Since I saw the Good Omens finale, I've been thinking about the Tree of Life scene. I haven't read any analysis about it yet, so I'm trying to put into words what I think.
It starts with Az leaving the decision to Crowley (âso what do you want?â), while for Crowley it is naturally a decision they make together (âme? Why me?â). Az responds: âBecause I only want one thing⌠and thats not what this is about anymoreâ - You. Us.
At the same time, it is an admission that this decision is so much greater than that. Greater than his selfish desire for a "we". Az knows that it's not just about the two of them and maybe that's why he leaves the decision to Crowley, because deep down he already feels what it's about and what's right. But because this decision is so hard to make, so painful with all its consequences, he leaves it to Crowley to decide. because Crowley was the best of them (âYou were the best of us. You cared so much about everythingâ).
"You know what I want." Crowley says and I think heâs right. Az's expression is hard to interpret when Crowley says he wants a real universe. It could be seen as surprised. But I believe that it is rather a - albeit painful, maybe even bitter - confirmation of what Az suspected and expected deep in his heart. Maybe it is just the whole meaning and significance of this decision that Az only really becomes aware of at this moment. no us. ever again. And it hurts. It hurts them both so much because it demands such a big sacrifice. Their whole existence. It hurts so much that Az has to turn around and struggle for composure.
But when Crowley asks: âDid I say the wrong thing?â and Az smiles and shakes his head. No. No, you didn't say the wrong thing. You said the right thing. But you still surprised me. Because you decided what I couldn't decide. You decided completely selflessly because you were the best of us.
And then, when he turns back to Crowley and smiles, he shakes his head again. Full of love and admiration for his demon. A renewed and definitive answer to Crowley's question. Because Az knows with absolute certainty that it is the right decision. He stands behind this decision with all his heart. That's why he says âI believe we've come to a decisionâ, not: I believe you've come to a decision. Because it's perfectly clear that they go this way together. That he will stay by Crowley's side until the bitter end and is also ready to make this sacrifice. It's a promise. You don't carry this burden alone. I support you and I'll be with you. We do it together.
And Crowley understands.
So, thatâs my interpretation, at least at the moment. What do you think? I would like to read your analysis too.
To clarify that. It is also Aziraphales decision. He not just goes along with it. Theyâre open and vulnerable in this moment, theyâre not hiding anything from each other. Itâs the moment of truth.
And its also Aziraphales choice. He cares for humanity too. He cared enough to leave Crowley and earth at the end of season 2. Because he wanted to change things. But - as Crowley said - you can't cure a corrupt system. And you can't make a difference in a universe whose creator plays by his own rules. Az has now realised that too. Because he tried and failed.
God lets them decide (You really want to make a difference? Letâs see how important my creation really is to you and how far you are willing to go), but she knows damn well that this decision requires a sacrifice. sheâs testing them, curious about what will happen.
Crowley is the one who says it out loud. He says what to do, to really make a difference, to free humanity from the influence of a higher power that will always play its own game. But it is also Az's decision. At the same time, it is the last attempt for Az and Crowley to liberate themselves. They were - just like the people - plaything of heaven and hell. It is their free choice to sacrifice themselves. That's the whole point. It is their decision.
At this moment they have the opportunity to decide freely for the first time and they choose to take god out of the game. God not only accepts that, but respects it. So she puts the two of them, their essence, their souls in this new universe. It is a gift she gives them to recognise the sacrifice they have voluntarily made.
Thatâs what makes the series finale so beautiful to me. Their human versions are still Az and Crowley, just freed from the trauma and pain that Heaven and Hell has caused them for 6,000 years. They are finally free. Both of them chose the Earth as their home a long time ago â because thatâs where they can be happy, where they can simply be themselves.
And yes, they are mortal and have no memory of what they once were. But the finale very clearly implies that they will spend more than just this one human life together, that their souls will find each other again and again (time after time). And the snow globe at least suggests that their former selves â an angel and a demon who chose love â are not completely gone. They will always carry a spark of that within them.
