What is Lucifer About?
Lucifer (2016-2021) is an American TV series that combines elements of crime procedural TV series with elements of supernatural drama and dark comedy. The show is based on the DC Comics character Lucifer Morningstar, who is portrayed as the Devil. The base idea is that Lucifer, played by Tom Ellis, abandons his throne in Hell and relocates to Los Angeles. Here, he opens a luxurious nightclub called Lux and becomes involved in solving crimes with LAPD detective Chloe Decker, played by Lauren German.
As the series progresses, we see Lucifer struggle with his identity and relationship with his father – God. There’s also an interesting and certainly unconventional exploration of the relationship between God and His sons. But the main relationship of the show is that between Lucifer and Chloe.
What starts as an unwanted partnership on Chloe’s side, develops into a successful crime-solving duo and friendship. Of course, there’s also the “will-they-won’t-they” side of the story. The romantic relationship is kind of the expected outcome of the show right from the beginning. Even though the two start off on the wrong foot, with Chloe being annoyed at Lucifer’s self-centered demeanor, and Lucifer being the arrogant womanizer, we get occasional hints that they will eventually get romantically involved.
Besides Lucifer and Chloe, the series is supported by other characters, some more interesting than others. Read below to find out more about the characters of “Lucifer”, the TV series. Spoiler alert though!!!
The Characters of “Lucifer”: From Humans to Celestial Beings
“Lucifer” brings forward some diverse characters, from humans, to demons, to angels, to more biblical characters, and even God himself. We are going to analyze the most prominent ones below.
Lucifer Morningstar
As the fallen angel cast out from Heaven, Lucifer navigates the earthly realm with a devil-may-care attitude. He often indulges in his hedonistic desires and relishes in the humanly pleasures. As a character, he is charming and charismatic. He also serves as a comedic provider in the show. He frequently delivers witty one-liners, clever remarks, and playful observations that add humor to serious situations.
Here are some of his best one-liners:
“I’m not one for prayers, but I will make an exception in your case. Please, God, save me from the insufferable mortals.”
or
“I’m not the monster. I’m just the guy who deals with monsters.”
His lines, along with his interactions with other characters (such as Chloe, Linda, Dan, and Maze) and Tom Ellis’ acting make Lucifer’s character entertaining to watch and one of the viewers’ favorite.
Chloe Decker
Chloe Decker is an LAPD Detective with a strong sense of justice, who has the (mis)fortune of crossing paths with the charming Lucifer Morningstar, who becomes a consultant for the LAPD and her partner.
In our opinion, she is the weaker main character in terms of arc, traits, and complexity. We find her lacking a certain spark that sets her aside and makes her interesting. As a detective, we are constantly told how good she is, but there is nothing specific to convince us of that. And a lot of times, Lucifer steals the spotlight when it comes to figuring out who the killer is.
One comparison that comes to mind when we say this about Chloe’s character is with another famous detective in the world of crime dramas- NYPD Detective Kate Becket from “Castle”. Now, we know that they are two different shows, but the parallel between Lucifer-Chloe relationship and Castle-Kate relationship is pretty accurate (will-they-won’t-they subplot, unlikely partnership, male character is the comedic provider, male character is the consultant, female character is the no-nonsense detective).
Chloe and Kate play similar roles in their respective TV series. But compared to Chloe Decker, Kate Becket does show impressive qualities as a detective- she is smart, perceptive, badass, and insanely courageous (sometimes to a fault). And unlike Chloe, Kate is not overshadowed by Castle in the crime-solving process. Instead, they complete each other perfectly and share 50-50 of the merit. (And yes, we know it’s harder not to be overshadowed by the Devil than by a writer, but you get the point.)
An explanation for this could be that “Lucifer” doesn’t focus solely on the crime procedural part, but also on the supernatural themes. But of course, this is just our opinion. It doesn’t mean that Chloe doesn’t add value to the show or that other viewers don’t like her.
Mazikeen “Maze”
Mazikeen aka Maze is a demon and starts off as Lucifer’s loyal ally. She is fierce, cunning, and skilled in combat. As opposed to Lucifer, she doesn’t like humans, doesn’t understand them or try to, and she wants to go back home – which is Hell.
Maze is the character who has grown the most on us. If at the beginning of the show she was selfish, unkind, and bordering on evil, throughout the seasons, she undergoes the most significant character development. She forms deep connections with Linda, Chloe, and Trixie, Chloe’s daughter. She starts to put in effort to fit in with the humans and even gets a job (as a bounty hunter). She also shows emotions like sadness and happiness for human/ordinary things. So we get to see a softer side of Maze, where she is loyal and hurts when someone close to her dies.
That being said, Mazikeen is far from perfect. We see her as a great example that people (yes, we know she’s a demon) aren’t only bad or only good (aka things aren’t always black or white). Her qualities and good deeds sometimes clash with moments of rage, disloyalty, and bad decisions. But in the end, all she wants is to belong.
Amenadiel
Amenadiel is Lucifer’s eldest brother and an angel. However, in terms of actions, they are exact opposites. While Lucifer is the rebel, Amenadiel is the faithful soldier. He is a devoted adherent to celestial laws and obligations. This is why God sends him to Earth with the mission to convince Lucifer to resume his throne in Hell.
This is how Amenadiel’s character starts off the show. As the series progresses, however, he also undergoes an impressive development. Not only does he change his views about his role as a celestial being, but he also becomes more empathetic and introspective. He starts to question his identity and duty. He understands people better and can integrate. And he even wants to remain on Earth. He also forms deep connections with Linda, Dan, and Chloe.
One of the moments that consolidates and proves how much Amenadiel has changed his views on his role as a celestial being is his refusing the role of God.
Linda Martin
Linda Martin is an interesting character. She is Lucifer’s therapist and confidante. She is also the first human (among the main characters) to find out the truth about who Lucifer is. Or, better said, the first to witness it (since Lucifer always says who he is).
As a therapist, she is highly competent, possessing a keen insight into human behavior. Her sessions with Lucifer provide a platform for introspection and self-discovery not only for the character, but also for the viewers. She also encourages him to confront his inner demons and navigate the complexities of his celestial identity.
As a human being, Linda is compassionate, nurturing, and fiercely independent. Despite facing her own personal struggles, she remains dedicated to helping the other characters overcome their obstacles and solve their problems. She’s also capable of introspection, has a moral compass, and cares about her friends. One moment that impressed us about Linda is when she breaks up with Amenadiel so she won’t lose Maze as a friend.
All in all, Linda is an insightful character whose presence actually enriches the narrative of “Lucifer”. Without her, “Lucifer” wouldn’t have been as interesting.
Daniel “Dan” Espinoza
Dan Espinoza, commonly referred to as “Detective Douche” by none other than Lucifer, is also an LAPD Detective and Chloe’s ex. In the beginning of the series, Dan serves as a contrast to Lucifer’s role in the crime-solving process. Compared to Lucifer’s unorthodox methods, Dan is the conventional and serious law enforcer.
Throughout the series, however, we see Dan make some unconventional decisions as a way to protect his loved ones or to deal with his emotions. For example, when he teams up with Maze to beat up some guys. It’s moments like this one that show that Dan’s dealing with his own personal demons.
Nevertheless, Dan Espinoza is a likable character and we appreciate that he’s not portrayed as the bad ex-husband of the main character, as it often happens in TV series. Instead, he is one of the good guys, a good father, and a friend to his ex-wife.
Ella Lopez
Ella Lopez is a forensic scientist working for the LAPD. She is known for her quirky personality and happy demeanor. She brings a unique blend of intelligence, enthusiasm, and eccentricity to the team and we do like her for that.
However, her character isn’t the most original or developed one. She could’ve benefited from a deeper exploration of her backstory and inner conflicts. Sure, we do get insights into part of her past, such as the accident in which she almost died as a child and how she had a “ghost” friend. There are also times when we see her struggling with her faith and relationship with God. Those are great moments and we wanted more of them for her.
Another aspect of Ella’s life that could have been exploited is her love life. While we do see her in relationships throughout the show, it’s not much and it doesn’t add depth to her storyline. Anyway, even with the missed opportunities, Ella Lopez’s optimism is memorable and makes her loveable to the fans.
Before we move on, if you like to read about the characters in your favorite TV series, you can try our post where we rank the best characters in Buffyverse.
Is Lucifer The TV Show Worth Watching? – Pros
Whether it’s worth watching or not is a subjective matter and it depends on what you are looking for at the moment. We are going to analyze what we enjoyed about “Lucifer” and where it does well, and hopefully, you can decide for yourself afterward.
#1 Philosophical and existential themes
One of the things we appreciate the most about “Lucifer” is that it’s not just about supernatural elements and crime-solving. It also delves into deeper themes of morality, redemption, identity, and the human condition.
One perfect example is in season 4, episode 8, when Lucifer confronts his beliefs and admits his self-hatred during an intense therapy session with Linda. After convincing himself for centuries that his father is manipulating him and is responsible for his flaws, he finally admits that what he is and feels is his own doing. You can watch this beautiful scene below.
“Lucifer” has a lot more moments like this or thought-provoking lines that make us meditate afterward. For example, in season 5, episode 9, when Lucifer says to his dad:
” If all the apples are bad, maybe it’s the tree that’s the problem.”
#2 (Dark) Comedy
We were saying above that Lucifer’s character is the comedic relief of the show, but it’s not just him. The show often uses sarcasm and clever banter to lighten tense situations. In addition, the celestial beings navigating the complexities of human life often lead to humorous situations and absurd scenarios. For example, Maze’s deadpan humor when it comes to life among humans.
Amenadiel’s fish-out-of-water moments also provide us with some funny moments. As an angel navigating the human world, Amenadiel struggles to adapt to mortal customs and technology. His earnestness and naivety lead to amusing misunderstandings. For example, when he’s trying to pick up girls in Lux using the most inappropriate lines.
#3 Beautiful and emotional scenes
For some reason, we didn’t expect “Lucifer” to have so many emotional moments. Some examples of beautiful and emotional scenes in “Lucifer” include those that showcase Lucifer’s vulnerability when struggling with his identity and redemption, the connection between Chloe and Lucifer, and those that deal with loss and grief.
#4 The Music
It’s not often that we talk about the music in a TV show, but in “Lucifer”, it plays a significant role in enhancing the atmosphere and the cinematic quality of the show.
Here’s a breakdown of the different aspects of the music in the show:
- Lucifer’s vocal performances. One of the standout features of the series are Lucifer Morningstar’s performances. He shows us his vocal talents by singing a variety of songs, ranging from classic jazz standards to contemporary hits. These performances are meant to highlight Lucifer’s charismatic and seductive personality but also add a layer of sophistication.
Here’s an entertaining scene, in season 3, where Lucifer sings “I will survive” (featuring another character).
And here’s another beautifully artistic moment, where Lucifer sings “Wicked Game” in the middle of the night, in season 5.
- Piano compositions: In addition to his vocal performances, Lucifer is often seen playing the piano. These moments provide intimate and introspective glimpses into his character. The piano serves as a means for Lucifer to express his emotions and reflect on his inner demons.
- Backing soundtracks: The show’s backing soundtracks complement the mood and tone of each scene really well. The showrunners did a great job selecting the music, varying from moody blues and jazz tracks to upbeat pop and rock songs. Some of our favorites are “Devil, Devil” by MILCK and “I’m A Wanted Man” by Royal Deluxe.
What We Don’t Like About “Lucifer”
Now it’s time we talk about the parts we don’t like about “Lucifer” or that we feel could have been better. That being said, this is still our opinion, so other viewers might not be bothered by this.
#1 Underdeveloped procedural plot
We don’t mind that the show uses a predictable formula (“case-of-the-week” format), because we like a good formulaic police crime drama (for example, Castle). What we don’t like is the underdeveloped plots and the lazy delivery. The investigations in “Lucifer” often feel superficial and rushed. Plus, the crime cases don’t offer surprising plot twists and complex mysteries. Especially when we compare it to series like “CSI” or “Law & Order”.
And again, we know “Lucifer” is not supposed to be a traditional crime procedural and it doesn’t even aim to be one. But as police procedural fans, we would have wanted more on this department. Instead, the focus remains on the main characters’ interactions and personal development.
#2 Special Effects and Action Sequences
Not that they are bad. But given its supernatural premise, we feel that the special effects and action sequences could have been more impressive or imaginative. However, the budget constraints might have played a part here.
#3 Drama for the sake of Drama
Who doesn’t like too much drama? Well, we don’t. We understand, however, that drama is the hook of the show. And we even like it when it’s natural (if there’s such a things as natural drama). It’s the forced drama for the sake of drama and getting the audience’s reaction that we don’t like. And there’s plenty of that in “Lucifer”. For example, Chloe’s and Lucifer’s inability to confess their feelings in season 3, Eve’s arrival in season 4 (which we honestly don’t see the point of other than adding another biblical character), and more.
To conclude this long analysis of “Lucifer” the TV series, we’re going to summarize it for you. So, if you are looking for a show that blends supernatural elements with crime procedural drama and dark comedy, without being bothered by the occasional cliches or the predictable crime-solving process, then give “Lucifer” a try. Also, if you like a character-oriented show, chances are you won’t mind the underdeveloped procedural elements.
Anyway, before you go binge-watch “Lucifer” or something else, you can check out more of our posts below.
