Lucifer, a supernatural crime drama based on Neil Gaiman’s DC Comic Sandman, is nothing short of charming. The show is based around the devil and every associated nightmarish tale. Lucifer, ruler of Hell and former angel, abdicates his throne and embarks on an excursion to Los Angeles to toy with his father’s creations: humans. However, things take an abrupt turn when his best human friend is murdered, and as the devil, it is his job to find and punish the sinner.

While the show might seem daunting due to the countless biblical tales referencing the Prince of Darkness, it is contrarily a rather refreshing portrayal of these ancient characters. While many mistake Lucifer as the quintessential ‘anti-hero,’ Lucifer Morningstar is the antithesis of his ‘pure evil’ narrative. His hellishly handsome features mirror his underlying goodness. For instance, Lucifer’s unhesitating honesty makes him an eccentric idiot on earth. He introduces himself as the devil, the aficionado of torturing human souls, and openly indulges in his every desire—narcotic, material, and carnal. Lucifer’s shamelessness is further reflected in his facetious and extremely inappropriate humor which juxtaposes his crime-solving partner, the serious stickler-for-the-rules Chloe Decker. Nonetheless, the two form an unusual and efficient partnership in solving homicides.

Despite the main character’s charming personality, Lucifer doesn’t shy away from the devil’s dark past. Lucifer acknowledges his background as a cast-out angel who tried to wage war on his father, but he can’t accept it. This forms the masterfully-written character development that is intertwined through the plot of the show. Lucifer’s inner demons are ultimately revealed and one can’t help but empathize with him. Despite being an all-powerful being, he isn’t so unlike earthlings after all. Take his daddy-issues for example. Lucifer was the original and most severe case! The show delves deeper into the devil’s psyche and covers themes of unhealthy psychological coping strategies, complex trauma, and, eventually, self-love. Turns out all those years of “blame it on the devil” wasn’t inconsequential after all.

Needless to say, binging four seasons in a matter of weeks has indicates a grossly positive impression. Briefly put, Lucifer has a vast and multifaceted appeal. It ranges multiple genres, features an exemplary cast, and hits all the right notes for anyone in search of a new show to watch in these coming colder months.

Four out of four stars