Every show has its high and low points. It's impossible for every episode to be a winner. Sometimes a plot hole is just too glaring to ignore, other times bland dialogue makes a scene fall flat. Lucifer is no exception. The show has had some triumphant wins as well as some disappointing losses.
We've taken a look at some high points as well as some episodes that miss the mark. It seems the writers have no problem nailing a season finale, but some of the mid-season episodes hit a slow spot. What a roller-coaster ride this supernatural cop drama is.
Best: "Devil Of My Word"
"Devil Of My Word" is the third season finale episode. It has the action that makes the show such a thrill, but the relationships between the characters really shine. At its core, Lucifer is a show about free will. Lucifer has struggled with feelings of rejection toward his father, which make him resent God's influence. When he accepts that he gave himself his Devil face, he sees the world through a different lens.
The most dramatic development to come from the finale is that Chloe not only sees Lucifer's wings but his Devil face as well. Will she somehow learn to cope with who he really is, like Dr. Linda?
Worst: "Once Upon A Time"
Almost every show has an alternate universe episode. It's a tried and true trope to breathe fresh air into a tired premise. In this episode, God creates an alternate reality where Lucifer and Chloe never met. The intention is to explore the choices people make when presented with different scenarios.
Show co-creator Neil Gaiman provides the voice of God for the obligatory voice over. We watch as the characters struggle with major ethical choices and choose different paths. Dan becomes a dirty cop. Ms. Lopez is an auto tech and Chloe is an action star. Dr. Linda hosts a cheesy talk show. Sadly, fans felt the episode was empty and didn't further the plot.
Best: "The Good, The Bad, And The Crispy"
The writers of Lucifer put their all into the Season Two finale. They pulled out all the stops. Wrapping up a season is a delicate art, as some loose ends need to be tied up but others need to be left to move forward. The emotional roller-coaster surrounding the flaming sword alone was thrilling.
Maze and Dr. Martin deliver a powerful, emotional scene that demonstrates the talent of both performers. There was so much happening. Family drama comes to a head as Charlotte's suspicion of Lucifer grows. Charlotte confronts Dr. Linda to get information about her son. She proves her loyalty to Lucifer, but at a grave cost. This episode brought each character to a new edge: Mazikeen finds new emotional depths, while Lucifer discovers his strength regarding his mother. It's a well-written finale that moves the story forward.
Worst: "Boo Normal"
Ella Lopez finally gets an episode all to herself, but "Boo Normal" leaves a disappointing taste in the viewer's mouth. Dan and Lucifer find themselves bested by a 14-year-old suspected of murdering a psychologist, but the clever and sharp banter that's usually a trademark of Dan and Lucifer's relationship is sadly missing in most of their scenes.
Ella's less-than-perfect family wants her to return to Detroit. Ms. Lopez struggles with the decision to stay in L.A. or return to the family that's hurt her so much in the past, beginning to rely on her best friend as she struggles. Ella admits that she sees ghosts, revealing that her best friend has been a spirit through the entire episode. All in all, it's an uncomfortable fit into the greater story arc.
Best: "Take Me Back To Hell"
"Take Me Back To Hell" wraps up the first season really well. The brotherly relationship between Lucifer and Amenadiel deepens and develops, as Amenadiel begins to see himself differently after spending so much time on Earth. Lucifer cements his role in the L.A. police department as he helps investigate one of their own.
Dirty cop episodes are par for the course for cop dramas, but this one avoids being formulaic, serving as a framework for character development. The finale highlights the evolution of a show that got off to an awkward start. Lucifer began as a campy show full of ridiculous scenarios, but manages to find a balance and start telling engaging stories. This episode is the final result of a season that worked hard to find its feet.
Worst: "All Hands On Decker"
Anyone who's seen the show knows that Chloe is a cold, calculating, pragmatic character. "All Hands On Decker" takes a hard left turn away from this image. In spite of her usual practical nature, she decides to rush into marrying Pierce. The upcoming nuptials are the catalyst for some self-reflection.
Nobody struggles with the implications of Chloe's upcoming marriage more than Lucifer. His refusal to be open with his true feelings has become a tired and dull trope. It feels like both Chloe's decision to get married and her decision to call it off were rushed and unrealistic.
Best: "Quintessential Deckerstar"
What makes an episode of Lucifer great or terrible? Is the density of jaw-dropping moments the marker of quality? If so "Quintessential Deckerstar" is one of the best episodes of the show. This episode is full of drama and emotion. Cain cooks up an evil plot to murder Amenadiel and frame Lucife, but doesn't count on Charlotte's selfless good nature. She throws herself in front of Amenadiel, sacrificing herself and saving him.
Amenadiel is grief-stricken. Perhaps it was his pain or just God's plan, but the angel suddenly gets his wings back in time to return Charlotte's soul to heaven. As if that weren't heartbreaking enough, Lucifer hears the news of her death at the worst possible moment. He finally reveals his feelings to Decker, kissing her just before the detective's phone rings.
Worst: "High School Poppycock"
Young adult author Kathleen Pike is murdered just as she's finished her latest manuscript. Many of the characters in her books are based on her high school classmates, so Lucifer and Detective Decker infiltrate her reunion. Once inside, Decker's police work is so clumsy it's cringe-worthy. She's about as subtle as a chainsaw.
Perhaps the most frustrating part of this episode is that the writers expect us to believe that Chloe made detective without being able to maintain her cover. It's an insult to the character. Maze's character falls short too, missing a huge opportunity for personal growth. Her jealousy over Amenadiel and Dr. Martin drives the couple apart. Maze could have easily put her friends first and finally given them her blessing. This episode just doesn't give the show's female characters enough credit.
Best: "A Good Day To Die"
This one isn't without its flaws. The premise is far-fetched, and the episode is guilty of some stereotypically bad fake forensics. Despite its rough spots, though, this episode does quite a lot to further the bonds between the characters.
A disgruntled professor with a guilty conscience is poisoning people. He offers the antidote if his real targets will choose to sacrifice themselves. This is one of many themes the show constantly explores. It begs the question, is selflessness all for show? If it came down to you or the other guy, who would you chose? Each character is forced to consider what others mean to them, to decide whether they'll serve themselves or their loved ones. Even Mazikeen proves how much she cares. Lucifer, too, can't escape how much Chloe means to him. He literally walked through hell for her.
Worst: "Anything Pierce Can Do I Can Do Better"
"Anything Pierce Can Do I Can Do Better" takes Chloe to a disappointing place. This episode treats her like an easily-distracted moth bouncing from flame to flame. We've seen Decker fall in love with, and get hurt by, the unavailable Lucifer. It seems that's all the writers think she's capable of, as she rushes headlong into her relationship with Pierce.
It's a tired and worn out trope. The tough girl cop with a weakness for guys that are bad news. As always, Lucifer is oblivious to how he's hurting those around him. His vanity drives him to hurt Chloe yet again. This episode may have been meant to keep the audience rooting for Lucifer to win the girl, but instead, it leaves you hoping she swears off men forever.