Good Omens hit Amazon Prime Video in 2019, and it remains one of the best adaptations of Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman’s novel. The six-episode miniseries follows Aziraphale, a bookshop owner who is actually an angel, and Crowley, a demon who has spent centuries living as a gentleman farmer. They discover that Armageddon is approaching, and that the Antichrist, who was supposed to grow up to bring about the end of days, has somehow gone missing.
The show is a comedy-drama, but it is far funnier than dramatic. It is also incredibly dense, packed with jokes, references, and cameos that reward repeated viewings. It is not perfect, and it does not try to be. What it does try to be is faithful to the spirit of the book, and it succeeds at that.
Trailer, via Prime Video AU & NZ.
Aziraphale and Crowley
The heart of Good Omens is the relationship between Aziraphale and Crowley. Michael Sheen plays the angel as a nervous, chain-smoking bookseller who is constantly worried about the consequences of his actions. David Tennant plays the demon as a charming, slightly bored man who enjoys his work and his lifestyle. Together, they are a classic odd-couple pairing, but the show elevates it by making both characters morally complex.
Aziraphale is an angel who loves Earth, its people, and its pleasures. He has lived among humans for centuries and has grown attached to them. Crowley, meanwhile, is a demon who has become comfortable with his life on Earth. He enjoys his home, his cat, and his friends, and he is reluctant to leave them behind. Their shared reluctance to see the world end is what drives the plot forward.
The chemistry between Sheen and Tennant is immediate and effortless. They play off each other with a natural ease that makes their scenes feel like conversations between old friends rather than actors performing lines. Their dialogue is sharp and witty, and the show leans heavily on it. The banter is quick, clever, and often very funny, especially when the two characters are trying to outdo each other with their knowledge of obscure trivia.
The Antichrist
The Antichrist, who goes by the name Adam Young, is played by Sam Taylor-Bick. He is a normal boy growing up in a small village in England, unaware of his destiny. His parents are unaware of it too, and they treat him like any other child. The show spends considerable time establishing Adam’s character, showing his love for his family, his friends, and his dog. This makes his eventual role in the apocalypse feel more tragic than triumphant.
The show also explores the idea that the Antichrist might not be evil. Adam is kind, curious, and intelligent, and there is nothing inherently monstrous about him. The show suggests that it is the circumstances around him that could make him evil, rather than his nature. This is a departure from the book, which presents the Antichrist as a malevolent force from birth. The show’s version is more nuanced, and it makes the final act more emotionally resonant.
The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse
The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse are a group of angels who are tasked with bringing about the end of days. In the show, they are played by Josie Lawrence, Adria Arjona, Arthur Darvill, and Mark Gatiss. Each of them has a distinct personality, and the show spends time developing them as characters. Lawrence’s War is a scheming, ambitious angel who wants to win the war. Arjona’s Famine is a quiet, contemplative angel who is fascinated by human suffering. Darvill’s Pestilence is a cheerful, naive angel who is easily manipulated. Gatiss’s Death is a sardonic, cynical angel who is tired of his job.
The Horsemen are the show’s comic relief, but they are also its villains. They represent the forces of destruction, and they are the ones who are trying to find Adam and bring about the end of days. The show balances their menace with their absurdity, which makes them feel more human than terrifying. They are not monsters, but they are dangerous, and their pursuit of Adam raises the stakes.
The Supporting Cast
The show is packed with cameos and guest stars, and it is worth noting the ones that stand out. Frances McDormand plays the Witchfinder, a woman who is obsessed with finding the Antichrist. Her performance is dry and menacing, and she brings a sense of menace to her scenes. Malcolm McDowell plays the Prophet, a man who believes he is destined to lead humanity to salvation. His performance is over-the-top and hilarious, and he provides some of the show’s best moments.
There is also a cameo by an actor playing the Angel Gabriel, who appears briefly to deliver a message from Heaven. The show also includes a scene with a group of witches who are trying to stop the apocalypse. These scenes are shorter, but they add depth to the world of the show.
The Look of the Show
The show is visually stunning. It is shot on location in England, and it uses the country’s landscapes to create a sense of wonder and dread. The production design is meticulous, and it captures the details of the book’s descriptions. The show’s visual style is a mix of fantasy and realism, and it works well. The show also uses practical effects whenever possible, which makes the show feel grounded even when it is depicting supernatural events.
The show’s music is also excellent. The show’s sound design is also noteworthy, and it uses ambient sounds to create a sense of atmosphere. The show’s technical achievements are impressive, and they contribute to the overall quality of the show.
The Structure of the Show
The show is structured as a series of vignettes, each focusing on a different character or group of characters. The show jumps back and forth in time, showing events from different perspectives. This structure allows the show to explore multiple storylines simultaneously, and it creates a sense of interconnectedness between the characters. The show also uses flashbacks and flash-forwards to reveal information, which keeps the audience engaged.
The show’s pacing is uneven. Some episodes are slow and contemplative, while others are fast and action-packed. The show’s middle episodes are weaker than its opening and closing episodes, and they drag at times. However, the show’s final episode is a triumph, and it delivers a satisfying conclusion to the story.
| Episode | Focus | Strength |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aziraphale and Crowley | Strong introduction of the characters |
| 2 | Adam and his family | Character development |
| 3 | The Horsemen | Comedy and menace |
| 4 | The Witchfinder | Suspense |
| 5 | The Prophet | Humor |
| 6 | The Final Battle | Emotional payoff |
The Ending
The show’s ending is a departure from the book, and it is a bold one. The show changes the ending, and it makes a statement about the nature of faith and hope. The show’s final scenes are emotional, and they leave the audience with a sense of closure. The show’s final line is a reference to the book, and it ties the show back to its source material.
The show’s ending is also open-ended, and it leaves room for a potential sequel. Nothing has been confirmed about a second season. The show’s finale is a strong note to end on, and it sets up the possibility of a future continuation.
The Verdict
Good Omens is a triumph of adaptation. It takes a beloved book and turns it into a television series that honors its spirit while updating it for a new generation. The show is funny, moving, and visually stunning, and it features some of the best performances of the year. It is not perfect, and it has its flaws, but it is a joy to watch.
The show’s flaws are minor. Its pacing is uneven, and its middle episodes are weaker than its opening and closing episodes. The show also simplifies some of the book’s ideas, and it changes the ending. However, these flaws do not detract from the overall experience.
The show’s strengths outweigh its weaknesses. Its characters are memorable, its humor is sharp, and its production values are high. The show is a must-watch for fans of the book, and it is a strong entry in the crowded field of television adaptations.
- The performances of Michael Sheen and David Tennant are outstanding.
- The show’s visual style is stunning.
- The show’s humor is sharp and clever.
- The show’s structure is ambitious.
- The show’s ending is bold.
Good Omens is a triumph of adaptation. It takes a beloved book and turns it into a television series that honors its spirit while updating it for a new generation. The show is funny, moving, and visually stunning, and it features some of the best performances of the year. It is a joy to watch, and it deserves its reputation as one of the best shows of its year.
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