#two seasons of development made this feel inevitable in the most excruciating and perfect way

[coffeemira]

i don’t think the coffee theory is correct. (the theory being that metatron tampered with the coffee in some way that explains aziraphale’s decision. i can’t find where it originated, but that seems to be the gist.)

narratively, this is MEANT to be a mistake aziraphale is making. it’s meant to be an awful moment of miscommunication that displays both of their flaws. it’s meant to show how difficult it is to leave, say, an abusive family or a cult—how the person you were running from can show you a hint of the kindness you were starved for all this time, the approval you were always denied, and you think “maybe this time will be different, maybe they understand now, maybe if i give them one more chance it will be better.”

aziraphale & crowley eventually overcoming this is how they will grow both individually and as a pair.

if ALL the blame for this choice falls on metatron, it also robs aziraphale of the opportunity to have made a mistake that he can then grow from. and maybe more importantly, the chance to reckon with the abuse and trauma he’s suffered.

don’t get me wrong, metatron IS manipulating aziraphale and surely knew that this would break him and crowley apart. i just don’t think he needed poison or a miracle to do it.