In Lucifer, the significance of Lucifer Morningstar's (Tom Ellis) wings and the timing of their return play a crucial role in understanding his character development. Adapted from the DC Comics character, the show begins with Lucifer growing weary of ruling Hell, leading him to relinquish his throne and start a new life in Los Angeles. There, he manages a nightclub and utilizes his supernatural abilities to aid Detective Chloe Decker (Lauren German) in solving crimes. Originally airing on Fox in 2016, Lucifer gained even more popularity after being picked up by Netflix following its cancellation.
Initially, Lucifer is portrayed as an anti-hero who rebels against his father God (Dennis Haysbert). However, as the series progresses, Lucifer undergoes significant personal growth through the moral challenges he faces and his relationship with Chloe. The concept of redemption is a prevailing theme throughout Lucifer, particularly within the protagonist himself. This theme directly links to the circumstances surrounding Lucifer's reacquisition of his wings on the show.
Lucifer Gets His Wings Back In Season 2, Episode 18 "The Good, The Bad And The Crispy"
When Lucifer decides to depart Hell and relocate to Los Angeles at the beginning of the series, he enlists the aid of his ally Maze (played by Lesley-Ann Brandt) to sever his wings as a defiance against God. Consequently, he stores them away. However, Lucifer's wings are unexpectedly stolen in the sixth episode of the first season, titled "Favorite Son". Eventually, Lucifer manages to retrieve his wings and chooses to incinerate them, but Maze preserves a single feather from the wings for safekeeping. Despite carrying on without his wings for several episodes, Lucifer regains possession of them in the eighteenth episode of the second season, titled "The Good, the Bad and the Crispy."
In this episode, Lucifer finds himself in a state of bewilderment as he wakes up in the desert after being rendered unconscious, only to realize that his wings have reappeared. Adding to the mystery, Lucifer discovers that he is currently unable to display his devilish appearance. Determined to ascertain the reason behind this anomaly, various characters propose theories ranging from divine forgiveness to the presence of something sinister. Overwhelmed by paranoia regarding the reappearance of his wings, Lucifer repeatedly attempts to sever them. Nevertheless, the wings persistently return each time he does so.
Lucifer Gets His Wings Back Because He Redeems Himself
Lucifer's wings grant him the ability to fly in the show Lucifer, but they also carry significance related to his redemption and emotional state. In the second season finale, Lucifer's regained wings correspond to a more positive self-perception, coinciding with the disappearance of his devil face. The appearance of his wings reflects his level of self-hatred and forgiveness, demonstrating that despite his determination to prove his devilish nature to God, his evolving morality makes him feel worthy of his wings. Throughout the series, Lucifer's wings serve as a reflection of his self-image. In season 4, as he reverts to his old ways, his devil face reemerges and his wings take on a more ominous look. However, once he embraces Chloe's love and displays self-sacrifice, his wings revert to their original form. By attentively observing his wings, Lucifer can gain profound insights into his own character.