Long time Lucifer viewers will find little has changed in the procedural aspect of the show, and for the most part, the case of the week continues to mirror issues the core characters face in their personal and professional lives. The murder of former crime family enforcer Bob the Knob while in witness protection allows Lucifer and the detective to fall comfortably back into a routine both know so well. But much has changed, and Chloe seems more focused on gaining religious and historical perspective than on solving crimes.

While there’s certainly a sense of familiarity, there’s also more of a cinematic quality to the show’s structure which becomes apparent as each episode flows flawlessly into the next despite a new murder to investigate. Nevertheless, this season hones in on the theme that people are not really who they purport to be, and while that’s certainly been true of the Celestials in their relationships with everybody save Dr. Linda, “Somebody’s Been Reading Dante’s Inferno” takes the narrative down a fresh and dangerous path. While new relationships form within the world inhabited by the LAPD and the Celestials, some old ones face the strain that the job and the knowledge force upon them.

Chloe’s struggle to understand Lucifer’s revelation leads her to an association with Father Kinley (Graham McTavish/Outlander; Preacher), a man whose true motives are not initially clear. Though her character receives an appropriately emotional sendoff in season three, Tricia Helfer’s multi-layered portrayal of lawyer Charlotte Richards will be sorely missed. However, McTavish’s addition and commanding presence make significant headway toward filling the void left behind after Amenadiel carries Charlotte to Heaven at the end of last season.

On the heels of the turmoil generated by the deaths of Charlotte and Marcus Pierce, both humans and Celestials reflect on their life choices and in some cases set out to make amends for past actions. Ella (Aimee Garcia) must deal with her crisis of faith, and Detective Daniel Espinoza (Kevin Alejandro) faces life without Charlotte after she was so cruelly taken away. Daniel’s attitude toward and relationship with Lucifer also sports a new look, as the two continue their verbal sparring.

Lucifer’s brother, the angel Amenadiel, considers where to make his permanent home, and his relationship with Dr. Linda remains one of the most delightful aspects of the series. Even Mazikeen has begun taking on human characteristics, and her drive to repair her relationships with Chloe, and more importantly Trixie, shows another side of the demon from Hell.