Lucifer: The Complete First Season

Loosely based on the Vertigo comic book series of the same name, Lucifer is a mix of supernatural show and police procedural starring Tom Ellis as Lucifer Morningstar, the fallen angel better known as Satan. In this alternate universe, Lucifer has grown tired of reigning over Hell and has come to Earth. His brother, the angel Amenadiel (D.B. Woodside), has been sent to bring him back. But the similarities between the series and the comic end there, as this Lucifer, who runs a nightclub, becomes fascinated with Detective Chloe Decker (Lauren German), who is immune to his powers and charms. This Lucifer is a disillusioned angel who is angry that his father banished him. He's not so much evil as cynical, although he is definitely obsessed with justice and finding and punishing the guilty, so he basically tags along on Decker's investigations. The playing with biblical characters and the glee with which Ellis inhabits the role are the most entertaining aspects of the series. Where it stumbles is with Decker, who is supposed to be a tough, smart police detective but puts up with Lucifer's disrespect and flagrant rule-breaking with little more than an exasperated shrug. And the lazy detective procedural writing strains credulity in an age of sophisticated cop shows and murder mysteries. Presenting all 13 episodes from the 2016 debut season, extras include behind-the-scenes featurettes, deleted scenes, a 2015 Comic-Con panel, and character profiles. A strong optional purchase. (S. Axmaker)