On the heels of the success of the television adaptation for American Gods, BBC has released photos of their adaptation of Good Omens, Neil Gaiman’s first novel written in collaboration with Discworld series author Terry Pratchett. If we weren’t excited enough already, seeing David Tennent as Crowley cranked up our anticipation for the show a notch or twelve.
They are amazing. This is them in the opening scenes, 11 years ago, in St James’s Park. David and Michael, demon & angel. #GoodOmens pic.twitter.com/ceK4XYY881
— Neil Gaiman (@neilhimself) September 18, 2017
We’re not the only ones excited. Gaiman commented on the start of production: “People have fallen in love with an angel and a demon in a book by Terry Pratchett and me, and they have been excited and nervous to see how they would appear on screen – and I was probably the most nervous and excited of all. This is a first look. Michael Sheen is the best and finest of bookseller angels, David Tennant the coolest and most delightful of demons. Together they are one hell of a double act (or do I mean one made in Heaven?)”
Without spoiling anything, the story centers around an angel and demon, who both have found a soft spot for humanity, having migrated to earth in the days of the Garden of Eden (as the Serpent and Angel with the Flaming Sword) and whose affection for people have lead them on a path trying to prevent what seems to be the inevitable Apocalypse. Along the way we’re introduced to some pretty interesting characters, including a 17th-century prophetress who cautions against the purchase of Betamax.
Both Gaiman and Pratchett created a world in the novel full of juxtaposition, mythology, and whimsy, and this adaptation will undoubtedly be full of delight as a result. Whether or not the show will include some of the innumerable hilarious footnotes, including the story of the disgruntled bible typesetter who had his own ideas about Ezekiel 48:5, is something we’ll eventually find out, but either way, we’ll be excitedly waiting.
Image Credits: Neil Gaiman | Twitter (@neilhimself)