"Luther" (Seasons 1-3). Starring Idris Elba - Available on Netflix

The television series "Luther" comes to us from the BBC.  It is a detective series starring Idris Elba as the title character and is available on Netflix  He is a complex man - he has anger issues that constantly threaten to boil over in every episode, often interfering with his case work.

The series is often exciting and compelling but it may defy your own beliefs and provoke skepticism.  How, for instance, can so many unusual and idiosyncratic murders take place in one city in such a short period of time?  In "Luther", you get to see a whole vast array of weird and heinous crimes.  This is the main problem I had with this series - too many bizarre occurrences for reality.  But, this isn't reality, after all, it's fictional television and a good series at that.  When you get past those objections, your in for a thrilling ride.  Elba is a cool, unwavering detective who isn't afraid to bend the rules of the law to get the desired result.  He occasionally lapses into moment of questionable behaviour and fits of rage.  This is what makes his character so interesting and unique.

The other character in the show that brings a unique layer to it is Alice Morgan (Ruth Wilson).  She pops into the story-line every now and then.  She's a fascinating character.  She frequently gets away with murder and occasionally helps Luther is some of his cases.  Her law-evasion and rule-breaking testifies to the nature of modern crime - sometimes you can break the rules and still exist in society freely.

This is a crime drama as idiosyncratic as the characters it depicts.  It is in its unusual nature that you will be delighted.  You will often wonder how Luther is able to get away with what he does and that is what brings you back to the show each time.