Martin Carr reviews the season 1 finale of Good Omens…
Cloven hoofed wreckers of military might, quartets of apocalyptic fury and bath tubs of blessed water all figure in this figurative finale to Good Omens. Simultaneously divine and hellishly pleasurable, it carries as much emotional heft as it does delicate moments of character reconciliation. A rare example of material, cast and tonal balance existing in perfect harmony. Never feeling the need to appease audience expectations Neil Gaiman has brought an unexpectedly concise adaptation to the screen without compromising on the things which made it special.
With the denizens of Armageddon being seen off by an aging bordello Madam, a pensioner with military pretensions and several pre-pubescents, it was obvious things were never going to be by the book. Retribution, charges of treason and unholy punishments were definitely on the cards for some, whilst the worst nightmares would surely come true as friends were banished and groundings guaranteed. A series of events which were entirely understandable given the life ending gravity of the circumstances that occurred.
That both sides held the other accountable and yet chose instead to blame only one angel and demon for their almighty cock up is in keeping with large corporations everywhere. Fault is never apportioned fairly amongst those most directly responsible. A fact which would bare closer examination if only both heaven and hell were not too scared to entertain such a venture. As for those who survived it is only right and proper that they should choose their own path and not rely so much on the aged waffle of a prophetic witch. People it has been agreed should continue being people without the continual intervention which preordained destiny tends to pressure them into.
Suffice it to say that things turn out quite well all round and interference across the board reduces considerably after the world almost definitely ends. A fact which screenwriter Mr Gaiman and astral presence Mr Pratchett are doubtless very content about. As far as theological debates, religious conceits and intelligent interpretations of biblical and historical events are concerned Good Omens sums things up nicely. Intellect applied to original programming is rarely allowed to flourish or come out looking like it went in, so everyone should watch this on that basis and enjoy.
Martin Carr
