Why Did Dan Espinoza Leave Lucifer? | TV & Radio - Daily Express

Lucifer: Netflix releases trailer for season five part two

Lucifer is now in its fifth season on Netflix and viewers were thrilled to see the devil himself (played by Tom Ellis) return for the second half. The latest series welcomed back plenty of familiar faces, however, one character saw their demise. Fans are keen to know why Kevin Alejandro left the series as detective Dan Espinoza.

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Why did Dan Espinoza leave Lucifer?

Daniel Espinoza was one of the main characters in the series and he was an LA homicide detective.

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He worked closely with Lucifer Morningstar as part of his job within the LAPD, and Lucifer would help him solve cases.

He and Lucifer did not have the best relationship, particularly as he had shown an interest in Dan's ex-wife, Chloe Decker (Lauren German).

His relationship with Lucifer came to a head in the fourth season, when he blamed the fallen angel for Charlotte's (Tricia Helfer) death.

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He tried to numb the pain he felt, but it caused him to suffer a breakdown in season five.

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READ MORE: Lucifer season 6: Boss hints Lucifer regrets becoming God

Lucifer: Dan Espinoza was killed off (Image: NETFLIX)

Lucifer: Lucifer and Dan helped each other on cases (Image: NETFLIX)

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His character was killed off in the latest season, while he was investigating the case of Amenadiel's (D.B. Woodside) necklace.

He was called by French Mercenaries as part of a plan to make Chloe feel guilty and go to Hell.

His last appearance was in the aptly named episode, Is This Really How It's Going To End?!

Fans have labelled his shocking death as one of the show's saddest moments to date.

As for why Dan left the series, hitc.com said how actor Alejandro had agreed to Dan's death with the showrunners.

READ MORE: Lucifer season 5 part 2: Who is Arthur Melbourne Hooper?

Lucifer: Dan was the fan-favourite detective (Image: NETFLIX)

Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, the actor said: "I remember having a conversation with [the showrunners]… and just saying, ‘I think it could be interesting if you know, this is the end.

"The audience is really starting to like Dan, really starting to understand who he is. I think it might be impactful if you took that [relationship] away and ended him, and see how that affected the world around him.’”

He said it was a collaborative decision and he had some influence over what happened to his character.

Fans may be surprised to hear the actor will, in fact, be reprising his role as Dan in the show's sixth and final season.

The showrunners did not want it to be the end of Dan, so he will be returning in some form or another.

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Lucifer: Dan will return in some form or another (Image: NETFLIX)

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The actor said his return would not be in the way people expect, so they should be in for a shock.

He confirmed Dan would be back in some capacity, although the Dan as fans know him died in season five.

The cryptic update has left fans even more excited for the upcoming sixth season.

Fans have taken to social media to share their thoughts on the loss of Dan in season five.

One said on Twitter: "He’ll never admit it, but the day Lucifer lost dan is the day he realized he lost his brother.

READ MORE: Lucifer season 5, part 2: What happened to Dan?

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"They bickered and they bullied each other but in the end, they’d walk through fire and kill to keep the other safe. They really were (bracelet) brothers."

Another viewer said: "Dan trying to comfort & calm Chloe about her relationship with Lucifer and about whatever in the future comes is something I never knew it would hurt me so much after finishing the season."

The bond between Lucifer and Dan was a unique one, to say the least, and fans spotted some touching additions throughout the series.

One said: "Lucifer has a framed picture of him and Dan on his desk how do I even live with this info."

Hopefully, the character's comeback will be the main highlight of the final season.

Lucifer is streaming on Netflix now. 

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