If you’ve heard that BBC’s Luther is just another police procedural, like some combination of NBC’s Law & Order series with a more clever Hannibal — then you’ve been misled, my friend.
There is more psychological nuance in this one series than most of what the main American networks — and many American borne movies — have ever been able to produce. The thing about it is mainly how well acted it is. But beyond that, there is a wealth of ideas and downright chilling portrayals and imagery that American television is frankly too afraid to tackle without placating to viewers, advertisers, and seemingly their own stunted television hierarchies that will push fluff before formidable television any day of the week. While NBC may have been able to tap into the visceral nature that can potentially carry a series with offerings like Hannibal, the acting and story can often feel overwrought and overblown.
Luther is smart. The effort to make it subtle and resonant is there, but it’s not overwhelming. You just have a bloody good time watching it. The opening sequence to series three, episode one which aired on Tuesday night was rife with good old fashioned horror. One woman. A bed. Feet dangling over the edge. Eerie quiet. Sheesh. It was nothing but dread, tension, and the imminent knowledge that something horrible, terrible was about to happen — and you couldn’t wait. What Luther has is simplicity and rather quiet moments that will scare the hell out of you and that works like nothing else.
Yet, the success of the show? That’s something that can squarely be laid at actor Idris Elba’s feet. Since his The Wire days we’ve long been aware of his talent. A Golden Globe award for playing DCI John Luther as Luther‘s title character just confirmed what we already knew — he’s freaking fantastic in this role. It’s not just that he has charisma for days — it’s that he’s a formidable force on the show, and that has nothing to do with his towering height. He’s grizzled and self-effacing, vulnerable when he needs to be, strong-willed, cunning and downright unnerving. There is a tragedy and depth to his portrayal that sucks the viewer right in. You root for him. He’s beguiling, and above all else, you want him to be the harbinger of justice — whatever it takes — and whatever that means. All of which Elba does with more character and flair than most actors on television, even those who’ve already made a name for themselves in big screen films.
Some fans will tell you that the best thing about the show is the interplay between Elba’s Luther and Ruth Wilson’s Alice. And it is a sick, twisted thing. Alice is a succubus of doom. A veritable night stalker. Their pairing is a glorious tennis match full of insanity and almost a quaint old fashioned dance mixed with flattery and destruction. But it’s not the heart of the show. That belongs to Luther himself and facing his own demons. The part that makes it so easy to get to the edge of his own sanity and what it takes to drive the mania back and what it costs him to do so. The viewer learns quickly what happens when you get in his way, and what he’ll sacrifice for the things he believes to be right from wrong, and when he’s just too manic to know the difference. And he’s met with challenges along the way. Other police officers who don’t trust him, a partner who’s skeptical of his methods, disgruntled former co-workers who’d like to see him dangle on the end of a professional noose, and all of that while it rains gloom and despair for the living in London. Serial killers abound. The creaking, dastardly heart of humanity breathes life and death in this show.
That said, the seasons are unbearably short (shakes fist at the UK), but well worth it. The icing on this cake is that it looks like Elba has finally gotten his wish. There will most likely be a Luther big screen movie in the near future. Until then if you haven’t started watching Luther. Start. If you’ve been following along, we’ve got two more episodes left in this last and final season.
How excited are you?
Episode 3 airs tonight at 10pm on BBC America. Check your local listings.
