Yet another “BoL is not a BoL” theory
While the idea that the book of life can remove someone from ever having existed, we've all sometimes wondered if this would be a complicated and inconvenient plot twist. How to remove The Serpent of Eden? The Angel with the Flaming Sword? Gabriel? The reality will be just destroyed. Who ever said that BoL really works like that?
My hypothesis: Book of Life doesn’t remove your existence. It just turns an angel into a demon. Its kinda a registry of angels.
I insist that GO!Book of life is inspired by Milton's Paradise Lost. Let's open Paradise Lost, which mentions the BoL:
Their great Commander—godlike Shapes, and Forms
Excelling human; princely Dignities;
And Powers that erst in Heaven sat on thrones,
Though on their names in Heavenly records now
Be no memorial, blotted out and rased
By their rebellion from the Books of Life.
There it is clearly mentioned that it is the damned who were erased from the BoL, because of the battle. Now they still exist, but as demons. Also the lines about Satan:
Satan; so call him now, his former name
Is heard no more in Heaven
This hypothesis explains some strange moments for me in S2. I am going to look at them carefully below, and also try to fit contradicted facts into it. Facts -> Questions -> Speculations.
1. Extreme Sanctions
Fact - Beelzebub was warned about BoL.
M: I'm not saying Hell is complicit in this. I'm not saying anyone is complicit. I'm just saying if anyone is found helping him, we are prepared to use Extreme Sanctions.
B: Extreme sanctions?
M: Yes. Book of life.
The question - if BoL is harmless against demons, why does Michael use it as an argument? And why did B begin to act immediately? Also I am wondering if Michael's saying like Bz is always knowing what's happened. No mentions of Gabriel and vanishing.
The speculation - I think, Bz could just worry about Gabriel and what could happen if he falls. Also, the fallen Archangel can be dangerous for Hell too. OR Michael was the only one who knows that BoL doesn't remove anyone.
2. Generalized understanding
Fact - Beez immediately tells Crowley about BoL. And they look frightened.
The question - why? Beez is usually pretty calm, in contrast to other fiery demons like Shax or Hastur. Look at B/Gab in ep6 and how calm they are together. Like. Imagine that you and love of your life are in danger and near of powerful demons and angels and you are just standing and don’t give a fuck.
The speculation - I think that could be just a spectacle for Crowley. It's kinda obvious for them that such an important (for the history) archangel cannot be simply removed from the whole timeline.
3. To frighten the cherubs
Fact - Beez is talking to Crowley personally and talks about how the BoL works.
The question - isn’t it obvious for every immortal being? Removing the existence is a serious threat. And why did they talk to him? Why not just notify through Shax or radio? Or why didn't they tell Shax and Crowley together?
The speculation - take a look at the way Beez is speaking. As a demon they try to manipulate him. They frighten with their own power (“i could put a price on your head “), they tempt (“You could be a Duke of Hell”), they flatter (“you know Earth better than anyone”). Finally, they frighten him with someone serious and make an accent in the work of BoL. I don’t think Crowley doesn't know about its functions. I think that could be a threat for Azi addressed to Crowley. Do what you have to do, otherwise your friend can fall.
4. Aziraphale, what have you done
Fact - Crowley doesn’t ever think about humans or himself. He rushes to Azi in panic.
The question - why didn’t he tell him about BoL?
The speculation - he could suspect that B lies. I also assume that B’z know that existence removal is bullshit, but Crowey doesn’t, so he just didn't want to scare Azi. And I assume that Crowley was clearly understanding that B lies, and understanding, that this is the threat for Azi.
5. You will never have existed, Aziraphale
Fact - Michael wants to remove Azi.
The question - I mean, there were 4 people who helped Gab - Gab himself, Beez, Crowley and Azi. And Michael chooses only one. Why Azi? If they’ve decided to remove helpers, why only Azi? Even without Crowley.
The speculation - Azi is the one who is in danger. They can do nothing with Crowley and B - they ve already fallen , and their names have already been erased, and Michael knows it. They can “drop” Gab, but Gab made it clear that he doesn't care. And Azi. The only one who really cares about being an angel. Falling would be really traumatizing for Azi, it would destroy him mentally. He is the only one who has something to lose.
Why is it all important?
I want to say, that according this theory the Book Of Life is 100% useless for demons - their names are already erased. Speaking of angels....Michael can drop Azi into the Hell, but not a destroy.
There also could be a discussion about memory and identity erasing after the Fall here, but i am not so compenent for that. Instead, I offer you to think how can this fact be revealed in the plot of the finale.
Ah and thank you for the help darlings! @ineffable-detective-agency, @embracing-the-ineffable, @noneorother, @kimberleyjean, @lookingatacupoftea, @somehow-a-human, @maufungi, @havemyheartaziraphale, @theastrophysicistnextdoor, @dunkthebiscuit, @ghstptats, @251-dmr, @commonmexicanname, @eybefioro, @beebopboom













