THE SHOW: Luther
THE CAST: Idris Elba, Ruth Wilson, Warren Brown, Nikki Amuka-Bird, Dermot Crowley, Sienna Guillory, and David O’Hara.
WHERE: BBC AMERICA
Official Synopsis
“John Luther, the near-genius detective struggling to cope with his own demons, is back under intense pressure – with two conflicting crimes to investigate and a ruthless ex-cop determined to bring him down. Luther’s life is his job, that is until love crosses his path and offers him a chance of happiness. Sienna Guillory (“Resident Evil,” “Love Actually”) joins the cast as Mary, a woman who works in a vintage clothing shop and meets Luther in a chance encounter. But is Mary ready to accept Luther’s past? And can Luther leave it behind?”
Luther Review
The final two episodes are explosive, tragic, and full of wit that does not disappoint.
Idris Elba has returned to BBC America for the third (and final?) season of Luther. For those of you who have patiently waited for the next batch of episodes in this limited series, the time has finally arrived for the much-anticipated series conclusion.
RELATED Romantic Moment of the Week: Luther and Alice
Episode one of season three premiered last night and will continue to air in a straight run the rest of the week as part of a 4-night event. The finale airs on September 6. If you’ve missed it, there are ways to catch up (read below for more information).
Series Three
So was the third season worth the wait? The answer is absolutely yes. And if you have just seen the first episode thus far, I can assure you the conclusion is as eventful as the powerful end to series one that series two didn’t quite live up to (if only slightly). The final two episodes are explosive, tragic, and full of wit that does not disappoint. Plus the non-stop action will have you biting your nails in suspense up till the very end.
In this third season about the troubled detective John Luther (played by the charismatic Elba), the story once again focuses on how dark and troubled his life is. What makes this hardened man tick? Everyone close to him dies, but why? The implications of these tragic deaths (from prior seasons) result in an investigation of the man himself. Is he a good cop? Bad cop? Well, I’ll let the audience decide for themselves based on some of his questionable choices (such as last night’s hanging the criminal over the building).
Whatever the case, John Luther is a 3-dimensional character the writer Neil Cross never loses one step in developing, and a character I can’t help but root for. Furthermore, in this season Luther is finally promised some romance in the very ordinary and sweet Mary played by the fairy-like Sienna Guillory (Alice even rightly calls her Tinkerbell).
Alice
Now, if you are an Alice lover (such as myself), I promise you there is no need to protest against this romantic development because the arc has merit. Luther’s tragic loneliness longs for love with this innocent girl who works in a vintage shop. His desire for normality in the midst of his suffering gives even greater depth to one of the best-developed characters ever to grace the small screen. Elba’s delivery is powerful. No small smile goes unnoticed. Every facial expression has purpose and emotion. His relationship with Mary is also the perfect conduit for the return of Alice.
Yes, return! Now I won’t spoil the brilliant and explosive arrival of the much-beloved sociopath because the moment of revelation is completely worth the number of episodes she is absent from in series two and three. Alice returns with a vengeance, same ready wit, and continued devotion to the man who had once hunted her. Not to mention the chemistry between Idris Elba and Ruth Wilson hasn’t dissipated in the slightest. They still sizzle.
The Crime
Besides romance and Alice, the two criminals in this four-episode run are worthy opponents for Luther (though I can’t help but think he needs a gun to take these guys out), particularly the vigilante in the final two episodes. The investigation of Luther also gives excellent characterization to two returning players: Erin (the cop who does not like or trust Luther’s methods) and Luther’s second, the adorable and moral Justin. Erin’s own integrity comes into question as she works with a man who will do anything to bring Luther down, while Justin’s loyalty and friendship to Luther finally gets tested.
Overall
Overall, series three is superb. The writing is outstanding, the characters are entrancing, and the story is captivating. If this is indeed the end to Luther, I hope I can at least look forward to the possible movie prequel (there are whispers) about how the man became John Luther.
WARNING: This show has gruesome images and violent content.
Details on how to watch Luther Series 3:
- DVR, you can also buy the new episodes on Amazon Instant Video once they air.
- Purchase Luther season passes and individual episodes (first two seasons) on the following platforms: iTunes, Amazon Instant, VUDU, XBOX, Google Play, and Sony PSN.
- You can also find Luther on Netflix.
- Watch it with BBC AMERICA On Demand where it is available.
Do you watch Luther? What are your thoughts on this darkly romantic crime series?
OVERALL RATING
“The stuff that dreams are made of.”
ROMANCE RATING (Yes, Romance)
“You pierce my soul. I am half agony, half hope.
I have loved none but you.”
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