The Brilliance of David Tennant's Underrated Performance as Crowley in Good Omens
Crowley: David Tennant's most underrated role shines in Good Omens A demon with devilish charm, he steals the show as the cunning mastermind, showcasing his versatile acting skills Prepare to be enchanted by Tennant's mesmerizing performance
Fans often oversimplify the impressive and extensive careers of beloved actors by focusing solely on their most iconic roles. A perfect example of this is David Tennant. Although he became widely known for his portrayal of the tenth Doctor in 2005, Tennant has showcased his exceptional acting skills in a wide range of projects, including captivating crime dramas and delightful children's shows. However, his portrayal of Crowley in Prime Video's Good Omens is renowned as one of his finest accomplishments.
Good Omens resides in a peculiar realm of popularity. While it may not have reached the level of sensation achieved by The Boys, it has garnered a dedicated fanbase. The adaptation of Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett's outstanding 1990 novel has attracted loyal supporters who are more enamored with the characters than the actual story itself. The twin gems of the series are the angel Aziraphale, played by Michael Sheen, and the demon Crowley, portrayed by David Tennant.
David Tennant's Crowley on Good Omens, explained
Portrayed by David Tennant, Crowley is a central character in Good Omens. Alongside Michael Sheen's Aziraphale, he takes on the role of the main point-of-view character throughout the series. Their dynamic, characterized by an ancient friendship that occasionally hints at forbidden love, serves as a beloved aspect among fans. Surrounding them is a diverse ensemble cast, consisting of a wide array of humans and celestial beings from Heaven and Hell, who come together to support the dynamic duo in saving the world. In the first season, Aziraphale and Crowley work covertly, defying their superiors, to prevent the impending biblical apocalypse. Tennant's flawless portrayal seamlessly brings Crowley to life, even though he wasn't Neil Gaiman's initial choice. Gaiman briefly considered casting Michael Sheen as Crowley, but ultimately assigned him the role of the angel in the relationship. At one point, Hugh Grant was also considered for the role of Aziraphale. Gaiman once responded to a fan on Tumblr, stating:
I remember spending a great deal of time contemplating who Aziraphale could have been when Crowley was originally going to be Michael. Initially, Hugh Grant was a front-runner in my mind. However, during the writing process of episode 3, Crowley transformed into David Tennant and Michael Sheen became Aziraphale. Once this decision was made, it became clear that no one else could have portrayed these characters.
Crowley, a demon who was cast out of Heaven for sins that were intolerable to God, remains in my memory. The series explains that his transgression was simply inquiring too much. Formerly, he held a prominent position within the celestial forces. In one episode of the second season, he takes pride in crafting a magnificent nebula cluster. However, when someone points out the insignificance of his creation, he questions why God would plan to bring about the end of days so soon after creating Earth. It is questions like these that ultimately banished Crowley to Hell. Despite his sardonic and irritable nature, he is relatively amiable according to demonic standards. While he is required to perpetrate evil, his tactics primarily involve minor inconveniences rather than grand gestures. He typically opposes the loss of innocent lives. Although he possesses limited patience for humans, he has an affinity for their creations. In his demonic form, he tempted Eve in the Garden of Eden but chose to safeguard Job's children instead of slaying them. Crowley is a complex figure who defies simple categorization based on his species. His remarkable imagination and his bond with Aziraphale set him apart.
Crowley's Good Omens season 2 arc, explained
Good Omens season 2 lacks the focus of its predecessor, with a storyline primarily serving as a bridge between the original novel adaptation and Neil Gaiman's proposed sequel. Rather than a cohesive ensemble like season 1, season 2 primarily delves into the past, exploring the blossoming relationship between Aziraphale and Crowley throughout history. Alongside this, there is a subplot involving the archangel Gabriel losing his memories and ultimately revealing his love for the demon Beelzebub. This leads Crowley to confess his love for Aziraphale, only to be rejected as Aziraphale chooses to return to Heaven instead.
Crowley, portrayed by the charismatic David Tennant, is a highly likable character, and the story of Good Omens deserves a third season to properly conclude. Without this opportunity, Crowley's tale of unrequited love would end on a devastating note. The relationship between Aziraphale and Crowley has become beloved among fans, who eagerly anticipate seeing how their friendship-turned-romance concludes. Good Omens introduced audiences to one of David Tennant's most captivating characters, and a prospective next season would offer the closure his story needs.
Editor's P/S
As a Gen Z fan, I have grown up watching David Tennant in various roles, and his portrayal of Crowley in Good Omens is truly remarkable. Tennant brings a unique charm and wit to the character, making Crowley one of the most beloved characters in the series. His chemistry with Michael Sheen, who plays Aziraphale, is electric, and their dynamic is one of the highlights of the show.
Overall, David Tennant's performance as Crowley in Good Omens is a testament to his versatility and acting prowess. It is a role that showcases his ability to bring depth and nuance to even the most unconventional characters. Whether you're a fan of Tennant, Good Omens, or both, Crowley is a character that will stay with you long after the credits roll.
