Good Omens has always been about Michael Sheen and David Tennant. Two lifelong friends who have channelled their mutual admiration for each other into angels and demons. Crowley and Aziraphale are two ends of the celestial spectrum fashioned from divine provenance, who come together through happenstance to save humanity. It is a dynamic that has seen Good Omens deliver two solid seasons of Terry Pratchett inspired abstraction, with hundreds and thousands courtesy of Neil Gaiman.
With this final feature length season, Prime have pulled out the stops to give these two the send off they deserve. Bringing together heaven and hell for one last run around the block and ultimately making Season 3 feel substantial. In the aftermath of public allegations, this curtain call brings together an impressive ensemble cast and offers fans enough to become invested. Letting them become wrapped up in this universe one last time before Crowley and Aziraphale are consigned to celestial history.
It almost goes without saying that both David Tennant and Michael Sheen deliver solid performances in roles that fit them like gloves. Standing either side of the religious line on their quest to track down a deity who is absent without leave, Season 3 still offers a rich universe of opportunity for this angel and demon to exist in. Absurdity going hand in hand with abstract humor to create a visual tapestry of character moments that never let this season feel less than fascinating.
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Being feature length also allows audiences to become more immersed than they might be in an episodic incarnation, proving beyond doubt that Neil Gaiman and his fellow writers knew what they were doing going down this route. With the presence of Sir Derek Jacobi and Toby Jones in key roles across the running time, Season 3 also retains its ability to attract venerated veterans in key roles. Adding gravitas without overshadowing any of the other elements that make this show work.
This only confirms the quality buried in that creative fine print, which suggests no corners have been cut in this final run. There are enough trademark quirks to appease the fan faithful and potentially draw in new devotees through word of mouth. Like every kind of Terry Pratchett adaptation and some of the best kept secrets, people will stumble on this and either become besotted or fail to catch on.
The magic in Good Omens comes in those moments of absurdist humanity that leaks between the cracks of an oddball storyline. Plotlines that highlight the connections between characters irrespective of origin, and how that reflects existential angst for anyone watching. This is perhaps why people continue to connect with other elements of this expanded Discworld incarnation, years after its beloved benefactor went out the back door.
Whatever the reasons, Season 3 proves to be more than an adequate swansong for a series which came with no expectations. The simple fact that everyone involved is clearly having a good time is enough to make this last hurrah worth every moment an audience can lavish upon it. May Good Omens continue finding someone new long after we are all a distance memory.
Good Omens is available to stream on Prime Video now.