Lucifer | Michael Courtney/FOX
She has tremendous chemistry with her fellow cast members. She regularly steals scenes.
Her name is Lesley-Ann Brandt, and she plays Maze on “Lucifer.”
On this week’s “Mr. and Mrs. Mazikeen Smith” episode, she takes center stage.
Her foray into bounty hunting initially proved fulfilling, but it has since become stale. She is too cunning and powerful for her targets. There is never a threat of failure.
Without that threat, there is little thrill.
Aiming to reignite the flame, Lesley-Ann Brandt seeks a particularly challenging target. She finds one in Ben Rivers (guest star Chris L McKenna).
Rivers is a local fugitive who apparently fled for Canada. Not simply dangerous by virtue of his criminal situation, Rivers is also an expert manipulator.
A challenging target and a trip to Canada? Count Maze in.
The broadcast airs at 8PM ET/PT Monday night, but Headline Planet screened the episode in advance.
Based on that screening, we can share some details on what you should expect. Photos from the episode are also embedded:
Yes, This Is A Maze-Centric Episode
The title, synopsis and above introduction are not misleading. Maze’s story is the heart of this week’s episode.
There may be a late-episode nod to the show’s bigger picture/serialized narrative, but Maze’s case is this week’s only major storyline. Brandt receives screen time — and the opportunity to showcase depth as an actress — befitting that reality.
Yes, other key characters like Lucifer, Chloe, Linda, Dan and Trixie are involved — but as support mechanisms for Maze. This is absolutely her episode.
In Case You Didn’t Know, Maze Has Skills
“Mr. and Mrs. Mazikeen Smith” is a Maze-centric episode, which means it is a showcase for the character’s very impressive set of skills — and very charismatic personality.
We witness her humor — as well as a (violent) opposition to jokes at her own expense.
We witness her shrewdness, her sex appeal and her impressive fighting abilities.
Ultimately, this episode offers plenty of support for the notion that Maze is a legitimately great character.
Ben Rivers: A Compelling Target
Maze’s bounty Ben Rivers is undeniably charismatic. But, let’s face it. The “charismatic criminal” has become a rather cliche character.
What makes Rivers special is his instant, obvious chemistry with Maze. He fits into her narrative — and the Lucifer dynamic. It is that quality that makes the character so compelling.
He may not execute gambits of the same magnitude and he definitely does not receive enough screen time to make the same impact, but Rivers is actually somewhat reminiscent of Desperaux (Cary Elwes) from “Psych.”
He, quite simply, feels “right” for this show.
No Soul Does Not Mean Soulless
Maze does not have a soul. There is no deeper essence to her being — at least in a literal sense.
As she puts it, should she die..she would just die. There would be no transition into an afterlife.
This episode, however, focuses on the distinction between lacking a literal soul and being “soulless.” It ponders the degree of “human” emotion lurking beneath Maze’s tough exterior.
Getting in touch with that humanity may be the key to fulfillment Maze is truly seeking.
Chloe & Lucifer – Surprising Concerns
Upon learning of Maze’s case, Chloe and Lucifer initially react in predictable fashion. Chloe is concerned about Maze’s safety — and, frankly, the safety of Canada. Lucifer has no care in the world; Maze can handle herself, and she needs the vacation.
As the episode progresses, they begin to take on unusual roles. The typically trusting, by-the-book Chloe begins to question the facts of the case and whether a conspiracy might be at play. Lucifer, who usually challenges the system, takes the police department at its word.
Poor Dan
Early in the episode, Dan reveals that he is using frequent flier miles for a trip to Hawaii.
Things do not go according to Dan’s plan.