Lucifer is one of those rare shows that anyone can enjoy. With phenomenally written character development, frequent unexpected twists and plenty of mischief for the central group to navigate, even with its somewhat formulary layout, there is never a dull moment.
Women (and many men) are treated to gratuitous topless scenes of the relentlessly charming Lucifer Morningstar himself, played by Tom Ellis (and his chiseled abs.) Hopeless romantics find themselves yelling at the TV screen every time his precious “Detective” Chloe Decker fails to see the depth of his feelings. Shockingly, even Christians find themselves contemplating the ongoing themes of redemption and forgiveness.
There is one sector of people that the show seems to resonate with though that I feel might not have been intentional. Those of us living with mental health disorders.
I saw my first therapist in sixth grade. She wasn’t nearly as helpful at guiding me to moments of self-realization as Lucifer’s therapist, Linda, but she was the first professional to tell me that I wasn’t normal.
She (and society) taught me that this part of me, something that existed inherently whether I could manage its symptoms or not, was ugly. It wasn’t something to be talked about and my struggles were to remain inside because nobody else should have to see their hideous display. If they did show, even for a split second, they frightened people. People no longer wanted anything to do with me. It’s not hard to imagine how much I, and countless others, resonated with Lucifer’s shame about his devil face.
Lucifer’s insecurity is a dominant personality trait that peaks in a season four episode where he reflects on his feelings by saying: “I find it impossible to drown out the cacophony of voices telling me I’m evil. I’m drowning! Why do I hate myself so much?!” I never cried when Bambi’s mother was shot (and I am an animal-loving vegan), but this scene had me in the bathtub afterward, sobbing over scattered squares of dark chocolate. Though my inner voice may not have expressed it so eloquently, it was a feeling I had pondered hundreds of times in my life.
It seems to the average person that Lucifer has everything: status, money, persuasion, women. Yet we see beyond the veil and share with him a desolate loneliness despite being surrounded by people that care about him and that he knows care about him. He has a near obsessive desire to please these people which has him constantly questioning his own existence. I know well the suffocating confusion that this breeds and the destructive choices you make because of that confusion.
I know well the pain of not knowing how to deal with the wings, whether devil or angel, that liberate themselves from your body without your permission and the rush in wanting them to disappear because you don’t know how to control them or even explain them to other people. I am familiar with the desperation in being willing to cut them off to distance yourself from what they represent.
In the final scene of season four, Lucifer has resigned himself back to the throne of Hell which garnered criticism of Ellis’ acting as being “empty” and “emotionless.” I, on the other hand applaud him. Because when you get to the point of resignation, when life becomes a droning series of duties, that is exactly how you feel. Empty.
I am thrilled that Netflix extended our Lucifer experience and I have high hopes that season five will bring closure to the struggles of our beloved character so that he can see, like we all should, how beautiful he is and how worthy he is of love despite any aspects of himself that others might perceive as “evil” or “ugly.”
For those of you that are impatient like me, Creation Entertainment has organized a special event called A Salute to Lucifer, which will be held in Chicago at the luxurious Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel & Convention Center from May 2-4. Confirmed cast members include: Tom Ellis (Lucifer), Lesley-Ann Brandt (Mazikeen), Aimee Garcia (Ella Lopez), Rachael Harris (Dr. Linda Martin), D.B Woodside (Amenadiel) and Kevin Alejandro (Dan Espinoza.)
Each individual will be offering exclusive meet and greets, autographs and photo ops, allowing fans to get up close and personal with their favorite characters.
please see links below for more information
https://tickets.creationent.com/lucifer-chicago-2020.html
https://www.creationent.com/cal/luci_chi.htm
Story Credit: Amanda Webster/Regional Entertainment
Amanda is an Arizona based writer and mom who overcame depression on her own terms. She has written for publications such as Cosmopolitan and Women’s Health and has written for professional blogs for nine years in the areas of: physical and mental health, fitness and humanitarian efforts. She is passionate about helping others, many who struggle with mental health disorders, live the happiest and most fulfilling lives possible. You can follow her on Instagram (@amandawebsterhealth) or check her out at (www.amandawebsterhealth.com) to get lifestyles tips and updates about her projects, programs and humanitarian work
