Gabriel does not have a significant role in the book “Good Omens” by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett, but in the Amazon Prime adaptation, he is portrayed as a higher-ranking angel who oversees Aziraphale. Gabriel is more present in the series, where he is depicted as a somewhat antagonistic figure, pressuring Aziraphale to ensure Armageddon occurs as planned. By the end of the series, after the thwarted apocalypse, Gabriel’s plans are foiled, and he leaves Earth along with the other celestial beings, his ultimate fate left unexplored.
In the original novel “Good Omens,” the character Gabriel is only briefly mentioned and does not play a direct role in the story. The book focuses on the angel Aziraphale and the demon Crowley as they work together to prevent the end of the world. Gabriel’s character is expanded in the television adaptation, where he is given a more prominent role. Played by Jon Hamm, Gabriel is portrayed as the archetypal corporate boss, with a slick appearance and a condescending attitude towards Aziraphale. He is adamant about the divine plan for the apocalypse and is frustrated by Aziraphale’s reluctance to see it through.
Throughout the series, Gabriel’s interactions with Aziraphale highlight the bureaucratic and inflexible nature of Heaven’s management. Despite his insistence on following the Great Plan, Gabriel is ultimately shown to be out of touch with humanity and the nuances of good and evil. When the apocalypse is averted due to the actions of Aziraphale, Crowley, and the young Antichrist, Adam, Gabriel is taken aback. He confronts Aziraphale, who defends their actions and the importance of free will. Realizing that their plan has been disrupted, Gabriel, along with the other angels and demons, retreats from Earth. The series ends without a clear indication of what consequences, if any, Gabriel and the other celestial beings will face for the failed Armageddon.