Description: A tale of the bungling of Armageddon features an angel, a demon, an eleven-year-old Antichrist, and a doom-saying witch.
Creators: Neil Gaiman, Terry Pratchett
Stars: David Tennant, Michael Sheen, Sam Taylor Black, Frances McDormand
Info from: IMDb
It’s been ages since I read Good Omens. AGES. And I really don’t remember much of the book, other than loving it. Terry Pratchett’s humor mixes well with Neil Gaiman’s sometimes scary imagination. For today, let’s focus on the TV Mini Series from Amazon Prime. If you haven’t watched yet, here’s your warning!
(Like what I did there? Used a DIFFERENT DOCTOR for our spoiler warning!)
Let’s start with a plot recap: Frenemies\BFFs Aziraphale, an angel, and Crowley, a demon, bungle a game of Three-Card Monte with the baby anti-Christ and don’t figure it out for 11 years. But luckily for us, just in time to try to stop the coming apocalypse\war between Heaven and Hell. Hilarity and shenanigans ensue.
Here are some things I REALLY LOVED:
- Aziraphale and Crowley’s friendship: A lot of the first episode is the history of the world\their friendship. We progress from the Garden of Eden through present times. But what’s really great about these two is that they balance each other. We need balance between the good and bad in the world. Aziraphale keeps Crowley in check. Crowley helps Aziraphale let loose and have some fun every once in a while! Of all the creatures, I really had the feeling that these two were actually trying to help the humans of earth survive.
- David Tennant’s hair: Yes, this totally deserves a line item all to itself! So many different styles! And they all work for him. The freaky lizard eyes are also a plus in my book.
- The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse: The Four Horsemen are one of the few aspects of the book I remember, if vaguely. I remember loving them. And the switch from Pestilence to Pollution is a fitting change. I really feel Mr. Gaiman’s influence on these characters. They are both creepy and cool at the same time. And riding motorcycles instead of horses! I like War the best! Though only when Death isn’t looking.
- The twist ending: I won’t go into any details that will ruin it for you. But let’s just say, it was pretty perfect!
Here are some things I DIDN’T REALLY LOVE:
There actually isn’t much I didn’t really love. It’s more nit-picking, really.
- The Nice and Accurate Predictions of Agnes Nutter: Hilarious and quirky predictions that always come true. Of course they come true! It’s all in how you interpret it. I know. It’s pretty much the premise of the story – how Agnes’s predictions help save the world. But predictions and fate are not really my thing. I’m more of a choose your own destiny kind of person. I’m glad Anathema destroys the Further Nice and Accurate Prophecies book.
- What happened to the third child: Re the birth Three-Card Monte game. We never find out. I need to know!
- Petulant Pre-Teens: Sure. I get it. He’s the Anti-Christ. I guess he could have been more of a brat and bully. But sometimes, kids just need a time out or snack.
Favorite Episode: Doomsday Option The penultimate episode. I do love the last episode, but it’s more of a wrap up. This episode has a mad dash through a flaming motorway. Everyone is converging to get the (end) party started. We don’t know yet if the gang will stop the apocalypse in time or not. Great pacing. Great acting. And some super special effects.
Least Favorite Episode: The Book. See above re: Agnes Nutter. Though I will say, I did enjoy seeing Jack Whitehall somewhere other than Graham Norton’s couch. He’s totally believable as computer nerd Newton Pulsifer, and enjoyable.
Overall thoughts: Great. From the clever title sequence through the end of the final episode. Worth checking out for everyone! And while you are at it, read the book, too!
