The Best Part of 'Good Omens' Is This Love Story (2024)

Pride Month is a time of celebration and recognition, where love stories that break barriers take center stage. In the captivating world of Good Omens, the highly praised TV adaptation of the best-selling novel by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman, audiences are treated to an authentic queer love story that spans an astonishing 6,000 years, challenges stereotypes, and paves the way for meaningful representation, offering a powerful message about the validity of love beyond physicality. As the anticipation builds for the show's second season, we're taking a heartfelt trip down memory lane, savoring the profound bond between this unlikely angel and demon pair unveiled in Season 1.

Let's look back at the intricacies of Aziraphale (Michael Sheen) and Crowley's (David Tennant) relationship and exploring the significance of authentic representation that shatters stereotypes and dispels accusations of queerbaiting. With the stage set for a romantic second season, we can also look forward to see what fans can expect in the continuation of this series.

Defying Fate and Forging Bonds — A Look Back At 'Good Omens' Season 1

Prime Video's whimsical 6-part series, Good Omens, transports viewers to a delightfully bizarre universe where an angel and a demon team up to prevent Armageddon. Serving as conduits of contrasting cosmic agendas, their mission on Earth was to faithfully carry out orders from their opposing home offices and carefully shepherd the unfolding of the Apocalypse. As they traverse through a world teetering on the edge of doom, the two forge a deep connection that defies their inherent nature and transcends the confines of their celestial existence. Despite Heaven and Hell's eagerness for war, the two unlikely companions find themselves irresistibly drawn not only to humanity but to one another, compelling them to unite and embark on a valiant quest to salvage the world from impending destruction.

Following the resounding failure of Armageddon's culmination, Aziraphale and Crowley stood trial for their interference, with their fates hanging in the balance. However, through a stroke of ingenious deception, they executed a clever body swap, successfully eluding the condemnations of both Heaven and Hell. In the wake of this audacious act, their resilience struck fear into the hearts of celestial higher-ups, who decided to leave them alone to live their lives on Earth, together.

Aziraphale and Crowley's Epic Love Story Is the Heart of 'Good Omens'

Anchoring this otherworldly narrative lies the intense and persistent love shared between Aziraphale and Crowley, permeating the very essence of Good Omens. Their remarkable bond not only serves as a driving force for this popular British fantasy series but also resonates deeply with the audience, leaving an indelible mark on their hearts and minds.

Their friendship dates back to Genesis, when Crowley, in the guise of a serpent, tempted Eve with the forbidden fruit, leading to the expulsion of Adam and Eve from paradise. It was during this meeting that Aziraphale and Crowley crossed paths and watched on as Adam valiantly battled a lion with a flaming sword. After teasing Aziraphale for giving away his weapon, the two share a thought-provoking conversation, and Crowley questions the perceived malevolence of humans gaining knowledge of good and evil. This interaction planted the seeds of a deep connection that would endure thousands of years of trials.

Their unique relationship, which unquestionably carries the show, spans an unfathomable expanse of six millennia and finds its spotlight in the pivotal 3rd episode aptly titled "Hard Times," marking the midway point of season 1. Unweaving a tapestry of historical events, this episode chronicles the growth of Aziraphale and Crowley's relationship through significant moments such as Noah's Ark, the Crucifixion of Jesus, and the vibrant atmosphere of 1960s Soho. We see them cross paths in Ancient Rome, Medieval England, Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, and more, all while engaging in profound discussions on the ineffability of God's grand design. It is through these shared experiences that they build mutual trust and forge an arrangement, allowing each to perform tasks on behalf of the other, thereby saving each other time and effort. In an awe-inspiring 30-minute cold open, we witness the blossoming of their affection across the ages.

The most notable moment of this episode comes when Aziraphae presents Crowley with a thermos brimming with the coveted substance. The substance is revealed to be holy water, the demon's equivalent of a mortal's poison, which Crowley spent a considerable portion of the 19th century begging the angel for, so he could have it as "insurance" in the event that they couldn't evade The End Times. Grateful, Crowley extends an invitation to dine at the Ritz and offers to chauffeur Aziraphale home. To Crowley's surprise and disappointment, Aziraphale, who has spent a staggering 5,000+ years longing for such an invitation, expresses his reservations, lamenting that Crowley "goes too fast for him."

In a full circle moment, the season ends with the pair enjoying lunch at the Ritz, as "A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square" plays in the background, making a toast "to the world." Their world. The gesture signifies a transformative shift in their relationship, as Aziraphale no longer pushes Crowley away, and Crowley, in turn, no longer overwhelms Aziraphale with his advancements.

Is 'Good Omens' About Ineffable True Love or Queerbaiting?

In the aftermath of the show's release, fans were quick to embrace the canon pairing, affectionately labeling them the #IneffableHusbands. However, some viewers raised concerns about queerbaiting, warranting a deeper exploration of their relationship and the significance of the deliberate absence of physical intimacy in Good Omens. To truly appreciate the impact of Aziraphale and Crowley's relationship, it is essential to recognize and address the concerns that have surrounded their dynamic.

First, it's important to understand what queerbaiting actually means. Queerbaiting is a harmful marketing technique where creators hint at LGBTQ+ relationships without fulfilling their promises, often gaslighting audiences when confronted about it. However, in the case of Good Omens, the creators and cast have explicitly stated their intention to portray a genuine love story, leaving no doubt about their commitment to authentically depict Aziraphale and Crowley's connection.

Neil Gaiman, the mastermind behind Good Omens, encourages a nuanced perspective, emphasizing that angels and demons are sexless and genderless while recognizing that their identities can be interpreted as asexual, aromantic, or even transcendent of traditional gender norms. He stresses that, regardless of how fans choose to label them, their story is fundamentally a love story, which exists regardless of which form they take, and that in itself is explicitly queer. Michael Sheen and David Tennant have also confirmed their intentional portrayal of the relationship in this way.

From Crowley's insistent suggestions of "running off together" to a poignant moment in the series accompanied by Queen's "Somebody to Love" when the pair thought they had lost each other, to the recurring themes of loyalty and unwavering, unconditional support, Gaiman unapologetically penned a romantic narrative, brought to life by Sheen and Tennant's intentional performances, leaving no room for confusion when it comes to the context of their affection. When pressed for more proof on Twitter, Gaiman asserted, "I wrote it as a love story. They acted it as a love story. You saw it as a love story. How much more proof do you need?"

This portrayal from the cast and creator dispels accusations of queerbaiting and promotes a more inclusive understanding of love and relationships. The absence of traditional physical intimacy between Aziraphale and Crowley, which has led to the allegations, does not diminish the significance of their relationship. On the contrary, it has resonated positively with nonbinary, asexual, and unlabeled viewers, offering visibility and representation by presenting a powerful depiction of love that transcends gender and the need for physicality.

Mislabeling their connection as queerbaiting not only misreads the show but also misuses the term itself, diverting attention from instances where queerbaiting genuinely harms the community. It also perpetuates the idea that love can only exist within a physical context, excluding the validity of other experiences and erasing the wide range of identities encompassed by the queer spectrum. By embracing the unlabeled nature of Aziraphale and Crowley's relationship, we can celebrate the visibility and representation they provide, expanding our understanding of the diverse ways love can be experienced.

Moreover, what makes Aziraphale and Crowley's canon queer love story remarkable is that they are not defined solely by their relationship, another major error often seen with poor or forced queer representation. They are two independent beings with distinct personalities who exist outside the boundaries of humanity but choose to experience it together, finding joy in fine dining, good music, compelling books, and each other's company. Just as they cannot be confined to one side or labeled within a single human construct, their love transcends the limitations imposed by societal norms and exists as something purely unique to them. As Crowley righteously reassures Aziraphale on multiple occasions, 'We're on OUR side.'

There Are Romantic Revelations for 'Good Omens' Season 2

Good Omens presents a narrative that exceeds conventional definitions of romance, showcasing the enduring love story between Aziraphale and Crowley. Their relationship serves as a profound testament to the power of love, friendship, and loyalty while providing vital representation for underrepresented segments of the queer community. By challenging narrow perceptions of queer relationships, Good Omens urges us to embrace love in all its forms, reminding us that it knows no bounds, labels, or limitations.

With the release of tantalizing posters that tease the deepening bond between Aziraphale and Crowley, the anticipation for Season 2 soared to new heights. Deliberate heart-shaped wings, cute images of the pair sharing one chair and the incorporation of lyrics from Buddy Holly's enchanting love song "Everyday" have left fans eagerly awaiting what lies ahead. As viewers brace themselves for the next chapter, the promise of further enchantment only intensifies the palpable excitement surrounding the return of this beloved duo. Fortunately, the wait is drawing to a close, as the lyrics remind us, "Everyday, it's a-gettin' closer."

Good Omens is currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video

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