Lucifer season 5 will include a very meta episode when it premieres on Netflix later this month. Although it debuted back in 2016 with the recognizable premise of a complicated character trying to do good, it has since evolved by leaps and bounds.
Lucifer was originally planned to end with season 5. However, after Netflix signed new deals with series star Tom Ellis and showrunners Joe Henderson and Ildy Modrovich, the series was renewed for one last season. Fans have been waiting for new episodes ever since season 4 concluded, in May 2019, with Chloe (Lauren German) expressing her love for Lucifer just as he was faced with the decision of returning to reside over Hell. It’s already been revealed that the coming season will include a noir-themed episode. Now, it’s been revealed that viewers can look forward to another clever conceit.
According to TV Line, Lucifer season 5 will take another creative leap by featuring a storyline that hits close to home in more than one way. The storyline will be included in episode 3 of the season, titled “¡Diablo!”, and revolving around a Warner Bros. TV show about a “devilish hunk and his police detective paramour.” To make things even more meta, the episode will also tackle a murder that occurs on the set of the fictional show. It’s described as one of the funniest installments in the new season.
Lucifer frequently relies on the tendency of the title character to make every case about himself, frequently circling back to what he happens to be feeling while everyone around him focuses on solving a crime. Given how closely the murder in “¡Diablo!” mirrors his own situation, Lucifer shouldn’t need any added incentive to draw parallels to his own predicaments. The episode will also doubtlessly allow for the writers of Lucifer to indulge in some very self-referential humor, whether it’s about general complaints like the monotony of filming and the necessity to placate the frequently competing egos of different actors. There will also be opportunities to mention the recent history of Lucifer behind the scenes, whether it’s the adaptation’s move to Netflix or Ellis’ contract negotiations.
It’s these kinds of format-busting episodes that have helped to bolster the reputation of Lucifer, to the point where it’s transcended the initially simple setup of the devil helping to solve crimes. In recent years, the series has featured episodes that sidelined its main protagonists to zero in on the life of a supporting character. It’s also featured episodes which have toyed with different genres and unique visual elements. Lucifer season 5 looks to continue down that same path with confidence, finding new ways to keep the procedural aspects of the drama fresh and illuminating.
Lucifer season 5 will premiere on Netflix on August 21.
