Season 2 sees Luther (Idris Elba) struggling to cope with his wife’s murder and considering leaving the police force. Of course starting a new life is not as easy as it looks, especially when there are killers on the loose.
This time Luther is facing a masked killer intent on wrecking havoc and drawing attention to himself in the most devastating possible way along with a violent attacker who sees crime as a game.
If that wasn’t enough he gets drawn into caring for Jenny (Aimee-Ffion Edwards) of a man he once arrested. Jenny has some pretty hardcore enemies who aren’t afraid to use her as leverage to get what they want from Luther. This will test his resourcefulness to the limit but also draw the attention of DCI Erin Gray (Nikki Amuka-Bird) who is desperate to prove that Luther is dirty. Loyalties are tested to the limit and one has to ask just how long Luther’s ability to get the job done will keep his closest allies turning a bling eye to his methods.
Once again I absolutely loved this season. The two major criminal cases that ran through them were so creative and intriguing, especially the one with violence as a game that I was hooked. I also loved the relationship between Luther and Jenny. Although Luther makes a lot of questionable decisions, he has a very soft heart and is ultimately desperate for someone to take care of. With Jenny he gets to take on a father role and it gives him real humanity and makes you root for him even harder.
Although Erin is a bit of a loathsome character, Nikki Amuka-Bird does a great job with her. You can see her frustration and disappointment throughout. She wants to play by the rules but Luther only cares about results. The rules are irrelevant if you are not catching the bad guy.
Idris Elba remains the star of the show. He was born to play Luther. Anyone else might have made him into a villain but in Elba’s hands, you always want him to get away with whatever he’s been up to this time.
Even better than season 1. Get on it now.
5/5