjoy a rousing story?

[@Sendarya]

Honestly, excellent points. It's not like a normal twist, if it depends on a million little details that most people would never even notice. It would be too complicated, and difficult for the actors to keep straight, as well. I hope we do get to see scripts for 2, after the finale comes out!

[@letolethe3344]

Thank you! My thinking exactly!

[@GraupeLie]

I really don't think they swapped. They've swapped appearances in s1, and while, strictly speaking, this may not be exactly the same, it's still a very similar thing - and storytelling-wise, you don't use the same trick twice.

[@MementoX1013]

It's fun to see all the connective tissue of the theory (I hadn't considered it that deeply), but I am completely against the theory as a whole for the sole reason you pointed out that it invalidates the heartbreaking emotion of the final 15. It's just not good storytelling.

[@qripuest]

Clock going ˙◠˙ me too clock me too...

[@Sendarya]

Haha, it is making the "face"!

[@captv334]

Bro this theroy makes no sense and it makes me so furious, the 15 min time jump was debunked (it was an accident on set), if they changed bodies why didn't we see the animation they showed on the first season, and the worst part of it is that it cheapens the whole show so much. Istg if somehow it ends up being cannon, i will kms /jj

[@nightowlsanonymous]

I used to disagree with the body swap theory but I have to admit I’ve become more swayed recently with all the little clues and tidbits fans have picked out as clues, it’s amazing. The final 15 *did* feel off somehow. as you say though there’s lots of evidence to the contrary so I think I’m 50/50. It would be amazing if it turns out to be true, but also it would kind of diminish the emotional punch the final 15 delivered (no show has ever made me feel like that before 😭). Maybe there’s even something no one’s spotted yet, who knows!

[@captv334]

I don't understand how you guys think this makes senseee come on 😭

[@Sendarya]

It's totally ok to oppose this theory, I suspect most of the Fandom does. I think it's extremely unlikely, but still interesting to talk about. Don't let it stress you out!

[@DeveshiTaneja]

1 min ago is crazy

[@-sinuna-6710]

[@PandaThirteen]

A part of me is like "could just be a movie error" then i remembered the grey wings. It's very possible that it was intentional with how minute the details of this show can be 🥹🥹

[@PandaThirteen]

For the clock i mean