I think sometimes I talk a bit too negatively about both Amazon and British television productions. The truth is, they're just far too easy to rip into due to a history of poor attempts and very few hits. But perhaps I fail to recognise those few hits sometimes, perhaps partly some of my dislike in these two areas of filmmaking is a result of my own ignorance as I've just struggled to keep up with releases, ultimately missing out somehow. I think this is the case with Good Omens, which has been out for quite a while now and just saw its second season get released this year, after quite a wait. A few times I attempted to give the show a chance, but at the time I assume I was being too judgemental or perhaps just swarmed work many other things to watch for it to really catch my attention. This past week I have been giving more things a chance again, going back into old shows or perhaps certain genres I feel I have been neglecting for no real reason (I have even started to watch some Korean dramas again). Good Omens, of course, is one of these shows I need to give another chance. And I'm really glad I did it.
There's something about Good Omens which has a lot of charm to it. Where it doesn't feel like something you'd see made by a streaming service, or perhaps really made in this decade if not for certain references here and there. It seems like quite a rare little original gem, and it's quite a surprise to see how quickly it managed to pull me in this time. Albeit between my breaks with Armored Core 6, that is. And during the viewing of this first season, I have tried to dissect what makes it feel so unique, coming to a few conclusions that I'll go into within this post. Though, I have only watched the first season of the show, and am yet to start the second season. I'd like to think the charm and quality remains, and that the break didn't cause any significant changes in quality or direction. Especially over the pandemic.
As a little side note, as always, this is a little warning over the possibility of some minor spoilers. I always refrain from posting big spoilers, but if smaller ones regarding the basic elements of the plot bother you, perhaps read another time. I don't mind!
Good Omens
Good Omens feels unique mostly due to its unique fantasy story sprinkled with a nice storytelling narration to accompany it. At times it feels as if you're listening to an audiobook with a few visuals alongside. And this makes it feel like a really fun watch, even if the story appears to be dark, it never feels like it's overstepping into that edgy sort of territory. As if to retain that family appeal. With this, it also adds in little elements of comedy through eccentric characters, primary its two main characters, both opposites in the grand scheme of things, but finding an unexpected friendship with each other over a passion for the Earth; these two characters are on the sides of Heaven and Hell. Their dynamic is pretty fun to watch, given they naturally have different personalities but somehow manage to come together and talk and enjoy things. It results in some funny dialogue based on how vastly different a do-gooder from Heaven is compared to a literal demon from Hell. I really like this combination, and it works really well. Primarily due to the performances by David Tennant, and Michael Sheen. I couldn't think of any other actors that could play these roles as well as them, they seem perfectly cast.
Though, while these two usual rivals actually have formed a friendship and love for the Earth, they face the struggles of the end of the world as a result of the birth of the antichrist. The world is destined to end as a result, and these two characters come together in attempt to find a way to stop it. Ultimately, that's the general premise, as tensions rise and the end of the world grows closer. While the writing is pretty good, it's the visuals that make this show feel great. I have been really surprised at the attention to detail here through both special effects and practical ones via make up and character design. This show is riddled with fun characters with unique designs to them that makes this wide range of characters stand out quite well. It almost feels as if they were pulled out of a video game or an animation based on how unique they can seem. And the costume designs manage to make them not only look good, but actually believable. I found myself often appreciating their designs and even wanting to take screenshots of them. Some of which are very cool. Others are highly detailed but look to be pulled from obscure fantasy inspirations. The show is based on a book, so these designs come at no surprise on paper, but they are actually managed very well. Again, for a show from Amazon and the BBC, the money is clearly there in the details. A rarity, but I see it, and I appreciate it.
To add to this is some solid cinematography. Very sharp images and very good lighting. A bonus is that the special effects still don't end up looking like they don't belong. They blend in nicely with the warm tones the show often has. Very cozy environments and lighting that captures traditional English architecture and environments found within London and its surrounding areas. I quite like that the show doesn't just refer to London, or take place within it. I have mentioned before that a negative to British shows is that they heavily focus on London with a bunch of stereotypes, and it makes the whole thing painfully difficult to follow. But Good Omens roams around, it shows and talks about England beyond its capital. And this makes perfect sense given the narrative in which these two characters connect with others and try to find a way to effectively reject their homelands in attempt to save something greater that they believe in.
I'm really looking forward to seeing how the second season plans out. This show has everything, and I'm surprised at its quality. This seems like a show that usually would get cancelled out of nowhere despite the praise and popularity it receives. I'm hoping that doesn't become the case in the event that season two isn't the conclusion. Even if it means another long wait for the next season.
