Good Omens is bigger than Neil Gaiman – it belongs to its fans

Good Omens is bigger than Neil Gaiman – it belongs to its fans

As a long-time fan of fantasy and a critic who’s seen his fair share of series adaptations, I must say that the news about Good Omens has left me with a mix of feelings. On one hand, I’m disappointed that we won’t get more of the magical journey we’ve grown to love. But on the other, I’m reminded of the old saying: “The show must go on,” and in this case, it will.


Following the announcement that Good Omens won’t continue with Season 3 but instead concludes in a single 90-minute episode, it’s natural that many fans feel disappointed.

Of course, we’ve eagerly been waiting for another installment of the enchanting universe we’re fond of, a sequel that expands on the storyline, delving into what transpires following the stunning Season 2 climax where Aziraphale (Michael Sheen) and Crowley (David Tennant) went their separate ways.

However, due to well-known circumstances, things didn’t turn out as planned. Following allegations of sexual misconduct from five individuals (which he firmly refutes), Neil Gaiman has parted ways with the project. Although he played a role in the final episode, he won’t be involved in its production anymore. A replacement writer is stepping in to wrap up the storyline, which means the show will conclude sooner than expected.

Undeniably, giving due consideration to the allegations is crucial. Simultaneously, it’s understandable for fans of the show to feel disappointed that they may not receive the complete ending they had anticipated.

Keep in mind that the story of Good Omens transcends individual personalities. From its conception, the novel was a collaborative effort between Neil Gaiman and the late Sir Terry Pratchett. Their daughter Rhianna, along with Rob Wilkins who manages his estate, have been instrumental in preserving Pratchett’s legacy throughout every step of the story. On the set of Good Omens, Pratchett’s presence is palpable, from the ever-present hatstand in Aziraphale’s bookshop to the portrait of him that overlooks patrons in the Dirty Donkey pub.

Good Omens is bigger than Neil Gaiman – it belongs to its fans

Though I never got to witness Terry Pratchett in person during the filming of Good Omens, his influence on the final episode is undeniable. The storyline is crafted to breathe life into a conversation he and Gaiman had many years ago about the future of Crowley and Aziraphale, a topic that feels like it was shared with me directly.

It hasn’t been officially announced who was instrumental in keeping Good Omens going beyond season 2, but it’s likely that Rhianna Pratchett and Rob Wilkins played significant roles. They may have helped prevent the series from being cancelled completely, thus preserving Sir Terry Pratchett’s legacy once more. With a concluding episode, viewers will get to witness the vision for these characters that Sir Terry Pratchett had almost 10 years after his passing – and there’s certainly a sense of enchantment in bringing this to life.

Good Omens is bigger than Neil Gaiman – it belongs to its fans

Besides the cast, many have put in countless hours on this series. From listening to Tennant and Sheen discuss Good Omens, it’s evident that their affection for the show runs deep. Previously, Sheen shared about the extraordinary response from fans, particularly towards the season 2 finale where Aziraphale and Crowley confessed their feelings to one another. It’s quite apparent that this project has been a heartfelt endeavor for these two actors, and it seems they will be able to give some resolution to the characters in the final episode.

Speaking about the team responsible for both the on-screen action and creative aspects, they undoubtedly encountered a challenging maze of doubts when filming was halted earlier this year. The production of Good Omens is unique in that it always seems to surpass other shows with its exceptional level of dedication, precision, and commitment to detail.

In a few examples, costume designer Kate Currin spared no effort to infuse vibrancy, creativity, and a hint of enchantment into the wardrobe for season 2. Meanwhile, set designer Michael Ralph cleverly incorporated symbolic nuances within Aziraphale’s bookshop. Interestingly enough, that very bookshop was tragically destroyed at the finale of season 1, but has been painstakingly restored for the second season. Many members of the crew have exceeded expectations to bring the magic to life, and they deserve just as much credit for the series as well.

Initially, it’s crucial to acknowledge the fans, as they have been instrumental in keeping the show running. For some, the news of a 90-minute episode might be a letdown. However, a silver lining emerges: the series is finally concluding, which is a rarity these days amidst the era of streaming content.

Instead of ending the series after season 2, given that our angel and demon were destined to be apart for good, Prime Video could have chosen to do so. However, I am convinced that whatever happens in the 90-minute finale, the Good Omens fanbase will ensure the story’s continuation – through watch parties, creating art, writing fan fiction, dressing up as characters for cosplays and other means.

Since its inception, Good Omens has consistently transcended the boundaries of individual creativity, and this concluding part will serve as an enduring testament to that fact. The series is, has been, and forever will be a collective endeavor, cherished by its audience. After the finale episode, it’s the fans who will hold its destiny.

Read More

2024-10-25 17:33