Good Omens (TV Series) Chapter 2: The Clue featuring the minisode A Companion to Owls (2023) User Reviews

The subtext...

[W011y4m5 · 8/10 · 30 July 2023]

What an absolute beauty of an episode.

"Good Omens" as a concept has always playfully toyed with the paradoxical complexities of our perceptions of inherent good versus evil (philosophically exploring existential crises, arising from morally ambiguous situations ushered in by higher powers, whereby one could theoretically equate an act of obedience - in service of light - to the other, darkness; hence, how could we plausibly differentiate the will of God with that of his nemesis, Satan, when the lines we draw are hypothetically crossed, under further examination?) & Chapter 2 utilises the nuances borne from such contradictory (& usually conflicting) texts present in religious teachings to highlight how Angels & Demons (though depicted on opposing sides) arguably serve the same purpose & consequently, are indistinguishable from one another. Hence, although servants of the benevolent creator are inexplicably acknowledged as indisputably righteous & devils (his insubordinates), condemned for what they do, they're equally complicit in the events which unfold & in acknowledgement of that, Neil Gaiman expertly crafts a story that gorgeously captures the loneliness of attempting to live authentically with a clear conscience, continuously enacting what we believe to be the right thing... When our ideas of what we'd deem defensibility are debatable & subjective. Therefore, that inner turmoil & shared understanding Crowley & Aziraphale possess (catalysing the majority of their problems) is ultimately what binds them together, makes them so unique a partnership (additionally, captivating to watch in each subsequent installment) & strengthens their need for reaffirmation & support; neither is sure of their identity, but they find solace in the comfort, each provides. Tongue-in-cheek it may be, however, there's no denying the profundity of their observations.

An Ethico-Theological Comedy of Justice

[flash-104 · 9/10 · 4 September 2023]

The present-day main part of this episode, credited jointly to Neil Gaiman and John Finnemore, is uninspiring. The mystery of Jim remains a mystery. The heavenly subplot, of angels' being preposterously ill-informed about the humans they are in charge of, is amusing but wearing thin. The obligatory human romance subplot is heavy-handed and unappealing.

The minisode "A Companion to Owls," however, though credited solely to Finnemore, shows signs of serious thought, and deserves it in turn. I have to suspect that Gaiman, and perhaps even the late Sir Terry Pratchett's posthumous notes, had a hand in it. Gaiman is troubled about his theological background, certainly read Robert A. Heinlein in his youth, and was no doubt aware of his _Job: Comedy of Justice_, which was not actually about Job, but has a theme similar to this minisode. Trading Places (1983) also seems to have been a strong influence, as was Fierce Creatures (1997), and perhaps George Bernard Shaw's _The Devil's Disciple._ I suspect that one famous line from Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975) influenced Crowley's morally crucial choice.

Absolutely beautiful!

[pavlekladamusic · 9/10 · 19 September 2023]

While I was really disappointed with the first episode of this season, this was quite refreshment and extremely enjoyable! The intricate exploration of morality, obedience to authority and intuitive compassion is just beautiful. The stories set in the past were amazing as they've deepened the story between two main characters as well as giving us insights about the structure of the whole fantasy universe this story is happening in. Plus, as a Whovian, I cannot hide my excitement with the fact that David Tennant's son is playing a son of Peter Davidson, it is just so well made. The humour is on point, the scenography is amazing, and everything just fits right in. The final point of feeling lonely if you're thinking and acting for yourself in a world that tries to divide you into binary shapes is just profound.

Seems Legit To Me

[tiffmopinion · 10/10 · 20 October 2023]

We are getting glimpses of what's going on under the skin of our angel and demon. Their own personal struggles against expectations both internal and external.

Underneathe all the snarky remarks and righteous lectures are two beings struggling with their identity.

We finally see our angel crack and go against what is expected of him to follow his heart. In here we see how truly good he is at his core as he goes against heavenly authority in order to do "what is right". All of this despite knowing the danger to himself.

We see Crowley working with his own morals and conscience and get a glimpse of the loneliness he suffers.

All in all, a beautiful episode with such depth without sacrificing the wonderful reparte between the two friends.

Favorite episode so far!

[water_violin · 10/10 · 10 November 2023]

I absolutely adored this episode. I keep coming back to it again and again. The biblical minisode is a delightful insight into Crowley and Aziraphale's early relationship on Earth and the modern parallels really bring it all together in the most delightful way. The way that Crowley and Aziraphale navigate their early interactions, knowing one another and yet not entirely trusting who they are on Earth is really powerful. Seeing them work together to pull one over on the corporate (REDACTED) to save the (REDACTED), including their easy banter and chemistry, is an absolute joy to watch.

This episode also contains some of the best lines in the entire show (so far). If you've seen it, you'll probably have a few favorites already.

All in all, I want to yell and pontificate about the beauty and humanity and heart in this episode from beginning to end. I hope we get to see more like this in Season 3.

My most favorite episode

[lifelinesmn · 10/10 · 24 August 2023]

I don't even know where to begin. Both of the main characters are just so awesome. Every line will make you laugh until you cry. However, Aziraphale and Crowley don't even need to speak. Their glances at each other are enough to make me squeak with delight.

Of course, the other episodes are also incredibly funny and contain just a killer concentration of jokes. Really, it's been a long time since I've seen a show that was even one-tenth as funny as Good Omens. But this episode just fell into my soul.

On a separate note, I'd like to recognize Ty Tennant's acting. Although he appeared on screen briefly, I applaud him.

A big plus is the beautiful scenery and views. It's nice to get away from the familiar London streets for a while.

Such a Beauty

[moviesfilmsreviewsinc · 10/10 · 2 August 2023]

Good Omens season 2 explores the world's mysterious ways, with Aziraphale as the devout reason and Crowley as the atheist voice. The plot is intriguing, but there is a sense of unease with Gabriel, who may be manipulating the characters. The miracle of Crowley and Aziraphale, which was mistaken for an archangel, raises questions about their power and the relationship between them. The show's exploration of the mysterious nature of the world and the power of reason and atheism is well-executed. In episode 2, flashbacks to Job's trial reveal sinister motives, possibly linked to Gabriel's memory loss or the magical jukebox in the Scottish pub. The dynamic duo, influenced by Richard Curtis and Jane Austen, take their role as matchmakers seriously, unsure of love's workings. Expect hijinks to ensue. David Tennant's son Ty portrays Job's son Ennon, while Peter Davison plays Job himself. The biblical family outing is enjoyable, with Gabriel's officious role reminding us that Aziraphale and Crowley save him out of altruism, not because he was kind or understanding. Aziraphale's lying abilities are only slightly better than when Job's children were on the line. The parallels between the Job mini-episode and Gabriel's current predicament are clever and enjoyable to parse. Crowley has a permit to torment and persecute Job, signed off by the Almighty and confirmed by Muriel. Aziraphale claims miraculous activity caused Nina to fall in love with Maggie, but no reprimand is issued. Saraqael requires the miracle to be confirmed and documented by a clerk. The angels' fooling relies on their poor understanding of humans and their refusal to admit their ignorance. Aziraphale is capable of Grade-A deception when motivated properly. He cannot agree with the plan of killing innocent children or allowing them to be killed for Gabriel-style hairs, and replacing them with new babies. Crowley's soft fuzzy feelings about living things aren't unexpected, as he's not as demonic as he fronts. The minisode's title, "A Companion to Owls," refers to Job 30:29 and his alliances with various living creatures. However, in the passage, Job calls himself "brother to dragons." This raises questions about the existence of dragons in 2500 B. C. in Uz. Crowley's feelings about living things aren't unexpected, as he's fallen from Heaven, giving him a more grey area to operate in since Hell doesn't seem to care as much about paperwork. In Good Omens Season 2 Episode 1, Crowley mentions a heavenly suggestion box, which refers to Job 30:29 and his alliances with various living creatures. However, the passage also mentions Job as "brother to dragons." This raises questions about the existence of dragons in 2500 B. C. in Uz. Crowley's soft fuzzy feelings about living things are not unexpected, as he has fallen from Heaven and has a more grey area to operate in. He plays fireball pinball with Job's goats, but the increase in crow population goes unnoticed until they start baaing. Ty, David Tennant's son, played Job's eldest son Ennon, who was turned into a lizard.

Heavenly Antics and Hellish Laughs

[kggaudreau · 7/10 · 14 March 2024]

"Good Omens Season 2 Episode 2 continues to charm its audience with its unique blend of apocalyptic drama and whimsical humor. The episode, while not without its flaws, manages to capture the essence of what made the first season so beloved. With a solid 7 out of 10 rating, it's clear that the show maintains its heavenly (and occasionally hellish) entertainment value.

The chemistry between David Tennant and Michael Sheen remains the series' strongest suit. Tennant, reprising his role as the demon Crowley, brings a delightful edge to his performance, balancing sardonic wit with a touch of vulnerability that makes his character endearing. Sheen, as the angel Aziraphale, provides the perfect counterbalance with his fussy righteousness and underlying warmth. Together, they elevate the material, ensuring that even the most absurd moments are grounded in a reality that the audience can connect with.

While the episode juggles multiple storylines and sometimes struggles with pacing, it's the performances of Tennant and Sheen that anchor the narrative. Their ability to convey a deep, almost ineffable friendship amidst the chaos of the impending end of the world is what truly shines through. It's their rapport that will likely keep viewers coming back for more, eager to see how this unlikely duo will navigate the trials and tribulations thrown their way.

In conclusion, 'Good Omens' continues to be a good bet for those looking for a show that combines clever writing with charismatic performances. It's a series that doesn't take itself too seriously, yet still manages to tackle profound themes in a way that's both thoughtful and thoroughly entertaining."