When angels fall, they also rise!

Can someone be both good and evil at the same time? Do our darkest desires make us bad? For some, the story of the devil might be clichéd or dated. This show, however, brings a unique twist and perspective into the complexity and depth of personal growth. Bringing humour and deprived behaviours to its forefront, the audience will embark on a quest that leads them towards reflection. Desired or not, a mirror will slowly present itself, forcing the viewer to have a glimpse of their own selves. Should they take a good look, one's true face might even be revealed…

In the fourth season of this show, Tom Ellis embodies the titular character, Lucifer. The story is told through history: an angel is struggling with demons. Along with detective Chloe Decker (Lauren German), Lucifer will be solving crimes while simultaneously punishing evil as police cases fly through. While initially in this journey for the sinners and deserving of punishment, Lucifer will soon be faced with a life changing revelation… in the presence of Chloe the devil is not invincible. Lucifer does not understand how or why detective Decker is immune to his charm.

As a trainee clinical psychologist, the show helped me realise how newly acquired or small perspectives of life can cumulate and eventually lead to therapeutic change. In the show, Rachael Harris plays the role of Linda, Lucifer's therapist. Despite giving him thoughtful advice and reflections on his difficulties, she finds the devil misinterpreting or twisting her guidance to suit his desires; a difficulty that clinical professionals today have surely encountered. The conclusion to the therapeutic relationship is layered out clearly; change occurs within the context of a genuine desire to welcome one's pain, even through devilish metaphors the psychologist may not be privy to understand. With collaboration and faith in the client's ability to make the right choices, learning about life and relationships will be easier. This undertaking promises to be tumultuous as the devil (in the show) never lies and wears his heart on his sleeve!

Will Lucifer embrace the angel's or devil's side? Will he embrace self-acceptance or self-hatred? Either way, Lucifer will be forced to learn to bring his barriers down and become vulnerable in the face of beauty and love. This show is ultimately both a love story and psychological journey that will take the audience to the great realization that the devil is neither good nor evil but bears a great responsibility, to reign over the fallen.

- Reviewed by Jean-Phylippe Provencher BSc (Hons), Trainee clinical psychologist at the University of Ottawa

Lucifer is currently showing on Netflix.