Luther: The Fallen Sun
by Neil Cross; dir. Jamie Payne (Netflix, 2023)
The manipulative, ‘hands off’ serial killer offers a point of difference (Andy Serkis, smilingly psychopathic). Still, Luther’s move from series to feature-length offers little to compensate for a pervading bleakness. Idris Elba is mostly consigned to staggering. Dermot Crowley brings some finesse.
Doctor Who: The Time of the Doctor
by Steven Moffat; dir. Jamie Payne (BBC, 2013)
Ending Matt Smith’s tenure with a Christmas special was a brave choice, but one that pays off. The story is chaotic and full of holes, yet Smith himself is quite brilliant as the ancient but ever-young-at-heart friend of children. A fitting farewell.
Luther, Series 5
by Neil Cross; dir. Jamie Payne (BBC, 2019)
Luther comes full circle in this spiralling 4-part finale. The tone of previous series is maintained—the darkness of London as a killing field; Luther’s restless inner turmoil—and there are gripping performances cast-wide: Ruth Wilson; Dermot Crowley; Patrick Malahide; Enzo Cilenti.