Up from the Underworld: A "Lucifer" Quiz

Answer: Neil Gaiman

Neil Gaiman is an acclaimed author, and another TV show, "American Gods," is an adaptation of his novel of the same name. The opening credits of each Lucifer episode state that the show is "based on characters created by Neil Gaiman, Sam Kieth, and Mike Dringenberg." Lucifer appeared in several times in issues of "The Sandman" and he eventually received his own spinoff comic book series.

The TV show is loosely adapted from this version of the character. Mazikeen, another regular character in the TV show, also first appeared in "The Sandman." Gaiman narrated one of the two bonus episodes that were originally intended for season 4, but which were aired after the show's cancellation.

Answer: He has resigned as ruler of Hell

This premise of the show is based on events in "The Sandman," in which Lucifer decides to turn over a new leaf and abandon Hell after having a change of heart. The TV show's interpretation is that he has become bored with ruling Hell and wants new adventures. Right up until the end of the series, Lucifer showed no desire to reconcile with his father.

Although hellmouths appear in medieval religious art, and figured prominently in "Buffy," they do not appear in "Lucifer."

Answer: Cut off his angel wings

Lucifer's wings become an important plot point in several episodes. For example, during season 1, they are stolen from a shipping container where he has stored them, while at the end of season 2 they unexpectedly grow back.

Answer: Tell him what they really desire

Lucifer has a really good understanding of the concept of desire! When people tell him their true desires, the answers are often quite unexpected as they reveal things that would not appear obvious.

Answer: He becomes vulnerable to injury

Lucifer is normally invulnerable to things that would harm a mortal, such as gunfire. However, in episode 3 of season 1, Lucifer encourages Chloe to shoot him in the leg, which she reluctantly does. He is then quite shocked when the bullet wounds him, as this has never happened before. He eventually figures out that becomes vulnerable only when he is around Chloe.

Answer: He can stop time

Lucifer sometimes uses this to his advantage by creating situations where Amenadiel is forced to intervene. Later in the series, Amenadiel begins losing his angelic powers, which he considers a test from God. Lucifer, not Amenadiel, has the ability to show people a frightening "devil face," although he temporarily loses this ability midway through the series. Most women, and even many men, do seem to find Lucifer irresistible, although this seems to be due mainly to his good looks and charm.

Answer: To punish evildoers

Lucifer enjoys working with the police, as it gives him a chance to ensure that evildoers are punished, something he finds quite satisfying. Additionally, he sees his rebellion against God as a good thing, because he feels that God's plan robs people of free will. Lucifer does seduce quite a lot of people during the series, but this seems to be more of a feature of his lifestyle than a special mission.

Answer: To discuss his existential dilemmas

At the end of the pilot episode, Lucifer offers Linda a deal in which she can have as much "naked cuddle time" as she desires in return for discussing his personal problems, and she eagerly agrees. Later in the series she decides to stop sleeping with Lucifer but continues to counsel him.

A recurring theme in their relationship is that she tries to offer him good advice, which he nearly always spins in a completely unintended and self-centered way.

Answer: His mother

Lucifer's mother is God's ex-wife, with whom he created the universe. Later they had a falling out and he cast her into Hell. At the end of Season 2, she escapes into another dimension with Lucifer's help, and the real Charlotte Richards gets a second chance at life.

Answer: Cain

As punishment for committing the first murder, he is cursed so that he can never die. After thousands of years on earth, Pierce/Cain longs to finally be done with it all and is searching for some way to break his curse, which becomes a major theme of season 3.