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.
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.
Luther, Series 4
created by Neil Cross (BBC, 2015)
At two 1-hour episodes, this hardly constitutes a series. The story itself, though, contains all the dark hallmarks (except perhaps an over-the-top dénouement) of past outings. True to form, Luther must juggle his private investigations with the hunt for a serial killer.
Luther, Series 3
created by Neil Cross (BBC, 2013)
DCI John Luther again straddles the razor wire fence between breaking the law for his own benefit and for the public good. Idris Elba—facing a serial killer and then a vigilante—is powerful, moody, yet very human in the lead role.