Lucifer
"It's good to be bad."
Overview
"Lucifer" follows the story of Lucifer Morningstar, the Devil himself, who has grown bored and unhappy with his life as the Lord of Hell. He abdicates his throne and retires to Los Angeles, where he runs a high-end nightclub called Lux. His glamorous new life takes an unexpected turn when he witnesses a murder and finds himself teaming up with the intriguing and immune-to-his-charms LAPD detective, Chloe Decker. What begins as a thrilling diversion evolves into a complex partnership and a profound journey of self-discovery.
Across its six seasons, the series expands from a case-of-the-week procedural with a supernatural twist into a sweeping family saga of cosmic proportions. Lucifer's vacation becomes an extended exploration of his own identity, confronting his deep-seated daddy issues with God, his tumultuous relationships with his angelic siblings, and the very nature of good and evil. He is forced to confront whether he is the monster he has always believed himself to be or if redemption is possible, even for the Devil. The arrival of various celestial and demonic figures continually complicates his life on Earth, intertwining heavenly conflicts with human-level crime-solving and forcing the characters to grapple with themes of free will, fate, forgiveness, and what it truly means to be human.
Core Meaning
The core meaning of "Lucifer" is a profound exploration of redemption, free will, and self-acceptance. The series posits that no one, not even the Devil, is irredeemable and that our choices, not our origins, define us. Through Lucifer's journey, the show deconstructs traditional notions of good and evil, suggesting that these are not fixed states but rather the results of our actions and our capacity for growth and change.
Ultimately, the series argues that Hell is not a place of external punishment but a prison of our own guilt, and that the key to freedom lies in forgiving oneself. Lucifer's transformation from a being defined by rebellion and self-loathing to one capable of ultimate self-sacrifice and love serves as the central message: that anyone can break free from their perceived fate and find their own noble purpose.
Thematic DNA
Redemption and Self-Forgiveness
This is Lucifer's primary struggle throughout the entire series. Initially, he sees himself as inherently evil, a villain by divine decree. His work with Chloe and his sessions with Dr. Linda force him to confront the good within himself. The show powerfully argues that true damnation isn't a sentence from God, but the inability to forgive oneself. Lucifer's arc is about moving past his self-hatred and realizing he deserves a second chance, a journey that culminates in him finding a calling not as a punisher, but as a healer for other damned souls.
Free Will vs. Predestination
The series constantly questions whether characters are bound by a divine plan or are free to choose their own paths. Lucifer's entire existence is a rebellion against what he perceives as his father's manipulative plan. This theme is explored through prophecies, the creation of Chloe as a "miracle," and the characters' struggles against their own natures (Amenadiel's duty, Maze's demonic origins). The ultimate conclusion is a firm stance for free will, asserting that characters can defy celestial expectations and forge their own destinies.
The Nature of Good and Evil
"Lucifer" challenges black-and-white morality. The Devil is the protagonist, capable of love and heroism, while angels can be manipulative and cruel. The show suggests that evil isn't an inherent quality but a result of choices, trauma, and perspective. The weekly murder cases often mirror the celestial characters' moral dilemmas, reinforcing the idea that humanity and divinity are not so different in their capacity for both terrible and wonderful deeds.
Family and Found Family
The series is, at its heart, a family drama. Lucifer's dysfunctional relationship with God and his siblings (Amenadiel, Michael, etc.) is the source of much of his pain and motivation. This is contrasted with the powerful "found family" he builds on Earth with Chloe, Linda, Amenadiel, Ella, and even Dan. This chosen family provides the support and acceptance that his celestial family never did, demonstrating that the bonds we choose can be more healing and powerful than the ones we are born into.
Character Analysis
Lucifer Morningstar
Tom Ellis
Motivation
Initially, his motivation is rebellion and the pursuit of pleasure to spite his father, God. This evolves into a desire to understand humanity, to solve the puzzle of Chloe's immunity to him, and ultimately, to prove he is not the monster he was cast to be. His deepest motivation becomes the protection of those he loves and the desperate need to feel worthy of their love, especially Chloe's.
Character Arc
Lucifer begins as a charismatic but emotionally stunted hedonist, using wit and indulgence to mask deep-seated pain from his celestial banishment. His partnership with Chloe Decker slowly chips away at his defenses, forcing him to confront vulnerability, empathy, and love. His journey is one of radical self-acceptance, moving from blaming his father for his nature to taking responsibility for his own choices and emotions. He evolves from believing he is inherently evil to understanding his capacity for immense good, culminating in a selfless sacrifice that redefines his purpose from punishment to healing.
Chloe Decker
Lauren German
Motivation
Her core motivation is a deep-seated need for justice, stemming from the unsolved murder of her father. This drives her professional life. Personally, she is motivated by the desire to protect her daughter, Trixie, and later, to understand the truth behind the man she is falling in love with. Her motivation evolves to not just solving crimes, but helping Lucifer navigate his own tortured soul.
Character Arc
Chloe starts as a grounded, pragmatic detective who is completely baffled by Lucifer. She is the audience's anchor in reality. Her arc is a journey from skepticism to faith—not just in the divine, but in Lucifer himself. Learning the truth about him shatters her worldview, but she eventually rebuilds it with a more profound understanding of the universe. She grows from being a person who needs empirical evidence for everything into someone who leads with empathy and trust, becoming Lucifer's ultimate source of strength and the key to his redemption.
Amenadiel
D.B. Woodside
Motivation
His initial motivation is pure obedience to his father's will and maintaining the celestial status quo. After spending time on Earth, his motivation shifts to protecting his family, both celestial and human, particularly his half-angel son, Charlie. He becomes driven by a desire to make the world a better place and to be a good father, which eventually leads him to his ultimate purpose.
Character Arc
Amenadiel is introduced as God's favorite son, an arrogant and dutiful angel tasked with forcing Lucifer back to Hell. His time on Earth, his loss of powers, and his relationships with humans—particularly Dr. Linda and Dan—radically change his perspective. He learns humility, compassion, and to question his father's divine plan. His arc is about finding his own identity outside of being God's soldier, embracing humanity, and ultimately becoming a worthy successor to God by understanding that humanity is not a lesser creation to be managed, but a source of strength and wisdom.
Mazikeen 'Maze'
Lesley-Ann Brandt
Motivation
Initially, her only motivation is to serve and protect Lucifer, and to get back to Hell. This evolves into a desperate search for purpose and connection. She craves a soul because she believes it will solve her feelings of emptiness and otherness. Her ultimate motivation becomes finding a love and family that accepts her for exactly who she is, demon and all.
Character Arc
As a demon, Maze begins as Lucifer's fiercely loyal protector and torturer, with no understanding of human emotion beyond physical pleasure and pain. Her journey is a quest for a soul and a sense of belonging. Feeling abandoned by Lucifer, she forges her own identity and relationships with Chloe, Trixie, and Linda. She struggles with feelings of being an outcast in both the human and celestial worlds. Her arc culminates in her realizing that a soul isn't something you're given, but something you grow through love, connection, and even pain, eventually finding happiness and her own place.
Symbols & Motifs
Lucifer's Wings
Lucifer's wings symbolize his true celestial identity, his connection to Heaven, and his self-perception. When he first cuts them off, it's an act of rebellion and an attempt to shed his past. Their state throughout the series—angelic, demonic, absent—directly mirrors his internal struggle between viewing himself as a monster or as the archangel he once was.
They are a recurring visual motif. He severs them before the series begins, regrows them against his will at the end of Season 2, hides them, and eventually embraces them. In the finale of Season 3, he uses them to shield Chloe, a pivotal moment of self-acceptance and protection. The visual effects for the wings were a significant part of the show's budget.
The Pentecostal Coin
The coin symbolizes a second chance, the ability to escape damnation, and the temptation to sidestep guilt. It grants a one-time passage from Hell back to Earth. For Lucifer, it represents a tool and a reminder of his past role, while for others, like Malcolm in Season 1, it represents a desperate and corrupting grasp at life.
The coin is a central plot device in Season 1, used by Lucifer to bribe his way back to Earth. It's later used by Malcolm Graham to escape Hell and becomes a point of contention. The coin reappears in later seasons, always tied to questions of mortality, second chances, and the consequences of cheating fate.
Lux Nightclub
Lux, which means "light" in Latin, is a direct reference to Lucifer's name as the "Light-bringer." The club serves as Lucifer's throne room on Earth, a space of indulgence, desire, and freedom. It is both his sanctuary and a stage for his pain, often expressed through his piano playing. It represents his attempt to create his own kingdom, separate from both Heaven and Hell.
Lux is a primary setting for the entire series. Lucifer's penthouse apartment is directly above it, making it the center of his world. Many key conversations, confrontations, and musical performances happen at Lux, establishing the show's glamorous and decadent visual tone.
Memorable Quotes
Tell me, what is it you truly desire?
— Lucifer Morningstar
Context:
Used throughout all six seasons, starting from the very first episode. Lucifer uses this power to help solve crimes, manipulate situations, and force people to be honest with themselves, often with witty and revealing results.
Meaning:
This is Lucifer's signature line and the verbal manifestation of his primary superpower. It represents his ability to draw out the deepest, often hidden, desires of humans. The quote is central to the show's theme of truth and self-awareness, as confronting one's desire is the first step toward understanding oneself.
Do you think I'm the Devil because I'm inherently evil, or simply because dear ol' Dad decided I was?
— Lucifer Morningstar
Context:
This is from Season 1, Episode 1, "Pilot." Lucifer poses this question to his brother Amenadiel during their first confrontation on Earth, setting the stage for the core conflict of his character arc.
Meaning:
This quote encapsulates the central philosophical question of the series: the battle between nature and nurture, predestination and free will. It highlights Lucifer's deep-seated resentment towards his father and his struggle with an identity that he feels was forced upon him rather than chosen.
Guilt is such a useless emotion.
— Lucifer Morningstar
Context:
Lucifer says this in Season 2, Episode 10, "Quid Pro Ho," to a bridesmaid at a wedding. The theme, however, is a cornerstone of the entire series' mythology of Hell.
Meaning:
This statement reflects Lucifer's initial hedonistic philosophy, but it becomes deeply ironic as the series progresses. He discovers that Hell is built on guilt, with souls torturing themselves over their past actions. His own journey is defined by his struggle to overcome his profound guilt, proving the emotion is anything but useless—it's the very thing that damns or saves a soul.
I choose you, Chloe. Because I love you.
— Lucifer Morningstar
Context:
From Season 5, Episode 16, "A Chance at a Happy Ending." Lucifer says this to Chloe in Heaven after she dies, giving her his ring of immortality so she can return to Earth, even though it means he cannot.
Meaning:
This is a pivotal moment in Lucifer's development, where he makes a conscious choice based on love rather than celestial obligation or rebellion. It's a declaration that his feelings are genuine and not part of any divine plan, a direct assertion of his own free will in the face of destiny.
Episode Highlights
A Good Day to Die
When Chloe is poisoned and near death, Lucifer becomes desperate to find an antidote. To do so, he makes the ultimate sacrifice: having himself killed so he can travel to Hell and extract the formula from the professor responsible. The episode showcases the depth of his feelings for Chloe and features the entire main cast working together to save her.
This episode marks a major turning point in Lucifer's emotional journey, showing he is willing to face his own personal Hell for Chloe. It solidifies the bond of the 'found family' and ends with a huge cliffhanger: Lucifer waking up in the desert with his angel wings restored, setting up the next season's central conflict.
A Devil of My Word
In the aftermath of Charlotte Richards' death, Lucifer goes on a rampage to find her killer, who he correctly deduces is Marcus Pierce (Cain). The episode culminates in a climactic battle where Lucifer, consumed by rage, unleashes his Devil face for the first time in front of Chloe.
This is arguably the most pivotal episode of the series. After three seasons of denial and disbelief, Chloe finally sees the truth about Lucifer. The cliffhanger was so significant that when Fox canceled the show immediately after, it sparked the massive #SaveLucifer fan campaign that led to its revival by Netflix.
Save Lucifer
Struggling with profound self-hatred, Lucifer's demonic side begins to manifest physically, causing him to slowly transform into his Devil form. Convinced he is poison to everyone he cares about, especially Chloe, he pushes her away. The episode culminates in a powerful scene where Chloe confronts his monstrous form, not with fear, but with acceptance, telling him he needs to forgive himself.
Named in honor of the fan campaign that saved the show, this episode powerfully explores the theme of self-loathing. Chloe's unconditional acceptance of Lucifer, even in his monstrous form, is a crucial moment for their relationship and for Lucifer's path to self-forgiveness.
Who's da New King of Hell?
Following a prophecy that his first love will unleash evil upon the Earth, demons rise from Hell to try and force Lucifer to return. To protect the world and the people he loves, Lucifer makes a heartbreaking choice to reclaim his throne in Hell, just after Chloe finally admits her love for him.
This season finale is a powerful and emotional culmination of Lucifer's growth. His return to Hell is not an act of defeat but of profound responsibility and self-sacrifice, showing he has evolved from a rebellious son to a true king who puts his duty above his own desires.
A Chance at a Happy Ending
The conflict between Lucifer and his manipulative twin brother Michael comes to a head in an all-out war between their angelic supporters to determine who will become the new God. When Michael kills Chloe, Lucifer flies to Heaven—a place he is banned from—to resurrect her, sacrificing himself in the process. This act of pure, selfless love makes him worthy of becoming God.
This episode is the climax of the celestial family drama. Lucifer's self-sacrifice completes his redemption arc, proving he is no longer the selfish rebel he once was. His subsequent ascension to the role of God fundamentally changes the series' status quo and sets the stage for the final season.
Partners 'Til the End
In the series finale, Lucifer discovers his true calling is not to be God, but to return to Hell and become a therapist for damned souls, helping them find their way to Heaven. He must say a heartbreaking goodbye to Chloe, knowing they will be separated for the rest of her mortal life. The episode ends with a flash-forward, showing Chloe living a full life before reuniting with Lucifer in Hell for eternity.
The finale provides a bittersweet but definitive conclusion to Lucifer's journey. It reframes Hell as a place of healing rather than punishment and solidifies Lucifer's ultimate purpose as a redeemer. While divisive among some fans, it brings his entire character arc full circle, from a fallen angel to the universe's greatest healer.
Philosophical Questions
Is anyone truly irredeemable?
This is the central question of the series, explored through its protagonist. Lucifer, the embodiment of evil in mythology, is shown to be capable of love, sacrifice, and profound growth. The show argues that redemption is available to everyone, but it must come from within. Hell is not a place of eternal fire but a loop of self-torture fueled by guilt. The ability to leave Hell has always been there; souls stay because they believe they deserve it. Lucifer's final calling as Hell's therapist reinforces this idea: redemption isn't granted, it's achieved through self-forgiveness.
What is the true nature of damnation and evil?
The series dismantles the idea that God is a vindictive punisher. Instead, it posits that humans (and celestials) are responsible for their own damnation through their guilt. Evil is portrayed not as a cosmic force, but as a result of pain, fear, and selfish choices. Characters like God, Lucifer, and even the Goddess are shown to be flawed and capable of making mistakes. The show suggests that evil is a label, and the true struggle is overcoming one's own inner demons and taking responsibility for one's actions.
Does free will exist in a universe with a divine plan?
This question creates a constant tension. Lucifer's rebellion is based on the idea that he is defying God's plan, yet he constantly fears he is playing a part he was always meant to play. The existence of prophecies and "miracles" like Chloe suggests a grand design. However, the series ultimately sides with free will. Characters consistently make choices that defy expectations, and Lucifer's final, pivotal decisions are presented as his own. The divine plan is shown to be more of a suggestion than an inescapable script, with love and choice being the most powerful forces in the universe.
Alternative Interpretations
The series finale, while providing a definitive ending, has been subject to various interpretations, particularly regarding its implications for free will and the nature of Lucifer and Chloe's relationship.
One interpretation sees the ending as tragic and a betrayal of the show's core theme of free will. In this view, Lucifer is once again forced into a role (Hell's healer) by a time loop paradox created by his future daughter, Rory. He doesn't choose this path freely but is bound by the need to preserve the timeline, thus sacrificing his life and happiness with Chloe on Earth. This reading suggests that despite all his growth, he is still ultimately a pawn in a predetermined cosmic plan.
A more positive interpretation views the ending as the ultimate fulfillment of Lucifer's journey of self-actualization. From this perspective, he freely chooses to honor his promise to Rory, recognizing that his calling as a healer is his true purpose—a purpose he discovered on his own. It is the ultimate act of self-sacrifice and love, transforming his ancient place of punishment into a realm of redemption. In this reading, his reunion with Chloe after her death is not a consolation prize but an eternal partnership, working together to heal lost souls, which is a more profound destiny than simply living a mortal life on Earth.
Cultural Impact
"Lucifer's" most significant cultural impact is its legacy as a fan-favorite show that defied cancellation through the power of social media. The #SaveLucifer campaign of 2018 became a case study in modern fan engagement, demonstrating a direct line of influence between audience demand and network decisions in the streaming era.
The series itself contributed to the popular trend of supernatural procedurals, blending the crime-solving structure of shows like "Castle" or "The Mentalist" with urban fantasy. However, it distinguished itself by focusing deeply on theological and philosophical themes, presenting a sympathetic, humanized version of the Devil that resonated with audiences. This portrayal challenged traditional religious archetypes and explored concepts like divine justice, self-loathing, and redemption in an accessible, character-driven way. The show's move from a broadcast network (Fox) to a streaming giant (Netflix) also reflected a broader shift in television, allowing for more serialized storytelling and mature content in its later seasons, which were generally better received by critics and fans.
Audience Reception
Audience reception for "Lucifer" evolved significantly over its run. The initial seasons on Fox received mixed-to-positive reviews, with many praising Tom Ellis's charismatic performance but criticizing the show's reliance on a standard police procedural format. It was seen by some as a "guilty pleasure" that didn't fully explore its compelling premise. Despite this, it cultivated a passionate and loyal fanbase.
The show's cancellation by Fox after Season 3 sparked massive online outrage and the #SaveLucifer campaign, which demonstrated the strength of its following. After being revived by Netflix, the reception became much more positive. The later seasons shed the more restrictive case-of-the-week format in favor of more serialized, character-focused storytelling. This shift was widely praised by audiences and critics, who felt the show was finally living up to its potential. The final season was more divisive, with a portion of the audience feeling the ending for Lucifer and Chloe was unnecessarily tragic and contradicted the show's themes of free will. However, a significant portion of the fanbase found the ending to be a fitting, emotionally resonant conclusion to Lucifer's redemption arc.
Interesting Facts
- Tom Ellis, who plays Lucifer, does all of his own singing in the show's many musical numbers. His musical talent was incorporated into the character after the writers heard him sing at a karaoke night.
- The show was famously canceled by Fox after three seasons, sparking a massive fan campaign with the hashtag #SaveLucifer. The outcry was successful, and Netflix picked up the series for its final three seasons.
- The first two seasons were filmed in Vancouver, Canada, to save money, before production moved to Los Angeles for Season 3 onwards, which producers felt made the city itself a character in the show.
- Tom Ellis originally tried performing the character with an American accent but felt it made Lucifer sound like a "jerk." He switched to his native British accent because he felt it allowed him to get away with the character's outrageous lines more charmingly.
- Lucifer's Devil face in the pilot was created with prosthetics, but this was later replaced with CGI to give it more depth and be more comfortable for the actor.
- Amenadiel's wings were written out of the show for a period not for story reasons, but because the VFX budget couldn't afford two sets of prominent angel wings.
- Tom Ellis's father, uncle, and sister are all Baptist pastors, a fact he finds amusing given his most famous role.
Easter Eggs
In Season 3, when confronting Marcus Pierce/Cain (played by Tom Welling), Lucifer refers to Cain's invulnerability as his "kryptonite."
This is a direct, tongue-in-cheek reference to actor Tom Welling's most famous role as Clark Kent/Superman in the TV series "Smallville."
The title of Season 4, Episode 9 is "Save Lucifer."
This is a direct homage to the fan campaign and the #SaveLucifer hashtag that was instrumental in getting Netflix to revive the show after its cancellation by Fox.
In many scenes featuring the character Eve, there is an apple or apple imagery present, and her signature drink is an Appletini.
This is a recurring visual nod to her biblical origin story and the forbidden fruit from the Garden of Eden.
In the pilot episode, Lucifer tells Amenadiel, "I look forward to eating your heart one day."
This is a direct reference to the original DC/Vertigo comics, where the conflict between Lucifer and Amenadiel ends in a death match in Hell, with the victor being required to eat his opponent's heart.
In Heaven, the character Mr. Said Out Bitch says, "I don't know what the fork any of that means."
This is a clear reference to the NBC sitcom "The Good Place," where swearing is impossible in the afterlife and curse words are automatically replaced with similar-sounding, harmless words like "fork."
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