Why did Crowley fall in “Good Omens?”
The captivating charm of the 'Good Omens' series is intricately woven with tales of celestial and infernal intrigues, interspersed with satirical commentaries on human existence. Central to this storytelling is the paradoxical character of Crowley (David Tennant), a demon who was once an angel. As viewers, we are drawn into the enigma of Crowley's character, pondering the intriguing question: Why is Crowley a fallen angel? This query is not as straightforward as it seems and delving into its answer requires an analysis of the celestial structure, Angelic rebellion, Crowley's personal philosophy, and his choice of allegiance.
Firstly, let's take a step back and understand the hierarchical structure of celestial beings that's depicted in 'Good Omens'. Crowley, initially an angel, belonged to a tiered system where each celestial entity had a specific role to play. This hierarchical system necessitates obedience and conformity, both of which are challenged by Crowley's questioning nature. This is evident in his conversations and actions throughout the series.
Crowley is repeatedly shown as questioning the divine plans and heavenly decrees, often articulating doubts about their efficacy or morality. It's implied in 'Good Omens' Season 2 that Crowley’s inquisitive nature is the cause of his fall, particularly his incessant questioning of Heaven’s plans and designs. This provocative nature challenges the system's established norms and creates friction between him and the ruling archangels.
However, do his actions merit a 'fall'? Is it fair to categorize curiosity and pursuit of knowledge as defiance deserving punishment? While in traditional angelic terms, this might be viewed as rebellion, an alternate perspective can classify it as intellectual freedom. This sheds light on the rigidity of the celestial hierarchy and the possible constraints it imposes on free thought and choice, possibly leading to the 'fall' of beings like Crowley.
What's more interesting is Crowley's personal philosophy. He isn’t a stereotypical demon, thriving on chaos and destruction. Instead, he enjoys Earth's pleasures and its inhabitants, often showing empathy and kindness - traits not typically associated with a demon. This blurs the dichotomy between good and evil, challenging the traditional celestial narrative of angels being inherently good and demons being inherently evil. It also raises the question, is Crowley truly a 'fallen' angel, or has he merely chosen a different path, one that offers more freedom and autonomy?
Lastly, the choice of allegiance is another factor contributing to Crowley's fall. Throughout 'Good Omens', Crowley aligns himself with Earth rather than Heaven or Hell. His fondness for Earth and humanity, his partnership with Aziraphale, an angel, and his lack of interest in reverting to his angelic status all point towards his unique choice. This nonconformity to traditional alignment is often interpreted as rebellion, leading to his fall.
It's important to note that while Crowley has been labeled a 'fallen angel', he doesn't seem particularly bothered by it. Instead, he embraces his demonhood and the freedom it grants him, further challenging the assumption that being fallen is a punishment. This might lead us to contemplate if the term 'fallen' is really apt or if it is a simplistic label used to ostracize those who choose a different path.
In conclusion, answering why Crowley is a fallen angel is a complex endeavor, involving a deep understanding of the celestial structures, challenging traditional assumptions about good and evil, and analyzing personal choice and philosophy. It compels us to question the inherent biases of the terms 'fallen' and 'angel' and delve deeper into the characters' complexities. One thing is for sure, Crowley, the so-called 'fallen angel', continues to intrigue and charm viewers with his unique blend of demonic chaos and angelic compassion, making 'Good Omens' a compelling watch.
