Good Omens Coffee Theory
| Fan Theory | |
|---|---|
| Fan Theory: | Good Omens coffee theory |
| Synonyms: | evil coffee theory, miracle coffee theory, a miracle in the coffee theory |
| Origin: | |
| Fandom(s): | Good Omens |
| Dates: | July 28, 2023 |
| Click here for related articles on Fanlore. | |
The Good Omens coffee theory is a fan theory in the Good Omens fandom. The theory posits that the coffee Metatron gave to Aziraphale at the end of the Season 2 episode "Every Day" was spiked with a miracle or poison that affected his behavior, and was a factor in Crowley's and Aziraphale's break-up. The exact origins of the theory are unclear, but it was likely conceived by multiple fans with similar interpretations independent from one another.
Canon
In season 2 episode 6 the angel Metatron appears at Aziraphale's bookshop after the main events of the series have been resolved. He offers Aziraphale a coffee, which Aziraphale accepts, drinks, and praises for being quite delicious (which was unusual, because up to that point in canon Aziraphale had only ever been seen drinking tea or hot cocoa as his choice of hot beverage). Then Metatron asks Aziraphale to have a private chat, and they go to a nearby cafe. When Aziraphale returns he tells Crowley that he is to be appointed the new Supreme Archangel, and that he wants Crowley to come with him back to Heaven. Crowley reveals his feelings for Aziraphale and asks him to run away with him, which Aziraphale refuses to do. This ultimately leads to the pairing splitting up, with Aziraphale going to Heaven and Crowley staying on Earth.
Reception
Responses from fans has been mixed; with some believing in it whole-hardheartedly, feeling it explains some of Aziraphale's uncharacteristic behavior; while others dismiss it entirely saying it takes away Aziraphale's agency as a character and minimizes his religious trauma. Most fans seem to think it's an interesting possible theory, but are willing to wait and see if it is proven right in season 3.
Fan Reactions to the Theory
General receptions
crowley tempting aziraphale with food and changing his life for the better vs the metatron tempting aziraphale with coffee and ruining his life[1]
if the miracle thing is true i'm going to kILL THE METATRON WITH MY OWN HANDS[2]
Support of the theory
When the Metatron orders the latte he orders it with "a dash of almond". When he hands it to Aziraphale he says it is a latte with "a hefty jigger of almond". That's... Significantly different amounts.Know anything that smells/tastes like almonds?
We know that poisons affect angel/demon stock quite differently than humans.
I'M JUST SAYING[3]
Hello, fandom, how are we doing in this uneventful day?So, I know it hurts but
PLS GO TO THE SCENE WHERE THE METATRON GIVES AZIRAPHALE THE COFFEE, THERE'S A VERY FAINT MIRACLE SOUND THERE, BUT IT'S *THERE*, I SWEAR
Thx @Tartziraphale for pointing that out #GOS2Spoilers[4]
So apparently raw almonds can create a poison…The metatron put almond milk syrup in Aziraphale’s coffee…
Dunno just saying …. I ascribe to the coffee theory[5]
i don't know if anyone said this but i also found it weird that when aziraphale said"i think i've made my position quite clear" the metatron responded by saying "yeah well i brought you a coffee" like the coffee was maybe supposed to make aziraphale change his mind 😭[6]
wait the miracle theory has weight to it because why would metatron buy him a coffee? he was very eager for him to drink it too. its not too much of a stretch to assume he performed a miracle on the coffee.[7]
HOLY SHIT HOLY SHIT I just went back to watch the clip again and miracle sound evident or not, metatron was DEFINITELY URGING Aziraphale to drink that coffee there. Also the dark look he gave Crowley before walking Aziraphale out… GUYS[8]
OK OK OK OK-Ok is ANYONE else talking about the “evil coffee” theory yet??? Or is that just the discord I’m in
Cause like…. Who the FUCK puts THAT much emphasis on a RANDOM CUP OF COFFEE??
I mean Aziraphale literally says “I made my position clear” and then Metaron is immediately like “aAAH, but I brought you.. an OAT milk LaTé 👹” with foreboding music and ominous shots like some scene straight out of a fucking Disney movie, OH Kay… I see you you Jafar sounding bitch 😭😂[9]
I don’t think Aziraphale was mind controlled, but I do think he was poisoned. Almonds are supposed to signify holiness, and I think that drinking the coffee pushed his belief in Heaven much farther than it was. (There is a basis for his belief, but not nearly that much—his interference with Job, illustrates this perfectly.)...Aziraphale’s “Nothing lasts forever” line in particular alerted me to something being off, because isn’t that his character? He’s worn the same clothing for over 100 years, he upkeeps books and hates selling them. He seems to have a strong aversion to change and yet he’s ready to give it all away for power??? He’s a bookshop owner, he’s never vied for power even on earth.
His motivations seem extremely off in my opinion… because he knows Crowley wouldn’t want to return to Heaven! The last 6,000+ years have been about them asking questions & coming together in a shade of grey.
Different shades mind you, but with similar motivations and goals regarding both humanity & earth.
All this to say… Aziraphale has never been cruel and the smile in the elevator at the end seemed edged with a vindictiveness I’ve never noticed in him prior.[10]
Criticism of the theory
And I have seen speculations that Metatron might have drugged/manipulated Aziraphale to make him more, not brainwashed per se, but more agreeable to Heaven’s side? Still not sure how to feel about that. Because the thing is, I don’t want this to be an easy fix. I want Aziraphale to take a long, hard look at himself and think, “Oh no. What have I done?” and will do everything to make it right with Crowley.[11]
I hate how in character Aziraphales decision in the finale was. Like I wish I could believe the coffee theory or say that the writing was out of character but it wasn’t. Aziraphale has never gotten over the good vs evil heaven vs hell black and white morality thing and that’s shown throughout the series. It hurts so much more because he really would make that decision.[12]
can I just say. coffee theory is stupid and completely cheapens the choice Aziraphale makes....
Does Zira make the naive choice? Yes. Does he make so in full control of his mind and senses? Also yes. Having his coffee poisoned is an incredibly cheap tactic because as a writer it's a cop out. It robs Aziraphale of not only his agency but also the reasonings behind his choice. It absolves him from the struggles and consequences of his actions and robs him of the growth and realization and epiphany he will have in the third act. It cheapens their inevitable reconciliation.[13]
It's the fact that Nina (who is stuck in a toxic relationship) is the one actually meant to represent aziraphale, not maggie. That convinces me that this is a story about breaking the cycle of abuse, which is why I have a hard time accepting the coffee theory.[14]
I see your coffee theory guys(gn) and I like it, but I really think the coffee is a metaphor for the metaphorical cool aid Aziraphale just drank. He's been in a cult and they just baited him back in with the 2 things he cares about most in the universe: doing the Right Thing, and Crowley's safety & happiness. With Crowley's rejection still hanging in the air and the taste of his kiss still on his lips, Aziraphale clings to the only part of this deal he thinks he still has in his grasp: the power to do Right without having to be wrong to do it.[15]
I decided that i hate the "coffee theory" so much, let my angel have religious trauma, let him make mistakes, let him understand how much he hurt his demon, let him beg forgiveness...[16]
Inspired Fanworks
Example of fanworks that have incorporated the coffee theory into their narratives:
Fanfiction
- Olani hoath ol (Every day) by SolarDescension
- The Coffee by Ghostofafruit
- And All the Stars Shall Fall from Heaven by LeapOfFaith1489
Fanart
- he’s connected the dots. he’s connected them., Archived version fancomic by goosetooths
External links
- TikTok by jumbled stars pointing out the inconsistencies in Aziphale's behavior in the final scenes
- Coffee Theory | Aziraphale's Coffee Was Tampered With (Good Omens) tag at Archive of Our Own
References
- ^ "July 28, 2023 Tweet". Archived from the original on 2023-07-29.
- ^ "July 28, 2023 Tweet". Archived from the original on 2023-07-29.
- ^ "Two tweets from July 29, 2023". Archived from the original on 2023-07-29.
- ^ "July 28, 2023 Tweet". Archived from the original on 2023-07-09.
- ^ "July 28, 2023 tweet". Archived from the original on 2023-07-29.
- ^ "July 28, 2029 Tweet".
{{cite web}}:|archive-url=requires|archive-date=(help); Unknown parameter|archviedate=ignored (help) - ^ "July 28, 2023 Tweet". Archived from the original on 2023-07-29.
- ^ "July 28, 2023 Tweet". Archived from the original on 2023-07-29.
- ^ "July 28, 2023 Tumblr post". Archived from the original on 2023-07-29.
- ^ "My current thoughts on The Coffee Theory…". Archived from the original on 2023-07-29.
- ^ "Okay. As heartbreaking the last scene was, I understood why it needed to happen?". Archived from the original on 2023-07-29.
- ^ "July 28, 2023 Tumblr post". Archived from the original on 2023-07-29.
- ^ "July 31, 2023 Tumblr post". Archived from the original on 2023-07-31.
- ^ "August 1, 2013 Tweet". Archived from the original on 2023-08-01.
- ^ "July 29, 2023 Tumblr post". Archived from the original on 2023-08-04.
- ^ "August 14, 2023 Tumblr post". Archived from the original on 2023-08-16.