Happy ‘Crowley Changes His Name’-day!!
happy ‘Crowley changes his name’-day!!
More Posts from Iacuor and Others
in which crowley tries to convince himself that all is not yet lost, because underneath it all, he is an optimist…
Things Neil Gaiman said about our ineffable husbands that make my heart skip a few beats:
- this is a love story
- they like holding hands
- they held hands in season 1 (he let us figure out that it was on the bus)
- it’s implied that Aziraphale stayed at Crowley’s apartment the night after the No-pocalypse
- this is a love story
- roughly 4 years passed between s1 and 2
- they will have a cottage in the South Downs at some point
- shoemaker-cum-obstetrician
- he called Michael and David ‘my boys’
annual rewatch of love actually tonight and it remains terrible and cringy but i still love the colin firth storyline with aurelia
guide for texting people you want to befriend by a person who is terrible at texting but is living a success story right now and wants to share
1. find any possible intro message, could be something you’ve talked about or something on social media or a question based on something you know about them
2. ask follow up questions to your intro message
3. keep asking follow up questions (maybe throw in some personal details)
4. write a message with ZERO questions but something that invites questions from the other part. this forces the convo to become more two-sided because you’re no longer the one extending the conversation
5. keep doing this. once you have a bit of a habit of texting you can change topics more freely or even casually make plans
remember, be brave!
After reading this, my immediate thought was James Bond’s line in Casino Royale:
“I have no armour left, you’ve stripped it of me”
The Magic Trick You Didn’t See: Being An Analysis of Good Omens Season 2
(or: Neil Gaiman, Your Brain is Gorgeous But I Have Cracked Your Sneaky Little Code And Have You Dead To Rights*) (*Maybe)
***
Soooooo I just spent the last 48 hours having a BREATHTAKING GALAXY BRAIN EPIPHANY about Good Omens Season 2 and feverishly writing a fuckin16,000 word essay about the incredible magic trick that @neil-gaiman pulled off.
Yes, it’s long, but I PROMISE your brains will explode. Do you want to know how magic works? Do you want to know what Metatron’s deal is (I’m like 99% sure of this and it’s EXTREMELY FUCKING GOOD)? Do you want to know about the Mystery of the Vanishing Eccles Cakes and the big fat beautiful clue I found in the opening credits? Do you go through the whole inventory of Chekov’s Firearm & Heavy Artillery Discount Warehouse?
Here is the essay, go read it: https://docs.google.com/document/d/193IXS11XN46lziHRb6eUpM17yK0BQkRqke1Wh64A_e0/ When ur done u can tell me I’m an insane crackpot, and u know what, i won’t even be offended
In case you don’t know whether you want to bother reading the whole enormous thing on google docs, I’ve put the first couple sections of it under the cut. JUST TRUST ME OKAY, HEAR ME OUT, THIS IS VERY EXTREMELY COOL, NEIL IS GOOD AT HIS JOB–
Keep reading
It happened one night, in 1941.
(aka how to get away with an insane amount of romantic tropes and innuendos) Part one.
I have to split this post into two parts - the second one is already written - because Tumblr clearly doesn't understand the absolute necessity to analyze in excruciating details every single frame of the 1941 flashback or they wouldn't have put a ridiculous 10 images limit.
Now buckle up, because these two did more things in one night than me in my entire life.
Let's set the scene. London. The Blitz. Aziraphale enters a church, pretending to deliver a bag full of precious books to a couple of moronic n*zi spies. He ends up to be doublecrossed by a third n*zi spy.
We already know from the Bastille flashback how much Crowley loves to play the role of the knight in shining clothes to his angel in distress. And sure enough, right on time, Crowley makes his appearance, with a brand new suit and a brand new name, casually hopping on the consecrated ground. You know, the consecrated ground that could literally burn his feet. Right next to a holy water font. Only for Aziraphale. Sometimes we forget how much he’s brave.
Let's ignore the fact that they’re literally standing in the middle of a church’s nave and in the middle of the only beam of light in a scene otherwise dark.
But, as every romance book/movie/show teaches us, engaging in a playful banter is always a must.
“What are you doing here?”
“Stopping you getting into trouble.”
“I should have known. Of course. These people are working for you.”
“No.[…]I just didn't want to see you embarrassed.”
Listen, Anthony, I can see the appeal of the grumpy x sunshine trope, but we know that rescuing Aziraphale makes you happy. You’re risking to be discorporated or worse - the holy water is still right there - just for helping him. We know it, Aziraphale knows it (and he loves it).
And now some casual flirting in front of the n*azis’ salad.
“Anthony?”
“You don't like it?” (Don’t you like my new name, Angel? I can take yours, if you want…)
“No, no, I didn't say that. I'll get used to it.”
It’s funny how the n*zis insist on continuing with their threats, because Azi’s ass is not listening.
“What does the "J" stand for?”
This is comedy gold, of course. However, from the moment Crowley has hopped into the church, Aziraphale’s attention didn’t stray from him not even for a moment.
With a quick exchange, they come up with a plan. Playing the savior, Crowley performs a demonic intervention to blow up the church. Azi performs a miracle to save himself and Crowley. This whole shenanigan is noteworthy, not only because they’re working together, but also because we can see how quickly they decide to trust each other. Keep this in mind, because the whole concept of “trust” will be a recurring theme in this flashback.
Furthermore - I’m probably reading too much into this - let’s think about the symbolism. Aziraphale and Crowley, together, destroy both the church - heaven - and the n*zis - evil. They’re already on their own side. Also, foreshadowing? Heaven and Hell dismantled once and for all and Crowley and Aziraphale alive, together? We can dream.
Could Aziraphale have miracled his way out of the situation all by himself? Maybe. Probably. But this is so much better for their relationship. Aziraphale trusted Crowley and undoubtedly enjoyed, once again, the role of the damsel in distress. Crowley trusted that Aziraphale would save them both with a real miracle. And it’s not over yet.
Look at Crowley’s cheeky smirk. It’s time to shine!
The image is dimly lit, but they are eyefucking staring straight into each other's eyes. How many tropes can you find in this image? Forbidden romance, slow burn, mutual pining, belligerent sexual tension… you name it. And in a minute we’ll have one huge love epiphany.
But, before that, we have THIS.
Oh, this is the period drama kind of romance! The casual touching hands, just for a moment, in a way that has no right to be SO. DAMN. SENSUAL. The Jane Austen-esque fantasies Aziraphale must been having for more than a century by now are finally happening! And 64 years before the iconic P&P's cinematic hand flex™ no less.
See? Aziraphale’s finger brush Crowley’s hand. I know, the whole thing lasts less than a second. But if I stare at this gif for too long I start to feel touch-starved.
I'm also thinking about the parallelism between Crowley saving Aziraphale's books in a period drama kind of way and the fact that Aziraphale will be willing to give away some books to throw the Jane Austen ball (just to touch Crowley’s hand). These two… I can’t.
And now the epiphany.
Crowley has rescued the books, Aziraphale's most valued possession. Aziraphale didn't ask him to do it, he hadn't even remember about the books until after the explosion. But Crowley knew how important they were to him. Crowley's gesture has nothing to do with the agreement or the greater good or the paperwork: it’s personal. It’s intimate. He has saved something dear to his angel’s heart. Azi loves the books -> Crowley rescues the books -> Aziraphale realizes that… oh. Look at his smile of amazement: he is literally paralyzed by what he is experiencing.
This is the definition of the love epiphany trope:
“When a character realizes they are in love with another character. This is not when the character confesses this love to that other character or anyone else, but when the character realizes it themselves. Often this can be when a character had feelings already and realized this has blossomed into love, or when a character has been in denial about these feelings until this moment.”
We are witnessing a textbook example. The music emphasizes it. In that single moment, Aziraphale not only acknowledges his feelings, but also everything that just happened. What Crowley just did for him. The level of mutual trust. Aziraphale’s feelings are not one-sided.
“You know... that was a very nice thing… you did for me. […] There must be something I can do for you… in return.”
Yes, I KNOW what you’re thinking, but let’s pretend to be oblivious as Crowley and let’s focusing on the imagery instead. They are literally driving through an inferno of explosions and who knows what else, but inside the Bentley they are safe. Somehow the scene manages to create a feeling of intimacy, so we, as well as them, can forget about whatever is happening outside. The Bentley is a shelter, just for the two of them. And there’s more. As the car moves forward, they’re lit by fire, literally the most common symbol of passion, desire and very un-angelic lust. If this seems unlikely to you, take a look at Aziraphale's eyes and smile in the picture above. Whatever he's thinking, it's not in the bible.
Fast forward to the ♪ The West End ♪
Mrs. H. gives Crowley a scolding for breaking the bottles with the smuggled liquor, earning in return this disdainful look from a protective Aziraphale.
Who, in the nine circles of heaven, gave you the nerve and the right to talk to my Antony Janthony like that?
Despite having rescued Azi’s books, Crowley had totally forgotten about the liquor he was supposed to deliver. Now it’s Aziraphale’s time to shine: it’s his turn to play the savior. This angelic mastermind decides to offer his services as an… expert… of the art of prestidigitation. And, doing so, Aziraphale:
1. Gets a chance to realize his magician fantasies.
2. Gets a chance to do something for Crowley.
3. Gets a chance to spend more time with Crowley.
Clever angel.
It may be trivial, but I love this shot. The warm light, the window frame: it's as if we’re peeking into their domestic life. The aesthetic is exactly the opposite of the heaven’s one - cold and aseptic - and the hell’s one - cold and crowded. Presumably, this is the first time that Aziraphale invites Crowley into the bookshop, his favorite place, destined to become their safe place. The atmosphere is welcoming, intimate and homely.
“Cheers for getting me off the hook.”
“Oh, there's no need to thank me, that's what... friends are for.”
I know everyone on this site has already pointed this out, but i have to mention the friends’ line. And how they look after that line. Yes, yes, they’re an angel and a demon, they’re not supposed to be friends, so admitting it out loud is a huge step. BUT they don’t look surprised or afraid that someone could hear them or anything like that: they’re looking disappointed, even miserable. Azi seems sad, Crowley’s looking as he’s about to discorporate inside. I haven't seen such a reaction since Michael Sheen had to call Aziraphale and Crowley “best buddies”. And this is the only moment in an otherwise funny scene in which they seem so unhappy.
My explanation is that the word friends left a bad taste in their mouths, destabilizing them both. Although they wouldn't talk about their feelings out loud, deep down they know that "friends" isn't right. Come on, Aziraphale just had his big revelation moment! I'm not saying that they're ready to plan a little cottagecore wedding - even though that wouldn’t be a bad idea - but friends isn’t the word to describe 6000 years of… whatever you wish to call it.
Now, I have so much more to say, but the tumblr app warned me that I had exceeded the image limit, just as I was about to include the gif of Crowley unbuttoning his jacket and stroking the tie… you know which gif I'm talking about. Apparently tumblr can’t handle it 🤷♀️
So see you in part two!
This explains why I can never explain the plot to anyone who hasn’t read the books…
Literally all of The Shadowhunter Chronicle romances are completely unhinged it’s not even funny (I lied, it’s very funny). Here’s just some examples:
William “Will” Herondale/James “Jem” Carstairs + Theresa “Tessa” Gray: It totally would have been a vee type polyamorous situation if it wasn’t for all the death and 1800s London society going on.
Henry Branwell + Charlotte Fairchild: How dare this misogynistic society put us together, I mean, we wanted to get together anyway, but not for those reasons. Welp, time to be as unconventional as possible.
Gabriel Lightwood + Cecily Herondale: Look, you made fun of my sister, it’s only fair that I marry your sister; that’s the rules.
Gideon Lightwood + Sophia “Sophie” Collins: Dad, I have a perfectly valid reason to betray you and go to the other side. What your doing is wrong and – nO tHiS haS nOThiNG to do wiTh tHeIR mAid wHy wOUlD yoU eVEn sAy tHat?
Jesse Blackthorn + Lucie Herondale: Your request to not be brought back to life has been denied, deal with it.
James “Jamie” Herondale + Cordelia Carstairs: He didn’t commit arson we were just having sex – why are you all looking at me like that’s worse?
Anna Lightwood + Ariadne Bridgestock: Listen, there’s a lot of society going on right now, so we’re going to have to get together in secret. Oh, you don’t want to? Okay, never mind, fuck society, let me win you back real quick.
Christopher Lightwood + Grace Cartwright: Oh good, you broke into my house, now we can talk about science.
Thomas Lightwood + Alastair Carstairs: I’d really like to hate you, but I think the biggest problem with that is that I love you. Once I get over that hurdle, I think we’ll be in the clear.
Lucian “Luke” Graymark + Jocelyn Fairchild: Good job on us for breaking away from the genocidal cult run by our best friend/husband; we should hook up, you know, as a reward.
Jonathan “Jace” Herondale + Clarissa “Clary” Fairchild: Ayo the same guy conducted experiments on our blood, that’s crazy; btw so glad we’re not actually siblings.
Alexander “Alec” Lightwood + Magnus Bane: Marrying each other is against the law? Okay, fine, I’m a law biding citizen. Oh oops, I made it legal. I am the law now, and I want a wedding on the beach.
Simon Lovelace + Isabelle Lightwood: It makes sense to have our engagement party on the day of my brother’s death, that’s when we really started bonding.
Helen “Alessa” Blackthorn + Aline Penhallow: Well, I guess we’re going to go in exile together. Yes, I said together; your exile is my exile, what’s mine is yours and what’s yours is mine, that’s how relationships work.
Julian Blackthorn + Emma Carstairs: Yes, it’s a technical war crime to love each other, but the law itself is not really our main concern about it.
Kieran Hunter + Mark “Miach” Blackthorn + Cristina Rosales: We’re really living that cottage core aesthetic, and all we had to do to get here was do a small war and some amnesia. Worth it.
Gwyn ap Nudd + Diana Wrayburn: I’m going to stand by just in case something happens, but it probably won’t, she knows what she’s doing – WHY IS SHE JUMPING OUT THE TENTH STORY WINDOW OH MY GOD WAIT
Tiberius “Ty” Blackthorn + Christopher “Kit” Herondale: We take cosplaying Sherlock and Watson VERY seriously, so of course we needed to go to all the most illegal places, it’s only natural.
Ash Morgenstern + Drusilla “Dru” Blackthorn: So anyway I saw them in a sort of fever dream like state this one time and they’ve still been on my mind for years.
Messaging people for the first time is so hard. What am I supposed to say? Like, "You seem really odd and your blog intrigues me. Do you want to have philosophical conversations or perhaps talk about fictional characters?" What! Whatever. I will just follow you back and stare at your blog with my big beautiful brown eyes.
