I had to giver this episode 10 out of 10 because it kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. I think I am now hopelessly in love with Ruth Wilson. She was so perfectly cast in this whole series as an enigmatic criminal genius who is seriously attracted to Luther. Steven Mackintosh, whom I have seen in many series and one-off dramas over the years, has ever been better as a police detective on the edge. Idris Elba plays Luther and could not be more different than his character Stringer in The Wire and is a charismatic lead- I have to say I preferred him as Stringer though. The whole cast of supporting actors give brilliant support particularly as Ripley and the investigating officer. Hell, I even liked Paul McGann and I rarely like him in anything (don't ask me why). Altogether a fantastic series topped off by this last nail-biting episode, which I will not spoil by telling anything about it.
20 Reviews
A pulsating last episode in a superb first series.
maureen_smith54 May 2015
Warning: Spoilers
There is no doubt it only took one series of Luther to become my favourite ever drama television series both from the UK or US and nothing I have seen comes near it for tension,action,top characters both good and bad and acting.This final episode of series one is the best of the lot and after the heartstopping and upsetting cliffhanger we were left with we get a episode full of twists and turns,suspense,action and a nerve wracking finale,stunning television.
After being framed for his wife Zoe's murder by former mate DCI Ian Reed(a just incredible Steven MacKintosh)DCI John Luther(Idris Elba who is the ultimate lead actor for me in history)goes on the run and with the help of foe turned friend Alice Morgan(the sublime Ruth Wilson)and loyal sidekick DS Justin Ripley(another terrific actor Warren Brown)Luther plans on revenge on Reed and gets rid of the gun that Reed planted on him.As Luther comes out of hiding to confront Reed a sniper is positioned to take out John but after Ripley shouts out Luther gets away before Justin is suspended.Luther also gets the help of Mark North(Paul McGann)who was Zoe's lover but believing Luther innocent helps him and steals Reed's diamonds from the police station which draws him to the deserted Waterloo station where Luther and Alice are waiting.Will John kill Reed,will Alice kill Reed or will even after all that's happened will Luther arrest him instead.
When you plan a finale to a series this is how to do it,we have a edge of your seat thriller with award winning acting,gripping sequences and a epic finale that will have you munching your nails all the way through it.
As I said the acting is on a level hardly surpassed by any show with Idris Elba giving his best of the show so far and one of his best up to now with a man who's sole mission is revenge on the man who destroyed his life and hunting the person he probably trusted the most,even with all that's happened his police instincts still try and tell him to do the right thing even when he wants to do another,i really see no other actor better than him in this role and a cop who goes near the very edge to get the job done.The other actors are also incredible headlined by MacKintosh as Reed who after his stunning performance in the last episode gives another as someone who doesn't care about upsetting those he so say cared about before as long as he gets his own way,words can't say how good Steven is in this role,he plays somebody on the edge of death amazingly.Wilson again excels as Alice and is involved more than the last episode and has a chance to team up with Luther at last and their team work makes this final episode a treat,she is barmy no doubt but there is such a likability about her and she is very witty,like most of the others she was born to play Alice. Others too are excellent like Warren Brown as Ripley who truly becomes the sidekick in this episode.Paul McGann's Mark too does very well with a limited character and Saskia Reeves in her last appearance as DSU Rose Teller has a lot more to do this time and she plays someone who is trying to catch somebody she calls a friend but also helps somebody else who she also thinks she trusts,she is fantastic and is missed in future series.
This is a gripping finale with a face to face meeting between Luther and Reed being the highlight with a sniper locked on to Luther's head.Other highlights include Mark breaking into Reed's locker to get the diamonds,new character DSU Martin Schenk(Dermot Crowley)trying to deduct if it is Luther who is guilty or if it is Reed before we get to the stunning final sequence where Luther meets Reed in a showdown at Waterloo station with Alice and Mark by his side,like I said before you may bite all your nails off watching it,quite possibly the best finale in television history.
A incredible final episode with a barnstorming final sequence,acting on a level never seen before and so much emotion and tension that no other British TV series could ever match it.
Its amazing to think the show keeps improving even after a incredible opening series.
After being framed for his wife Zoe's murder by former mate DCI Ian Reed(a just incredible Steven MacKintosh)DCI John Luther(Idris Elba who is the ultimate lead actor for me in history)goes on the run and with the help of foe turned friend Alice Morgan(the sublime Ruth Wilson)and loyal sidekick DS Justin Ripley(another terrific actor Warren Brown)Luther plans on revenge on Reed and gets rid of the gun that Reed planted on him.As Luther comes out of hiding to confront Reed a sniper is positioned to take out John but after Ripley shouts out Luther gets away before Justin is suspended.Luther also gets the help of Mark North(Paul McGann)who was Zoe's lover but believing Luther innocent helps him and steals Reed's diamonds from the police station which draws him to the deserted Waterloo station where Luther and Alice are waiting.Will John kill Reed,will Alice kill Reed or will even after all that's happened will Luther arrest him instead.
When you plan a finale to a series this is how to do it,we have a edge of your seat thriller with award winning acting,gripping sequences and a epic finale that will have you munching your nails all the way through it.
As I said the acting is on a level hardly surpassed by any show with Idris Elba giving his best of the show so far and one of his best up to now with a man who's sole mission is revenge on the man who destroyed his life and hunting the person he probably trusted the most,even with all that's happened his police instincts still try and tell him to do the right thing even when he wants to do another,i really see no other actor better than him in this role and a cop who goes near the very edge to get the job done.The other actors are also incredible headlined by MacKintosh as Reed who after his stunning performance in the last episode gives another as someone who doesn't care about upsetting those he so say cared about before as long as he gets his own way,words can't say how good Steven is in this role,he plays somebody on the edge of death amazingly.Wilson again excels as Alice and is involved more than the last episode and has a chance to team up with Luther at last and their team work makes this final episode a treat,she is barmy no doubt but there is such a likability about her and she is very witty,like most of the others she was born to play Alice. Others too are excellent like Warren Brown as Ripley who truly becomes the sidekick in this episode.Paul McGann's Mark too does very well with a limited character and Saskia Reeves in her last appearance as DSU Rose Teller has a lot more to do this time and she plays someone who is trying to catch somebody she calls a friend but also helps somebody else who she also thinks she trusts,she is fantastic and is missed in future series.
This is a gripping finale with a face to face meeting between Luther and Reed being the highlight with a sniper locked on to Luther's head.Other highlights include Mark breaking into Reed's locker to get the diamonds,new character DSU Martin Schenk(Dermot Crowley)trying to deduct if it is Luther who is guilty or if it is Reed before we get to the stunning final sequence where Luther meets Reed in a showdown at Waterloo station with Alice and Mark by his side,like I said before you may bite all your nails off watching it,quite possibly the best finale in television history.
A incredible final episode with a barnstorming final sequence,acting on a level never seen before and so much emotion and tension that no other British TV series could ever match it.
Its amazing to think the show keeps improving even after a incredible opening series.
Great end to the series
Tweekums9 June 2010
Warning: Spoilers
When this series started I was expecting a more realistic police drama so was rather disappointed; by the time I'd come to accept that it was never meant to be that and was really more of a melodrama I grew to enjoy it. After his wife was murdered by DCI Reed in the penultimate episode Luther is the chief suspect and Reed is back at work claiming to want to help catch his friend when in reality he is hoping to get Luther killed to protect himself. On the run and determined to kill Reed before he is captured Luther turns to Alice and later to Zoe's boyfriend Mark for help. His plans lead to Luther almost getting shot by a police sniper, gaining a surprising supporter within the police and ultimately ending up confronting Reed along with Alice and Mark who have different ideas about what should be done with him.
This gripping final episode had me on my edge of my seat and right up until the last moment I was unsure how it would end. Idris Elba put in a great performance in the lead role and was ably supported by Ruth Wilson who played his unusual ally Alice. Dermot Crowley is also notable for his portrayal of DCI Schenk, the man who spent much of the series trying to prove Luther was guilty of letting a suspect fall and end up in a coma but gradually comes to realise he isn't guilty of killing his wife as most of the police seem to believe. The ending leaves things fairly open thus setting us up for a second series, I just hope that second series gets commissioned.
This gripping final episode had me on my edge of my seat and right up until the last moment I was unsure how it would end. Idris Elba put in a great performance in the lead role and was ably supported by Ruth Wilson who played his unusual ally Alice. Dermot Crowley is also notable for his portrayal of DCI Schenk, the man who spent much of the series trying to prove Luther was guilty of letting a suspect fall and end up in a coma but gradually comes to realise he isn't guilty of killing his wife as most of the police seem to believe. The ending leaves things fairly open thus setting us up for a second series, I just hope that second series gets commissioned.
Disappointing
bythesea-938109 August 2020
The Truth Revealed
ZegMaarJus15 August 2021
Warning: Spoilers
This episode begins with Rose, she thinks that John killed Zoe. Mark comes back home, he sees that Zoe died. Ian stole the real diamonds, he has it in his locker. John wants to see Ian dead. John is at Alice her appartment, he tells her that Zoe is dead. The police found the murder weapon. Alice is John his accomplice. John took the gun out of the car. John throws the gun into the water. Mark attacks John. John has a meeting with Ian. John runs away, with help from Justin. Justin got suspended for it. Mark stole the diamonds out of Ian's locker. John strangles Ian. John has a tape of Ian, on this tape Ian says that he killed Zoe. Ian says that he had an affair with Zoe. Ian stabs down John with a knife. Alice shot down Ian, he died instantly. Amazing Final of Luther Season 1, what a great final. The last scenes are so good, the storyline is always on point. Alice killed Ian, but she was John's accomplice. Will John be punished for this?
Nail-biting finale
samanthawinton14 April 2019
Almost Perfect
turneredgar17 January 2021
Warning: Spoilers
The only problem I have with the episode is we don't get to see Rose Teller's reaction when she found out Luther was indeed innocent of killing Zoe Luther. Especially sense she gave the failed order to have police snipers cut John Luther down. If it wasn't for Ripley grabbing the sniper's rifle barrel, he surely would have been killed.
S1 Review
IPyaarCinema13 October 2020
Review By Kamal K
Amazing....simply amazing Great stories , great characters, some plot holes but the characters and actors are so good it doesn't matter Great, a few loop holes with the American criminal, his demise and that of his accomplices. Framing of Luther was so surprisingly easy. His outbursts sometimes seemed otp and uncalled for as was his rage which almost cost him a bullet from the marksmen, which he knew could happen. Nevertheless this series hooks you with some great acting and some great moments and great characters, particularly Alice who is so witty and funny.
Amazing....simply amazing Great stories , great characters, some plot holes but the characters and actors are so good it doesn't matter Great, a few loop holes with the American criminal, his demise and that of his accomplices. Framing of Luther was so surprisingly easy. His outbursts sometimes seemed otp and uncalled for as was his rage which almost cost him a bullet from the marksmen, which he knew could happen. Nevertheless this series hooks you with some great acting and some great moments and great characters, particularly Alice who is so witty and funny.
A phenomenal finale.
Sleepin_Dragon1 April 2021
Luther is a wanted man, accused of murder, and set up by someone on the inside.
A direct continuation of the previous episode, that was excellent, this was scintillating, a dramatic, fast paced nail biter, which will have you on the edge of your seat.
This is Luther at its very best, it's a fantastic finale, you really are left wondering how on Earth he's going to get out of this one.
The acting is amazing, Elba and Wilson again combine to make an awesome combination, I can't help thinking that it's Alice who steals the show, just when you think he's in control, she's there to throw a spanner in the works.
Pulse racing. 10/10.
A direct continuation of the previous episode, that was excellent, this was scintillating, a dramatic, fast paced nail biter, which will have you on the edge of your seat.
This is Luther at its very best, it's a fantastic finale, you really are left wondering how on Earth he's going to get out of this one.
The acting is amazing, Elba and Wilson again combine to make an awesome combination, I can't help thinking that it's Alice who steals the show, just when you think he's in control, she's there to throw a spanner in the works.
Pulse racing. 10/10.
Now what?
Horst_In_Translation20 March 2024
Warning: Spoilers
This is episode six from the opening season of Luther that also concluded the season. The director of this almost an hour is Stefan Schwartz who directed this episode and the one before it and you can almost see it as a double episode and in fact I think it originally aired as such too, so it makes sense Schwartz returned. He did not later on for another episode. It runs for almost an hour and once again a murderer is on the run, but this time it is Luther himself or in fact it is DCI Ian Reed, who may not be on the run from police, but on the run from Luther basically. And the latter is not alone by any means. Ripley has always been on his side, probably saves his life here on one occasion even. Alice is in it for the thrill and maybe because she and Luther are not too different. At least that's what she thinks. And eventually, Mark North joins forces with Luther as well after a little convincing and fist-fighting. You could probably even call Luther's boss an ally here. Of course, she needs to do justice to her job, but she is far from wanting Luther dead if there is any other way.
For us viewers, the biggest doubt here was not if Luther could prove his innocence or stay alive (of course he would), but if Reed would make it out alive. Given all the talk about Luther wanting him dead, you probably would respond with a determined "No.", but in the end Luther really tries all he can to not kill him and he is perhaps more mentally stable than we thought. However, eventually it is the aforementioned allies that fire back here and result in Reed losing his life. There was one moment I really liked, namely when Alice brought up the majority vote there, Luther talked to her and not to North when it comes to not shooting Reed because he knew which side North would be taking. He sided with the woman who in cold blood killed her parents and this is how the series started, so it was a nice framework you could say. However, Alice does have a wish to kill which is undeniable because she is the one ready to pull the trigger and not knowing the man, but knowing who he is and what he did is enough for her to go for it in the end. You can of course argue to what extent she really liked Zoe as she stated on one occasion when talking to Luther and if maybe she just wanted to get on his good side there. There is definitely a lot to discuss to this episode and I think it was another really, really good watch, but I the face of the brilliance from the previous episode, it did feel like a bit of an epilogue even. The crime was committed, the one involving Zoe that triggers everything else. And the other killing that happens here is at the very end really, so Zoe's murder is still everything all is about. But this is not meant in a derogatory way by any means. I still enjoyed this hour a lot, even if it was slightly inferior than the previous episode, which was maybe the highlight of the entire series.
I am definitely curious now to continue with season two soon. Luther's "Now what?" can almost be a question to the makers how they will hopefully continue the greatness. It was not the first time I watched this episode here and also will not be the first time I watch season two then, but memory has faded for sure and it has been almost fifteen years now anyway. It has aged really well. I am glad lead actor Elba was nominated for an Emmy and Golden Globe for his portrayal here and even if he was not triumphant yet for season one, it was bound to happen sooner or later and it did. I am also glad that Neil Cross gave us this series and by the way he was also in charge of penning the season finale here. Six episodes is really as short as it gets and even nowadays in the 2020s that feature so many short seasons, none are this short. I am usually fairly critical when it comes to British television shows, but I love the grit and absence of compromise this one here has and I surely appreciate Elba in what is probably the character I will always remember him for. There is not too much else I have to say about this closure episode. I thought the final location where the killing happens was a really good choice and I also liked the way how the final shots got combined with the closing credits. This episode was just a really convincing depiction of an incredibly tense episode with more suspense than I could talk about in 10k characters and a somewhat happy ending, even if Luther probably would not agree. I highly recommend to go and watch it, but if you have seen episode 5, then there is no way you will skip anyway, but yeah, if you have not seen Luther yet and like cop-themed shows, then this is an absolute must-watch. I am positive you will be as hooked as I was. Still am. Do not miss out.
For us viewers, the biggest doubt here was not if Luther could prove his innocence or stay alive (of course he would), but if Reed would make it out alive. Given all the talk about Luther wanting him dead, you probably would respond with a determined "No.", but in the end Luther really tries all he can to not kill him and he is perhaps more mentally stable than we thought. However, eventually it is the aforementioned allies that fire back here and result in Reed losing his life. There was one moment I really liked, namely when Alice brought up the majority vote there, Luther talked to her and not to North when it comes to not shooting Reed because he knew which side North would be taking. He sided with the woman who in cold blood killed her parents and this is how the series started, so it was a nice framework you could say. However, Alice does have a wish to kill which is undeniable because she is the one ready to pull the trigger and not knowing the man, but knowing who he is and what he did is enough for her to go for it in the end. You can of course argue to what extent she really liked Zoe as she stated on one occasion when talking to Luther and if maybe she just wanted to get on his good side there. There is definitely a lot to discuss to this episode and I think it was another really, really good watch, but I the face of the brilliance from the previous episode, it did feel like a bit of an epilogue even. The crime was committed, the one involving Zoe that triggers everything else. And the other killing that happens here is at the very end really, so Zoe's murder is still everything all is about. But this is not meant in a derogatory way by any means. I still enjoyed this hour a lot, even if it was slightly inferior than the previous episode, which was maybe the highlight of the entire series.
I am definitely curious now to continue with season two soon. Luther's "Now what?" can almost be a question to the makers how they will hopefully continue the greatness. It was not the first time I watched this episode here and also will not be the first time I watch season two then, but memory has faded for sure and it has been almost fifteen years now anyway. It has aged really well. I am glad lead actor Elba was nominated for an Emmy and Golden Globe for his portrayal here and even if he was not triumphant yet for season one, it was bound to happen sooner or later and it did. I am also glad that Neil Cross gave us this series and by the way he was also in charge of penning the season finale here. Six episodes is really as short as it gets and even nowadays in the 2020s that feature so many short seasons, none are this short. I am usually fairly critical when it comes to British television shows, but I love the grit and absence of compromise this one here has and I surely appreciate Elba in what is probably the character I will always remember him for. There is not too much else I have to say about this closure episode. I thought the final location where the killing happens was a really good choice and I also liked the way how the final shots got combined with the closing credits. This episode was just a really convincing depiction of an incredibly tense episode with more suspense than I could talk about in 10k characters and a somewhat happy ending, even if Luther probably would not agree. I highly recommend to go and watch it, but if you have seen episode 5, then there is no way you will skip anyway, but yeah, if you have not seen Luther yet and like cop-themed shows, then this is an absolute must-watch. I am positive you will be as hooked as I was. Still am. Do not miss out.
Alice Is the Fly in the Ointment
Hitchcoc11 September 2017
Warning: Spoilers
I really like this series. This is the follow-up to Ian Reed's murder of Zoe. He has set up a frame for Luther which is working quite well. Luther is so volatile and so damaged he can be so very stupid. His love for Zoe makes him flammable tinder. Reed is the murderer and if Luther wants him to suffer for what he did, he does the most ridiculous things. When he asks Alice to help him, he is in bed with the devil. She is not going to fall in line as he would wish. The meeting with Reed in the square makes no sense. Luther knew there would be guns trained on him. What was there to gain. It added suspense where it didn't need to be. Luther ignores Alice's advice, Then, at the end, he's got him. He's got his confession. But he lets make up stuff about Zoe that is not even fathomable. Yet he gets mad and gets ambushed and stabbed. And then the game that is played where it is tied and someone has to break the tie. Come on. Still, it's entertaining and sets up the next season.
Plot holes are too big
michaellowry19805 June 2020
Warning: Spoilers
The plot holes are so big you could drive a truck through them which impacts the episode and the series overall:
1. The murder at the hotel - This is never mentioned again even though the most basic of investigation would show Ian was involved and subsequently would be a suspect in what ensues.
2. The phone call between Zoe and Luther proving he could not be the killer based on the cell towers his phones used during the call proving he wasn't close by when she died.
3. Luthers call to his boss saying Ian had hurt Zoe, again showing he wasn't close to the crime when it took place. It was also a weak attempt to explain transference but not why he chose Ian. No one even questions Ian.
4. Luther turning up to meet Ian with a knife in his pocket knowing that Police marksmen would be there. If his plan was merely to stall for time while his plan unfolded then why bring a knife and force his partner to intervene.
I could go on but suffice it to say this was the worst written episode on the entire series. I'm not sure i can get past it enough to watch the next season.
1. The murder at the hotel - This is never mentioned again even though the most basic of investigation would show Ian was involved and subsequently would be a suspect in what ensues.
2. The phone call between Zoe and Luther proving he could not be the killer based on the cell towers his phones used during the call proving he wasn't close by when she died.
3. Luthers call to his boss saying Ian had hurt Zoe, again showing he wasn't close to the crime when it took place. It was also a weak attempt to explain transference but not why he chose Ian. No one even questions Ian.
4. Luther turning up to meet Ian with a knife in his pocket knowing that Police marksmen would be there. If his plan was merely to stall for time while his plan unfolded then why bring a knife and force his partner to intervene.
I could go on but suffice it to say this was the worst written episode on the entire series. I'm not sure i can get past it enough to watch the next season.
Obvious inconsistencies marrs an otherwise brilliant episode
janthegreat14 January 2019
This episode is the conclusion of two part episode. Brilliant drama, original and also very inconsistent. It feels like the writers spent a lot of time rewriting and refining or decided the last minute to make it a two part episode. One example: it takes the entire episode finding a character that is making and receiving phone calls left and right, while another character is found in minutes by tracking his phone. Another: there were numerous big opportunities to get the proof needed but these are all ingnored to have the direct confrontation the writers seemingly required. In an action movie these lapses in the story are somewhat acceptable, but when it is all about outwitting your opponent this stuff for me is a bit harder to ignore.
I liked the rest of the series but do not understand this episode.
TusharViv21 April 2018
Warning: Spoilers
Why can John not get his phone call with Zoe shown as evidence? Zoe literally calls John at the time she got murdered, which she wouldn't do if John was murdering her. She also literally says, "Ian's got a gun on me"? How is this not enough evidence to link Ian to the murder?
Season 1: Sit Back And Enjoy The Ride
zkonedog3 August 2020
A show like "Luther" came along at an interesting time in TV drama history: right on the precipice of the transition from the network once-a-week format to the streaming services dominating. While watching this first season, one can see both models very much in play in the show's tone and general pacing. It makes for an interesting mix that provides both thrilling and dramatic entertainment.
For a very basic overview, this first season focuses on DCI John Luther (Idris Elba), an absolutely brilliant profiler of serial killers. The problem? His personal life is a mess, what with ex-wife Zoe (Indira Varma) now off with a new beau (Paul McGann). To make matters worse, the "one that got away" killer Alice (Ruth Wilson) enters into a cat-and-mouse fascination with him, which he must tolerate because she knows his darkest secret.
While watching these six episodes, two things stood out to me right away and throughout:
In many cases, the villains/killers being investigated each episodes often have more interesting stories/backgrounds than the "good guys" pursuing them! Somewhat of an odd turn, to be sure, but it works to produce some excellent and memorable one-off episodes, Remember, this season was made before the heavy serialization of most television, so there remains a large focus on individual stories each hour.
Also, the plots of Luther and his investigative unit move incredibly fast. To be honest, I don't know if this is purposeful (what with only six episodes) or simply an excuse to manufacture high drama for each episode. On one hand, things seem to happen so fast as to be unbelievable or wanting for context/setup. On the other hand, the short BBC production slate would make this take forever to be accomplished, so it's always "full speed ahead".
One can't comment on S1 without making specific mention of Elba's acting performance. The auxiliary cast is fine too, but just the way this whole show is set up hinges on a strong leading performance, and Elba gives exactly that. His simmering tension carries many scenes that otherwise may have been sorely lacking.
Overall, the best way I can describe S1 of "Luther" is that it is about 10-12 episodes worth of material packed into six. It packs an enormous punch, but subsequently seems very awkwardly paced, with major events happening to certain characters that aren't given any time to "hit". As such, it might simply be best to just sit back and enjoy the ride here, without thinking too deeply about the overall structure.
For a very basic overview, this first season focuses on DCI John Luther (Idris Elba), an absolutely brilliant profiler of serial killers. The problem? His personal life is a mess, what with ex-wife Zoe (Indira Varma) now off with a new beau (Paul McGann). To make matters worse, the "one that got away" killer Alice (Ruth Wilson) enters into a cat-and-mouse fascination with him, which he must tolerate because she knows his darkest secret.
While watching these six episodes, two things stood out to me right away and throughout:
In many cases, the villains/killers being investigated each episodes often have more interesting stories/backgrounds than the "good guys" pursuing them! Somewhat of an odd turn, to be sure, but it works to produce some excellent and memorable one-off episodes, Remember, this season was made before the heavy serialization of most television, so there remains a large focus on individual stories each hour.
Also, the plots of Luther and his investigative unit move incredibly fast. To be honest, I don't know if this is purposeful (what with only six episodes) or simply an excuse to manufacture high drama for each episode. On one hand, things seem to happen so fast as to be unbelievable or wanting for context/setup. On the other hand, the short BBC production slate would make this take forever to be accomplished, so it's always "full speed ahead".
One can't comment on S1 without making specific mention of Elba's acting performance. The auxiliary cast is fine too, but just the way this whole show is set up hinges on a strong leading performance, and Elba gives exactly that. His simmering tension carries many scenes that otherwise may have been sorely lacking.
Overall, the best way I can describe S1 of "Luther" is that it is about 10-12 episodes worth of material packed into six. It packs an enormous punch, but subsequently seems very awkwardly paced, with major events happening to certain characters that aren't given any time to "hit". As such, it might simply be best to just sit back and enjoy the ride here, without thinking too deeply about the overall structure.
I liked the rest of the series but don't get this episode
TusharViv22 April 2018
Warning: Spoilers
Why can't John use his phone call with Zoe as evidence? I'm sure they can work out the time of death of Zoe firstly, then they can link the fact that John had a phone call with him during when she died, which there was no reason for her to have. Also in the phone call, she literally said " Ian has a gun on me." Also if that's not enough, there'll be CCTV footage showing John in a busy street at the time Zoe got murdered, because the time she screamed on the phone, can be linked with a CCTV camera showing John on a street or at least one that shows that it's impossible for him to reach his house and murder Zoe all in that time.
This episode just seemed forced honestly. There was no real reason John had to do all this, he had enough evidence anyway. Not to mention the fact that he could literally tell one of the investigators to search Ian's locker to find the stolen diamonds, since he somehow knew about them, further making Ian guilty.
This episode just seemed forced honestly. There was no real reason John had to do all this, he had enough evidence anyway. Not to mention the fact that he could literally tell one of the investigators to search Ian's locker to find the stolen diamonds, since he somehow knew about them, further making Ian guilty.
Seriously???
gkontakos23 October 2018
Warning: Spoilers
I quite liked that show even if I never really felt like "justice was served" in the end of the episodes. However the last two were so full of plot gaps that made them a big disappointment.
1) The police does not even consider the accusation of Luther that the murder was done from Ian, it is like they did not hear it at all.
2) I do not understand why on earth Luther's plan included his near execution from the police shooters.
3) The whole Luther's plan to bring Ian to justice was very far fetched and I think that it was only in order to fill the duration of the episode. Nothing more than that.
4) Yet another time justice was not served: Ian gets to die (just like he preferred) instead of living a life in prison and I really hoped that it would not happen this time since it is the end of the season.
Sorry but very disappointing...
Sorry but very disappointing...
S1 Review
r96sk17 September 2020
Great first season! I've heard big things down the years about 'Luther', though - evidently - have only just got around to viewing it.
Season 1 doesn't disappoint! Idris Elba is superb in the titular role, he gives a dynamic performance - the show would be much, much weaker without him. Of those around Elba, Ruth Wilson (Alice) and Warren Brown (Ripley) would be my standouts - though it's a good cast list in general to be honest, the only one who bugs me (only slightly) is Saskia Reeves (Teller) - her dialogue feels too forced, as if the character herself was constantly reading off a script.
The premise is more than entertaining, while the pacing is spot on thanks to the short amount of episodes. I don't massively love the way it concludes, but will wait until season two before I judge it fully. All in all, this is most certainly a show worth getting into.
Season 1 doesn't disappoint! Idris Elba is superb in the titular role, he gives a dynamic performance - the show would be much, much weaker without him. Of those around Elba, Ruth Wilson (Alice) and Warren Brown (Ripley) would be my standouts - though it's a good cast list in general to be honest, the only one who bugs me (only slightly) is Saskia Reeves (Teller) - her dialogue feels too forced, as if the character herself was constantly reading off a script.
The premise is more than entertaining, while the pacing is spot on thanks to the short amount of episodes. I don't massively love the way it concludes, but will wait until season two before I judge it fully. All in all, this is most certainly a show worth getting into.
Pretentious Garbage
Warin_West-El3 February 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I agree with all of the reviewers who rated this as 7 and under. Several different reviewers saw the SAME glaring inconsistencies.
ONE: The murder at the hotel was never addressed. A thorough investigation of that one incident would have nailed Reed.
TWO: Investigation of the location of the callers during the phone conversation between Zoe and Luther would have proven Luther was not present when Zoe was killed.
THREE: Luther accuses Ian (way too late, btw) and no one investigates the possibility of Ian's guilt.
FOUR: Luther's plan to bring Ian to justice was far fetched. No one would risk their life and stand out in the open in the presence of trained snipers. In the real world, things go wrong. So you don't take unnecessary risks with your life.
FIVE: In the real world you slap the handcuffs on Ian and that's the end of it. NOT some after school game of thumbs up / thumbs down.
SIX: Why didn't Luther have his captain search Ian's locker for the diamonds? That one move would have instantly changed the entire scenario.
SEVEN: Why did Luther literally bring a knife to a gun fight when he met up with Ian? He knew there would be snipers, why antagonize them with a knife?
IMHO, this series is not rigorous enough for an adult audience. One reviewer said the episode seemed forced. I think it's more like this episode (and the entire season) was pretentious. The billing states they use a police advisor (Simon Morgan.). But obviously no one actually listens to him.
ONE: The murder at the hotel was never addressed. A thorough investigation of that one incident would have nailed Reed.
TWO: Investigation of the location of the callers during the phone conversation between Zoe and Luther would have proven Luther was not present when Zoe was killed.
THREE: Luther accuses Ian (way too late, btw) and no one investigates the possibility of Ian's guilt.
FOUR: Luther's plan to bring Ian to justice was far fetched. No one would risk their life and stand out in the open in the presence of trained snipers. In the real world, things go wrong. So you don't take unnecessary risks with your life.
FIVE: In the real world you slap the handcuffs on Ian and that's the end of it. NOT some after school game of thumbs up / thumbs down.
SIX: Why didn't Luther have his captain search Ian's locker for the diamonds? That one move would have instantly changed the entire scenario.
SEVEN: Why did Luther literally bring a knife to a gun fight when he met up with Ian? He knew there would be snipers, why antagonize them with a knife?
IMHO, this series is not rigorous enough for an adult audience. One reviewer said the episode seemed forced. I think it's more like this episode (and the entire season) was pretentious. The billing states they use a police advisor (Simon Morgan.). But obviously no one actually listens to him.
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