{"id":705,"date":"2012-09-15T12:35:52","date_gmt":"2012-09-15T16:35:52","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.rocketshipgames.com\/blogs\/tjkopena\/?p=705"},"modified":"2012-10-05T09:38:02","modified_gmt":"2012-10-05T13:38:02","slug":"luther","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rocketshipgames.com\/blogs\/tjkopena\/2012\/09\/luther\/","title":{"rendered":"Luther"},"content":{"rendered":"

There are no spoilers in this review until the clearly marked part toward the bottom.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Early this summer I watched through the two seasons of Luther<\/em> produced by the BBC so far. \u00a0I highly recommend it, though it’s not for everyone.<\/p>\n

The key is that it’s not really a straight crime drama, though it comes across that way at first. \u00a0Trying to read it that way, the plots are\u00a0often too ridiculous<\/a>, particularly in the villains. \u00a0Kind of like the more cartoony end of the\u00a0Bones<\/em>\u00a0spectrum but without the overt goofyness, a non-combo which doesn’t necessarily work well.<\/p>\n

What I realized though is it’s actually best viewed as essentially a live action comic book, with just slightly larger than life characters and plots. \u00a0In that light the darkness and serious tones fit in with just enough latitude granted for the more outlandish villains. \u00a0Following the grand traditions of the big bat himself, Luther’s superhero powers in that view are quiet and understated, consisting solely of preternatural intuition about people and plans, a certain obliviousness to pain, a so-far somewhat under-specified haunted core, and a dose of moral ambiguity. \u00a0This view also helps resolve the limited standing effects of a number of plotlines—comic book cities and characters can bounce right back from horrors and events that would cause years-long trauma in reality.<\/p>\n

Either way, the first couple episodes are solid but not remarkable. \u00a0Around episode five of the first season though it really starts to pick up. \u00a0From there the overall story arch makes a few surprising leaps and turns that give it some heft. \u00a0Most of the regular characters also start to gather depth, both in background and what they’re doing on screen. \u00a0Their interactions and the narrative they build up start to take on reasonable complexity and raise good questions.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

“Are you serious?! *That’s* the plot?!!”<\/p><\/div>\n

In some sense it’s unfortunate, given its strong prevalence in the current TV scene, that most of those revolve around the question of how far the law can or should be bent in the service of “the greater good.” \u00a0At what point is a line crossed? \u00a0This angle is kind of cliched at this point, and has even been covered by some of the actors here previously, but the show puts enough of a twist on this if you look deep enough to stand ok on its own. \u00a0More on this under the spoiler alert below.<\/p>\n

A big part of that is exactly those actors. \u00a0Idris Elba does a great job portraying the titular character, giving a bit more dimensionality to the role than the writing alone probably warrants. \u00a0Ruth Wilson also gives a captivating, creepy yet sympathetic take as the essentially, arguably chaotic-neutral force of Alice Morgan. \u00a0The smaller roles are also played well and engrossing to watch.<\/p>\n

Finally, the package is wrapped up very nicely. \u00a0The soundtrack is frequently brilliant, and I’ve since had a number of the songs on heavy rotation. \u00a0Standouts include Breathe Me<\/em> by Sia and Flash<\/em> by Joan as Policewoman. \u00a0A lot of the symbology is also really good as the show goes on. \u00a0Without revealing anything, toward the season two finale there is a simple, breathtaking overhead shot as Luther—quietly seething, self-destructive, apocalypse within—walks down an empty street alongside painted garage door warnings to “Keep Clear.”<\/p>\n

All in all, I’m not sure how long Luther<\/em> will stand the test of time, but it’s definitely worth watching. \u00a0I look forward to a third season as well as the possible Alice Morgan spin-off. \u00a0The BBC just keeps knockin’ em dead!<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

“Listen, Alice, I’m not sure about this.” “Oh, I’m sure!”<\/p><\/div>\n

Spoilers Ahead! \u00a0For Serious!<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Those who haven’t watched yet shouldn’t read this, but these are what really sold me on this show:<\/p>\n