Luther has a heady premise: brilliant, troubled cop against a brilliant, psychopathic killer. The show isn't revolutionary by any means, apart from the fact that Luther knows who the killer is, but the execution is clearly on point.
The pacing is taut, never a dull moment in the pilot, and there are plenty of memorable moments. Because there is no drive to finish a complete story, i.e. wrapping up an entire investigation like a normal procedural, "Episode One" is chalk full of confrontations, made oh so delicious by Idris Elba's looming presence, which are left unresolved.
Whether it's his mercurial visits to his wife Zoe or simmering interrogations with the killer Alice, Luther is an immensely compelling character who we can both cheer for and question. Let's hope future episode maintain the same quality.
Score: 9.0/10
