First of all, it is a film in memory of Sir Terry Pratchett.
How to interpret the gradual disappearance of things from reality, from the Book of Life, memory; then reality itself, then the empty pages of Aziraphale's books (and even Dickens!), and the Good Omens Universe itself… How else can this be perceived, if not as a metaphor for the author's death?
***
Perhaps the finale was Terry Pratchett's faith. Faith in the humanity of people who have freedom of will and choice. And with it responsibility. Without shifting this responsibility to "higher powers". People will not blame or hope for God or Satan (and I'm talking about the art aspect of the film now, not theology). And if, in the end, people destroy their world, then by themselves, and not according to the Grand Plan…
If I may say so, then this is a more "adult" state of humanity.
The transition from need in a system of "control and punishment" to responsible choice is this is the maturation of humanity.
And, I'm not a gambling person, but I would bet that people won't cope. Not because they are good or bad. But because they are different. And this can be both a strength and a weakness.
Crowley's idea, and their joint decision with Aziraphale to "give people a chance in a new reality", is naive (?). And how can such clever beings be so naive in their faith in people? Yes, this is a quote ("You're so clever. How can someone as clever as you be so stupid?") from Crowley, which he said to Aziraphale in the first season.
The new concept of the world raises many absurd, rhetorical questions (and possible ideas for headcanons)
Well, if there is no God in the new reality, and the usual laws of physics or metaphysics work, do religions exist then? I think so. Because people tend to create systems for control, dictatorships, struggle for resources… They don't need a god for this.
And do there exist, for example, people with supernatural abilities in this reality? Such as Agnes or her descendant Anathema. Unlikely. And if so, then this is a wonderful "loophole", a "window" for ethereal-occult magic. And there is a possibility of reviving the Book of Life and rewriting the Universe, returning Aziraphale and Crowley…
Honestly, I'm not thrilled with the idea that Aziraphale and Crowley meet each time in each Universe. It's so tiring! Imagine, every time, in each version, living your 6,000-year history of relationships in an abbreviated human version, one way or another, in one version or another, again, again, and again. And never being together, as it was in the first version! Can it work differently? And since they have freedom of choice, can they change, correct their mistakes, build relationships differently, and ultimately be happy? Because that is also a choice.
I needed, expected "сomfort media", and got something more…
And yes, I was expecting open questions, not ready-made answers. And I got them too.
Thanks, both for them and for the hints in the details of the film.
But I don't think it's right to discuss canons on social media.
And regarding headcanons, the (really good) question of the author of the post, I have a version of the answer:
Perhaps at that moment Aziraphale and Crowley were outside the "space-time" dimension. They are in a location called the Center of the Universe with the Eternal Flame, which is most likely the last to go out. And they still had the opportunity to travel to the only preserved place, the only preserved page from the Book of Life - their bookstore. The video sequence shows that the cosmos disappears sequentially (one nebula, then another, etc.) That is, empty darkness, nothingness, - did not come in one moment, when the Book of Life was burned. There were still a few seconds to get to the bookstore…
Okay, another question: how did they get there, to the Center of the Universe?? On the Bentley (this is one of my favorite scenes💖)!
Let's remember that GO is not science fiction. That is, not a BBC documentary about space, but genre film. Where every interpretation can be correct.
And also, are you trying to find flaws in the plot, or are you trying to formulate deeper questions about life and the structure of space that will solve your emotional problems? Because I understand that there are many such questions.
Let's remember that the production of Good Omens ended a long time ago. This is usjust saw the film (almost a week ago). People are not sitting with a script in their hands or at the editing of the film now to answer our questions.
Good Omens 3: Reactions, highlights, questions and reflections on the finale
‼ Сontain spoiler for GO3
First of all, I’d like to thank the entire production team behind Good Omens 3 once again! You’ve done an incredible job!
Secondly, I have some questions about the story itself and the characters. But I’ll start with the controversial points.
I have no complaints about the screenwriters. I thought the dialogue and structure were brilliantly crafted. For example, the dialogue between Azirafel and Mrs Sandwich is very powerful… I’m not exaggerating when I say that I’ve been waiting my whole life for dialogue, as like that in the scenes featuring the Goddess, Satan, Azirafel and Crowley. I haven’t seen that kind of meta-level in other media.
I also understand the disappointment over the film’s shorter running time. But some people are manipulating this. Running time does not equal quality! And when I read that the film is being criticised for its ‘truncated’ running time… If there had been more time, there would have been more scope for the plot. Well, yes. But that’s not a question of the film’s quality (the end result); it’s a question of the story’s potential. And that potential, well, yes – it’s great.
Highlights (there are more, but that’s it for now)
About Jesus. I really loved Bilal Hasna’s performance and his final lines! Is his storyline complete? Did the role need more screen time? Maybe. Or maybe we’re all just used to the character of Jesus being a ‘superhero’, a ‘mission’, the central figure. But here we have a new, almost opposite narrative. Perhaps that was the idea? And this that the completeness and integrity of his storyline?
Archangel Michael is the antagonist. I was genuinely struck by Doon Mackichan’s monologue in the scene leading up to the destruction of the Book of Life. It evoked a very complex range of emotions. From ‘Am I supposed to view this character negatively?’ - to genuine sympathy. And even further: to the feeling that I agree with Michael on some moments (in they motives, not actions). And I’d like to explore this further. But here’s the question: which version of Michael was happier? When they was an archangel, or when they became a human (a barman in a pub)?..
Reactions to the film's ending
Reaction #1 (a human, emotional one).
Right, I want to ask the characters Azirafiel and Crowley:
What the hell was that? An act of self-sacrifice or an act of suicide?! 😭 Right, I’ll tell. You know, I think you’re a selfish bastards. Because, why would I want your self-sacrifice if I need you here, happy in the cottage?!💔
Reaction #2: (moment of despair) Eternal love in the Multiverse. That's a really great, beautiful idea! As a metaphor.
But for me, Aziraphale and Crowley's love was valuable not in the abstract,
but because of: the specific 6,000 years, the specific jokes, the specific Bentley, the specific "angel", the specific quarrels, the specific care…
Not the "idea of love".
Namely their love.
(a moment of hope) If we follow the logic of the headcanon regarding the Multiverse—that versions of Aziraphale and Crowley exist not only in this reality, at different times, but also in other realities across the infinite cosmos… Then, hypothetically, there is a possibility that their original reality must exist, where Aziraphale is an angel and Crowley is a demon. That is how the concept of the Multiverse works. And if such a reality exists, then please, send me there! Because I don’t need this reality of ours without them.
(thanks for 🤯)
Reaction #3.
It's good that Crowley was an optimist. I tried to find a positive moment in all this. There is one!
It's freedom of choice. Aziraphale and Crowley (for the first time) made their own choices and decisions. Maybe I have to accept their choices. And let them go. 😭💔 Because they did.
They did what they've been doing the whole series: chose people.
***
(parallels) How can we know what’s best for them?
A divorce at the end of the second season? When they didn’t have much of a choice, but they had their memories. Memories of the pain of loss, of disappointment, but also of the value of their relationship… They remembered ‘us’!
Or now, when the opposite is true: they have more choice (like free will in humans), but no memory. They are not immortal.
And the fandom is now literally arguing between two very old philosophical positions:
"Love is more important than form"
If souls still find each other - then it's them.
Even without memory.
"Personality is memory"
If there are no memories, experiences, common history - then these are already different people.
And both positions have the right to exist.
***
The final scene in the pub, when everyone has become human and the former angels and demons are chatting freely with one another, - is one of the most powerful moments. It’s both a brilliant directorial choice and a masterful piece of cinematography to show us a portrait of Terry Pratchett at that very moment…
And about the details. There are a lot of them. Pay attention to the details, don't scroll the film. Because some people need a "final kiss" to confirm the canonicity of the couple. And others notice the details and strong nonverbal communication between the characters. And each of these expectations is OK.
So many details and layers of meaning! And that’s precisely what makes Good Omens so special: it gives us plenty of scope for different interpretations and expectations.
And if some, someone's expectations weren't met, does that mean the film is bad?
Are you evaluating your emotions or the film that evoked these contradictory, complex, and yet such strong emotions, reactions, and reflections?
Is the ending perfect? Yes. It is perfect.
Do I agree with that ending? No.
I don't consider a happy end world in which the characters have lost themselves for the sake of others to be a happy ending.
And I'm back to reaction #3 again.
(photo: concept art, don't remember where copied it)
And when I say "ending", mean the story itself! Not the film's production (thank you, Good Omens 3 team! You're the best!😘)
Let's respect each of our reactions.
Let's not react to the devaluation of something that is so important. Because there is constructive criticism. And there is stupid hate. Don't react to the latter.
I watched GO3 back on May 13, but I'm not ready to write anything yet… I can't formulate 😭 Emotional collapse.
The GO fandom needs each other's support right now.
"It was a nice day.
All the days had been nice. There had been rather more than seven of them so far, and rain hadn't been invented yet. But clouds massing east of Eden suggested that the first thunderstorm was on its way, and it was going to be a big one."
And one more quote: "It starts, as it will end, in a garden."…
Rachel Talalay discusses working alongside David Tennant and Michael Sheen to honor the Good Omens legacy in the series finale.
Good Omens Season 3 is in safe hands, namely those of Rachel Talalay.
The upcoming ninety-minute made-for-television movie marks the end of this beloved fantasy book adaptation.
Led by David Tennant as Crowley and Michael Sheen as Aziraphale, the series finale follows the angel and the former demon as they prepare for the Second Coming.
I recently had the opportunity to speak with the director and executive producer of Good Omens Season 3, Rachel Talalay, about the finale.
With an impressive directorial roster that includes shows like Doctor Who, Talalay was the perfect choice for directing the series finale.
She had previously been contacted to direct Season One, but had to pass at the time. However, even before then, she has been a lifelong fan.
“I read the book and been completely taken by the book. So, I’m a hardcore fan from the very beginning,” she said.
In addition to her love for the source material, Talalay also credited her adoration of “British offbeat humor” for her feeling drawn to the project.
She importantly mentioned being drawn to the “love story” between Crowley and Aziraphale, as well as to the “universality of the angel-devil” dynamic, which she also attributes to why the show is the source of so much fanfiction.
Given that the Good Omens universe literally spans from Heaven to Hell, Talalay thoughtfully considered the scale of the series finale.
“We fought quite hard to make sure that there was the opening that was outside the rest of the story,” she said. “Having had to compress it into a shorter period of time, we still felt it was really important to open up that world.”
Squeezing an entire season into ninety minutes still required some sacrifices.
According to Talalay, most of the “tangential” storylines and characters unfortunately ended up on the chopping block.
“There’s a whole storyline that came out when it got condensed,” she clarified. “And some of it was people weren’t available, and so we couldn’t do them anyway.”
Luckily, most of the original Good Omens production crew returned for Season 3, and Talalay cited their support in getting the ending right.
While the finale operates on such a large scale, she never lost sight of the essential question: “You always come down to, what is the story about?”
Her answer to that question is Crowley and Aziraphale’s relationship, or, as she referred to, “Aziracrow.”
I loved how enthusiastic Talalay was to talk about the two beloved characters.
She dove into the process of crafting their arc, particularly how she felt the “safest” with the Aziraphale-Crowley storyline thanks to Tennant and Sheen.
Talalay gave the actors credit for helping the show be as strong as possible, even during the rehearsal process.
“They are the keepers of their characters and the storyline,” she said. “They were very specific about how to mold each scene so that the growth and the trajectory of the storyline were as strong as possible.”
After going over scenes on their own first, Tennant and Sheen frequently came in and offered their input.
Talalay added, “They would come in and say, ‘Can I change this? What about this?’ And we would massage it even further.”
She also pointed to their “incredible ability” to portray subtle shifts in emotion, as they deliver memorable performances that drive the storytelling home.
An important priority for Talalay was balancing humor and heartfelt emotion in Good Omens Season 3.
“It’s such a specific humor, but there’s no guide to that. You just have to go with your instincts, your understanding, and what you like, and then what you feel has worked for the show,” she said.
Talalay has many fond memories of working on the Good Omens series finale, but one of her favorites is the ice cream truck moment.
In the scene, Crowley is holding two ice cream cones. Talalay recalled Tennant asking, “Do I do a Crowley thing where I just chuck them?” to which she answered, “That feels right.”
On the first try, Tennant threw the ice cream cones into the air, but the camera caught only one landing.
The other one? Well, Talalay heard Tennant scream before she saw where it landed.
Chuckling, she recalled, “The ice cream had come out and hit him smack in the back!”
By the end of the interview, I was more than certain that there’s nobody I’d rather have directed the finale than Talalay.
As a long-time fan of the series, I could tell that her fondness for the story and the characters meant that her approach to the finale was one fueled by care and a desire to make sure Crowley and Aziraphale get the ending they deserve.
Second: Please, really, to tags potential spoilers. With respect to those who care about keeping the plot intrigue.
Third: This is brilliant! I can't stop thinking about possible movie scenes, because of the soundtracks titles. There's so much for interpretations and creativity here! ✨💞💫
(I saved it for my own reflection, because the tracklisting was removed)