Originally published October 11, 2017. Updated April 18, 2018.
Tori Brazier reviews the second episode of Lucifer season 3…
This week’s episode of Lucifer starts off with a bang – or at least that was Lucifer’s intention, as he brings a lady upstairs to his apartment – but it turns out he has a little problem with premature… “unfurling”. These sorts of situations allow Lucifer (Tom Ellis) to display his witty, self-deprecating side, which is in nice contrast to his usual raging ego. Another mutilation and another regrowth confirm that Lucifer’s wings are here to stay, however much that notion might inconvenience him.
Brother Amenadiel (D.B. Woodside) brings therapist Linda (Rachael Harris) back into his confidence, after regaining her trust by saving her life at the end of season two. These two make a great team, more cerebral – but still entertaining – than others on the show. Linda is always good value as a normal, rational person reacting to the ridiculousness of these celestial brothers’ existence, and the situations in which they put her (especially when it’s getting petty). Sarcastic but warm, she tends to voice what most viewers are thinking. With Amenadiel discussing his frustration at Lucifer’s rejection of his wings – the very thing that Amenadiel wants back for himself more than anything – he finally recognises that Lucifer is his test from God.
The freshly reinstated-but-demoted Dan Espinoza (Kevin Alejandro) remains Lucifer’s punching bag in the LAPD, working alongside him and ex-wife Chloe (Lauren German) on cases. Although it can be an amusing situation, as Dan has pompous inclinations, it could quite quickly become a lazy and tiresome trope. This investigation is into the murder of a struggling comedian, so Dan, who admits to a passion for improv, is quickly thrust onstage when they hit the circuit. Providing perfect foil for a heckling Lucifer to begin with, it ends with tomato pelting – a silly step too far for a proud character who will suddenly take such humiliation.
It’s quite sensible for Lucifer to meld the surroundings of LA and its performance culture with this episode’s murder, particularly as it allows the delightful Ella from forensics (Aimee Garcia) a few moments to ‘fangirl’ when the team go to visit a high-profile comedian and antagonist of the victim. New boy Lieutenant Marcus Pierce (Tom Welling) is also slowly building interest as he tries to figure out – and take on – Lucifer. The policeman’s past, traumatic connection to the Sinnerman may also see him forge a bond with the devil (literally) as Lucifer is still desperate to find the man he thinks is responsible for his kidnapping. With no other link in sight to the Sinnerman’s identity, the hunt is on. Spurred on by Pierce’s connection, Lucifer realises that he is being played at his own game by this mysteriously all-powerful underground kingpin, and so he reconnects with an old strength of his own – giving favours…
A little bit of a placeholder episode, ‘The One with the Baby Carrot’ still allows for some laughs (mainly around the boys’ fascination with the micro-penis belonging to a person of interest on the case). The intrigue surrounding the Sinnerman’s identity won’t stretch through too many more episodes however, and Maze’s (Lesley-Ann Brandt) prickly presence is sorely missed.
Tori Brazier
