Chloe is kidnapped and Lucifer and Ella are on the case…

One of the best episodes of the season – if not the show overall – this brings the first half of Lucifer’s fifth season to a close with the appearance of someone who I often wondered would arrive, but guessed that if He did, it would be for the grand finale. A lot happens before we reach that point, affecting every character.

Lucifer is seen at his best and his worst here, showing that he actually has picked up some detective skills – the bonding with Daniel a few episodes here paying off – while Michael reappears to try to cause as much trouble as possible. Maze is still pissed at Lucifer, but when Chloe is in danger, there’s no question that she’ll help – that is, until Chloe is rescued. Amenadiel and Linda realise that Charlie is mortal (which is quite surprising that no-one’s picked up before now), while Ella gets a shock that I suspect is going to stick with her for some time – and kudos to Aimee Garcia for a fantastic performance throughout the episode. Daniel is having to come to terms with the reality of Lucifer’s existence (and my guess at the end of last episode regarding Lucifer’s vulnerability was right) and, like Maze, snaps into action when Chloe is threatened.

The final fight in the police station, with time stopped, is quite brilliantly staged, with Tom Ellis playing both Lucifer and Michael, and his double Phil Kruse matching him move for move. Kevin Alejandro (Dan) is behind the cameras, and has some excellent work for his showreel here – the storytelling is done well, the effects blend perfectly, and the violence for once looks real. (It does too in the earlier fight with the serial killer – I won’t be surprised if both participants in that had bruises when the scene was over.)

Verdict: An excellent end to a strong first half. 9/10

Paul Simpson