Rated 4.2 out of 5, this is one of the best detective series in recent years

The British series Luther, broadcast by the BBC from 2010 to 2019, quickly became a phenomenon that captivated viewers with its dark atmosphere and complex characters. Starring Idris Elba as Chief Inspector John Luther, the series explores moral and psychological questions with a rare intensity, giving it a unique place among the best series of the last decade.

A deep exploration of good and evil

Luther is notable for his ability to highlight the complexity of good and evil in the modern world. John Luther, a detective with unorthodox methods, embodies this duality: is he a hero determined to eradicate evil or a man on the brink whose violent and impulsive actions cause chaos around him?

The series encourages the audience to question the limits of justice and the morality of Luther’s actions. As illustrated by this sentence from Nina Simone’s “Don’t Get Me Wrong,” featured on the series’ soundtrack: “I’m just a soul whose intentions are good.”

Terrible and memorable antagonists

Luther’s enemies are not mere criminals; They are isolated psychopaths whose cruelty is beyond comprehension. They represent an almost mythological threat, figures of extreme evil reminiscent of the killers in Silence of the Lambs.

The series explores dark territory where evil is not explained by simple childhood traumas, but seems to be rooted in the nature of the antagonists. This relentless depiction of evil resonates with viewers, giving the series a terrifying and intense dimension characteristic of the detective genre.

A dark and realistic world

Luther’s London is an oppressive world where light and hope are rare. Scenes take place in dark basements, dark alleys and isolated places that become the scene of unimaginable horrors.

This evil environment accentuates Luther’s sense of isolation, and every confrontation seems to be a losing battle against evil. This gritty atmosphere contributes to the raw realism of the series, creating a striking contrast to the polished worlds of classics such as Sherlock Holmes or Agatha Christie.

A series that is relevant to contemporary concerns

Over the course of five seasons, Luther has evolved with the times, taking on modern anxiety in the face of evil. The series encourages us to think about justice, revenge and the price to be paid in the fight against evil.

At the end of each season, Luther remains a symbol of the broken, isolated, exhausting and often thankless struggle to remain morally upright in an increasingly cruel world. This uncompromising exploration of morality makes Luther one of the most defining series of our time. It was followed by a feature film, Luther: Fallen Sun, on Netflix in 2023.

Complete Luther is now available on Max.