Episode #5.4

No plot , only key persons deaths without reason! Not even a clever puzzle to solve, all was a huge nothing!

I mentioned previously, that I hoped for the perfect series, that's four episodes rated 10, and that is actually the case, absolutely one of the most satisfying things I've seen on TV for years. I've always loved the show, but for me this has been the best series to date, and this episode sums of what's been so good about it, the intensity, the guessing games, the story, characters, and of course Ruth Wilson.

The scenes between Luther and Alice were absolutely mesmerising, I know it's early days in the year, but these two are seriously worthy contenders for awards following their incredible performances, as always it's Wilson that keeps me glued. I thought Dermot Crowley was terrific here too.

One little irritation, was the occurrence that I predicted happening in my review of episode one, a particular death, which didn't need to happen, I won't spoil it for anyone that hasn't seen it, but it's a character I'd have loved to return.

Mind blowing, pulse racing, shocking, engaging, literally any superlatives you can think of, would not be out of place. 10/10

Season 5 maintained the level of story integrity needed to keep my interest. There was an aspect of the story arc that seemed added to please the longtime fans but it was dealt with in a way that gratified me.

Of the five 'seasons,' this was my third favorite. While some in my family felt other choices should have been made by Luther, I thought he was consistant with his drive to help those in his life while trying to minimize the damage to his 'duty' caused from actions he knows are darker than grey: He wants to protect and do the right thing for individuals and is willing to compromise his professional duty for that goal. A bit like 'The Bureau' in that regard.

I felt one of the villians could have been stronger but the direction it went kept them human without being cliche. The writers seemed boxed into an inevitable ending if they wanted to keep the story's integrity plausable. I was okay with that and I still was left asking, "what's next?" ;)

Technically, from an editor's aspect, this was not the worse Luther season. The story building craft impressed me more than some of the earlier seasons and it came together better for me.

Besotted Psychiatrist just chastising lunatic hubby with, "Now stop being a bad boy". Luther's repeated, "I will sort it", with the murder and mayhem continuing. Loony Alice just calling round to say "Hello". A boss missing ALL the twists and turns. Gangster boss who is, "Up his own.......". Luther badly shot up and still able to chase Alice and hold her full weight...Nah, too much OTT!

If you discount the first season, Luther has been consistently solid in what it does and how it does it. The previous (fourth) season was too short, rushed, and unsatisfying, so it was good to see a run of 4 episodes for this season. Within this season it does the stuff you've seen it do before. There is a very weird killer doing very weird killings - Luther is going to get them, but it will be about three and a bit episodes before that happens. Meanwhile Luther is also tied up in some sideplot which he is trying to get ahead of even as it closes in on him. It does this all pretty well in terms of basic mechanics; it enjoys its violence, it enjoys its grim feel, and its characters all slouch and swagger around in a way that implies complexity and darkness. This is how this fifth season goes.

For it to work, it needs you to go with it, so it very much pushes brand recognition. Elba is the main thrust of this and continues to be the reason the show gets made no doubt. He thrusts his hands in his pockets, offers plenty that speaks to a complex, haunted character, and drives into violence with a heart that isn't thee on paper but he makes happen. Luther is far from an interesting character, but Elba is a great presence. The supporting cast are variable and mostly feel disposable, with plenty of them being plot devices. None of it feels particularly grounded in anything, but it ploughs on ahead, providing violence, style, and Elba to carry the viewer along.

Of course this limits it too, but it offers enough strength to just about cover for this, although you do need to ignore the lack of even internal logic, and the heavy reliance on these core values over anything more substantial.