Unveiling the Enigmatic Demon Shax: Unraveling Her Twisted Role in Hell and the Mysterious Ties to Madame Tracy

Warning: spoilers for Good Omens season 2

Summary

In Good Omens season 2, fresh characters are introduced, notably the demon Shax, who will play a more prominent role in upcoming seasons of the series. Acting as Hell's emissary on Earth, Shax takes over as the replacement for Crowley and covertly gathers information by spying on Aziraphale and Crowley.

Shax, a character based on a mythological figure from the Ars Goetia grimoire, possesses powers over demons but is known for being a liar and deceiver.

In Good Omens season 2, viewers are introduced to new characters from Heaven, Hell, and Earth. One such character, Shax (portrayed by Miranda Richardson), hails from Hell and is poised to play a prominent role in future seasons of the show following the events of season 2. After eagerly anticipating its return for four years, Amazon Prime's Good Omens has finally premiered its second season. In contrast to season 1, which followed Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett's book in its entirety, season 2 unveils an entirely new storyline, granting the writers ample creative freedom to introduce a host of fresh characters, some of whom are slated for significant roles in the ongoing series.

Shax's Role In Good Omens Season 2's Hell & The Demon's Real-Life Occult Lore Explained

Aziraphale (Michael Sheen) and Crowley (David Tennant) join forces once again in Good Omens season 2 as the unexpected arrival of archangel Gabriel (Jon Hamm) interrupts their peaceful routine. Gabriel arrives at Aziraphale's bookshop in a peculiar state - entirely unclothed, clutching an empty box, and plagued by amnesia, leaving him clueless about his identity, origin, and Aziraphale's significance. Determined to safeguard Gabriel from the prying eyes of Heaven and Hell, Aziraphale and Crowley devise a plan that proves to be considerably challenging. Their efforts are further complicated by the emergence of Shax, a new demon on Earth, whose growing presence hints at a looming, pivotal role in the upcoming Good Omens season 3.

In Good Omens season 2, Shax, a demon, replaces Crowley on Earth. In one of the season's minisodes titled "Nazi Zombie Flesheaters," Shax's backstory is explored. In this minisode, which is part of episode 4, Shax is depicted as a receptionist working in Hell's Department of Admissions. Her role involves receiving and stamping the papers of new arrivals. Seeking a way to advance from Admissions to Temptations, Shax approaches Furfur, another demon working as a receptionist, and offers to assist him if he possesses information about a demon engaging in good deeds on Earth. Consequently, Shax persuades Furfur to spy on Crowley and Aziraphale. While Furfur successfully obtains evidence of their alliance on Earth, Aziraphale cleverly replaces the incriminating photo with a flyer for a theater show.

Furfur's failure led to him being ridiculed in Hell, while Shax managed to escape Admissions. The shocking conclusion of season 1 of Good Omens left Heaven and Hell astounded as Aziraphale and Crowley defied death by switching places, resulting in the agreement of the higher powers to leave them alone on Earth but sever all ties with them. As a result, Crowley no longer represents Hell on Earth, with Shax taking his place. Apart from serving as Hell's representative, Shax also keeps a watchful eye on Crowley and delivers his mail.

Similar to other characters in Good Omens from Heaven and Hell, Shax is based on a mythological figure. Shax is one of the demons mentioned in the Ars Goetia, one of the five books within The Lesser Key of Solomon (also known as Lemegeton Clavicula Salomonis and Lemegeton), a grimoire of unknown authorship. The Ars Goetia contains the names of 72 demons, including Shax, who is also referred to as Chax, Shan, Shass, Shaz, and Scox. Shax holds the title of Great Marquis of Hell and commands 30 legions of demons who ride on malevolent horses. Upon request, Shax can remove a person's sight, hearing, and understanding, as well as steal virtually anything. However, it is advised not to disturb Shax frequently, as despite being faithful and obedient, he is also known to deceive and lie.

Shax Isn't Connected To Good Omens' Madame Tracy (Despite Being Played By Miranda Richardson)

Good Omens season 2 saw the return of some actors from season 1 in different roles, including Miranda Richardson. In season 1, Richardson played the character Madame Tracy, who is a Medium and offers "intimate care and relaxation" services. She lives in an apartment opposite Sergeant Shadwell's and frequently faces his offensive remarks. In a significant turn of events, Madame Tracy becomes the first recorded case of Angelic Possession when Aziraphale discorporates and needs to return to Earth with Crowley to prevent the Apocalypse. By the end of season 1, Madame Tracy and Shadwell agree to leave London and move in together.

While both characters are portrayed by the same actress, it is important to note that Madame Tracy and Shax are separate entities. However, given Madame Tracy's medium abilities and her previous experience as a vessel for Aziraphale in season 1, one can understand why there may be suspicions about a potential connection between her and Shax. It wouldn't have been unreasonable to consider the possibility of Madame Tracy becoming a vessel for a demon who needed to be present on Earth.

Shax Will Be Even Bigger In Good Omens Season 3 (But Will It Happen?)

The romance between Heaven's archangel Gabriel and Hell's Beelzebub in Good Omens season 2 brought about an unexpected twist. Despite facing opposition from Heaven and Hell, Gabriel and Beelzebub were determined to be together. Following Crowley's suggestion, they embarked on a journey to Alpha Centauri. As a result, a vacancy was created in Heaven and Hell, prompting Beelzebub to offer Shax the opportunity to assume her position in Hell. It is implied that Shax may become a Duke of Hell in Good Omens season 3, although Furfur's previous actions might lead him to also aspire for that role. At present, the future of Good Omens season 3 remains uncertain, leaving Shax's destiny up in the air.