When Lucifer was on network television, it did that thing that a lot of episodic series and procedurals (even those that fuck, such as it is) do: Because of episode orders, it would reiterate things that were seemingly already dealt with and backtrack to maintain a certain status quo. The most glaring examples would come in the form of Lucifer’s therapy sessions with Dr. Linda and Lucifer’s relationship with Chloe. In the case of the latter, one step forward, two steps back. (She’s a gift from God! Lucifer got kidnapped and dumped in the desert… with his wings!) And with the former, yes, the bit about Lucifer taking the absolute wrong thing from therapy every single time (only to eventually get it) is a good one; but it’s also very much a story structure tool that can get frustrating after a while. While Lucifer still paints the Lucifer/Chloe beats with the same brush and it works—because of the amount of baggage that just Lucifer alone has, even past Chloe accepting his Devil status—it’s not done as much with the Lucifer/Dr. Linda beats. Even though, again, he still has a lot of baggage.
“A Little Harmless Stalking” feels like a retread in a lot of ways, perhaps the most an episode has in all of Lucifer’s Netflix tenure. Maybe it’s because Lucifer discovers the art of distractions once again. Maybe it’s because Lucifer’s decision to end therapy here feels a lot like the time he had a major breakthrough and decided he was fixed. Or the time he tried to end his partnership with Chloe and talked all about “closure.” Maybe it’s because a Lucifer/Chloe/Linda messaround is just so first season—though that’s less of a criticism, as it’s a final season, “returning to our roots” tactic, and Tom Ellis, Lauren German, and Rachael Harris are always so fun together.
It could also be because, when it comes to Lucifer’s stories about its in-the-know characters dreading the possibility of going to Hell, the Linda version of the story has always been the hardest to buy. Even within the show, whenever Linda brings it up, characters like Amenadiel and Maze tell her how ridiculous she’s being. We know that people’s guilt—whether they wear it on their sleeve or not—is what drags them to Hell. But whenever it comes to Linda’s guilt over abandoning her baby when she was a teen, it’s hard to watch it without thinking, “Oh yeah, that’s part of her backstory!” In a sense, it’s such a human thing for the character and the show to dwell on—which is why it’s so easy to not think about it in the grand scheme of Lucifer things.
It really feels like the reason the story works at all (especially here) is because of Rachael Harris’ performance. Obviously, Harris nails the comedy parts of the show, but her ability to do drama too is why Linda has become such a beloved character. In fact, she’s so good that she’s able to pull off the rare good version of a character cutting off someone because they think they know what they’re going to say, only to be completely wrong. (And this is the dramatic version of that, which is so much harder to make work than the comedy version.) When she interrupts Lucifer to tell him that therapy failed, she failed, and he’s just as self-centered now as he was when they met, it works because it’s so much of what his behavior in this episode (up until this very point) suggests. It’s good, in part, because it does play on the retread aspect of this episode and the show over the years.
Usually, when a case is more personal to the characters, that does a great deal of help for the series’ procedural element. But Harris has to do so much heavy lifting here, because while Linda believes her daughter that she doesn’t know isn’t a killer, the audience has absolutely no reason to also believe that. Because we also don’t know this woman, and we don’t even have the added attachment that the Linda character does. Sure, Linda’s projection that if Adriana is a killer, it means that she is to blame (“I’m the reason that she’s broken.”) falls in line with the other “parents and their children” stories that 5B has told so far. At the same time, it opens up a whole other can of worms about what this show is trying to say about adoptive parents (which Linda ignores altogether in her “harmless stalking”) versus biological parents. And considering there’s seemingly no celestial analogy to that particular dynamic, maybe that’s a sign that it shouldn’t be touched at all.
Then again, when Adriana comes over to thank Linda and admits she knows she’s her mom, it ultimately works. Because we want Linda to shed that guilt, we want her to find some closure. But that’s also why the “Linda believes she’s going to Hell” story has never quite hit the way the show wants it to: It’s this easy for her to get closure.
As I mentioned, the retread nature of the episode also extends to the Lucifer/Chloe part of things, but at least the show lampshades it by having Ella call them “the couple that cried relationship.” With this plot, Chloe finally feels like she’s in the game for 5B, even if so much of the game is pretending that things are just fine. (“Smile though your heart is aching,” etc.) And much like when Lucifer told Chloe he’s “incapable of love,” Chloe stands her ground here. She brings up the fact that their “relationship limbo” is affecting Trixie now, so they need to define things already. This, of course, leads to Lucifer’s coping mechanism/deflection tool of the episode, which is to “just do it.” No more overthinking, just go with your gut. “Crime-solving Devil, it makes sense,” etc.
Lucifer is actually the only one who uses that thought process here—as Linda’s belief that Adriana is innocent is because of the overthinking she’s done about this all—but even his version of going with his gut is super performative.
Speaking of performative, Eve is back in this episode! (This is not a slam on Eve but instead pointing out that she returns as a rogue bounty hunter, trying to impress Maze.) She and Maze admit they both have feelings for each other! Eve almost dies! Maze tries to get her to take Lillith’s immortality but she refuses! They break up! It’s all… much better than I just made it sound. Because it’s the culmination of Maze getting what she wants (a soul, thanks to God’s “self-actualization bullshit”) and realizing the new, added weight that comes with that (especially once you’ve found your soulmate). Yes, Maze gets the soul and gets the girl, but now that means she has to deal with everything that entails.
Or not, as Maze refuses to deal with that here.
After “It Never Ends Well For The Chicken,” there was some discussion over what exactly Lillith’s immortality being in Lucifer’s ring meant—acknowledging that, obviously, Lucifer didn’t need it. Here, according to Maze, as long as Eve wears the ring, that renders her immortal. That’s immediately where Maze’s mind goes once Eve nearly dies, and honestly, who can blame her? But Eve rejects it, as she saw what immortality did to her son, Cain. (As did we. Season three.) Maze essentially takes that as a rejection of being with her, but that’s not what it is. While Eve left Heaven to be on Earth again, it was never about evading death; it was about finally living a meaningful life for herself. And with meaningful life ultimately comes meaningful death. At least, that’s the hope. Maze just doesn’t get that. She’s learning, okay?
Like “Resting Devil Face,” this is an overstuffed episode. (“A Little Harmless Stalking” just edges out “Resting Devil Face” because of the personal component of the case-of-the-week and Harris’ performance.) Because this isn’t just the episode where Linda tries to take the fall for her long-lost daughter: This is the episode that deals with Lucifer and Chloe returning to coupledom, Amenadiel grappling with the idea of becoming God, Maze’s soul, Eve’s return, and Lucifer eventually deciding to be God. Julia Fontana and Jen Graham Imada were not given an easy task in writing this episode, as it has the plot of a two-part episode crammed into one.
The more I think about it, the more I think that season five possibly should’ve been longer. We’ve seen before what a Lucifer season can look like when it’s too long, but that was within the confines and demands of network television. This was intended and filmed as a final season, and so much is crammed into these episodes as a result. It would be one thing if Amenadiel thinking about becoming God came with the impressive pacing of peak Vampire Diaries, as that would excuse it being a one-and-done plot. Instead, it feels more like a missed opportunity when it comes to giving the character and D.B. Woodside more to do. It could easily be its own A-plot, as could the rest of the subplots here.
Stray observations
- Lucifer apparently got something of value from the boxing gym owner in “Resting Devil Face”: making ships in a bottle as a distraction!
- Amenadiel heard about Lucifer’s prank on “poor Dan,” and he is not amused. Speaking of Amenadiel and poor Dan, even before Dan knew the celestial truth, I always really appreciated how supportive their friendship was. Yes, Dan would often be confused by what Amenadiel was really talking about, but he was always there for him (and vice versa). So, Dan believing that Amenadiel would be “perfect” for the job of God absolutely warms my heart.
- Maze: “Of course I was mad. You broke my heart.”
Eve: “I did? … That’s awesome. I mean, that’s awful. Awful.” In my review of “Save Lucifer,” I wrote about how the Maze/Eve plot was essentially that of a very good romcom. (I’m sure Lesley-Ann Brandt and Inbar Lavi would be down, Netflix.) That romcom continues here, so imagine the pit in my stomach when I started to worry that this show would pull a “Bury Your Gays” and kill Eve. On the one hand, I trust this show and its writers to be aware enough not to do that… but I also know how TV works and how a number of showrunners who say they “didn’t know” what “Bury Your Gays” was are actually lying, because someone always brings it up in the room. - I hope Ella’s “darkness” manifests itself as, like, Candlemaker from Doom Patrol at this point. Otherwise, it still feels like a “[footage not found]” affectation of her character, no matter how many times she says it.
- I don’t have much to say about Alexandra Grossi’s performance as Adriana, because I think a lot of it relies on wearing glasses. She plays off Harris well, but I don’t know how much the character brings outside of that bubble. Or how much of that is just because Harris rules.
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Overstuffed is definitely the right word for this episode, but that doesn’t make me love it less, just perhaps frustrated that this season definitely could have done with two more episodes. (I think that everyone at Netflix agreed, and that’s why we’re getting a little bit longer season 6.)The retread was obvious and I wasn’t mad at it until Linda exploded at Lucifer. For a fraction of a second, I doubted Lucifer’s growth as a human right along with her, and I really should have known better.Rachel Harris has always been one of my favorite parts of this show, and it was good to see her flex a bit in this episode. I can’t help but be impressed and she showed up here. As she’s spoken about her own growth following her divorce and fitness journey, I imagine the writers knew she was up for the challenge.Since we’re talking about Lucifer, I can’t help but also over-identify, especially with the communication Chloe and Lucifer have been working on. Stating what she wants and needs is a skill I’ve gotten a lot better at as well over the past several years, and I’m not ashamed that my romantic relationships have been positively affected by a television show.The one thing I can’t believe you didn’t mention was THAT ROOFTOP SUNSET SCENE! It was just so beautiful, and knowing how natural light is so difficult to catch during filming, I’m so curious about the behind-the-scenes timing and planning of those shots. I have a solid TV, but its not the latest technology and I was just able to see the details in Maze and Eve’s faces without it being too dark. And when Eve glanced down to check out Maze’s ass, as Maze had done to her when they encountered each other in that house? Perfect.
I too have been marveling at the fact that, for all people like to dump on L.A. for not really having any distinctive architectural features (except the Hollywood sign), these episodes of Lucifer have really outdone themselves with gorgeous establishing shots.
This is one of the great things about Bosch and Insecure, they both make LA look amazing and neither focus on the overused areas like Beverly Hills.
I like your point about Chloe asking for what she needs. For all that Lucifer is a ridiculous show with a ridiculous premise about often ridiculous circumstances and people, it is often very grown-up about romantic relationships. Lucifer and Eve didn’t make sense in the long term, but they realized that while they had fun together, it was best to break up. Amenadiel and Linda realize that they can be great coparents without being together. Chloe got together with Cain too quickly, but the emotional truth was right on: after years of Lucifer refusing to commit, Chloe went for the man who seemed like he wanted to settle down. When Lucifer’s commitment issues rear their head again this season, Chloe gives Lucifer a little time to think, but calls for a decision within a few days and seems ready to walk away from the romantic part of their relationship if she doesn’t get an answer.For all that Chloe and Lucifer are obviously “meant to be,” and while over the course of the series, Chloe is often a bit too emotionally invested in an unavailable man, _Lucifer_ refuses to suggest that true wuv conquers all. In theory, Lucifer and Chloe can be happy together, but only after Lucifer learns to be less selfish , Chloe learns to ask for what she needs, and the timing works for all parties involved. In other words, this relationship closely resembles real-world relationships, where bad timing, differing life goals, or the immaturity of one or both parties often break up what might otherwise be solid partnerships.
Absolutely loved that rooftop scene. It was honest to goodness beautiful.
Look, nothing was going to be good enough for this episode after the Dan-a-palooza of the last episode — so putting all of the spinning wheels / closure bits to get us to the last three episodes of the season here makes a lot of sense.And I really did like that we finally got to see real progress from Lucifer’s therapy sessions manifesting itself in (of course) Linda believing she’d failed as a therapist, as well as Chloe and Lucifer finally (it appears) to be, well, shitting and not getting off the pot.I’m glad I called the Maze-gets-a-soul-as-Eve’s-soulmate thing early on, but… oh, Maze, why do you have to be so self-destructive!Lastly — knowing about Rachael Harris’ struggles with pregnancy in general, even before I read a bunch of post-mortem interviews about this episode… man, she just killed it, didn’t she?
I was happy that Lucifer came through for Linda on his own and that Linda got to have a happy ending regarding Adrianna. I do think someone should have told her that she wasn’t on the hook for how Adrianna turned out. Because at the end of the day she’s not the one who raised her.Also this is a season wide thing but I wish Chloe and Eve got a chance to interact again. Because now the two characters have the common ground of both being created by God for a man. I suppose they could always play on this for season 6 though.
Apologies, I’m in catch-up mode.I think Linda’s guilt was her feeling that it was her fault because she didn’t raise Adriana. Because she, in essence, delegated the job to someone else, and in that moment, it seemed like that someone else had majorly screwed the pooch.Of course she made the best decision she could with the information she had, but that doesn’t help, especially considering she already felt guilty for abandoning her baby when it seemed like Adriana’s life was great.
I think Ella’s “darkness” is an important part of the plot. Since heaven or hell is officially self-determination in this series, Ella as an example of a truly good person who might end up going to hell is, I feel, an important part of the plot in a way. Not entirely sure how, and I think it might be redundant in the end, but it does seem to be something that is being done intentionally
…the impressive pacing of peak Vampire Diaries…Those were the days.I wish I could be more excited about Eve’s return, but the actress (character) has always bugged me. Maybe she just reminds me of the young Lesley Ann (Warren, not Brandt) and not in a good way.
The silhouette shot of Lesley-Ann Brandt and Inbar Lavi belongs on a truck’s mudflap.
The more I think about it, the more I think that season five possibly should’ve been longer.I’d argue that an earlier Season 6 pickup could have done the trick. They were clearly doing “We need to get all this wrapped up” for a good chunk of episodes. I think some plot points would have rolled into Season 6 especially ones less time sensitive like Linda’s kid. Ella feels sidelined this season and I think I would have been pretty annoyed if this was the end for her because she does so little compared to other seasons. I hope it all serves a bigger purpose – or at least gives her something to do!
Given that this episode and the last were all about showcasing two of the non-Lucifer and Chloe members of the Lucifer Scooby Gang, I have high hopes that we’ll see an Ella-focused episode before the season ends.
So who does everyone think should become the new God at this point?Given Lucifer’s willingness to return to Hell for all eternity, he’s certainly a better option than first-season Lucifer would have been. (Though Chloe will surely not be pleased with her boyfriend deciding to become the new Lord of Heaven without so much as asking her what she thinks about his plan.)Michael would probably take the job, but he would be a terrible pick for obvious reasons.As the eldest son, Amenadiel is the obvious choice. He genuinely likes and understands humans, and he’s big on self-sacrifice. He’ll probably be willing to take the gig if he thinks he can do so while still being a good father to Charlie.No one has seen Azrael lately, but she is a celestial, she seems like a nice person, and she has fewer connections to leave behind on earth than Lucifer or Amenadiel.And while I assume that a celestial has to assume the role, maybe some sort of magic would make it possible for a kind person, like Ella, to be put in charge?Who, when you look up to the sky, would you feel best about being in charge of the universe?
I don’t know about heaven, but I think Dr. Linda should become the new queen of hell
She could definitely pull off imperious and intimidating, and she could do so without the benefit of Maze’s spiky robes.
I was thinking more like a radical reexamining of what Hell is. Since the doors are unlocked and everyone can leave whenever they want to and it’s only their guilt keeping them there, I’m seeing Linda as more the sort of queen of hell that helps everyone work through the issues keeping them there
In her best Maze after she’s told she can’t kill something voice: . . . “I guess that would work, too.”
It’s going to be Chloe, right? That’s why she was created?
I’m not sure Azrael is canon.
She is
“Who, when you look up to the sky, would you feel best about being in charge of the universe?”Ella. She’s the best.
Definitely Ella.
Ella can be a bit impulsive, but I have trouble imagining that she wouldn’t have everyone’s best interests in mind.
I agree that this episode had a lot baked in, it gave me a bit of whiplash, but I did really enjoy it. It’s been a while since Linda has gotten this much spotlight that’s not just centered around raising Charlie. Rachel Harris is such an integral part of the show. From her frantic obsession to her gut punch of a monologue to Lucifer about needing him to care about her… I just love her range.I saw a lot of hate online about Lucifer’s ‘worthiness’ feelings at the end. It does feel like a bit of a backslide, but I honestly think it makes sense in the context of the story. At the end of the day, he still is the Devil, navigating millennia of self hatred. A few years of therapy wouldn’t reasonably undo all of that, and of course he would see becoming God as the ultimate solution to his feelings of inadequacy.
Lesley-Ann Brandt’s acting when Eve was shot was something else. The pain and panic in her voice was so well done, and I loved the flash bang cinematography of that scene. I will say it felt like the rest of the gang was a bit blase about Eve getting shot and being in surgery, but maybe they’re still upset about the whole summoning demons thing.
I have a theory on Ella’s ‘darkness’. I think because Azrael saved her from death, she is obsessed with it, and it’s why she ended up in her current career. Given the other callbacks to “Boo Normal” earlier in the season, I feel like there has to be some kind of deeper connection to Ella’s darkness and her childhood friend, the Angel of Death.
Honorable mention to Lucifer and Chloe both having their own ‘words are just words’ lines. As an avid Deckstar shipper, that was one of my biggest frustrations at the end of 5A when Chloe got hung up on the l-bomb. These lines were cathartic for me.
I don’t get why people still like Eve. This woman was responsible for a lot of death. Eve manipulated Maze into breaking out Father Kinley out from the prison transport. The She killed Kinley and called the demon to comeback. Then the demon went on a killing spree to get more demons and kidnap Charlie. She then got off scott free and went around the world to travel instead of paying for her crimes. I don’t get why any other character likes her after what she did.
I actually didn’t realize Maze got her soul until I read this review, and I was very confused on how I missed that…and upon rewatching, I see it’s basically only a quick mention at the very top of the episode??I’m not bothered by the plot development itself—if demons can grow souls, that’s definitely great!—but rather the way it’s so casually disclosed. Because this is a really big deal for Maze, is it not? I’d like to hear more about how growing a soul actually works, how her feelings and sense of self have changed, etc. I wasn’t expecting a whole fanfare, but just a clearer scene or two that gave more explanation and had a little more weight and sense of importance would have been nice and useful. I did understand Maze was changing when she described the new fear she felt about Eve being shot, but I still didn’t even connect that explicitly to Maze having literally acquired her soul already. We’ll certainly (hopefully) learn more about this whole development in the future…but as it stands, I am perplexed by how it emerged in this episode in such lackluster fashion.This is probably indicative of, yes, the overall overstuffed nature of this episode, and it was the one plot piece that unfortunately totally slipped by me. Perhaps I, again, shouldn’t think about it too hard, but I personally felt it too great of an event to brush by so quickly. I think this is an intermittent tendency of Lucifer’s writers: throwing in certain narrative points that should be written as big, significant moments but are treated in a much lesser way. None of this really made me totally dislike the episode—I still enjoyed it as a showcase for Linda—but some of the other important stories that were tossed in could probably have used a lot more room to breathe.