Good Omens is a light and funny read that has gained popularity in recent TV shows, particularly the Troll Bridge short movie adaptation. The novel, written by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman, features a quirky, sarcastic tone with dry and dark humor. The second season of Good Omens, which premiered on Amazon Prime Video on July 28, is a full-blown love story, with Sheen’s angel playing a lovestruck angel.
The series revolves around best friends trying to save the world and each other, with Gaiman’s Good Omens staying focused on its star-crossed OTP. The show is a blend of drama and humor, with the writers being two of the brightest lights in modern fantasy. The streaming version has likely boosted the show’s popularity.
Good Omens strikes a masterful balance between comedic moments and insightful commentary on human nature, sending a message that life is a glorious mishmash of good, evil, and everything in between. It reminds us that even in a universe teetering on the brink of apocalyptic events, life is a glorious mishmash of good, evil, and everything in between.
Nickie Barber notes that Good Omens is a novel everyone should experience at least once, as it is a delightful, insightful, and uproarious journey that will entertain and enlighten. The book is a testament to the power of storytelling and the power of storytelling in overcoming adversity.
📹 Why Does Crowley Kiss Aziraphale? || Scene and Character Analysis || Good Omens
Why did Crowley choose to kiss Aziraphale, as opposed to some other expression of love at that moment? This is a scene …
What religion is Good Omens based on?
The authors of Good Omens make use of a variety of references to biblical passages, common biblical knowledge, and popular versions of Christian myths, frequently citing specific verses directly, in order to provide a comprehensive understanding of the Christian faith.
Can a 13 year old watch Good Omens?
The show is a quirky, entertaining show suitable for a wide age range, featuring great acting, an interesting storyline, and hilarious scenes. While there are some violent scenes, no blood or gore, and a brief sex scene, the language is infrequent but strong. The show is influenced by prostitution and pornography, and Common Sense Media’s unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers, not influenced by the product’s creators or any of its funders, affiliates, or partners.
Why did they cancel Good Omens?
The production of the graveyard was temporarily halted by Disney due to a lack of complete viewing equivalents, although the rationale behind this decision remains opaque.
Does Good Omens have LGBT characters?
Good Omens season two is a refreshing departure from the usual LGBTQ+ show, with the cast’s support for the LGBTQ+ community. Tennant, Sheen, and Gaiman have all shown their commitment to queer characters and actors, not only in Good Omens but also in other shows like The Sandman and American Gods. This allyship is heartwarming and necessary, especially in light of JK Rowling’s hateful comments towards the trans community. Gaiman has never tried to retcon queerness into his work, unlike Rowling who admitted to thinking of Dumbledore as gay in Harry Potter books.
The show’s second season is praised for its increased queerness, and if Prime Video orders a third season, fans can expect more queerness and joy for the protagonists. Gaiman has promised to write another Good Omens novel if the show isn’t renewed, but the lesson is to avoid ending a beloved queer show on a cliffhanger before it’s confirmed for another season.
Why should I watch Good Omens?
Good Omens is a humorous and charming adaptation of the classic book, focusing on the End Times. The show is a blend of heavenly imagery and irreverent hilarity, thanks to the chemistry between Michael Sheen and David Tennant. Despite being only six episodes long, it offers a unique perspective on human dynamic questioning and the complexities of life. The show’s humor is thoughtful, hidden, sly, and sneaky, with Jon Hamm and Michael McKean playing well-cast characters. The show has received positive reviews, with some praising it as the closest adaptation to the book, while others have praised the writing and acting.
The show has been praised for its light, humorous, and clever writing, with likeable characters. Some have even compared it to the Fry and Laurie series, stating that if the show were to be cancelled, it would be a joke. The pairing of DT and MS is also highly rated, making it an addictive and unique show. Overall, Good Omens is a must-watch for fans of the book and its characters.
What is Crowley’s gender in Good Omens?
Crowley, a demon with yellow eyes and red hair, is depicted in various forms throughout the series. He wears traditionally feminine clothing and long hair while witnessing the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and as the nanny and caretaker of Warlock. Throughout the series, Crowley doesn’t limit himself to one appearance, wearing shades to hide his eyes and sports all-black outfits like his iconic messy suit and tie look. His personality is in need of improvement, and he is in love with his best friend Aziraphale.
Is Crowley canonically genderfluid?
The user was perplexed by the usage of the pronoun “she/her” in reference to Crowley and took note of Neil Gaiman’s post elucidating her as genderfluid. However, the search yielded only Gaiman’s tweet describing Crowley’s gender as “Fallen Angel,” and no reference to “genderfluid.”
What does Good Omens teach us?
“Good Omens” emphasizes the complexity of life, highlighting the presence of laughter, love, and occasional temptation in a chaotic universe. It encourages questioning the status quo, chuckling at the absurdity of life, and realizing that the celestial magic lies in the flawed characters that grace our screens and earth, rather than grand cosmic plans. This message is relevant for those who are curious about Heaven, Hell, or hope for a timely apocalypse.
Why is Good Omens so popular?
“Good Omens” is a novel that balances comedic moments with insightful commentary on human nature, emphasizing the diversity that makes humanity so strange and wonderful. The original book emphasizes that great triumphs and tragedies are caused by people being fundamentally people, rather than being fundamentally good or bad. Both seasons can be watched on Amazon Prime, and the 1990 novel can be found at bookstores or libraries.
Did Crowley and Aziraphale kiss?
Good Omens Season 2 introduces a long-awaited kiss between Aziraphale and Crowley, but it doesn’t solve their problems. Crowley tries to express his feelings for Aziraphale, but Aziraphale chooses to return to heaven. Despite the kiss, they struggle to communicate and understand each other, leaving room for growth in Season 3.
The first season of Good Omens took viewers on a 6, 000-year journey of Crowley and Aziraphale’s relationship. However, the relationship seemed obvious to everyone except the two characters. In Season 2, Aziraphale and Crowley finally fight on the same side, but their former opponent, Gabriel, arrives in Aziraphale’s bookshop with no clothing or memory. Aziraphale helps and hides Gabriel from both Heaven and Hell, causing the forces of Heaven and Hell to hunt for the missing archangel, threatening their “precious, peaceful, fragile” existence.
In summary, Good Omens Season 2 introduces a kiss between Aziraphale and Crowley, but it doesn’t solve their problems or resolve their relationship. The show’s second season offers a deeper understanding of the characters’ relationship and their struggles, allowing for growth and development in Season 3.
What is Good Omens a parody of?
Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett, who had known each other since 1985, collaborated on the novel Good Omens. Gaiman, inspired by his biography of Douglas Adams, sent a piece of work to Pratchett for feedback, which was positively responded to eight months later. The book initially began as a parody of Richmal Crompton’s William books, named William the Antichrist, but it gradually outgrew its original idea.
Gaiman and Pratchett were both living in England at the time of writing the novel. Terry wrote around 60, 000 “raw” words, while Pratchett wrote 45, 000 “raw” words. The plot was largely based on daily phone calls and floppy disks, with each person writing a part of the story. By the end of the novel, neither of them was entirely certain who had written what.
The process of writing Good Omens was fairly easy to track due to the way they sent disks to one another. As Keeper of the Official Master Copy, Gaiman wrote over two-thirds of the book. However, they were on the phone every day, at least once.
The process of writing Good Omens was a collaborative effort, with Gaiman doing most of the physical writing. The collaboration allowed for a more accurate understanding of the characters and plot, as well as the process of collaborating on a novel.
📹 Most normal Aziraphale and Crowley conversation. | Good Omens
Ready your ethereal popcorn and angelic snacks, for Season 2 of Good Omens has graced Prime Video. About Prime Video: …
Thank you to this entire fandom for all the love and support in the comments. Due to the nature of this article, I’m sadly going to have pin this little note. Almost everyone here has been positive and respectful. Thank you all for that! We can all have different views, and I am happy to see people respect that. But bigoted comments will NOT be tolerated on this website. I do check my comments at least once a day, and any comments that are bigoted or disrespectful to other people simply for being who they are will be removed. To everyone else (the VAST majority of you), thank you! Edited to add that I say in this article that they first met as Demon and Angel on the wall, which is true; Neil confirmed it is their first meeting as Angel and Demon. It’s an important point. Please don’t be the 75th person to incorrectly try and correct this. Thanks!
The thing about Aziraphale’s “I forgive you” is that it’s also a short-hand way of saying something. In the first season, as well as here, I think it means, “You’ve said or done something which is hurtful to me, but I still care about you, anyway.” If Aziraphale had any ideal scenario in mind where he and Crowley would end up kissing, it would be in a happy moment, very stereotypically romantic, more like during the Shopkeepers Association meeting/dance before it got so rudely interrupted. This kiss was not just a kiss, it was an attempt to get Aziraphale to do something, even though it was also an expression of Crowley’s feelings. While Aziraphale is intelligent enough to understand that both of these things can be true, it’s hurtful that a kiss would be used to manipulate him, in a way, as it could make him feel like his feelings for Crowley are made a mockery of. He’s not been stingy about showing Crowley how he feels this second season, after all. Personally, I think that is part of why he says “I forgive you” – to him, it signals that he loves Crowley, despite being deeply hurt. Like his own misunderstanding about Crowley’s bookshop comment, Crowley misunderstands Aziraphale’s meaning behind his forgiveness.
I saw somewhere that Aziraphale like likes the more cluttered, cozy feel of the bookshop because of the emptiness of heaven, and Crowley prefers the minimalistic style of his flat because of how cluttered and crowded hell is. I think this could also play a part in their love languages. Aziraphale like gifts and material things because he didn’t have those things in heaven, and Crowley appreciates trust and words of validation because of the lack of trust that there is between demons in hell.
Oh gosh, this has DEVASTATED me. Crowley has always offered material things to Aziraphale as a means to show he loves him, but also be closer to him. “Let me get you lunch! (and I will also be there)”, “Do you need a lift? (and we will be in the same space for a little bit)”. So if the kiss is meant to fit into Crowley’s pattern of gift giving, then it is the first time there that there’s no pretense on what he’s really offering. In the end there was nothing more he wanted to give to Aziraphale, nothing more he could give, than himself.
I suppose the way Aziraphale sees it, both instances were temptations. 1) temptation to eat, connected to the sin of gluttony. 2) temptation of the pleasures of the flesh. Normally he doesn’t mind Crowley tempting him because his temptations aren’t malicious, they’re actually fun. But the kiss, that was crossing the line for Aziraphale. Especially because he has feelings for Crowley, no matter whether he’s aware of their full extent of not, and it seems to him that with that kiss Crowley just tried to use Aziraphale’s feelings to manipulate him. Of course he immediately forgave him, but he feels hurt nevertheless. For Crowley the kiss was what he felt was his last resort to make Aziraphale see reason, make him understand. And a kiss always works in movies, right? The couple argues, they’re unable to communicate properly, but then they kiss and – vavoom, sorted! Instant happy ending! Credits roll. Crowley tried to replicate it, the poor thing.
I also think that part of the reason why Crowley kissed Azariphale was because Crowley had just realized that he was in love with him a few hours ago and, unlike Azirpahale whom has had… what, over 100 years to process that fact that he is in love with his demon and make the (poorly executed) decision to act on those feelings, he hasn’t had time to process it, all these huge feelings. Then Azariphale was wanting to leave and the kiss was Crowley acting upon this feeling of “I just realized that I’m completely head over heels for you and now you’re leaving you can’t leave I don’t even know what these feelings are or what they mean but you need to stay”. Lack of time and communication was the biggest two factors in this, in the ending of S2. I hope that in S3 they take breaks from Action Plot and have Character/ Relationship Development Plot and Healthy Communication Plot, otherwise the last installment will be a major let down for me.
What I would love from season 3 would be for them to gain other support systems other than each other, Nina, Maggie, heaven and hell. They need healthy relationships outside of each other to be in a healthy place with each other and themselves. The idea of only having each other is conceptually romantic, but it’s also unhealthy and dangerous, which is what makes it so popular; the excitement. But in a healthy relationship with communication, boundaries, a sense of self love and understanding, that’s when love and affection become so much stronger and deeper.
I think Crowley, yes, finds it extremely hard–alllllmost impossible–to talk about his emotions, probably because he hasn’t HAD to name and reflect on them (the only person who showed care for him or how he is is Az, but they don’t talk about feelings, which is part of the problem!) Notice in that final scene he never actually says “I love you” or finishes the sentence “I would like to spend…” He resorts to denigrating heaven–“it’s toxic!”–which doesn’t help his case w/ Az. I think with his new realization of his love and maybe passion for Az, he wanted to kiss him, AND I think it was shorthand to show his love when words didn’t work.
Crowley gives Aziraphale food because Crowley gets pleasure from perusal Aziraphale eat. It was even said in the lockdown mini episode on YouTube. “I’ll come over and watch you eat.” This makes sense to me because I love perusal the people I care for eat, especially if I prepared the food. There are many scenes in both seasons where Crowley quite unabashedly watches Aziraphale eat. Honestly it’s been lovely for me to see on the screen someone who feels love the way I do.
The Job episode was my favourite out of the whole series, specifically the end of the flashback where azirphale says, “but that sounds… lonely, i thought you said it wasnt” and then crowley said “im a demon..i lied” i was like SOMEONE GIVE THESE TWO A HUG RIGHT NOW ISTG . Also great analysis! I love your vids sm ❤
I found the fact Crowley offered an Ox rib as Aziraphale’s first taste of food questionable because he could have offered bread or anythin else, but he offered ‘flesh’ (and a huge bit as well). perusal an angel eating flesh and then liking it showed how far Aziraphale could be tempted away from the divine. Also, the fact it was a ‘rib’ made me think of lifelong companionship as supposedly God made Eve from the rib of Adam to be his companion. Overall, that scene could be predicting that they both could become lifelong sexual partners as Aziraphale could be tempted to cross that line by Crowley. I also felt that Crowley wasn’t conscious that he actually loved Aziraphale that way, I think he did love him but hadn’t realised in what context until he helped the two ladies but I think the particular moment was when Gabriel and Beelzebub declared their love for each other and left. It was like getting the permission they needed.
What good timing, I was just perusing your other theory articles. For me, the cellar scene is more about Crowley’s loneliness. He and Aziraphale have interacted before, but this is the first time he really shares part of himself with the angel, a part of himself no ethereal or occult being could understand. I do think Crowley’s “Yeah alright, you don’t drink.” comes off fairly defensively when Aziraphale rejects the first offer, like he’s ready to shut the whole conversation down so he doesn’t have to endure any angelic chastising, but when the second offer is accepted, Crowley finally has someone to share this vice with, someone who understands, someone who is like him. The lie to Heaven cements their likeness, and at the end, when Aziraphale expects to be taken to Hell, Crowley is there to offer comfort (in his own way). By being with him, he is telling Aziraphale that he isn’t alone. Aziraphale doesn’t have to suffer the way Crowley suffered. Coming to the confession, I’ve rewatched it many times because I love pain, but I’ve noticed that, while being vulnerable in this way is already hard for Crowley, Heaven’s offer seems to have completely fucked up his train of thought. Suddenly Heaven is back on the table when for four years it had just them, so Crowley defaults back to “let’s run away together”, the same thing he did last season, so no wonder Aziraphale doesn’t exactly catch on. I agree that Crowley is moving on instinct when he initiates the kiss, trying to convey in action what his words have failed him.
It is harder for me to see the kiss as intended “material gift,” I do think I tend to agree more with your take later in the article that in the moment it’s just an instinctual act of desperation and love. I think it is especially meaningful though (to us as viewers and to Aziraphale) bc as you said, it’s always been Aziraphale showing physical affection. Basically every time we see Crowley touch Aziraphale it’s in a rage or pantomime thereof (which I find completely compelling for the fact that Aziraphale is ALL ABOUT IT in those moments lol – you can see in his face, in the wall scene and in the graveyard when Crowley erupts at him, he honestly seems a little turned on by the closeness but even more importantly, completely unafraid of him. He feels 100% safe around him and even seems completely adoring of Crowley’s characteristic “I’m not nice” outburst in the graveyard. His face there has basically the same look of love and adoration as during the “smitten” convo. Another reason btw why I’m wholly convinced Aziraphale didn’t quite fall in love with Crowley in 1941, only that’s when he really realized it (and that Crowley had been showing him love for all that time and would always take care of him). Ok, I’ve been loving commenting here, this was such a great article! Looking forward to more!! ❤
I love this analysis. But I think it’s as much about temptation as it is about love and showing that the only way he knows how. From Aziraphale’s perspective and using the Job episode for comparison. Temptation (even benign silly temptations) Crowley clings to this as a shield as part of this dance, he’s the serpent of Eden. And Aziraphale struggles to let go of his programming. He can see Crowley is a good person. But he also jumps on him the moment he thinks he might have done wrong. (French Revolution & the church scene). He loves Crowley, and earthly pleasures but he thinks he’s a terrible angel for doing so. And for Aziraphale, Crowley is temptation personified. He gets Aziraphale to eat, (I imagine drink alcohol too), to make the arrangement, even rebel against the Great Plan. Even fall in love with him, angels are supposed to love all equally. He takes Aziraphale to expensive restaurants, buys him gifts, takes him places in his flash car. Crowleys not doing it to be malicious, in fact he does it because he knows who Aziraphale really is, he wants him to be happy and enjoy life. And it’s pretty clear when Aziraphale’s not thinking about it that he loves being spoiled and having Crowley wrapped around his finger. But every temptation Crowley is successful at makes Aziraphale more of a failure as an angel and more human in behaviour. And so when Crowley kisses him like that, just as Aziraphale’s about to become head archangel, right as he’s about to redeem himself and reform heaven.
I love this analysis of the way they both show love – it’s so perfect for both of them I especially love it for Crowley – he’s a demon, and his way of showing love just borders on manipulation but it comes from a place of love, and that’s so apt. And then you have Aziraphale, who acts with that sort of all-loving-ness that he’s supposed to have as an angel but just amplified so much towards Crowley
If Aziraphale thought “I love you” was the expected response he could have easily said it, like an actor reading lines in a play. But those brief few seconds as he struggled desperately to respond — those seconds were absolutely genuine. Aziraphale is a late-bloomer. He’s never really processed sexual maturity and adult emotions. He hides from them and clings to child-like responses and “misunderstanding” cues any mature adult would recognize in a heartbeat. He deeply loves Crowley but fights against responding to him “that way”. Hearing a nightengale singing in Barkley Square would be a death knell to the defense barriers that have kept Azi safe from adult emotions for so many years. Crowley’s kiss has weakened those barriers and in doing so terrified the poor angel. His safe little space is under direct assault and he doesn’t know what to do about it. He’s experiencing stirrings of feelings he’s repressed and ignored for centuries and that truly frightens him. Eventually he’ll have to choose between hiding like a child or entrusting his heart and his body to a demon he dearly loves.
What a brilliant take on this. I 100% agree on everything you said. The materialistic and human aspects of their relationship is something people often forget I feel like. I’ve seen a lot of discussion surrounding this kiss and one argument against it was that since they are supernatural entities they shouldn’t feel the need to kiss…yeah, as they shouldn’t feel the need to touch or eat or sleep but they still do because they are earthly pleasures that they enjoy, that’s the whole point. The kiss is not only Crowley showing Aziraphale that he loves him, because he has been doing that for 6000 years and more, it’s a way of saying I love you in a human way, like you brilliantly pointed out. He’s not only saying he loves Aziraphale but also the earth, humans and their concept of love and affection. Gabriel and Beelzebub never kiss, nor eat when they are in the pub…sure they hold hands and enjoy a human song but they are not as connected to the earth as aziracrow is and showing that was clearly intentional. They were able to run away because they only cared about their wish to be with each other and nothing else. Aziraphale and Crowley want to be together on earth, with humans. Aziraphale doesn’t only want Crowley but also what Crowley represents for him on earth. He doesn’t realise this yet but he’s eventually gonna do so. I could go on forever their relationship is so well written!!! That being said if they become human in the end I’m never gonna forgive Neil Gaiman (I don’t think that will be the case but a girl can fear)
I love the way you explained their relationship. I think Crowley in desperation was trying to use Aziraphale’s need for physicality to connect, only there was no time to lead up to it, and Crowley was only just coming to grips with love. The bit in the finsl scene that really tears me up is where Crowley says “….and i would like to spend … mmmm! ” That breaks my heart. Looking forward to your next article.
Really love what you’ve done here! Yes, Aziraphale was about to say “I love you”. That bit correlates to another scene this season which also parallels this one, yet it is between Aziraphale and “Jim”. Jim, still wearing a blanket, and clueless about everything, say “I love you” to Aziraphale, and Aziraphale almost says it back, automatically, but stops himself, because of course he doesn’t love Jim/Gabriel. When faced with Crowley’s kiss, he barely squeaks out, “I lo..”, and then panics and goes with the phrase he has used on Crowley before, “I forgive you.” I don’t know if this supports the “automatic” response, or a “moment of truth” response, but just like the ox rib scene, it’s there for a reason, and to me, it means this is Aziraphale’s truth, he just isn’t capable of allowing it. Yet.
I’ve always had a problem with the “I love you” potentially being said by Aziraphale, because it feels so disjointed to me, like it doesn’t flow well as something one would say when just being slapped with something as huge as a kiss for someone like Aziraphale, who is always cautious and afraid. It was overwhelming for him. I suspect it might just be him stumbling to find his voice, which of course, DOES sound like there’s an L there, but… I dunno. That’s just my opinion tho. Loved the rest of the article tho!
Very interesting analysis, thank you! I believe Gaiman has said that the kiss is a final attempt to communicate – which of course doesn’t contradict what you’re saying! I also do think it’s worth remembering that Crowley is the snake who tempted Eve: he has always tempted others with sensory or sensual experiences. Eve’s temptation is directly linked to other carnal pleasures; she’s pregnant when they leave the garden. So for thousands of years, Crowley has been leading Aziraphale on to the path of the pleasures of humanity: food, alchol, music, books – and now, perhaps, they are on the path to discovering physical love as well as the emotional love they’ve shared for centuries. I certainly hope so, anyway!
This is a really interesting take and analysis. I haven’t thought about the whole “material offering for temptation” as a way for Crowley to express his feelings and keep Aziraphale close. I saw it more like something he discovered through the years that makes Aziraphale happy, so he started doing it, and of course, he’s a demon, tempting and manipulating is part of his nature, so naturally he’d use it to persuade him when needing it. But now I see what you mean and I think you’re totally right. Material or rather earthly stuff as gifts and offerings are the way Crowley learned to communicate to his angel when he’s not able to do so with words. I think this last scene is the first time the demon opens up completely, and he feels like he’s failing over and over due to how Aziraphale reacts negatively. So he tries what always worked. Maybe he did wanted to kiss Aziraphale but I’m sure he imagined it way differently, and he went for it anyways, because he believed it’d make Aziraphale understand what Crowley was offering and trying to communicate. As for Aziraphale, I don’t think he doesn’t understand. I take it more like his own restrain and disability to actually be honest with himself. He wants Crowley more than anything, even Heaven, but he’s not ready to make that jump just yet. He feels like he’s doing the right thing and wants Crowley to do it with him, to be forgiven and come back to Heaven, with him. Aziraphale really thinks in his naivety that the demon would gladly go back to being an angel if given the chance.
I absolutely loved your theory! Its always so much fun to hear people point out things and after your’e like, huh that totally makes sense. One thing that I always pondered myself, was the fact that did Crowley really realize that he was in love with Aziraphale when Nina pointed it out. I always thought it was more like. ” I’ve loved him so long, maybe he loves me back, maybe we could finally be us”
I am so glad you made the article ! I had already seen the idea and comparaison between both scenes discussed in the fandom, but never in such a complete way. And I think you nailed it, as well as the “materialistic” aspect of their relationship. And how they try to express their feeling with whatever tools they have at their disposal. Please go on making analysis article for Good Omens !!
I think this scene can also be understood in several metaphorical ways. Aziraphale knows that all is not well in Heaven, that it has been run in a rather poor way all these millennia without any real understanding of ‘good’. And he knows that this way of running Heaven continuously holds the danger of complete destruction of the earth and the universe. So it’s a bit like living in a country that’s run in a totalitarian way. You can either decide to flee – and that’s precisely what Crowley suggests by going off together. It would mean that the two of them could remain together safely, but also that they’d lose everything else that was dear to them, everything that made them feel so much at home on earth: the bookshop, the Bentley, the interaction with humans…on Alpha Centauri there’d be no more breakfasts at the Ritz and no more nightingales either. The other possibility might be trying to change things from the inside. That is the chance Aziraphale’s been unexpectedly given by Metatron’s offer. He thinks it is worth a try, he really believes he could make a difference, if he was in charge in Heaven, especially with Crowley by his side. When realizing that he will NOT have Crowley by his side the task is more difficult for him because it is no longer linked with the prospect of personal happiness. But he takes up the challenge anyway, because for him, true happiness can only be achieved when the institution’s being improved from the inside. And there is also a chance in this constellation.
Not sure that the ox rib scene was quite as you describe, but Crowley for sure uses food and fun to sway Aziraphale at times, although I have yet to see him actually eat anything. Drinks, yup, food not so much. The ox rib scene I think was also the way to mimic Eve’s birth to fool Heaven. They both clearly worked together to pull it off, Crowley going to Job’s wife and Aziraphale going to Job. I think the scene on the rock was pivotal for both of them. And I do hear the almost “I love you”…. and he clearly knew what that means because he didn’t say it to Gabriel. I said in other place my theory about how Aziraphale might change his mind about Heaven….somehow either he finds it or is shown it (perhaps by a desperate Crowley trying to “rescue” him) Crowley’s trial. How horrible would it be for Aziraphale to see exactly how Heaven had treated his Crowley.? Thoughts?
WOW!!! You put into words some things I had picked up on, and pointed out others that I hadn’t. I loved your analysis of the ox rib scene and what it meant as a change in their relationship. I hadn’t even considered that Crowley may be wary of Aziraphale when it came to the kids’ safety. And also very cool section about noticing the pattern. Yes, they are terrible communicators, but as Aziraphale says at the end of season 1, things probably wouldn’t work out if they were at all competent. Thank you!
i see it that way: the ox-scene is azi realising – OMG this is something that i never had before, this is new and it is fantastic. how could i have been missing out on this?? the kiss has the same effect on azi. through my eyes the kiss is the first time that aziraphale is kissed and he only then realises a complete new level of longing for someone – crowley.
The kiss made me stand straight up and burst into tears! Can’t wait for series 3, I love them both so much. I don’t think he thinks saying I love you would be something Aziraphale would feel compelled to do because it was expected of him, I believe he truly loves Crowley and visa versa, but they are bad communicators when it comes to how they feel about each other, unfortunately!
Great analysis! I loved the Job episode and especially the ox scene. To me it seemed like Crowley testing out a theory: is Aziraphale a kindred spirit, someone who can help him overcome his loneliness? He’s seen Aziraphale’s compassion for humanity and thereby in extention his compassion for creation in general. Creation beyond humanity is something Crowley has been very invested in since he helped jump-start the universe. And Aziraphale had been with him and had helped him at its birth. Which, if you think about it, makes them both a kind of surrogate or adoptive parents of creation. Which partly explains why they go to such lengths to preserve it even though they know it was created to be destroyed eventually. I also think it’s no coincidence Crowley’s first successful temptation of Aziraphale involved meat. In Christianity meat has always been associated with carnal pleasures, which is why in medieval times all the pious knights ate fish instead of meat. And why there’s no meat for lent or on Fridays for devout catholics. Eating meat and physical pleasure are kind if interwoven. Then add to this the almost lecherous look on Crowley’s face as Aziraphale falls for his temptation and gives into the temptation and you could read this as Crowley tempting Aziraphale with carnal pleasures. The kiss is almost the same scene just without the metaphor.
I think the kiss was also meant to show their humanity, since kissing is a fundamentally human thing, something beyond a typical angel’s or demon’s understanding. And yet, these two aren’t typical angel and demon, as they’ve lived many years on earth alongside humans and have been influenced by their ways, becoming more and more human themselves. Crowley kissing Aziraphale not only showed his love for him, but also his humanity, which makes it all the more genuine. Because this wasn’t something he did because he was a demon serving Hell or because Aziraphale was an angel serving Heaven, but because, in this moment, all their differences and their allegiances were thrown aside, showing their allegiance to each other, to them, rather than to a corrupt system. This proves they have free will and that they aren’t some robots with perfect programming, but have emotions and temptations, which is again, a fundamentally human thing, and they are finally giving in to them rather than doing what seems right or logical. It’s all perfectly flawed and without reason, because there is no reason in love. And for Crowley this was a sign of loyalty to Aziraphale, but also a sign of disloyalty to Hell or Heaven or any system. It’s like a big ‘fuck you’ to the system in a weird way, even though in that moment he didn’t do it for anyone other than the two of them. And I think he did it for himself just as much as he did it for Aziraphale and wanted it just as much, if not more.
No one really talks about this, and I can’t really blame them because I only really noticed on my 4th rewatch or so, but, look at Aziraphale as he’s ascending to heaven in the credits. On the left, Crowley is driving sad, but almost stoic in his understanding he has failed. But then there’s Azi on the right, who is literally going through every possible human emotion processing what just happened. And I don’t think he’s processing his emotion, or the second coming, I think he’s processing the kiss.
i think the kiss perfectly fits the context Crowley’s and Aziraphale relationship developed in. the two have been living on earth for its entire existence and there’s no one else, angel or demon, who understands humanity and its value more than them. tangible things/human things have been not only the excuses they used to spend time together (ie lunch at the ritz, ‘i’ll give you a lift’, etc) but also what has helped them, especially Aziraphale, to step out of their preconceived notions of good and evil, and into their own morality. this naturally lead them to realizing (even though Aziraphale still can’t accept it fully) that they can only ever be on their own side. so ofc a very human act, a kiss (which does not happen between Gabriel and Beelzebub because their love has a more otherworldly connotation) would be the extreme and final way Crowley would try to express his love for Aziraphale
I know I’m late to the party here, but just found your website and really love your analyses – well researched and balanced! I agree with most of what you’ve said here – the one thing I’d probably add, which I’ve not seen anyone mention, is that despite already being upset, in a generally stressful and unpleasant situation, and being basically pounced on with a pretty aggressive kiss, I think it speaks volumes that Aziraphale still responds to some extent. It shows the depth of feeling that’s there, for anything to get through at all.
I think Aziraphale’s perception of romance comes from the books he loves so much. But in Crowley’s case, for him romance is represented as two people in the rain under a roof because that is what he and Aziraphale shared in the creation of the stars and the garden of Eden. He was with the person he loves (although he didn’t know it) under his wings while it was raining.
I really like this analysis, and I appreciate the balanced take. After the season dropped I saw a lot of people being really angry with Aziraphale and accusing him of taking Crowley for granted and things like that… but this analysis, I think, does a really good job exploring how the characters communicate and express their love in different ways based on what works for them and what the other best responds to. And I couldn’t agree more. I agree with this interpretation on Crowley’s kiss, too. Ultimately it’s a last-ditch effort to get Az to stay because nothing else has worked, and this is all he has left to offer. It’s very interesting to consider that, despite Crowley being a demon and the tempter, does not, at least in the TV series, appear to indulge in the earthly delights that Az does. We don’t see him eat, and apart from his car and his plants, there’s not much he’s actually attached to. He has regard for life, but at the end of the day, he could clearly take or leave humans. He’s also not very physical — as you pointed out, any time they touch, it’s usually Aziraphale who initiates it. All this to say I don’t think Crowley’s first tendency is to show love in such a physical way. I think in the moment he just desperately hoped it was something Az would respond to because earthly pleasures have worked before, and he was out of other options. It’s not like he had any real understanding of romance and relationships, after all — he thought he could just smush two people together like Barbies under a tarp in the rain and call it a day.
Re: the almost-said “I love you,” 20 minutes into episode 1, Gabriel says “you’re funny, I love you.” And Aziraphael says “Oh, thank you, I -” and stops himself from saying I love you back. More mirroring for the last episode, pointing to the almost “I love you” you mention here?? The “I love you” from Gabriel is so random that it really feels like it must be here intentionally to mean something more, so I really think it is here to emphasize the later unsaid “I love you!” Also- I love your articles! Thanks for all the work you’re doing! ❤
Wonderfull analysis ! I make a tiktok about why this kiss lasts so long, i also draw a parallel with Job’s episode and the food part. What if this long kiss was for Aziraphale can take the time to like it, like he take the time to appreciate food ? I think the “i love you” is a cancel sentence like “I love you but I can’t just runaway with you, I need their camps in peace to be happy with you” Because I think that’s really what he wants, but also he’s struggle by their angel’s responsibilies and their opposite nature.
I think the first time Aziraphale actually rejects another offer of a worldly gift/ temptation was when Aziraphale joins Crowley at the French restaurant – which is a weird scene – I’d like a whole analysis of that by itself. Crowley does say Have a glass? and Aziraphale says I’m at work. I kind of wonder though if he had taken the glass of wine if Crowley would have started a conversation about Did you know Nina thought we were together? Are we together? And actually had that conversation they needed to have. I don’t know why, I can picture that. I also think it’s a weird scene where Crowley – decides to go day drink about his feeling about Aziraphale and ends up talking about his fears with Gabriel. – And then THAT scene ends with him being really sweet to Gabriel!?
Crowley clearly watches the sort of romances where that end in the love interests bickering (often in the rain) and when words fail them the more dominant partner forcefully kisses the resistant partner. In fiction this often releases all the built up tension, makes them drop the argument and confess their love and they decide love is more important thanks to the fight and forgive each other. I think Good Omens is trying to show that trope would actually be quite hurtful to both parties. If I remember correctly a lot of fans wanted Crowley to just force a kiss in the season one gazebo scene (probably because it’s easier to portray than these two suddenly having effective communication skills) Crowley had been harmed by thinking that’s an acceptable way to communicate his feelings which would drive most people away. Az is hurt because he was kissed without his consent forcefully without warning or his own chance to express his feelings. Crowley has pinned Az to the wall before so he had no reason to anticipate it being a kiss and not an attack which is still kind of is.
With character analysis, you never know if you’re picking up on deliberate designs the author intended or if you’re noticing the author’s subconscious writing habits – or the actor’s habits. And there’s always the possibility that you’re reading into coincidental parallels. I do hope there’s pay off for showing Aziraphale and Crowley’s individual specific reasons for going against God’s plan, more than just providing interesting backstory. Seems like the show makes a lot of effort go into detail about why they ‘fell’, so I hope it’s important to the plot or at least the overall story. Did seeing Crowley go from a happy galaxy builder to a miserable tempter traumatize Azi, making him terrified of questioning God’s plan too? Does it mean anything that Crowley questioned God near the beginning, but it takes millennia of tempting Azi with pleasure to get him to break out of his blind obedience? Did Crowley want to kiss Azi or was he just doing what he thought would get him to stay? Is it strange for an angel/demon to like physical touch or would they all like it if they tried it? I won’t believe Azi almost said ‘I love you’ until it’s officially confirmed. Seems like a moment so easy miss that it wouldn’t make a lot of sense for it to be super important to the plot. We already know they’re in love. I want to know more about the ‘I forgive you’. WHAT is he forgiving Crowley for? For kissing him without agreeing to come with him? For trying to manipulate him? Are angels forbidden from kissing?
Really enjoy your articles. They give me a lot to think about. Didn’t see anyone else mention this so I thought I’d suggest it for your future rewatches of the Companion to Owls– In your article you asked if Crowley intentionally let the crows bleat like goats. In perusal it, it sounds to me like there is a small “miracle” sound when Crowley takes his glasses off a short time before walking away from Aziraphale. I interpret it to mean that just before insisting he wanted to destroy Job’s children, Crowley was making it possible for the crows to be slightly unmasked–if Aziraphale was paying attention.
In the ox tail scene i think Crowley we trying to figure out if Azira was like him, an outcast, someone how doesn’t necessarily go with whatever group they are ascribed too. So when Azira accepted the offer, Crowley found someone who could embark on this lonely existence with him. The kiss was Crowley’s last ditch effort to not only lose someone he loves, but also an effort to not have to reside back into the loneliness of his existence.
Thankyou American person for pronouncing Crowley properly. I keep seeing YT American articles where they say Crauley., I have to wonder if they call the black raven like bird a crau. I really love this. I think it’s spot on, not sure I’d relate it to the ox ribs. The way I see it, Aziraphale is always saying nice things to Crowley, which he often rejects, and he is always making heart eyes at him. That’s how he expresses his feelings. Crowley, makes grand gestures. He has asked Aziraphale twice in S1 to run away with him, and both times, he just came back when it was rejected. This time, he knows he can’t just come back, he’s desperate so this is his biggest gesture yet. Totally agree it’s about communicating and it’s all about being in love. Gaiman says this also.
This is a fantastic analysis and I could not have enjoyed it more. I’ve pondered this question a lot and what you say resonates with me. I think there is a connection between the two scenes (and the several other examples of their dynamic that you mention), but I had never thought of it in the way presented here. I wonder — partly because they are so clueless about love and because they aren’t human — if they feel desire in the same way that humans do. I agree that the kiss was desperate, romantic, and even angry. Again, this was wonderful and I look forward to more!
I keep coming back to this analysis. This really is extraordinary. Looking quite forward to seeing your next scene breakdown. Also, I went back to watch that moment you mention at the conclusion of the series and the end of your analysis of The Kiss. Aziraphale’s clipped response went right past me the first (many) times I have watched this scene, but I think you are dead on about the intention, though swallowed back before it really even got out of his mouth.
I really enjoy your articles, thank you for the time and effort you (and your contributors) put into making them. I firmly believe after the kiss Aziraphale starts to say “I can’t…” But to what would have followed, I’m not sure. I can’t believe you did that, I can’t run away, I can’t turn my back on the world…
I love this analysis! I’ve been puzzling over this exact question. Like, yes the audience wanted it to happen (if not this way), yes it makes some things very clear about their relationship (although as Neil said, if you can’t tell they’re in love without the kiss, you’ll never see it), yes it twists the knife that much more in the setup for S3. And yes, Crowley must have his reasons…but he’s not a human and this isn’t a Richard Curtis film so…what exactly were those reasons? What pushed him, specifically, to react that way? Your analysis makes a lot of sense to me, and pointed out things I’d sort of noticed but not really SEEN.
I agree the rib scene and the kiss are related. In part it’s just about understanding (many times in this series) that angels are not inherently physical in their relation to the world. Pratchett and Gaiman both point out that angels/demons are not sexual: it’s alien in the same sense that food is alien. And Aziraphale tends to start with rejection, and move to acceptance and even enthusiasm. Aziraphale inches into revelations–including ideas about the right and wrong of the testing of Job, and the value of grave-robbing, and into the discovery of food. The kiss is Crowley’s go-to temptation. Unfortunately neither of them manage to work through the slow adjustment in the aftermath.
Great analysis! I have always harkened back to the ox rib scene because of AZ’s initial disgust and because food and sex are both pleasures of the flesh. But in the kiss Crowley is no longer tempting AZ he is just communicating his desperation and love. I’m thinking of picking up the book to read while waiting for S3 to drop. Subscribed!
Wonderful analysis! I hadn’t seen the patterns of communication so clearly before. I’ve been perusal and rewatching their last exchange and yelling at them (yeah I’m perfectly healthy, sure I just live with fictional characters as if they’re real people) -Aziraphale for the unforgivable “you’re the bad guys” and “nothing lasts forever”, and Crowley because he is SO BAD AT USING WORDS. God they need a lot of therapy!
I think they both started to feel interest one for the other with the past of the time, first thy see each other rarely then slowly slowly they start to see each other more often, they start a sort of Friendship/ relationship of dependency one for the other, because since they are both creatures who belong to a different plain of existence things like feelings are strange for them, and with time they start to developing the feelings, Aziraphale the books and the food, Crowley his car and the plants, thanks to Nina and Maggie Crowley understand what love is, since Nina make comments here and there saying things like “is your Boyfriend?, your partner?, your Lover?, your husband?, him is an adventure?” That make him understand love, since they had to act for make Nina fall in love with Maggie, since Maggie had already a Crush on Nina, but a the time there was Lindsay. Season two use Nina and Maggie as an Excuse for Make understand to our protagonists what they feel, then there was in the middle Metatron, probably knew what was about to happen, otherwise why propose the role to Aziraphale, since the is only a Principality the third last of the nine class of Angels.
Sadly I believe what he says after the kiss is “I C—-” people have slowed down the clip enough to hear that the next sound after I, is a hard C. What he is saying is. “I can’t.” which makes a lot more sense if you ask me than “I love you”. :/ Otherwise I agree mostly. Tempts him with the Wine and food, it is Crowley being a bit sly and manipulative, doing something bad but he isn’t trying to destroy the angel, just being his natural demon self and testing him. He has already seen signs of Azi capable of free will when he gave away the sword, this adds to it and later confirms it when he lies. I think personally what Crowley loves about Azi is that he can live vicariously through Azi’s love of life. He’s found a kindred soul somewhat that doesn’t get bored with humanity, keep finding joy and pleasure through the small things. It is why Crowley takes him to lunch and then watches him eat like a cute weirdo. Why he moan at him for doing his embarrassing magic acts and yet supports him. Azi doesn’t get bored with life, no matter how many years goes by and for someone like Crowley that is immortal that must be incredible refreshing. As for the kiss. It was a last ditch attempt to communicate what he was trying to say and what he was offering. It was desperate and beautiful and sad. Sadly, it was too late.
These two have been dancing such a complicated dance around each other for so long, that they just assumed that nothing would ever change. So when crowley and Aziraphale are met head on by the long ignored feelings, they really dont handle it well. But, Crowley did kind of listen to Nina and Maggie. He was going to talk to Aziraphale, but we all know how that went (not sure about the “coffee theory”, but im not dismissing it).
Aziraphale is conflicted because of identity. Angels are not allowed to indulge in human-like love without resigning as Gabriel did. Indeed Gabriel had to completely lose his identity before being able to do a new thing. Aziraphale was more comfortable with the idea of Crowley changing his identity and re-becoming an angel than he is of changing his idea of himself.
I’ve noticed that Aziraphale tells Crowley quite often that he forgives him. I think that’s one of the ways he expresses love, even if he isn’t fully aware of it. I think there could be many reasons Crowley finally kissed him, including desperation and fear of losing him. I do agree that he was acting on instinct in that moment. Perhaps it’s also what he has really been thinking, like Nina and Maggie told him to say what he’s really thinking. When Aziraphale didn’t listen to his words, he converted his words meanings into the kiss… a physical offering that Azriaphale would at least understand better. Like you said! I also think he really meant it tho, not just to be manipulative or get what he wants. I think it was genuine and sincere, which also made me think of how awesome that would be that a “demon” felt such genuine love… because it’s not just any love, it’s true love.
1) love the theory articles 2) I want them to get to therapy 3) Aziraphale is definitely about to tell Crowley that he loves him because he loves him 4) I will, however, argue the comment @00:43 where you call the ox rib scene awkward & not romantic. Because it certainly gives Crowley *IDEAS*. Yes, these could simply be lust, not love, but I honestly think this is a moment where he feels something new, much like when Aziraphale admits that he gave away his sword to Adam & Eve. Crowley’s eyes light up the moment that Aziraphale gets into eating, & you see Crowley having to re-boot his brain. Yes, the ribs were temptation. The kiss is temptation. But part of the reason for the temptations is because Crowley is fascinated by this angel. The machinations are there because they are part of his nature, but his interest in Aziraphale is the guiding force. Much like Aziraphale’s words of affirmation & his trust come from a place of wonder at Crowley. They are part of who Aziraphale is that he offers to Crowley. In other words, emotionally they both act out within their nature. I want Muriel to be taken under Nina & Maggie’s figurative wings, get to know humans as real people, and become the character who can actually talk sense to our angel & demon.
I just rewatched again, and I noticed something that I missed before, when I was blinded by the shock and tragedy. Crowley knows something that Aziraphale doesn’t know. And that is: Why did Gabriel run? The event that caused Gabriel’s downfall wasn’t his decision to be with Beelzebub, it was refusing to restart the apocalypse because he wanted to be with Beelzebub. Gabriel’s motives were purely selfish. He didn’t care about humanity’s destruction, and was quite content to accept being cast down to hell, because he could be with her, even if the apocalypse happened. It was realizing that he would have his memory wiped, and that he would forget her, that caused him to run. Aziraphale believes heaven and hell are angry because Gabriel and Beelzebub want to be together. He doesn’t know it’s because they decided to stop the apocalypse. This adds another layer to the tragic miscommunication between Crowley and Aziraphale. Aziraphale thinks he can “fix” heaven and stop the apocalypse, and Crowley knows that if they could dispose of Gabriel for thwarting “The Great Plan”, they won’t hesitate to mind wipe Aziraphale, or anyone else who gets in the way. Crowley doesn’t realize that Aziraphale doesn’t know the entire story, because Crowley wasn’t present for all the squabbling between the angels and demons arguing about how to punish Gabriel and Beelzebub, and who would be allowed to do it. The Metatron certainly didn’t tell Aziraphale. Crowley sees the being he loves, giddy about the idea of going back to heaven, naively thinking he can “make a difference”, and saying “Nothing lasts forever”.
Your analysis is awesome & amazingly thought out and summarized. And presented so wondefully. Kudos to you and your hard work & time to pull these together. You are so right about all of this. I was waiting for you to mention that the Metatron used a page out of Crowley’s book by bringing Aziraphale coffee, saying he’d consumed things too, and I think (though I’ll have to go back and look), patting him on the back or taking him by the arm or putting his arm around his shoulder. I’ve watched like 4 articles in a row & I love your idea about part of Crowley being in Aziraphale at the end. These two actors excel at the subtleties of expression & imitating each other. And it makes perfect sense…Crowley offering himself, whole heartedly, to his angel and accidentally leaving his “heart” with him (and to be able to continue protecting & rescuing him) is completely believable (for a fictional story, lol). Also wondering if when you say they can equal God or confront her, I wonder if it may be saving her from Metatron’s plans (like we’ve seen in other fiction). Or her ineffable plan being completed by them creating together the new heaven on earth, really meaning earth without heaven (or hell). And the left/right analysis is so lovely…the writers, directors, actors, etc are such geniuses. And thank you for presenting it so well. I’d hadn’t picked up on it consciously but I know it played into the subconscious message I got when perusal. I can’t compliment you enough. My english teacher, the most excellent of the old school type, would have loved your analyses!
I think Crowley knew that Aziraphale needed the experience, as opposed to just the words. Actions speak louder. The angels are unworldly.. Crowley introduced Aziraphale to more than one human pleasure and I imagine Crowley thought the genuine experience would get through to him this time, too. And obviously the kiss did get through to Aziraphale—just not enough to overcome the situation of the moment. Here’s hoping we get season three and we have the joy of perusal Aziraphale finally catching up with Crowley in his awareness of what is false and what is true. I have to admire the way Pratchett and Gaiman expose the falseness of Christianity.
How can two souls spend the span of known time without loving the other? They are the only of their kind, the rebels working for a form of Justice. I think these two are as human-understanding as non humans can be. To acknowledge and express emotion makes them the bridge between three worlds, earth, heaven and hell.
Its obvious that Crowley kissed him to get him to stay. That doesn’t mean that it wasn’t genuine. However, the urgency of the situation did push Crowley to reveal his feelings sooner and in a different manner to what he would have wanted. What interests me more is Aziraphale’s declaration of forgiveness. Its definitely not about the kiss. I think its about Crowley refusing to come with him. After the kiss, he considers everything that Crowley said while asking him to stay. The fact that Crowley was willing to reinforce it with a kiss shows Aziraphale that Crowley’s not gonna budge from his resolve. So he forgives Crowley for not coming with him. See, Crowley and Aziraphale want the same thing : to be together. In their minds, the other one is choosing not to be with them. Aziraphale thinks Crowley is choosing Earth and his demonism over him and Crowley thinks that Aziraphale is choosing Heaven and his angelity over him. In their last moments together, Aziraphale is angry but he still can’t bring himself to scorn Crowley, so he forgives him for not coming away but is obviously hurt by the choice. All Crowley hears is rejection, so he storms off.
I think one of the main points of the minisodes in season 2 was to show how Aziraphale became more adept at lying. From completely melting down in the Job minisode and being convinced that he was now a fallen angel to casually swiping the photograph Furfur wanted to use as evidence that Crowley and Zira were working together and feeling no remorse. That leads up to his biggest lie ever – I forgive you. We never see the full conversation between Zira and Metatron, but we do see Metatron give Crowley the dirtiest look in all of time and space right as he’s leaving to ask Zira to be supreme archangel. I think Metatron threatened Crowley in some way, and the only way Zira can think of to keep him safe is to push him away – by lying. He knows Crowley better than anyone – he knows what things push his buttons and what would get him to stay, yet he phrases his plea in the worst way possible “come with me… to Heaven. You can be my second in command”. In what universe would Crowley say yes to that?? I think it can only be Aziraphale’s attempt at saving Crowley, which is why he almost falls apart after he leaves but pulls himself together when Metatron enters.
Aw, this vid makes me realize that one of the reasons why this love is so endearing to me, is because of the trust, should I say faith, they have in each other. I can’t believe I waited until you pointed out! I agree the kiss was a way to reach Aziraphale through earthly temptation, but I also believe that it came as an impulse, a mixture of love, frustration, lack of words and desperation. We all know how bad we want to kiss our crush. Apparently, it’s not just a human thing. Had Crowley thought twice, he would have offered crepes instead… Ah. did you notice? Crowley insists people who look at each other under the rain will inevitably fall in love? Do you remember the angel and the demon who were out there, looking into each other’s eyes, when the first ever storm came on Earth? Even if he doesn’t know it, I think Crowley actually speaks from experience…
Saying I love you may be unusual for the two, since they don’t really communicate feelings verbally… but maybe something like, ” I don’t know what to do”, or, ” I don’t think you understand”, or “I wasn’t ready for that”, or, ” I don’t think you understand…(what is going on/ the stakes/ what I’m trying to do)” …?
Great analysis! I was baffled and a bit disappointed by the kiss, which seemed like a cheap trick and unsuitable for devine creatures, but you made good points. Aziraphael and Crowley learned about love from books and movies, and since A.Z loves those I guess C was trying to convey a message that A.Z would recognize and understand by mimicking a gesture of love from said books and movies
Who knows that they don’t talk to each other is a lie, because they have a plan (maybe not at first, but Aziraphale told Crowley later). If it is true, I hope they talk again soon, even if it is only to avoid the New Apocalypse (while they fix their relationship). Either way, no doubt that they will be nervous.
I really believe that the metatron wanted to split them because they love each other, and it is possibly what gives them great strength. They don’t know it tho. Also, there is something about crowly not remembering, having been in the team of creation, or just underneath the team, of not talking of his angel past, of not wanting to return to heaven…we may if we are lucky have a reveal about crowly in season 3. I feel that the gabriel/beelzebub situation kinda refers to all these ideas…gabriel doesn’t toe the company line, they try to erase his memory, he gets away from them somehow, then leaves with beelzebub, with no angel really trying to stop them…if the metatron had not interfered, maybe the kiss would have ended in a happy ever after…was this coincidental? After all it is the metatron. How better to split them up than ruining their moment, dividing their goals, making the goodbye bitter? This may be an off topic comment, or maybe not….sorry if it is.
I think the part where Aziraphale tells Crowley to take him to hell and he responds, “I don’t think you’d like it” is also pointed that he knows Aziraphale likes to be comfortable and happy. If he thought Aziraphale would actually ENJOY being in hell truly falling from grace, it would be easy to push him harder, but if he was ok being uncomfortable, making decisions that completely defy God is different than the gray areas, it also wouldn’t be the same if he wasn’t the same.
I don’t know why but I cannot shake the feeling that Az was about to say “I lied” after the kiss. He looked soo nervous as he crosses the street from to convo with the Metatron. The same type of look we see as he walks back from Nina’s shop when he is about to reveal “Jim” to Crowley and the same look he has after telling Nina “there is no hidden agenda” etc. In those cases he knows he is hiding something. I think he is overselling the idea of Crowley going to heaven with him for a reason we don’t fully know yet (perhaps to keep him safe)…I think there is a chance that after the kiss he sees how much his planned ruse is hurting Crowley’s feelings and almost abandons it with ..”i lied” But its just a gut reaction…and I think everyone offers really great evaluations here. I love all of your articles and commentators😊
@sendarya Your take on the kiss is excellent. I’d like to add something I haven’t seen on the fan threads: The kiss was clearly non-consensual. It was an assault. Despite a moment of hesitation, A is trying to get free. Crowley and Aziraphale were both angry at that point, and Crowley forced the kiss not out of heartbreak but out of anger. Imagine if he’d handled it the way he handled the ox rib. He’d step slightly inside Aziraphale’s personal space, look him in the eye, and challenge A to kiss him. An angel can’t be tempted, right? So he’s free to try the kiss. We can imagine a first peck followed by a moment of disgust, just like the first taste of the ox rib. But then we might have seen the conversion moment when A realized that kissing C was fantastic! That it what would have (in my opinion) happened if Crowley had set it up so that A could remain in control and take it at his own pace. “You go too fast for me, Crowley.”
Their breakup was necessary for plot reasons I think. Because Neil Gaiman needs Aziraphale in Heaven at the start of season 3. I expect that season 3 will be similar to season 1. In 1 Crowley and Aziraphale were working together to prevent Hell’s plot to destroy the Earth (Armageddon), in 3 they will work together to prevent Heaven’s plot to destroy the Earth (Second Coming). In season 1 Crowley was the one with inside information about the plan they were attempting to thwart. He knew the identity of the boy (or would have, if the nuns hadn’t mixed them up), at which age he would come into his power, that he’ll receive a hellhound etc. In season 3 there’s no insider in Heaven, who will come to them with a warning and tell them all the details, unless Aziraphale himself gains the necessary information. The way season 1 ended, with both of them cut off from their respective head offices, Crowley and Aziraphale were out of the loop and had no idea that something was brewing, let alone what it was. They could have been sitting in the bookshop one day drinking wine and having a good time, when suddenly the Second Coming happens somewhere else and the Earth is literally blown into smithereens from under their asses. So Aziraphale needs to be in Heaven, have access to all the details regarding Heaven’s plan, and then go to Crowley and ask him for help in preventing the Second Coming. Something like the reverse of the start of season 1.
I think this was a really good analysis, but you haven’t mentioned one key word: temptation. What is Crowley’s job as a demon? To tempt. And all of what you described here could also be called “tempting” Aziraphale to turn away at least slightly from Heaven. With food and material things, and eventually with love… the kiss was the ultimate “temptation”, like you said, the last, desperate attempt to make him stay. I’m putting it in quotation marks because I don’t mean to imply that that makes the acts someohow less honest or something… I actually love how Crowley still keeps using the very same technique that’s supposedly in his nature, but how the motivations behind it slowly shift. It’s beautifully, cleverly written.
Thank you for the work you have done. Your analysis is good, but you missed some points from the first and second seasons. In the first season, after Hathur and Legur’s attack on Crowley, he doesn’t go on the run, but goes to the store to make sure Aziraphale is okay… and despairs that the store is on fire. In such despair that he does not notice that this is ordinary fire, and not Hellfire. That is, Crowley is honest with himself and understands that Aziraphale is very important to him. In the second season, there are many strange hints about Crowley’s past: and about a certain Archangel who was demoted to demons, one of the Archangels (I didn’t remember her name) remembers Crowley and speaks to him respectfully, Crowley retained higher access to documentation in Heaven, unlike from Muriel and he knows that Heaven never changes passwords (that is, he was not among the first to fall). That is, trying to dissuade Aziraphale from accepting the responsibilities of the Archangel, he is trying to protect him from disappointment and fall. And a kiss is a last resort, as you correctly pointed out – having picked up misconceptions about romantic love from human books and films. (Sorry, I used Google Translate)
When a “good Christian” says “I forgive you”, at least, in some settings, there is a subtext that reads “you are a nasty sinner, and you have just committed a sin, and I am rising above and graciously forgiving you.” So Azi is trying to be an “good boy” for God, rather than acting on what his heart is telling him. It’s weak and it’s vapid and it’s not really who he is, but he needs time to figure all this out.
she’s not tecnically wrong about this point, seeing as an angel and demon they did seem to first meet up for the first time in but the very first episode shows them meeting as both angels long before that and Crowley at least had laid eyes on Aziraphale before then if he was aware he had a sword. that is the moment arguably when Aziraphale seemed to take a liking to Crowley. It was the giving away of the sward that caught and sparked Crowleys interest.
I agree completely about that kiss being a final desperate way of trying Aziraphale to stay with him. He thinks that after doing this Azi might change his mind and finally leave Heaven and everything he knows for him… or should I say for THEM. But of course he wasn’t thinking about Aziraphale’s feelings, not just for him but all this pressure Heaven and the arcangels have built inside of him. I think it’s something interesting to analyze, though, I am looking forward to see what will happen in season 3. I think that what they need is, as Maggie and Nina said, a little bit of assertive communication. They need to listen to each other and understand each other’s point, bc they both want the same thing but in different terms and that’s something they need to discuss before getting to finally be together 🙁
The season started with a mini breakup, another in a long line of them in what is a continuing clash between the two willful characters. This is the worst one yet and it appears it will take a lot more than the ritual of the “proper apology dance” to bring about a reconciliation. Because this schism was inevitable. Crowley sees the Metatron’s machinations but he doesn’t see returning to Heaven as the gift of love Aziraphale intended. Crowley’s kiss is a counteroffer: togetherness in love and passion, f’ the work. But having had his gift roundly rejected, Aziraphale can’t accept. As for the Job minisode, lonely Crowley tempts Aziraphale by awakening the angel’s appetites for earthly pleasures (like he awakened Eve’s desire for knowledge). He seduces Azi into conversation and companionship. Did he have another motive for tempting Azi? When Aziraphale says, “But.” in answer to the question whose side he was on, Crowley revels in the admission because he thought it placed the angel on the road to perdition: “That was how it started for me. See you in hell.” Yet in the end he couldn’t do it, he couldn’t see Azi in Hell. Crowley showed mercy to Aziraphale by revealing he wasn’t going to tell anyone about the angel’s lie to thwart the will of God. He appears to be unhappy about it, however, since “nothing has to change” (that was an odd comment) and he sighs, disappointed at the realization. And he acknowledges that he is, in fact, lonely, because he goes along only as far as he can.
hey we all know if Aziraphale did not ” forgive” him outright at that moment, Crowley’s ass will be in danger, literally 😂but jokes aside i think they both know very clearly, deepdown, their feelings to each other. the kiss may make Aziraphale feels like Crowley is now try to force his hand into making decision ( to go off with him of course) which is “too fast” in his mind.
So the moment I saw your question in the thumbnail the lyric ‘A drowning man does not die silently’ entered my head from the song ‘Sin City’ by Meredith Brooks. So I queried my mind why that lyric? And well it offered back cos if you think of up till now, they’ve built and been on this raft together and well, not only is Aziraphale leaving him for a bigger boat he dislikes, but the wake of this boat, has tipped their raft over, leaving Crowley feeling like he is drowning. So this kiss is him physically ‘crying out’ for Aziraphale to save him. (Also of course this is a demonstration of his love) But that lyric in the context of the song itself is about gambling and well one fabulous kiss is him throwing all his cards in and hoping he has the winning hand. But funny thing, I took a look again at the whole song and one verse says, ‘Out the door you get burned And there is no way back in You got nothing snake eyes The house always wins’ Which also makes me think of this kiss being our snake eyes thinking okay, if I leave now, with things like this, it could send everything we have together up in flames for good so….I might be up against the House of God Herself right now and She’s a virtually impossible House to win against, but here goes nothing…Except, as a later verse says, ‘The streets will be the same Under your feet like quicksand Touch the face Where a kiss of hope can last’ Which we see Aziraphale actually doing. So perhaps in the aftermath, Crowley is now hoping while perusal Aziraphale leave, that he has given him the right message to make his Angel eventually return to him.
To be honest, i think the kiss is like the devils offer, like gives you something but, in return you have to give up everthing. The offer is there love but in return az will have to give up everything, its not exactly the same as the actual devils offer but its definitely similar. One last comment, i think crowley didn’t give az enough tume to process the situation, i mean like atleast give a bit time like a month or something and idont think az is actually ever gonna really leave earth his joy is food so he will probably gonna come back for food and then return This is my commentary on the situation Edit : this sounds dumb now, they needed time (but didn’t have that) and i didn’t really give it all that thought at the time
Offering himself was the last desperate attempt to preserve the bubble of eachother- the safe bubble that they have cultivated over th eyesrs where they don’t take sides with heaven and hell, in favour of their own side but aziraphale isfoinf back to Heaven, picking a side over Crowley. It’s an attempt to make Aziraphale see that their side.. their love is worth fighting for and keeping. Also. I apologise if there are any spelling mistakes- ikm not wearing my glasses and I just woke up.
I do so love the way these eternal beings are so ignorant/out of touch with one of the most basic human emotions… love. Much of it is fear of retribution from their respective sides, etc., yes, but even when playing matchmaker for Nina and Maggie, they are just so delightfully oblivious. I’d assumed they always knew they loved each other and were just (poorly) hiding it from one another, but after season 2 I suspect now that they’ve actually had a hard time recognizing what this “why does this other being feel like my whole world” feeling actually is until very, very recently. 🥲
There is a dynamic going on that if aziraphale says ” i forgive you” he still thinks that crowley is some one who NEEDS/WANTS to be redeemd. by whom by heaven,hell,god? these enteties Drowned children, Kill people are in their own way responsible for a lot of the evil and some of the good that goes on in the world. ( Although if you wanna have my Ten cents on that subject. I think fallen angels Or in other words weird or separate people Are what makes the world A better place.) Being normal, i’m becoming one of the crowd even for the love of your life kills your soul. I think that’s why they cal it falling in love. And the look crowley gave nina was him realizing that he After his fall to hell, He just did it again. He is falling,all the contol is gonna be wrenchend from them again. and where is he gonna end up now? 😢
Unpopular opinion, but I think the scene would do just fine without the kiss, it’s already a powerful scene on its own. Besides I always thought Crowley had lost the gamble from the beginning, going back to season 1 when Crowley points out Aziraphale’s naivety “How can someone (Azi) be so smart yet so stupid” (or something like that), nothing would change Azi’s mind here too. The writers could have saved the kiss for the 3rd season and it could have been their first and last kiss too (like you know, if they wanted to make something dramatic as hell that would make everybody cry). But hey, great analysis.
Thank you for this article. That scene completely ruined all the love I had for the series because I wanted them to be higher beings, and I also felt like that was not within their characters that far. This redeems that script choice a bit, even though I still want the show to be about great friendship and not erotic love.
I think Crowley and Aziraphale may have an avoidant type of attachment. Crowley is branded a demon because of this, betrayal by paradise and so on, and Aziraphale because he is used to doing not what he wants or likes, but what is right. In fact, they both came from the same environment, but Crowley had the freedom to choose earlier (well, in the piggy bank to my theory, Aziraphale literally runs away, and Crowley, even in some sense, supposedly respects his choice, but he also runs away from trying to talk after a kiss, to make everything even more serious, and not the last desperate an attempt)