Decoding the Delightful References in Good Omens Season 2

All the Easter Eggs I Found in Good Omens Season 2

The Joy of Easter Eggs

When it comes to television shows and movies, Easter eggs are those delightful hidden references or nods to other works that make avid fans squeal with delight. They provide a scavenger hunt for the brain, as viewers try to spot and decode these cleverly placed homages. The latest season of Good Omens is no exception, with numerous Easter eggs peppered throughout the episodes.

While it’s possible that not all of these Easter eggs were intentional, part of the fun lies in the speculation surrounding their origins. Some references may be conscious choices by the creators, while others could be accidental incidental connections. Regardless, the Easter eggs in Good Omens Season 2 are a joy to uncover and analyze.

Naked Jon Hamm and “Dick in a Box”

One of the standout Easter eggs in the season is a nod to the infamous “Dick in a Box” skit from Saturday Night Live, featuring Justin Timberlake. In the scene, Jon Hamm’s character, Gabriel, walks through a street in Soho with a strategically placed cardboard box to preserve his modesty. This reference to “Dick in a Box” is particularly amusing for fans of the Good Omens book, as it suggests that angels don’t have genitalia unless they “make an effort.” The reactions of the public when the box is dropped imply that Gabriel does indeed have genitalia, much to the chagrin of poor Aziraphale. However, let’s not make jokes about Jon Hamm’s attractiveness and Aziraphale’s luck; after all, Hamm is Aziraphale’s former boss.

Sherlock and Doctor Who

Good Omens Season 2 features nods to two beloved British TV shows: Sherlock and Doctor Who. In a scene reminiscent of Sherlock, Aziraphale is lost in thought, only to be informed by Gabriel that Crowley has departed. This mirrors a similar scene in Sherlock when Irene Adler has to tell Sherlock that John Watson left while he was deep in thought. Both Aziraphale and Sherlock have a propensity for becoming lost in their own worlds.

Additionally, Peter Davison, who played the Fifth Doctor in Doctor Who, portrays the biblical figure Job in Good Omens Season 2. This adds another layer of intertextuality to the show, as David Tennant, who plays Crowley in Good Omens, is married to Davison’s daughter. Tennant’s son, Ty, also makes an appearance as Ennon, Job’s son. Furthermore, the fly given to Gabriel by Beelzebub is described as being “bigger on the inside,” a clear reference to the TARDIS from Doctor Who.

Tommy Cooper and David Hasselhoff

The appearance of Crowley donning a fez in a magic shop may initially be thought of as a reference to Doctor Who, where the Eleventh Doctor famously claimed, “Fezzes are cool.” However, this is more likely a nod to British comedian Tommy Cooper, who often wore a fez during his comedic acts. Perhaps Crowley acquired his signature fez from the same magic shop where he frequents.

Another Easter egg involves a book inscribed by Aziraphale’s magic tutor, Mr. Hoffman, with a signature that reads “The Hoff.” This alludes to David Hasselhoff, who is famously known as “The Hoff” in reference to his roles in Knight Rider and Baywatch. Only Hasselhoff himself is truly deserving of the title, and it’s a humorous play on his celebrity status.

Misspelled Tattoos and Hot Fuzz

A man sporting a forehead tattoo that reads “NO REGERTS” alludes to a viral internet sensation and a popular comedy trope. This misspelled tattoo, reminiscent of the peculiar characters found in Hot Fuzz, adds a comedic touch to the scene involving a legion of demons commanded by Shax demanding the capture of “the angle” Gabriel from Aziraphale.

Bedazzled Powder Blue Suit

A noteworthy detail in Good Omens Season 2 is Gabriel’s bedazzled powder blue suit and fluffy cloak. Aziraphale prompts miraculous wardrobe changes for those who are not “appropriately” dressed for his Austen-ian ball. Gabriel’s attire bears resemblance to Aziraphale’s own usual style, leading one to wonder if Gabriel borrowed the outfit from Aziraphale. The origins of the suit and cloak remain a mystery, but it’s speculated that Aziraphale may have had them stored away for a specific occasion.

Suzy Izzard and Book References

When the Metatron visits Nina’s shop for coffee, the name of her establishment, “Give Me Coffee or Give Me Death,” alludes to Suzy Izzard’s stand-up routine “Dress to Kill.” In this routine, Izzard humorously suggests that the Church of England should offer supplicants the option of “cake or death,” which is less efficient than the Spanish Inquisition. The reference adds a layer of clever comedy to the scene.

Good Omens Season 2 also includes several book references. As Gabriel shelves the books in Aziraphale’s shop, viewers can spot classics like Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice and Iain Banks’ The Crow Road. A book that opens with the line “It was a nice day” acts as a direct reference to the opening line of the Good Omens novel. Jon Hamm’s heartfelt reading of this line is sure to tug at the heartstrings of fans.

Crowley’s beloved car features James Bond-style bullet-hole decals, a reference to Bond’s first car, which resembles Crowley’s 1926 model. This connection reflects Crowley’s nerdy personality despite his desire to project a cool image.

The pronunciation of Aziraphale’s name has been a subject of debate among fans for years. In Season 2, the demon Furfur struggles to pronounce Aziraphale’s name correctly, amusingly referencing the ongoing discourse surrounding the name’s pronunciation. This playful nod brings a smile to fans who have grappled with the pronunciation for decades.

Discworld References

Good Omens co-author Terry Pratchett’s influence is apparent with several references to his Discworld series.

The line “Boss, this is a really —ing terrible idea,” uttered by angel!Crowley, echoes the distinct curse-free delivery of Mr. Tulip in Pratchett’s The Truth. This reference adds a touch of Pratchett’s memorable characters to the dialogue.

Another reference can be found when Aziraphale tells Crowley about finding a clue. Crowley warns him not to pronounce the capital letter, a signature style employed by Pratchett to emphasize words of importance. Pratchett’s love for capital letters and comedic effect is cleverly incorporated into the exchange.

When Crowley drinks laudanum in an effort to save Elspeth, he experiences unexpected side effects, such as shrinking and becoming inebriated. This transformation mirrors the Nac Mac Feegle, a race of fae creatures resembling Scottish folk in Pratchett’s Discworld. The similarities between Crowley’s altered state and the Nac Mac Feegle delight fans familiar with Pratchett’s work.

Mrs. Sandwich, the brothel owner on Aziraphale’s street, bears a Pratchett-ish name reminiscent of Mrs. Cake, a character from the Discworld series. Each city in the Discworld universe has its own version of Dibbler, who is known for his varied business ventures. It’s fitting for Dibbler to make an appearance in Good Omens, as he is ubiquitous in Pratchett’s books.

A scene at Aziraphale’s ball includes a conversation between Ms. Cheng and Mrs. Sandwich. Mrs. Sandwich struggles to explain her business due to the language restrictions imposed on the event participants. She resorts to employing a metaphor involving darning socks and sewing buttons for lonely men, paralleling the Seamstresses Guild in Pratchett’s Ankh-Morpork. This adds a delightful layer of complexity and comedic confusion to the scene.

Conclusion

Good Omens Season 2 is a treasure trove of Easter eggs, with references to pop culture, classic literature, and Pratchett’s Discworld. The creators have crafted a delightful experience for fans, rewarding their dedication with hidden gems throughout the series. Whether intentional or accidental, these Easter eggs add depth and richness to the storytelling, making the viewing experience all the more enjoyable.

As fans continue to explore the intricacies of Good Omens Season 2, they are sure to uncover even more hidden references and connections. The joy of decoding Easter eggs lies in the shared enthusiasm it brings to the fan community. So, grab your magnifying glass and get ready to embark on a thrilling hunt for hidden treasures in Good Omens Season 2.