Good Omens Season 2 review: Love encompasses all, for better or worse

Good Omens Season 2 has a lot to live up to, and in some ways it does, but this forces other aspects to the wayside.

Good Omens was a huge hit when it launched on Amazon in May 2019, and the delightful fantasy series will finally return to our screens in 2023. The first season, which directly adapted the Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett novel of the same name, told the story of the angel Aziraphale (Michael Sheen) and the demon Crowley (David Tennant).

The two beings have lived on Earth for millennia and grown fond of their mortal home, so despite working for the opposing Heaven and Hell, they decide to team up in order to prevent Armageddon from being brought on by the antichrist.

But what of Season 2? Season 1 was meant to be a limited series, so its follow up is actually based on an unreleased book outline by the pair of authors, which makes it somewhat of an underdog. So do these new episodes transcend heaven and Earth? Let’s get into it, but first, slight spoilers for Good Omens ahead!

Good Omens Season 2 prioritises its leads over everything

We’ll get into what you’ve probably been waiting for first: The main duo, AKA the millennia-spanning “ineffable husbands.” David Tennant and Michael Sheen shine in their roles once more, bringing charm and wit to two very different characters. Tennant especially brings a passionate showmanship to a scene he has near the end of the series. There was no doubt that two British juggernauts would excel in their roles, but it’s nice to be vindicated, especially since the show basically lives or dies on their chemistry.

The pairing’s relationship – call them romantics, call them platonic soulmates – is as compelling as ever, though perhaps this season goes a bit more fanservice-y than the first, at least in the way their development is drawn out. Occasionally you may get pulled out from the story because of just how blatantly the script wants to keep you strung along about whether or not Crowley and Aziraphale will actually get together.

This also bares some issues for the other characters in the season. While almost everyone is bringing humor and energy to their roles – Miranda Richardson’s Shax is a little lacking, but Jonn Ham’s Gabriel is delightfully entertaining – but almost everyone is overlooked for the main duo. Even the love story between humans Maggie and Nina is merely a reflection of the lead pair, making their characters feel like thematic tools rather than actual characters.

Good Omens shines in its tone

Good Omens Season 2 definitely faced a hurdle when it came to its plot, namely in how it was going to top Season 1. How do you outshine the literal apocalypse, especially now that it’s fixed?

Thankfully, Good Omens manages to dodge this issue through tone alone. The couple spends their days indulging themselves in earthly pleasures, allowing us to indulge with them. On the flipside, the escapades of the demon and angel worlds often feel more like a British comedy from the 20th century. Gaiman and Pratchett have always been able to keep a sort of nonchalant tone, even when dealing with large and alarming biblical concepts such as the Book of Job. It’s this atmosphere that really makes Good Omens shine, and stand out amongst its contemporaries.

Good Omens Season 2 is also aware that it’s becoming its own narrative outside of the published book, and thus the pace is moved quite swiftly to avoid appearing meandering. There are even stories told within stories, akin to flashback episodes. They’re great for providing context, though it would be better had the series committed to them more.

Good Omens Season 2 review score: 4/5

If you’re a big fan of the first Season, you’re likely to enjoy this season just as much, if not more.

However, if you’re looking at the show with a more critical eye, you may find yourself slightly disappointed. Then again, we say only slightly, as the show clearly has a lot of charm to make up for its misgivings.

Good Omens Season 1 is currently available to stream on Amazon Prime Video. Read more about Season 2 here, and find out when and where you can watch it here.