I think that regardless of whether people are saying "they killed my pookies" or "they’ll reunite across all universes," both perspectives stem from the same place: grief. The first group is in the anger stage because the characters (and world) we cherished so much were inadvertently killed by a flimsy plot device; that anger is much fair and completely understandable. On the other hand, those in the second group are bargaining. It’s a desperate need to cling to the idea that at least a trace of the characters they love still exists in some form, because trying to process it any other way is even more painful.
Both groups simply wanted the characters we love to be happy, yet they have different ways of coping with the emotional overload the finale delivered. That’s why I can understand why some people loathe even looking at Asa/Anthony without seeing them as usurpers, while others try to find some redeeming quality in them that helps make the loss bearable. Both ways of coping are understandable.
No matter what your thoughts on the matter, I imagine we all wanted a happy ending for Aziraphale and Crowley. Indisputably. And now, each in their own state of disarray, in own way, tries to find a way to move forward.
Personally, I felt more devastated by the fandom's sadness than the finale itself. I discovered Good Omens months after Season 2 was released, and people were already terribly divided over that 'final 15', split into "Team Crowley" or "Team Aziraphale", and having to experience that was really unpleasant for me. This kind of argue didn't seem to exist before; people loved both of them equally, and that situation arose on S2 solely to sow discord. I had hoped the finale might finally bring us back together, so seeing how it continued to divide people was even more painful and distressing; it actually made me stop liking both Season 2 and the finale as much as I used to.
...Aziraphale, especially, was a character who deserved more love. It is absolutely devastating that he wasn't well-developed in the narrative, that his pain and trauma were overlooked, and that he received so much hate, both after Season 2 and after the finale. Both. the character and his fans, deserved a more respectful and understanding portrayal, which never came, and that aspect of both, Season 2 and the Finale, is an outrage.
Overall, regarding the Finale itself, I never had very high expectations, considering everything that happened with the SA allegations against NG. Basically, I was prepared to resign myself whatever came out of this Finale, good or bad, because, whatever it turned out to be, it was all I was going to get to wrap up the story. Right now, I feel quite ambivalent about it, but I’m good at compartmentalizing; putting the things I love in one box and the things I hate in another, and dealing with each separately; so I can watch Season 2 and the Finale, at times only to hating the bad aspects, and at others only to appreciating the parts I liked.
Still, it deeply saddens and distresses me to know that this Finale caused pain for so many fans, to the point where they can't even bear to remember it exists, nor can they stand hearing anything about it.
On the other hand, now that nearly two months have passed, I feel like people are healing, or at least trying to find a path that feels less harrowing, whatever that looks like. And that makes me feel a little less sad.
Ultimately, the beautiful thing, both, among the cast members and within the fandom, is the meaningful bonds that have been formed. Also, Tennant and Sheen seem to have poured their hearts and souls into their performances in Good Omens, whether in Season 1, Season 2, or the Finale, and the rest of the cast did the same. Meanwhile, fans pour their hearts into fandom things at all. I love all of that and the dedication it represents.
After spending nearly two months upset over how this Finale divided the fandom yet again, today I can see how everyone is striving to bring some light into the shadows, in whatever way can.
Some have chosen to step away, while others are dedicating time to the aspects of GO they still enjoy. Whatever the case, everyone is trying to find a safe space again. I hope each of you succeeds.
I certainly still have a huge attachment, especially to Aziraphale and Crowley, who still are very much alive, well, happy, and live in a luxury penthouse in my head rent-free. But I don't know how much longer I'll stay here after all this emotional turbulence, although the journey so far has been bearable thanks to… well, thanks to the brilliant cast in this series (especially Tennant and Sheen) and the incredible fanwork from fandom: fanarts, fanfictions, fan comics, fan animatics, videos, GIFs, meta, analyses, well, all things. I am so grateful for the time I’ve shared with all of you!
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