The Hidden Meaning Behind Crowley’s Bentley License Plate in Good Omens Unveiled!
Decoding Crowley's Bentley License Plate in Good Omens: A Symbol of Mortality and the Intriguing Future it Foretells
Warning: spoilers for Good Omens season 2.
Summary
Crowley's license plate, "Niat Ruc," alludes to The Meaning of Life from Monty Python and symbolizes death as the "ultimate finale," which echoes the theme in Good Omens. In addition, the license plate serves as a tribute to Terry Gilliam, the intended director of a cinematic version of Good Omens that unfortunately did not materialize due to insufficient funding.
Crowley's heart-wrenching choice to opt for the "final curtain" rather than a celestial life alongside Aziraphale in Heaven signifies the conclusion of their partnership and hints at a bleaker future for Crowley in the upcoming season 3 of Good Omens. Good Omens' Crowley (David Tennant) has two closest companions: the angel Aziraphale (Michael Sheen) and his beloved Bentley, which has faithfully accompanied him for ages and bears the cryptic license plate "Niat Ruc". While season 1 saw them jointly saving the world, season 2 of Good Omens embarked on a brand-new narrative, diverging from Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett's original book. In this installment, Aziraphale and Crowley were no longer entangled in the destructive machinations of Heaven and Hell; rather, their mission revolved around safeguarding archangel Gabriel (Jon Hamm).
Crowley's License Plate Is "Curtain" Backwards, Indicating Death
: The highly anticipated second season of Good Omens takes audiences on a thrilling new journey that expands beyond the original source material. While several characters from the first season do not make a return appearance, a select few do, alongside familiar locations and noteworthy objects. Bringing viewers back to Aziraphale's cherished bookshop and showcasing Crowley's ever-faithful black Bentley, known for its involvement in countless adventures (including the onset of the Apocalypse), Good Omens season 2 continues to captivate. Of particular intrigue is the license plate on Crowley's distinctive automobile, bearing the cryptic inscription "Niat Ruc." As with many intricacies within the Good Omens universe, this license plate holds a significance that surpasses its initial appearance.
Although Crowley's license plate may seem like the cryptic language of demons, it is actually the word "curtain" spelled backwards. However, this seemingly simple wordplay holds a deeper significance and pays homage to another iconic cultural reference. According to Neil Gaiman and director Douglas Mackinnon's interview with Syfy in 2019, Crowley's license plate "Niat Ruc" is a nod to the famous "Niat Ruc" inscription on the mausoleum in Monty Python's The Meaning of Life. This inscription humorously alludes to death as the "final curtain," a central theme in Good Omens.
Crowley’s “Niat Ruc” license plate is a subtle tribute to Terry Gilliam, the actor and director who contributed to the animation of The Meaning of Life. Gilliam was initially slated to direct a cinematic adaptation of Good Omens during the late 1990s and early 2000s. However, due to insufficient funds, Gilliam pursued other projects. Despite continuing interest in directing a Good Omens film in 2006, the project still struggled to secure the necessary funding, ultimately transforming into a television series.
What Crowley's License Plate Means For His Character's Future
The conclusion of Good Omens was filled with unexpected turns and significant revelations, culminating in a heart-wrenching moment as Crowley and Aziraphale went their separate ways. Finally acknowledging his deep affection for Aziraphale, Crowley bravely shared his emotions with the angel. However, Aziraphale had just been offered the esteemed position of supreme archangel in Heaven. In an act of selflessness, Aziraphale invited Crowley to join him and regain his status as an angel. Yet, Crowley made the difficult choice to preserve their connection on Earth. Opting for the "final curtain" rather than a heavenly existence, he sealed the fate of their partnership, extinguishing any hope of a shared, blissful life on Earth, free from the interference of Heaven and Hell.
In Good Omens, the show has cleverly depicted how Aziraphale and Crowley have mutually influenced each other through recurring flashbacks since season 1. As the angel continuously brings out the demon's finest qualities, it becomes evident that without Aziraphale and burdened with a broken heart, Crowley may adopt a significantly bleaker and catastrophic perspective on life in season 3. The license plate "Niat Ruc" will now meaningfully align with Crowley's character following the events of season 2, and it is certain that viewers will witness a transformed Crowley in the upcoming season, different from the familiar portrayal they have become accustomed to.
