Lucifer

Season 1 – 75% – I was sure that in the pilot episode, the exhausted concept of a charismatic wisecracking devil alongside a skeptical detective must stop working soon, but luckily I was wrong. Tom Ellis relies on the same note in most cases, mocking God and morality, but mysteriously, I believe him without hesitation, and thanks to his unrelenting playful gaze, I finish each episode with an almost elevated mood. The central hero and his dynamics with all the characters (led by Amenadiel, played by the ageless TV veteran D.B. Woodside) are the main reason why it is realistic for Lucifer to stay on screen for a few more years. Hopefully, the necessary episodic crime stories will get rid of their annoying transparency and uselessness, because then the devilish pianist could grow into a well-deserved supernatural perennial. Season 2 – 85% – The greater space for the supernatural family also means a considerable improvement in quality. The way the main hero can solve even the most cliché-looking case from any environment is on par with the best quotes from golden series like Castle. When combined with the divine storyline, it might be the funniest show of this season, while the majority of sitcoms can only hungrily gaze at its back. The investigative adventures voluntarily minimize themselves to the role of a barely visible necessary evil, and thanks to the unflagging enthusiasm of all involved, I believe even more that this is a golden find. Season 3 – 90% – In its beginning, the show told a continuous storyline in a criminal manner. Last year, it fully began to focus on a supernatural backdrop, and this year it managed to combine the two. But most importantly, it is also quality. Both the search for the identity of the Sinnerman and all the escapades that followed convinced me that Lucifer has matured. It is capable of sustaining all the necessary proprieties of an episodic crime show while also being reliable entertainment with sufficiently emotional moments. The standout episode The Angel of San Bernardino and, of course, the finale A Devil of My World show this in every aspect. Joe Henderson and Ildy Modrovich simply know where to lead the series, and if it weren't for the fact that (due to the later cancellation by Fox) they must inevitably reach some weak points in the twenty-four or even twenty-six episodes, I would consider giving the highest rating after a brief consideration. Even so, Lucifer's third year remains the most surprising event of the season for me, and the fact that we will finally get the long-awaited continuation on Netflix signifies that the growth in quality may not be over. Season 4 – 85% – Perhaps I expected too much of a deviation from the previously seen subjects and schemes after all the promises that the streaming service's wings would start with an R rating. In the end, we return from the break pretty much where we left off with the main characters. I appreciate this natural continuation, but on the other hand, I don't understand the relieving statements from the creators that they don't have to stick to the concept of an episodic crime show at all costs because they this time it deviated from it only in two exceptions. With only ten episodes, I barely have time to breathe with joy that Tom Ellis is back in his element and the story is heading towards an inevitable end. However, it is heading there with such strong reinforcement that I am slightly raising my originally modest rating again. While the others obediently stick to well-known character boundaries (Chloe) or only slightly deviate from them (Amenadiel), the newcomer Eve is a miracle that literally shines in every scene. The casting of Inbar Lavi is ultimately the best thing that could have happened to the series. I definitely disagreed with the decision to make the fifth season the last because Lucifer is one of the few shows I can imagine continuing for many more years. But the opportunity to wrap everything up according to the long-term plan, hats off to Netflix, and the decision to add a few extra episodes, double hats off. Season 5 – 85% – I won't lie, the first part surprised me. It brought a fascinating character in the form of Michael, which definitively proves what a royal actor Tom Ellis is. However, it stumbled almost everywhere else. The fateful bond between the main duo is gained through predictable twists, side characters are led through strange plot twists (Ella), and even Maze, with her unwavering "nobody likes me" attitude, got on my nerves quite often. In the second part, however, everything is different. Dennis Haysbert brings divine calmness to the show, and I applaud the bold creative decision, even though neither the musical episode nor the pre-finale twist hits the mark. But it's a shift towards new possibilities, which is exactly what was missing in the first eight episodes. I am truly glad for the last chapter, which is intended as a gift for loyal fans. At the same time, I have the distinct feeling that it is the right time to say goodbye. Season 6 – 90% – It is wonderful when a series is unafraid to change its face, and Lucifer did it excellently. It maintained its style, mostly its wit, and managed to bring more humor, perhaps even a more balanced melodramatic storyline, and a little something extra in the very end. I can hardly believe that this chapter was originally just a bold idea that was never meant to be realized, and in the end, it may be the best season. I hope Tom Ellis is preparing for an Oscar-worthy role, but what he managed to do with a show that originally felt somewhat unremarkable, purely with his acting talent, will leave me amazed for a long time. (08/10/2016) (less) (more)