Lucifer Review: Hell on Earth (Season 4 Episodes 9-10)

This is the final stretch. The last two episodes of Lucifer Season 4. Lucifer Season 4 Episode 9, “Save Lucifer,” written by the marvelous Joe Henderson, picks up right after the revelation we talked about on Lucifer Season 4 Episodes 6-8.

The episode focuses on the reaction that comes from Lucifer’s revelation. Chloe tries to help Lucifer with the consequences of the revelation, while Dan and Maze deal with their own issues. On the Lucifer season finale, Ildy Modrovich breaks our heart with a revelation and a cliffhanger. 

Lucifer Season 4 Episode 9

“Save Lucifer” is a joy for Mazeve fans and Deckerstar fans alike. Remember how I talked about in the review for Lucifer Season 4 Episodes 6-8 about how the Mazeve plot was tropetastic? Well, it gets even better than that.

Eve wants to get Lucifer back while Maze tries to find different girls of telling the girl she likes that she likes her. It’s a new road for Maze to take. She’s not used to feeling this way for someone and it’s beautiful to see her take the journey.

Maze: You’re going to get your shit together, and then we’re going to go rub in Lucifer’s face just how much you don’t need him.

I really love the idea of Maze being the badass demon she is and still being soft for the girl she likes. It’s a great answer to those that say you can’t be a badass and be in love. Lesley-Ann Brandt really gives it her all in showing us the nuances of Maze and it’s such a sight to see.

On one subplot we get fake dating, kissing, and trying to make the other jealous. But my ultimate favorite parts of the plot are the conversation with Dan and the grand gesture.

Dan Espinoza: Because I’ve never seen you look at anyone the way you looked at her.

I was a big fan of Charlotte Richards and of her relationship with Dan. I love that they give Dan a chance to talk about it. Because Dan regrets not having more time with Charlotte and it’s absolutely heartbreaking.

Dan Espinoza: I wish I had that time back.

Then we get to the serenade part. This is one of the first times we’ve truly seen Maze be vulnerable, wearing her outfit like it is armor.

There’s a sincerity in her look that we don’t get to see very often and you want her to succeed. Hearts break as Eve once again misunderstands Maze’s intentions.

The important part is that Maze puts herself out there and that is one of the bravest things she’s done so far.

On the other side of things, this is a spectacular episode for both Tom Ellis and Lauren German. It picks up a bit after it left off with Lucifer’s heartbreaking realization. He thinks that because he had the epiphany that his problems will go away — typical Lucifer.

Nothing is ever that simple for Lucifer Morningstar.

It turns out that his self-hatred is actually manifesting physically. First, it’s his hands, then his neck, his devil eyes, his devil face, the mojo and devil wings. Ellis and German truly show their acting chops on their particular roles this episode.

We get to see a truly freaked out Lucifer who thinks he only hurts people and a Chloe that loves him despite everything. Everything Chloe does on this episode is for Lucifer. We see a Chloe that isn’t afraid of him but rather afraid for him.

The scene in the penthouse is absolutely stunning. As much as Chloe wants to be the one to save Lucifer in this instance she knows he has to save himself. She can’t take the first step for him.

But she can help by supporting him and making sure she knows she’s there for him, which is exactly what she does.

Chloe Decker: You have to stop taking responsibility for things you can’t control.

Everything reaches the breaking point when Lucifer admits that he wants to stop hating himself but doesn’t know how. The sincerity in Ellis’s voice is heartbreaking.

It’s enough for his body to go back to normal. Because taking that first step is always the hardest. German’s soft “you’re okay” makes the scene extremely touching.

For anyone who has ever dealt with self-hatred, it’s a great moment of catharsis.

Lucifer Season 4 Episode 10

The season finale is a lot to take in. It is an absolutely heartbreaking and gorgeous hour of television. Ildy Modrovich and the rest of the cast and crew should be very proud of it. It touches on a lot of different aspects of life.

I wish I could talk about every aspect at length because the content deserves it but that would be way too long.

There was a time when I was as lost as Ella feels, which is why her revelation during this episode hits me so hard.

Ella Lopez: I don’t think it’s right for me to base my faith on whether everything is good and unicorns and ice cream. I don’t think it’s God’s job to stop the bad. I actually think he’s there to give us the strength to get through it.

Aimee Garcia is so incredibly talented. Life is not always easy, in fact, it’s almost never easy. I don’t think God puts things in our path if He thinks we can’t handle it. The things we go through are there to make us stronger. This too will make Ella stronger. 

I really love the care and devotion that Aimee Garcia puts in her work throughout the season.

On another side of self-reflection is Lucifer himself. Lucifer thinks that because he wants to forgive himself and is aware of it then that’s enough. The sad part is that it’s never that easy.

Linda Martin: I have to tell you, forgiving yourself, it’s not as easy as you think. It doesn’t happen overnight.

It’s a very long and arduous process that definitely doesn’t happen overnight. You might think everything is fine and then something will go wrong and the first person you’ll blame is yourself. It’s a tragic part of life.

It’s the small moments that make us realize that — no maybe I haven’t forgiven myself. Depending on the root of the matter then it might be you’ll never fully forgive yourself. Or you might take years — and therapy — to be in a better place.

But the truth is we’ve all been where Lucifer is. The moment where you think “everything is okay now” and then you realize it really isn’t. Tom Ellis does a masterful job at portraying all the nuances and I’m really glad this is the arc we get.

Which leads us of course to that heartbreaking cliffhanger.

There are no words to describe this scene. Modrovich does a stellar job writing it, Eagle Egilsson does a stellar job directing it, and it has impeccable acting from both Lauren German and Tom Ellis. I think it might just be the — if not one of — the most heart-wrenching scenes on the show’s history.

I call Lucifer out on a lot of things. Mostly because I can sometimes see myself reflected in him a little too well. But also because I love him and I know he’s growing. This scene though? It’s the biggest proof of how much Lucifer has grown on the course of the show.

The Lucifer Morningstar of the pilot would have never done this — and neither would have the one from the season one finale, possibly even season 2. This is a monumental character moment.

Lucifer sacrifices himself for his loved ones and chooses to go back to Hell.

Chloe feels like it’s her fault, even if both the audience and Lucifer knows it isn’t. The way Ellis and German choose to play the scene is magnificent. German’s voice breaks as Chloe comes to terms with it all as Ellis’ eyes feel with tears.

Chloe Decker: Please don’t go…I love you. I love you. Please don’t leave.

Then we get the declaration of love. Remember how I said Ellis is wonderful at the nuances? That is clearly seen here. He is heartbroken but there’s also shock and awe on his face. Chloe loving him is all Lucifer wants throughout the season and now it’s in his grasp and he has to let it go.

Lucifer Morningstar: My first love was never Eve. It was you, Chloe. It’s always has been.

They’re both finally in the same emotional place and they have to say goodbye. The chosen song makes for a truly haunting score choice.

Can we say bittersweet?

Additional thoughts:

• I am so happy that Dan finally goes to see Linda. His breakdown with Ella is heart-wrenching and Kevin Alejandro deserves all the awards.
• Really love that both Maze and Amenadiel are there when Linda gives birth. The fact that they name him Charlie, after Charlotte Richards, makes it so beautiful.
• So glad to see Dan apologizing to Maze, I know it’s unlikely but can he and Lucifer makeup now? I miss my Douchifer.
• Chloe using Lucifer’s mojo on Beth to get the truth is a wonderful moment.
• The musical sequence during the finale is iconic. Tom Ellis, Aimee Garcia, and Kevin Alejandro are seriously gifted.
• I love seeing Eve screw up and then realize how badly she has been screwing up. I am so here for character growth for her as well, unlike Lucifer, she’s barely at the start of her journey.
• Rachael Harris’ acting when Charlie goes missing breaks my heart. It is so gut-wrenching and she’s incredible.
• The Mazeve moment in the end there? It’s going to sustain me for a while. I really hope we get Eve back next season.
• That final moment of Lucifer on his throne in hell? Chilling.
• Major props to all the writers, actors, crew members involved in the making of this season because it is definitely the best one yet. So thankful to Netflix for saving our show and gifting us with this glorious season.

What did you think of this episode of Lucifer? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Lucifer is streaming now on Netflix. 

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