‘Luther’ Recap: ‘Season 5, Episode 1’

Written by John Edward Betancourt 

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I’ve come to learn through the years, that there are actors out there who are so skilled when it comes to their craft that they instantly suck you in when they appear on the screen and they do such a fine job portraying different characters that you’re instantly drawn to see more of their work and bask in the wonder of their talent, and one such actor that’s accomplished that for me, is Idris Elba. Because it really doesn’t matter what the heck he’s acting in, I’m simply compelled see the incredible performance he’s about to deliver and that’s led to me watch unique movies and shows from across all genres to see what Idris will do with the character in question.
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But of the many fictional people he’s portrayed over the course of his illustrious career, there’s one that I’ve been dying to learn more about, and that’s Detective Chief Inspector John Luther. Because the thought of Idris playing a tough as nails police officer sounds supremely appealing and considering that he tends to gravitate toward roles with supreme depth, could only mean that Luther is something special. But alas, I’ve simply missed out when it comes to prior seasons of this show. So, when I heard that Season Five of this series was on its way, I made sure to clear my schedule and carve out time to watch this because I wasn’t missing any more of what this show might have to offer and as it turns out, I am so glad that I made an effort to check this series out, because it outright took my breath away.

It accomplished that particular feat, by plunging me into an incredibly dark universe, one populated with gangsters and violent crime and a DCI who is utterly consumed by his work and well, that’s precisely what allowed for me to enjoy this. Because it’s clear that Luther’s world features the same heartbreak and chaos as our own and it takes a tough person to survive that kind of environment and that kind of struggle is just compelling to watch and thankfully, John Luther is as tough as they come, and I was equally impressed by the insight he provides to his fellow officers since he seems to know exactly what’s unfolding when it comes to the case that presents itself in this tale and while he’s supremely savvy when it comes to navigating these angry streets, I was extremely pleased to see that some of his former nemeses are equally as intelligent, allowing for a wonderful cat and mouse game to play out when it comes to the story involving George Cornelius’ missing son.

But the true centerpiece of this story, is the twisted serial murder case that’s dropped at John’s feet. For this particular plotline featured all kinds of incredible twists and turns since we learned over the course of the hour that a psychiatrist named Vivian Lake is doing her best to conceal the fact that her husband is a twisted murderer, one that she may have inadvertently created with her unique therapy techniques and well, everything present here was just chilling to say the least. For the murders in question were downright terrifying through and through since they were so cold and calculated and savage at times and I’m also quite curious as to why the good doctor is so intent on keeping her honey out of Luther’s hands. Is it because she thinks she can cure his murderous tendencies? Or is this all related to far more nefarious motives, and she’s the one, pulling all the strings…

I’m certain of course, that time will tell, so patience will be key, but that’s honestly a tall order when all is said and done because this show is simply phenomenal, and I feel bad that I’ve waited this long to dive into John Luther’s world. Because everything that happens here is intense and fascinating, and I love how the series wastes no time in telling its story, and that this premiere did a phenomenal job of setting everything up in the weeks to come and well, it looks like Luther is about to go through complete and utter hell before he cracks this case. Because the young woman that showed up at his door cannot have any good news to give him, and George heading his way is bad news as well, and while I’m not exactly thrilled that I have to wait a week to see what comes next for this series, the way this episode played out tells me, it will all be worth it, in the end. Until next time. 

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