Lucifer season 3 episode 23

[shapinglight]

Just watched this and...

Spoilers behind cut



...though I'd been expecting it (got accidentally spoilered, remember?), Charlotte's death was still a shock. And, judging by all the heartfelt goodbyes to Tricia Helfer from the rest of the cast on Twitter, she really is gone for good.

That said, the character never seemed to me to have longevity and if she was to be written out, I think they handled it pretty well. For a start, despite her having just got together properly with Dan, Charlotte was in no way fridged, IMO. Okay, so her death may have triggered a big change in Amenadiel's story, but she chose to save him - and after an episode in which she'd been awesome in a very Charlotte-y way. I like that they brought back her former deputy/lover at her old firm, and even the kid that played her son in season 2 (I think it was the same kid anyway). Also, unlike the previous episode, the female bonding in this one between Chloe, Charlotte and Ella was quite genuine. Also, also, Chloe was back to being badass, so I liked that too. May not be entirely coincidental that this episode was written by a woman, co-showrunner Ildy Modrovich.

I also liked Chloe and Lucifer finally being honest with each other, even if the follow-through from where things were left at the end of season 2 (Lucifer sets out to tell her the truth about himself but is intercepted) has not always been enjoyable due to the Pierce factor. And I liked that Lucifer realised he was being stupid with all that quintessential Deckerstar stuff before the end of the episode, and with little more than a nudge from Linda early on.

So, loved the Charlotte/Amenadiel stuff, loved the Lucifer/Chloe stuff. Like the fact that Maze is now angrier at Pierce than at anyone else. What doesn't quite work for me, though, is her sudden change of heart about Amenadiel. Okay, so they were lovers once, but she's a demon and she's been so angry at him and Linda for so long that it felt too sudden to me. Needs of the plot, I suppose, and I did enjoy seeing her throw Pierce all over the place.

Speaking of whom, if the show gets renewed (still by no means certain) I hope so much Welling doesn't stick around. Keeping Tricia Helfer on for another season after the Mum story ended worked out okay. Keeping Pierce around for another season just...won't.

That's my opinion anyway. There may well be hordes of fans on Twitter for all I know urging the showrunners to keep him on because he's so 'hot' or whatever. :Sigh:

As for what might happen in the next episode (which could still be the last ever :gloom:), I've re-read some of my old Lucifer speculation and most of it is so spectacularly wrong that I probably shouldn't hazard a guess. But hey, it's fun. I think Chloe will kill Pierce to protect Lucifer, then Amenadiel and Maze will drag him down to hell, where he and Abel will be tortured for eternity by one having to kill the other, as per the characters' fate in The Sandman. But since there's meant to be a cliffhanger ending, I think Amenadiel will then drag Lucifer off in the other direction because 'Dad' wants a word, or something, leaving Chloe yet again clueless as to why Lucifer seems to have deserted her.

Or not. I actually don't care as long as Pierce is written out for good.

And as long as they get renewed for a season 4 that will be less messy than season 3 and will feature a more charismatic Big Bad.

Comments

[shadowkat]

I did a little searching around today, and apparently Lucifer ticked up in the ratings for this week's episode. And there's a chance it will survive.


I don't see Pierce making it to another season, the reaction to him has not been that positive -- ratings wise. From how they've set things up, it appears he's going to die, and Chloe will kill him. With him repeating that arc for eternity in hell much like Linda's ex hubby did.

I honestly think Pierce and Charlotte's arcs from the beginning of the season were meant to echo each other, as she tries to redeem herself, he doesn't care. She fears hell, he has no fear of it and doesn't see himself ever going there because he feels no remorse. For years he hasn't allowed himself to care about anyone.

The big theme of the season seems to be that people choose their own hells or heavens as the case may be. So if the writers stick with that pattern...Pierce should ironically orchestrate his own death, when he least wants it, and end up in hell, because he now cares and has remorse. Instead of choosing to do what is best for Chloe or to want Chloe happy, like Lucifer was willing to do, Pierce does the opposite. Dooming him to hell. Just as Linda's ex, refused to let Linda go, went after her...and wanted to hurt Lucifer, and ended up going to hell -- only to relive the whole thing over and over again.

I honestly think that stand-a-lone episode about Dr. Linda's ex is foreshadowing for what the writers were doing with Pierce.

[yourlibrarian]

And, judging by all the heartfelt goodbyes to Tricia Helfer from the rest of the cast on Twitter, she really is gone for good.

That's too bad. I've liked what she's done with all her parts. But I will say that at least they gave her a good final arc and a fitting end. This was actually a meaningful procedural story for once. What's more, I liked the fact that Lucifer realized what Chloe had been doing all along -- that she didn't need him as a partner.

I am assuming though that Amenadiel won't be in the next episode and may or may not return?

Yes, I also thought that Maze was too easily turned given all that's happened -- not just with Amenadiel but being distracted by Pierce's bluff with Linda.

I'd be pretty surprised if they bring Pierce back. And yes, they brought back Helfer but not as Mom, probably because she'd been doing so well.

Hmm, I could see it too -- your speculation about Lucifer disappearing again for some reason.

[yourlibrarian]

I think you're definitely onto something there, it would make sense alright.

[rahirah]

I just read that it has been renewed, so I guess we'll see if any other sites confirm that.

This has been a frustrating season for me, both because of the deadly dull Pierce stuff, and because it just doesn't work for me that Chloe has gooey feelings for Lucifer after he's been such a colossal ass all season. If she knew he was really Satan (TM) that would be one thing, but she thinks he's an ordinary guy with...schizophrenia? Paranoid delusions? Prone to violent outbursts and flaunting of police protocol which in any sane universe would get him tossed in jail for assault, get her suspended, and result in ninety percent of their cases being thrown out of court, anyway. And this is someone she wants around her kid? Plus they've left the whole Sinnerman thing to dangle unresolved.

I love the characters, but man, they're making it hard for me to respect their intelligence. If Chloe doesn't find out the truth about Lucifer realdamnsoon, I'll... well, I'll probably keep watching, but I'll be really pissed.

[ex_peasant441]

I agree this was a good episode.

Getting rid of Welling would be a good way to save money if he hasn't caused an upswing in ratings equivalent to his pay, so hopefully it will be renewed without him.

[scripsi]

I liked this eåisode too. I'll miss Charlotte, but she has had a good arc. I admit to crying a little when Amenadiel took her "home".

I agree Maze turn around felt rushed. There have been hints that she regret the way she treated Chloes daughter, but that's about it. Not that I mind, really, but it still felt rushed.

I so hope Pierce will go after this season. He is duller than dishwasher. And I really, really hope there wil be a fourth season.

[shapinglight]

I just read that it has been renewed, so I guess we'll see if any other sites confirm that.

Sadly, I think that's yet more fake news, or whatever, unless the person you got it from works for Fox. There's no news yet or the showrunners and the actors - not to mention the fans - would be going nuts about it on Twitter.

Chloe's gooey feelings for Lucifer don't really bother me. I always feel I can see what she sees in him, despite his ridiculous behaviour. The Pierce stuff has bothered me, though it would have done so a lot less, I suspect, had Pierce been played by a more charismatic actor. As for the Sinnerman, agreed that it does at the moment look like they've dropped the ball on that one, or else think they resolved it satisfactorily in the (very unsatisfactory) Sinnerman two-parter. It is just possible, though, that something will come up in the final episode, so I won't pass judgement until after that.

I'll just keep hoping it's not the final final episode.

[shapinglight]

God, I hope so. On both counts.

[shapinglight]

I admit to crying a little when Amenadiel took her "home".

I didn't cry, but I agree it was a really moving moment.

Maze's volte face does seem weird, because both Linda and Amenadiel were saying supportive things to her when she first got angry with them and seemed to have no effect then. Strange that it suddenly does now. Doubt it will be addressed, but it's possible she realised that she likes Amenadiel a lot more than she does Pierce, so to hell with Pierce's (very stupid) plan.

[shapinglight]

And there's a chance it will survive.

Here's hoping. I'm not ready for it to be over. I need at least one more season to recover from the Pierce debacle.

You could well be right about Pierce's and Charlotte's arcs complementing each other, and if I disagree with you, it'd only be because I think you're possibly giving the writers too much credit. I don't even know about a theme of the season. I remember Joe Henderson (co-showrunner) saying something about it being about identity, and Lucifer trying to decide who he really wants to be. I guess that can apply to everyone, though. Charlotte decides she doesn't want to be who she used to be, Amenadiel takes a step forward, Maze a step backwards, Pierce likewise.

I honestly think that stand-a-lone episode about Dr. Linda's ex is foreshadowing for what the writers were doing with Pierce.

Could be. It's a shame they didn't have as good an actor in the Pierce part of it.

[shapinglight]

But I will say that at least they gave her a good final arc and a fitting end. This was actually a meaningful procedural story for once. What's more, I liked the fact that Lucifer realized what Chloe had been doing all along -- that she didn't need him as a partner.

Yes, that was all very well done, I thought.

I am assuming though that Amenadiel won't be in the next episode and may or may not return?

I'm pretty sure he'll be in the next episode. And next season, if there is one.

Yes, I also thought that Maze was too easily turned given all that's happened -- not just with Amenadiel but being distracted by Pierce's bluff with Linda.

Yes, that was all completely plot driven, I fear.

[shadowkat]

It's a shame they didn't have as good an actor in the Pierce part of it.

Agreed. I swear Welling has the same expression for everything. The guest actor for the stand-a-lone was much better. It's telling that the ratings went up during the stand-a-lones and down during the Pierce arc. The more Welling was in it, the lower the ratings.

I remember Joe Henderson (co-showrunner) saying something about it being about identity, and Lucifer trying to decide who he really wants to be. I guess that can apply to everyone, though. Charlotte decides she doesn't want to be who she used to be, Amenadiel takes a step forward, Maze a step backwards, Pierce likewise.

Really? I don't see that ...maybe for the first six episodes, but then...everything gets embroiled in the most ill-conceived and boring love-triangle I've ever seen. I mean yes, we have Lucifer seeing if he wants to be the Devil again, but he gets bored. Then he sees if he wants to be Chloe's partner...but gets...embroiled in the love triangle. Pierce seems to either want to die or be with Chloe, then it's just kill Lucifer. Which isn't about identity at all. Amen seems to be more about who his father wants him to be. And Lucy seems to be more about being the opposite of whatever his father wants him to be.

If identity was their theme...they apparently lost track of it or it got convoluted.

You're probably right, I'm giving the writers too much credit. I'm also hoping for a fourth season if only to see if the writers can salvage the series from the Pierce debacle.

[shapinglight]

I'm also hoping for a fourth season if only to see if the writers can salvage the series from the Pierce debacle.

To be fair to them, it probably seemed like a great casting coup at the time, given that Welling has (so I read) been very picky about what he's been in since the Superman thing ended.

[shadowkat]

Sigh.

They are really low budget, aren't they?

Welling's been picky because all he's getting offered are roles similar to Clark Kent/Superman - Smallville. They wanted him back for Supergirl. He did have a procedural pilot, but it got dropped. What he wants is a solid gig like David Boreanze and Nathan Fillion, but he has neither the charisma nor the range of DB or Fillion. Nor the fandom. Reminds me a little of Marsters, who was really picky after Buffy and Angel, because he didn't want to be typecast. Grabbed this role, because he could play the villain. He's trying to get out of a certain type of role. But he's not good enough to compete with the actors who get the character roles he wants. He's just "buff" boy or beefcake. And those roles tend to go to people who are younger and in better shape, unless you are DB or Nathan Fillion, who are more talented.

[tinny]

I got accidentally spoilered by my tumblr. I usually skip tumblr on Mondays, but I was a few days behind with my watching and forgot. I don't even have much Lucifer on my dash, but that was there, of course. *sigh*

It definitely influenced my watching of this episode. I would have enjoyed Charlotte's progress in this ep so much more if I hadn't known.

I didn't know that Ildy Moldrovitch is a woman, but yeah, the characterizations in this ep were really good. I liked it a lot.

I've re-read some of my old Lucifer speculation and most of it is so spectacularly wrong that I probably shouldn't hazard a guess.

Hahaha, when has that ever stopped us? :D Speculation is the funnest part of all!

I'm still holding out hope they'll find someplace to go, the ratings really weren't bad at all.

[shapinglight]

Sorry for not answering this comment for so long. I guess events overtook me. :(