To quote the Netflix episode description: "It's a musical episode? It's a musical episode." Considering how many songs are part of the show naturally, it was really only a matter of time before we got a full on musical.
It's always hard for me to judge these kinds of episodes, as I always end up comparing them to "Once More With Feeling" from Buffy, which is simply a beautiful hour of television. So I'm always perhaps a little harsher on them than I should be. An immediate point against Lucifer is that there were no original songs, only covers. I was hoping for something new, but oh well.
Overall, the singing was rather strong. There were definitely some moments where I was cringing a little (Amenadiel's rap and God's solo) but I was largely impressed by the cast's vocal skills. The choreography of the larger group songs was also a lot of fun. The solos and duets? Less so.
Of course, all of the singing and dancing was an excuse to give us a peek into the characters' psyche and mental state before we dive into the true meat of the back half of this season. I'm pretty sure that every major character showed up for a verse or two, with the exception of Chloe.
Poor Dan. He manages to accept the existence of angels and the devil only to learn that he accidentally had an affair with God's wife. I really enjoyed the conversation between him and Amenadiel. I always forget about their friendship, but it consistently makes me smile.
Ella and Maze's duet also had me grinning. It didn't necessarily tell us anything new. Ella has sworn off romance and is trying really hard to avoid her usual attraction to "bad boys." Maze is spitefully embracing her demonic nature since it's "perfect." And, of course, Ella reiterated that Maze is a good person. It doesn't matter that she doesn't have a soul. She's still capable of emotion and connection and love.
Which was something that Chloe also reiterated with Lucifer. I was pleasantly surprised that their relationship wasn't completely destroyed after Lucifer declared that he was incapable of love. They still are partners who clearly deeply care for each other. I loved Chloe telling God off while also being very, very aware of how much power He held compared to her. It was very much deserved. I can't wait to see a more in-depth conversation about the fact that Chloe was a gift.
Fatherhood and parenting techniques as a whole were a main theme, one that also carried through to the helicopter parent with the very creepy rendition of "Every Breath You Take." It's a creepy song to begin with, but when you frame it as an overbearing parent, it takes on a whole new dimension. God really was watching Lucifer at every moment, even when he was having sex. At least when He was a distant presence, Lucifer could believe that he had some kind of home that he had created. Lucifer looked absolutely devastated during "I Dreamed A Dream." He had tasted happiness, tasted peace. And now God's arrival stripped that all away from him.
God slowly seems to be understanding this, though. Watching Amenadiel and Linda, and then overhearing Trixie, it seems to be slowly sinking in just how much of an effect He has had on His children. Is this a sign of change? I don't know. I don't know if I could actually trust a realization like that occurring that quickly. Like Chloe said, it's only been one day. Things simply just don't happen that quickly.
I do think that Amenadiel could have been clearer on why exactly he was so upset about Charlie being mortal. It's not that Charlie can't fly. It was never that he couldn't fly. It's that he's going to die one day, something that no parent wants to go through. And while we as humans might be able to accept that fact because a) everybody dies and b) we generally expect parents to die before their kids do, Amenadiel doesn't have that perspective. He won't age. He won't die. He already knows and is grieving that loss.
Let's talk about that cliffhanger. God is losing control of His powers. It's very strongly implied that He is not all knowing, although this might be a new development. Is this why God came down to Earth? To get help? Or did this only start happening over the course of this episode? I'm leaning towards the first option but I'm not completely sure. Lucifer's face in those final moments of the episode was haunting, as were God's tears.
Random Thoughts
Lucifer is a baritone-tenor split. Also, he's incapable of not singing when music plays, apparently.
Wait... if God is losing control... does this mean we'll have more musical numbers?
It was nice to see Trixie again, however briefly.
God wears socks with sandals.
Favorite Song: Maze and Ella's duet.
Least Favorite Song: Linda and Amenadiel's duet.
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An Honest Fangirl loves video games, horror movies, and superheroes, and occasionally manages to put words together in a coherent and pleasing manner.
I suppose Lauren German cannot sing? At least she got to dance, a little. It would be more interesting if, given what is coming, she were immune to more of the angelic powers, but we know Michael can affect her.
ReplyDeleteYes, it was all covers, but I still really enjoyed it. :)
ReplyDeleteLauren German can sing, she does so occasionally, but on set and in private I think. I believe she chooses not to do so in public. Some of the other members of the cast probably should have begged off singing/dancing as well. I did not like Ella/Maze Scrubs/Bad to The Bone or Amenadiel's rap/God's duet with Lucifer. I did like, Lucifer's part of I Dreamed a Dream, Dan's version of "Hell" and I thought Linda's Just The Two Of Us good.
ReplyDeleteI have mixed feelings about this one. I tend to like musical episodes, and I really enjoyed the first number (Queen). But I strongly disliked most of the other songs, and wound up fast-forwarding through a lot of them.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed Ella dancing; she's awesome at it.