Let's Talk BBC's LUTHER!

This show. I love it. Why did I not start watching it sooner!?

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Luther (Idris Elba) & partner, Justin Ripley (Warren Brown)
(Photo from BBC America)

If you're already suffering through the Sherlock hiatus like I am (it's only been a month *sobs*) you might be looking for something to ease the pain a little and this series definitely fits the bill. From what I've read online there are only 3 seasons of Luther, but from what I've seen (season/series 1), it's definitely addicting and really, realllllly suspenseful! I started watching Tuesday night with my bestie Melissa just because Netflix is boring and we've both seen every romantic comedy or drama available for streaming a million times and... wow... just wow. I should have known since it was a BBC production that I was going to fall in love. I really ought to stop denying to myself that I am a mystery TV fan and learn to start watching more in the genre, this way I'll never be bored again!

Luther (Idris Elba) & Alice (Ruth Wilson) (Photo from BBC America)

Idris Elba plays John Luther, a London police detective who's fighting to keep his job in spite of a breakdown and the near death of one of the criminals he tracked down. He's brilliant at keeping pace with the criminals, even though his ways aren't the most orthodox or condoned by his bosses. Ruth Wilson (loved her in Jane Eyre) as Alice Morgan is equally as exciting and thrilling even though she's not on the side of the law, but for some reason likes Luther and the challenge he presents. She's like the female version of BBC Sherlock's Jim Moriarty -- brilliant and charismatic, but slightly very off kilter.

Indira Varma as Zoe (Photo from BBC America)

In spite of some great secondary characters including the beautiful Indira Varma as his estranged wife Zoe, Paul McGann (who doesn't love the McGann's?), and Luther's partner DS Ripley played by Warren Brown, Luther and Alice carried the first season for me. Their verbal jousting won me every time. That's not to say that this series is boring or uninteresting, because it's not. As a matter of fact, I'd go so far as to say it is seriously one of the most suspenseful shows I've ever watched. When you get chills before the opening credits roll, it's definitely a good thing! That said, this show will not be for everyone. There's a lot of blood and violence and some really messed up criminals who are insanely creepy! If you love great acting and gritty stories, Luther is definitely worth a watch! Seasons 1 and 2 are currently available to stream on Netflix and seasons 1-3 are available on DVD from the BBC Shop and other retailers.