Lucifer Season 4 Episode 3 Review: Oh, Ye of Little Faith, Father

This Lucifer review contains spoilers.

Lucifer Season 4 Episode 3

“It’s not what you think.”

Some betrayals leave such an indelible mark that it becomes virtually impossible for the parties involved to repair the fractured relationship. And while Chloe may attempt to go down to the crossroads, it doesn’t appear that the Devil will be willing to cut any deals with the detective. Fraught with emotions we don’t see often enough on Lucifer, “Oh, Ye of Little Faith, Father” leaves the partners headed in opposite directions, and only God knows where each will end up.

While the episodic murder investigation ordinarily ties thematically into issues the characters face, here, the killer’s actions actually drive the core narrative, and Father Kinley’s participation quickly comes into focus. The momentary misdirection perpetrated by Kinley may temporarily fool Lucifer, but ends as a thinly veiled step in the priest’s plan to send the Devil back to Hell. There’s no question the writers abandon all subtlety in connecting the killer and the victims to the overwhelming emotions Lucifer experiences as a result of Chloe’s decision to work with Kinley, yet somehow it still works because like Lucifer, we still find it difficult to understand the detective’s choices.

Though we’re still not sure whether Chloe intentionally sought Vatican assistance or if Kinley really did have the detective on his radar, the fact remains that during her missing month she learns a great deal about her partner’s checkered past on Earth. Determining how much of it is true and how much can be attributed to urban legend is perhaps Chloe’s greatest challenge, but eventually her spidey sense tells her that the Devil she knows is not the one Kinley has portrayed.

Still, despite choosing to abandon Kinley’s plan to sedate and then exorcise Lucifer, Chloe’s confession comes too little too late, and the crime scene that finds rocket scientist Susa Ochoa lying dead with a knife in her back, fires the first salvo in the attack on Chloe’s regrettable decision. It’s the first of the “backstabbing by those closest to you” references we get, and while it may end up being a bit overused, the deep wound Lucifer feels can’t be ignored. Coupled with the awareness of his vulnerability when he’s near the detective, his reaction is understandable despite the fact that he is the Devil.

read more – Lucifer Season 4 Episode 2 Review: Somebody’s Been Reading Dante’s Inferno

Throughout their partnership, Lucifer makes the point that he always tells the truth, and though we understand why she continues to conceal her meeting with Kinley, it’s also becoming increasingly clear that Lucifer is going to find it difficult to overlook this betrayal. When initial suspect Anders Brody admits to breaking faith with the victim and tells Chloe and Lucifer that “it’s not what you think,” the time seems perfect for the two to resolve their differences. That Brody explains he meant to apologize to Susan provides the perfect impetus for Chloe and Lucifer to work out their differences, but Lucifer seems intent on punishing Chloe even though he tells Kinley that the priest is wrong about the detective.

It doesn’t take long to recognize that Father Kinley is the devious one in this elaborate scheme, and the irony that the Devil becomes the injured party plays to the fundamental strength of the episode. That “it’s not what you think” returns several times throughout the episode, but it’s the discovery of the vial in Chloe’s purse that pushes the barrier between them even higher. Unfortunately, it’s exactly what Lucifer thinks. “Just who exactly am I in danger from?” he asks his partner, extending the irony even further.

It wouldn’t be accurate to state that there haven’t been emotionally evocative scenes during the first three seasons of Lucifer’s run, but Laura German’s excruciatingly painful study of a woman who has lost her spiritual and personal bearings leaves no doubt as to the actor’s depth in this powerful performance. Chloe goes to Lucifer’s penthouse to beg his forgiveness, and it’s his inability or unwillingness to really look at her situation that proves the most troublesome. Of course, she’s terrified; he’s the Devil. Still, she tells him “I realize, Lucifer, that you’re not that guy,” but when he asks her if she can accept his true face, telling the truth cements the split. “I guess I have my answer.”

Lucifer Season 4 Spoiler Free Review

Will this blow to Lucifer’s self-esteem be enough to send him spiralling back into the world of decadence and debauchery he seemingly left behind for a chance to connect with Chloe? Some might say his reaction will be the measure of the man, but Kinley complicates the situation ever further when he reminds his superior of the prophecy that apparently guides his actions. “When the Devil walks the Earth and finds his first love, evil shall be released.” Though his intentions appear reasonably pure, it’s interesting that he just assumes Chloe’s is Lucifer’s first love. And then we seemingly receive our answer to where the story might head when a beautiful brunette sidles up to the bar in Lux and orders an Appletini. Yes, it’s that Eve.

As Lucifer and Chloe grow further apart, Linda (Rachael Harris) and Amenadiel (D.B. Woodside) inject new life into the mix as they delightfully navigate the dangerous waters of impending parenthood. Is Maze (Lesley-Ann Brandt) correct that “children are all sociopaths,” or does she fear her best friend’s new responsibilities will cause them to drift apart? Even more charming is Amenadiel’s reaction to the news, and confession to Lucifer that he’s worried he doesn’t know what to do. Of course Lucifer doesn’t know what to do about Chloe either, but they do raise the issue of the baby’s genetics. Was he able to father a child during the time he’d lost his wings, or is there something else at play?

Nevertheless, even though both Linda and Amenadiel find joy in the pregnancy, there are issues to confront. The naivete that surrounds his proposal while they wait to see her obstetrician couldn’t be any sweeter, but it also reveals a serious lack of understanding. Still, Linda handles it brilliantly and tells him he’s asking “for the wrong reasons.” However, it’s clear she simply needs a friend during this difficult time, and when he takes her hand we know that Amenadiel’s starting to grasp the situation.

It’s going to be interesting to watch Maze and Dan’s burgeoning relationship and whether it develops into anything beyond beating people up together. He’s right to be angry about Charlotte’s death, but even though Maze tells him that “dark Dan (Kevin Alejandro) will get you real far,” it’s still not a good look for him. Maze has Linda to keep help keep her grounded, but Dan runs the risk of alienating those around him. He’s a bit harsh with Ella, and when she removes her cross after he chides her for offering what he interprets as faith based advice, the hope is that she quickly weathers this crisis of faith and returns the necklace to its rightful place – around her neck.

“Oh, Ye of Little Faith, Father” brings a temporary close to Father Kinley’s plot to use Chloe to send Lucifer permanently back to Hell, but when God opens one window, he closes another. Is this season great or what?

Dave Vitagliano has been writing and podcasting about science fiction television since 2012. You can read more of his work here. He presently hosts the Sci Fi Fidelity podcast.