Luther - Season 3 - DVD

Content: That DCI John Luther (Idris Elba) does not always take it so exactly with the rules, is no longer a secret. Still, his colleague DS Justin Ripley (Warren Brown) is surprised to learn that embittered DSU George Stark (David O`Hara) is leading an internal investigation into Luther, and that DCI Erin Gray (Nikki Amuka-Bird) is helping him pillory the maladjusted cop. In order to get the evidence he needs against Luther, Ripley is ordered to wear a wire during the investigation. But of course, this betrayal does not go undetected. While the wind is now blowing against him from within his own ranks, Luther must try to find an apparently insane murderer who is killing women in the same pattern as an unsolved case from the 80s. In addition, an internet tormentor appears to have been the victim of vigilante justice. This very case could be Luther's undoing. Of all things, a car accident brings him some relief in this situation, as Luther meets the attractive Mary Day (Sienna Guillroy). But the fact that he develops feelings for her is something Stark wants to use for his own purposes. And that's when things get personal for Luther...

Luther continues to provide top-notch thriller entertainment in what is once again a far-too-short third season. This time the unconventional cop has to deal with two equal and extremely interesting opponents. On the one hand with the overambitious investigator George Stark, played very intensely by David O`Hara, for whom the destruction of Luther degenerates into a dangerous obsession. What starts as a normal internal investigation takes on unexpected proportions in the course of the two episodes, which is extremely exciting for the viewer. On the other hand, Luther also has to catch a self-proclaimed avenger. This case is especially exciting because Luther likes to take the law into his own hands and now he is suddenly on the other side and in the end is very personally affected by the actions of the avenger.

The plotline around Luther and Mary doesn't quite seem to fit into the story at the beginning. There is a suspicion that a love story is being forced here in order to give Luther some nice moments in his gloomy everyday life. But soon it becomes clear that the makers have something completely different in mind with this relationship, which pays off really well at the end of the second episode. That's when you're more than happy to put up with minor lengths in the first episode.

In addition to the great scripts, the actors, especially Idris Elba, deliver top-notch performances once again. It's especially nice that Ruth Wilson as Alice Morgan is also back for a brief but very memorable appearance. The finale then also offers a very rounded conclusion thanks to her, which isn't surprising since Season 3 is supposed to be the last regular season of the series. Actually, it was planned to bring Luther to the cinema after the end of the series. But those plans have now been scrapped in favor of a series special, which will air in 2015. That there will be a reunion with John Luther is great news after these extremely exciting and emotional 200 minutes!

If you liked the first two seasons of Luther, you definitely shouldn't miss his two new cases either. The tremendous presence of lead actor Idris Elba, some unexpected twists and the good finale make these two new episodes a real treat for all lovers of gritty thriller fare. Absolutely worth seeing!

Picture + Sound: As with the first seasons, the technical implementation of the two new episodes can absolutely convince. The picture is absolutely clean, the somewhat undercooled color scheme very atmospheric and only in the darker scenes, if you look closely, slight image noise can be discerned. The sound with its very directional mixed dialogue and only very isolated surround effects as in the first seasons rather unspectacular, but fulfills its purpose fully. Overall, a presentation on a good TV level.

Extras: Bonus material has the third season unfortunately not to offer.

Conclusion: Luther offers also in the third season crime entertainment par excellence. Immersed in a gloomy atmosphere, grippingly staged and superbly acted fans are offered 200 new minutes, which again go by far too quickly. The fact that Luther is expected to return to British (and shortly thereafter German) TV in 2015 for a final special is little consolation. The stories are exciting and also offer a few surprises, at least one of which will make fans of the series sick to their stomachs. As with the previous seasons, the DVD is technically well done, only the lack of bonus material disappoints. Overall, however, this third season is also for lovers of first-class, gritty crime fare: absolutely recommended!

An article by Frankfurt-Tipp