Good Omens is getting a third and final season but it’s much shorter than you’d think

Good Omens is getting a third and final season but it's much shorter than you'd think

As a long-time fan of Good Omens who has eagerly watched the series unfold, I must say, the news about season 3 has left me both elated and apprehensive. On one hand, it’s fantastic to know that our beloved characters will return for another adventure. On the other, the thought of a single, 90-minute episode to wrap up the story seems a tad too rushed for my taste.

For enthusiasts of “Good Omens,” both exciting and disheartening news has emerged: The series is set to return for season 3, but with an unexpectedly small number of episodes! Far fewer than one might anticipate. While we’ve known for some time that the show would continue, updates have been scarce for months.

The third season faced a setback due to the 2023 Hollywood strikes, and matters worsened in the autumn when allegations surfaced about Neil Gaiman, the author of the source novel and screenwriter for the series, treating women harshly. Although he admitted to being with those women, Gaiman maintains that it was consensual. In September 2023, Gaiman proposed taking a leave from the show.

Contrary to the setbacks and debates surrounding Gaiman, Good Omens is indeed moving forward with its third installment, commencing production next year. Unlike a full season for a comprehensive conclusion, it’s been announced that there will only be a single, 90-minute special episode to wrap up the series, as reported by TVLine.

So the show is getting a shorter wrap-up than expected. Is that good or bad?

Good Omens is getting a third and final season but it's much shorter than you'd think

Why a Good Omens movie-length episode send-off may work better

Should you find yourself recalling the events, know that Good Omens season 2 concluded with Aziraphale and Crowley successfully thwarting another Apocalypse. To everyone’s surprise, Angel Gabriela and demon Belezubub found themselves in love and departed, leaving a power vacuum for Heaven and Hell to argue over who would fill their vacated positions.

In simpler terms, Metatron (played by Derek Jacobi) proposed that Aziraphale take over Gabriel’s role in Heaven, and he extended a similar offer to Crowley for his return. However, instead of accepting, Crowley admitted his love for Aziraphale and kissed him. But when Aziraphale decided to choose Heaven, Crowley left. Later, Metatron informed Aziraphale about their next task titled “The Second Coming.

The main topic of our conclusion will revolve around the struggles of our protagonists, the angel and demon, in dealing with their emotions. Given the depth of this subject matter, viewers might prefer a six-episode series over a single 90-minute episode. However, there could be valid arguments for a cinematic presentation instead.

It’s clear to see that a significant portion of season 2 seemed to be filled with unnecessary elements. For instance, the storyline of Gabriel on Earth felt overly prolonged, and scenes involving Nazi demons felt oddly placed. Many streaming shows often struggle with this issue, as they tend to include too much filler material. Instead, these shows work best when they focus more on developing the relationships between the main characters rather than delving into the more extraordinary aspects of the plot.

Good Omens is getting a third and final season but it's much shorter than you'd think

It might appear challenging to conclude this story within a single 90-minute episode, but it’s possible if we manage the content effectively. The narrative can emphasize the “Second Coming” theme while simultaneously exploring the reconciliation and potential reunion of Crowley and Aziraphale. We should avoid introducing unnecessary subplots or characters to maintain a streamlined focus on these two characters and their endearing friendship, often referred to as their ‘great bromance’.

Translating that into simpler, natural language: Gaiman’s absence might be tricky because his distinctive creative flair made the show stand out. However, the chemistry between Michael Sheen and David Tennant could keep the narrative engaging. Moreover, a shorter run time presents an intriguing challenge for telling a more dramatic story, as it avoids the risk of stretching it over multiple long hours.

Indeed, even though the ending of ‘Good Omens’ might not delve deeply enough for some enthusiasts, it has the potential to culminate beautifully and dramatically, providing a satisfying conclusion to this captivating fantasy saga, reminiscent of an epic cinematic experience.

Good Omens seasons 1 and 2 are streaming on Prime Video.

2024-10-26 20:28