Tom Ellis as Lucifer
Where do I begin with what I love about this show? Let's start with the casting. Overall, I love everyone on the show, but Tom Ellis as Lucifer and Lesley-Anne Brandt as Mazikeen hooked me from the first moment. They embody these wildly complicated characters and imbue them with varying shades of gray, sometimes light, sometimes dark, and definitely snarky and dangerous when crossed.
It's Not a Morality Play
Despite the fact that the show is called "Lucifer" and features Lucifer (or as he cheerfully says, Satan, Beezlebub, Old Scratch), it's not about the war between good and evil or even light and dark. Instead, it's about choices, integrity, and loyalty. Lucifer is angry with his father, and though he's managed Hell for eons, he's taken a vacation and he doesn't want to go back.
Et Tu, Doctor?
In addition to not being a morality play, Lucifer is trying to figure himself out. In a generation where mental health is finally getting the attention it deserves and taking care of ourselves begins with self-exploration and enlightenment, Lucifer himself is trying to figure out his issues not only with Detective Decker, but the world at large and his father. Though Dr. Linda initially begins as a sex partner/psychological consultant, she doesn't let Lucifer get away from confronting himself. It adds depth to his character and to hers. She's easily one of my favorites on the show because therapy isn't easy and sometimes you have to just let the client talk until they come to some conclusions about themselves. In Lucifer's case--well let's just say that sometimes he doesn't get there.
Buddy Cop Show
A buddy cop show isn't really all that out of the ordinary. Even pairing someone out of their element (fish out of water anyone?) with a cop as part of the crime solving is relatively common place in literature and television. Having Lucifer work with Chloe to solve crimes isn't really about solving the cases. Seriously, it's not. Lucifer leaps to a lot of conclusions and he doesn't have a high opinion of most humans. He considers them all pretty base, but that said--they tend to prove him right more often than not. Chloe Decker, however, is not affected by Lucifer's compulsions. Her lack of belief in who he is coupled with her ability to resist him fascinates him. It also gives him a chance to explore another aspect of being he's never had...normality.
More On the Cop Aspect
Chloe's also married, though separated from Detective Douche--sorry, Lucifer's nickname for Dan is funny. There's a whole portion of their life and the fact that they share a child that's vital to Chloe's character. Lucifer is the proverbial third wheel where they are concerned. Chloe and Dan genuinely care about each other and their daughter Trixie is hysterical. She thinks Lucifer is funny, and children terrify him.
Vertigo Comics
More fun, Lucifer is based off a comic book series of graphic novels, the character first appeared in the Sandman comics. Seriously the same publisher who gave me Death - The High Cost of Living. 'Nuff said.
Morningstar
Every time they remind us his name is Lucifer Morningstar, I giggle. Why? Cause I have a family group in my Fevered Hearts series named Morning Star. Yes, I know Lucifer had the name first ultimately, but it's still grin worthy for me and Mini Me thinks so, too.
Open Sexuality
Lucifer's been filmed post menage with a male and female companion, among many others. His open sexuality and enjoyment of pure pleasure is delightful.
Lux
His bar, Lux, reminds me of my Arcana Royale in my Soulgirls series. And yes, I admit it, I think I'll be seeing Tom Ellis whenever I think of Connor in that series from this point forward. So I'm definitely inspired.
Sharp Writing and Humor
At the end of the day, the cast is great but the stories and dialogue are, shall I say it?--devilishly entertaining. I am usually good at predicting where a series will go, and I have my theories about where they are going with this, but the writers consistently surprise me and they don't always take the "easy" way out in their storytelling. In fact, sometimes, they take us straight into the harsh, jagged rock territory and they navigate it like pros.
So I'll say it again, if you haven't seen Lucifer, do check it out and then swing by here and let me know what you think!
Ah, Lucy. How I love thee. Lucifer for me, is a breath of fresh air. I love the writing, but I think it's more than that. The script, in its own right, is amazing, but it's the people who are playing the characters, that bring it to life for me. It's really organic, and sometimes watching it, I forget it's a show. Very few shows do that anymore. I can't wait to see where it goes from here, and I hope to see it for years to come.
ReplyDeleteThis show is so much fun. I love it!
ReplyDeleteI am dancing as it's been renewed for a second season!!!
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