WiC reviews every single episode of Lucifer season 5, part 2

Season 5, Episode 12: “Daniel Espinoza: Naked and Afraid”

Daniel Espinoza is having a terrible day. In “Daniel Espinoza: Naked and Afraid” the good detective is sent on an errand to fetch a prisoner who is being transferred. He connects with an old cop buddy who used to work with Dan during his dark days, and thus begins an odyssey that Dan is not likely to forget.

If you’re keeping track, Dan gets nailed in the head several times throughout the episode, managing to wake up on the floor in various states of undress each time. He goes to Lucifer for help (yes, Dan needs a favor from Lucifer) and then things spiral out of control.

The brilliance of this episode comes in how much trouble keeps piling on top of Dan, no matter what he does to stop it. In the end it’s revealed that Lucifer orchestrated everything, much to Dan’s chagrin. Oddly enough, the whole thing ends up being cathartic for Dan, who has been wound up like a top since discovering Lucifer’s true nature.

Over the course of five seasons, Dan has gone from “Detective Douche” to a true friend for Amenadiel and Maze. He’s a beloved member of the team, known for moments of comedic relief and his ability to always be there when his friends need him.

He’s been struggling to cope with losing Charlotte, though, and knowing that celestials are roaming the earth isn’t helping. Lucifer’s prank, which Lucifer claims was payback for when Dan shot him, has given Dan a new lease on life. His tension is gone and the lighthearted Dan is back.

Kevin Alejandro is a brilliant actor. I’ll always think of him as Jesus in True Blood, but after his performance in episode 512 there is no question that he has only gotten better over the years. He can go from silly to serious in the blink of an eye, and he manages to make Dan the guy we love to root for and the guy we love to torture. It’s a fine line, but Alejandro pulls it off perfectly.