Rebus

The BBC's latest adaptation of Ian Rankin's iconic Edinburgh detective, Rebus, boldly reinvents the character for a new generation-setting him in the present day as a younger, more volatile DS rather than the weary DI of past series. While this reboot leans into violence and realism, it manages to stay true to the spirit of Rankin's creation-something the author himself fully supports.

Richard Rankin is a standout as Rebus, bringing a brooding intensity and emotional vulnerability to the role. His fractured relationships, particularly with ex-wife Rhona and his brother Michael, ground the show in personal drama, while the unfolding criminal plot adds the necessary suspense and grit. The supporting cast, including Amy Manson and Brian Ferguson, deliver compelling performances that grow stronger as the series progresses.

This version of Rebus doesn't shy away from the darker sides of Edinburgh, with plenty of bleak cityscapes, complex moral dilemmas, and "industrial language." The violence may be more graphic than earlier adaptations, but it serves the narrative's tone rather than distracting from it. Gregory Burke's adaptation is sharp and well-paced, and the direction by Niall MacCormick and Fiona Walton ensures a cinematic feel throughout.

This Series has earned its place, combining solid writing, atmospheric visuals, and a fresh yet faithful take on a beloved character. Grittier than expected, but undoubtedly engaging, Rebus is a welcome return for the troubled detective.

My Review- Rebus Streaming on SBS on Demand

My Rating 810

I hope there will be a second series of Rebus as I really enjoyed the first series which is based on Ian Rankin's best selling novels concerning Detective sergeant later Inspector Rebus described as a hardboiled Edinburgh cop.

I liked this tough but vulnerable character played by Richard Rankin who regrets the recent breakup of his family and the resulting divorce from his ex wife Rhona .

Now Mrs Rhona Moncrieffe they maintain a good even affectionate relationship together as John Rebus is a good father to their daughter Samantha.

However Rebus is constantly reminded of his failures and inadequacies by the wealthy success and vastly improved lifestyle of Rhona and his young daughter Samantha provided by Rhona's new husband Locke played Nick Rhys.

The action of the story increases dramatically when John Rebus is drawn into Edinburgh's criminal underbelly when investigating what appears to be a fued between two rival families that are suspected to be involved in drug and human trafficking.

Rebus also has a difficult relationship with his brother Michael a returned soldier who like his brother saw service in Afghanistan .

Michael and his family appear to be going through difficult financial woes and like many returned veterans feel ignored and neglected. Michael seeks a way out of his financial problems that brings him into a dangerous conflict with his brother John.

I enjoyed the different story threads and characters in Rebus performed by an excellent ensemble cast that includes Amy Manson as Rhona , Brian Ferguson who plays Michael Rebus and Stuart Bowman plays Ger Cafferty a dangerous Edinburgh gangster who has violent history with John Rebus.

I recommend this 6 part series well written and adapted to television by Gregory Burke and skilfully directed by Niall MacCormick and Fiona Walton it left me wanting more .

I recommend subtitles as the Edinburgh accents at times are a little difficult to understand.

Whenever I see the word "gritty" describing a TV series or a movie, it reminds me of a slick Hollywood PR type promoting something. I've seen parts of the first two "Rebus" series, but I never read the books. It's set in beautiful Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland. In a number of shots you can see Edinburgh Castle in the distance, once the home of Scottish kings and queens.

I didn't care for the storyline, it's another police procedural which is really a family drama. Writers are obsessed with stories of drugs, when drugs are really a small percentage of all crime. It's another cliched drug and organized crime story. With a better script I'd watch a second series. I like the cast, especially Richard Rankin as John Rebus and Brian Ferguson as Michael Rebus.

"Vera" and "Grace" are much better UK police dramas.

This had a couple of seriously good reviews and I was looking forward to episode 1. I suppose I was mildly disappointed.

Nothing too bad, simply a little predictable. I'm not a huge fan of police show back stories but this is now common place and this is no exception. I prefer more focus on detective work and solving crime and less of the marital (and extra marital) stuff.

Also a mention of some annoying camera work. The current 'edgy' style of moving the camera slightly and jerkily in some scenes simply detracts. I don't really understand the obsession some programme makers have with it.

Will watch episode 2 and decide.

Those who have read Ian Rankin's originals, and seen the earlier TV series based upon them, may be somewhat disconcerted by this revival. It is well done - although the conclusion of the 6-part series suggests more has to come.

The originals were set in their time; the technology of our era now moves on differently. The revival reflects this, it's not an attempt to dive back into the past - and perhaps that's commendable.

But I'm concerned about why the producers felt the need to provide us with this - unless it's simply a blatant attempt to capitalize on a successful formula with the attendant risk of alienating those who revere the original. I'd like to believe otherwise!