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Luther Analysis

How is the lead character introduced? What do we learn about them?

The lead character, Luther, is introduced in a chase scene. There wasn't a face reveal or dialogue for a couple of minutes. At the end of the chase Luther and the criminal has been chasing are standing there talking and looking at each other. This is our 'first look' at the character and how they are as a person. Luther then lets the criminal fall to the floor. This makes us question whether Luther is indeed a good cop or a bad cop.

What external and internal issues are there for this lead character?

The issue of the episode is dealing with the murder of Alice Morgan's parents. Luther is convinced that Alice is the murderer. He spends the episode struggling with internal problems such as his wife leaving for another man and trying to prove Alice as the murderer. His obsession with Alice's case comes from his marital struggle in which he is dealing with.

How does BBC's Luther differ from American cop dramas?

Luther's production has a lot less action or comedy when it comes down to content. Luther is one of the proper crime dramas which doesn't even hint at comedy and it expertly builds tension/ mystery and easily engages the audience.

Why do you think Luther has become the BBC top rating Police Drama?

The story is completely original and Unique. Because of this, there is no chance of anything taking away the gripping storyline and new, unpredictability of the tv show and its twists.
How is the story in the pilot episode compelling?

The pilot episode highlights key issues in which the character will struggle with during the coming episodes. These compel us to learn more, especially with the inclusion of the cliff hanger at the end. With the lack of concrete evidence, we are left wondering if Luther's hunch is indeed correct and if he can find proof that he is.

Who is the target audience for Luther?

The target audience for Luther would be late teens and early adults. I think roughly 18-25 due to the themes and complexity of the story. This would be interesting to late adults as well as lots of people in that age boundary like true crime dramas.

What is the significance of having Hollywood actor Idris Elba as the lead star?

Idris Elba is an amazing actor who truly improves a character and gets involved to the point of changing who he is as a person overall. Idris Elba once said on the Graham Norton SHow that he feels like he has a connection and an aspect of the characters he has played inside him.

What makes Luther quintessential a BBC programme?

Luther follows all of the BBC's guidelines which are to Inform, Educate or Entertain the audience. This show mainly focuses on entertainment for the audience in which it does very successfully. This show does this by focusing on serious topics and grabbing a hold of its viewers with its gripping storyline.