Lucifer Morningstar is shot by Detective Malcolm Graham in Season 1, Episode 13, titled “Take Me Home, Father”. This pivotal event marks a turning point in the series, forcing Lucifer to confront his mortality and ultimately leading him to make a deal with his Father.
The Culmination of Malcolm’s Corruption
Malcolm Graham’s corruption is a key element throughout the first season. He’s initially a dirty cop brought back from the brink of death by Amenadiel, Lucifer’s brother, with the promise of fulfilling Amenadiel’s agenda on Earth – pushing Lucifer back to Hell. Malcolm’s actions are driven by a thirst for power and fueled by divine manipulation, culminating in his attempt to kill Lucifer.
The Setting and Circumstances
The shooting occurs at Lucifer’s penthouse. Malcolm, having successfully framed Lucifer for his previous misdeeds, corners him. He believes he holds all the cards and that killing Lucifer will secure his position. The confrontation is tense, showcasing Malcolm’s ruthlessness and Lucifer’s initial arrogance, believing himself to be invulnerable.
Why Malcolm Shot Lucifer
Malcolm shot Lucifer because Amenadiel promised him a second chance at life in exchange for forcing Lucifer to return to Hell. Amenadiel believed Lucifer’s absence from Hell was disrupting the natural order and endangering humanity. Malcolm was the perfect pawn – a corrupt officer with nothing to lose. His actions were driven by a desire for power and a twisted sense of gratitude towards Amenadiel.
The Aftermath: A Deal with God
The shooting has profound consequences for Lucifer. For the first time since arriving on Earth, he experiences genuine pain and fear. More importantly, he realizes he is not invincible. This vulnerability forces him to acknowledge his complicated relationship with his Father and ultimately leads him to make a deal.
Chloe Decker’s Fate and Lucifer’s Sacrifice
Lucifer, believing Chloe Decker is in danger due to his presence on Earth, prays to his Father. He offers to return to Hell if his Father guarantees Chloe’s safety. This act of selflessness highlights Lucifer’s growing affection for Chloe and his willingness to sacrifice his own desires for her well-being.
The Shift in Lucifer’s Perspective
The shooting, coupled with the near-death experience of Chloe, serves as a catalyst for Lucifer’s character development. He begins to question his motives and his relationship with his family, particularly his Father. The experience forces him to confront his own vulnerability and consider the consequences of his actions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Lucifer’s Shooting
Q1: Was Lucifer truly dead when Malcolm shot him?
No, Lucifer wasn’t truly dead. While the shooting caused him immense pain and forced him to realize his vulnerability on Earth, his celestial nature prevented him from fully dying. He was severely wounded and experienced a near-death state, prompting him to seek divine intervention.
Q2: Did Malcolm know Lucifer was the Devil before he shot him?
Yes, Malcolm knew Lucifer was the Devil. Amenadiel revealed Lucifer’s true identity to Malcolm to manipulate him and convince him to carry out his mission of sending Lucifer back to Hell.
Q3: How did Lucifer survive the shooting?
Lucifer survived due to his celestial origins. While vulnerable on Earth, he possesses inherent healing abilities and resilience. However, the severity of the wound and the fear for Chloe’s safety pushed him to seek his Father’s intervention.
Q4: What were Malcolm’s motivations for trying to kill Lucifer?
Malcolm’s motivations were a combination of personal gain and divine manipulation. He wanted to maintain his newfound power and avoid punishment for his corrupt actions. Furthermore, he felt obligated to Amenadiel for bringing him back from the dead and believed he was fulfilling his end of the bargain.
Q5: What was the significance of the shooting taking place at Lucifer’s penthouse?
The location highlights Lucifer’s detachment from the human world. His penthouse is a symbol of his wealth and power, yet it becomes the site of his vulnerability. It emphasizes that even in his luxurious sanctuary, he is not entirely safe from human threats and divine schemes.
Q6: How did Chloe react to Lucifer being shot?
Chloe was not present during the actual shooting. However, she was informed about it and was visibly shaken by the news. She was concerned for Lucifer’s well-being and also confused by the circumstances surrounding the event, furthering her growing awareness of Lucifer’s extraordinary nature.
Q7: Did the shooting affect Lucifer’s powers?
The shooting didn’t permanently diminish Lucifer’s powers. However, it revealed that he was not entirely invulnerable on Earth, a realization that significantly impacted his decision-making and his understanding of his own existence.
Q8: How did Amenadiel feel about Malcolm shooting Lucifer?
Amenadiel initially felt justified in using Malcolm to force Lucifer back to Hell. He believed he was acting in the best interest of humanity and upholding the natural order. However, he later experiences doubt and remorse as he witnesses the consequences of his actions.
Q9: Did Lucifer ever forgive Malcolm for shooting him?
Forgiveness is a complex theme in the series. While Lucifer never explicitly forgives Malcolm, he does eventually move on from the incident and focuses on other threats and relationships. He comes to understand that Malcolm was a pawn in a larger game.
Q10: How did the shooting influence Lucifer’s relationship with Chloe?
The shooting strengthened Lucifer’s feelings for Chloe. His willingness to sacrifice himself for her safety demonstrated the depth of his affection and solidified their bond. It also forced him to confront his own mortality and consider the impact of his actions on her life.
Q11: What role did Maze play in the aftermath of the shooting?
Maze, Lucifer’s loyal demon companion, was deeply concerned for his well-being after the shooting. She provides him with unwavering support and protection, showcasing her fierce loyalty and unwavering commitment to Lucifer. She also played a crucial role in tracking down and dealing with Malcolm’s remaining associates.
Q12: Was the gun used to shoot Lucifer special in any way?
The gun itself was not inherently special. The significance lies in the fact that a human weapon could wound Lucifer. It underscored his vulnerability on Earth and the limitations of his celestial powers in the human realm. The shooting was less about the weapon and more about the circumstances surrounding it.