Lucifer is perhaps today’s weirdest Netflix show. Its IMDb rating is high (8.3) although the underlying ratings are either extremely low or high. The main layer of the show is a sequence of – at best – mediocre police detective stories. The show is still worthwhile watching because of a 2nd layer of developing and intriguing personalities.
People who liked the 2007-2014 TV show Californication (8.3 in IMDb) may also like Lucifer, as the absurd and weird ingredients in both shows trace back to its developer Tom Kapinos. Californication used rather 1-dimensional characters and lots of (sick) humour. Similar to The Sopranos (1999-2007 and a 9.2 in IMDb), a psychologist finds out about Lucifer.
The mixed feelings about Lucifer are better understood once I reveal that the main character is actually the devil taking a vacation in Los Angeles (sic!) and “helping” the police as a consultant. The absurdness of this plot is just too much for many. The acting by Tom Ellis is another reason for bad reviews on IMDb. Tom Ellis plays Lucifer as a mere obnoxious fellow rather than a cunning and devious person like Matt Damon in “The talented Mr. Ripley” (book, IMDb, movie).
Watching this show made me realise that I know almost nothing about the concept of the devil. We prefer not mentioning his name as if that doesn’t make him exist. Probably, our fear of him increases his power over us. J.K. Rowling used the same concept in her Harry Potter books (eg, wizards‘ fear over mentioning Voldemort‘s name).
My lack of knowledge (eg, Samael) is also the main reason that I am still watching. Although Lucifer (a.k.a. Samael) claims he is the devil, he is not just evil. He struggles with his task, blames his principal, and uses a psychologist for understanding humans – and himself. Lucifer has no remorse for bad people and even likes punishing them for what they did in life.
Lucifer also likes stirring up anger and (carnal) desires in humans, granting them favours, and then calling in these IOU‘s. Both anger and desires can easily lead to the Dark Side (my blogs). Lucifer may be accountable for stirring up anger and desires but he does not feel responsible for human decisions (my blogs). Humans always have a choice for (not) listening to him.
Challenging human faith in a Deity (eg, Allah, God or Yahweh) is another one of his specialties as Lucifer expects humans to be hypocrites. Lucifer however respects true Faith when he meets it. Lucifer’s power is rooted in human fear. Fearing the devil only makes sense when we know that our thoughts, words, and deeds are/were bad (eg, immoral).
This idea of the devil is in line with my own concept. Humans are accountable and responsible for our own thoughts, words, and deeds. We cannot hide our own responsibility behind God – or the devil. Neither can we claim that our actions were in line with their will. Both show us a path but it’s our own (daily) decision which one we take.
The devil made me do it (1982) by Golden Earring
artists, FB, lyrics, video, Wiki-1, Wiki-2
The devil made me do it, oh, oh, oh,oh
It was the act of a man possessed, now
The devil made me do it, oh, oh ,oh, oh
Your honor, I am innocent
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