C.B. Strike (2017– ) User Reviews

Fantastic

[tobbejonsson · 9/10 · 14 December 2022]

As a non-US and non-UK citizen, I can wholeheartadly say that this is what I really appreciate. A show with suspence, heart, surprise and emotion.

Compared to the US shows where there are a lot of fights and action but no substance, this is more like it. The UK proves yet again that they are superior in making quality TV with good stories, great characters, and with a lot of heart and emotion.

Holliday Grainger and Tom Burke are killing it as the main characters. They are tough, they are emotional, and most of all, they are relatable.

Well done. I hope for many more seasons to come. I just love this series.

Classy.

[marycat-22297 · 9/10 · 2 September 2017]

'Strike: The Cuckoo's Calling' is on the Poirot-Marple-Midsomers branch of the mystery tree with its irresistible stars in the lead roles, its slow but never time-wasting character developments, its high-on- thinking and low-on-physical-violence story, and its beautiful camera work. If you like all of the above features and a good, escape-for-an- hour mystery, please watch this. J.K. Rowling wrote the book and I'm glad that the British television peeps had the great good sense to bring this to us as beautifully as they did. I hope they make more.

Must watch

[reneedlittle · 9/10 · 18 September 2017]

Excellent cast, dynamic story line, unique cinematography all combine for an outstanding series. The nonexistence of over the top completely impossible special effects is refreshing. It's intelligent and sophisticated in it's execution. There is no quick fix to each case, yet the writers don't drag the story along simply to fill time and episodes, instead time is utilized efficiently and very effectively creating a great deal of intrigue and suspense which will keep you up at night to watch an episode instead of going to bed. A definite must watch series.

Nicely brought to life

[GwydionMW · 8/10 · 13 September 2017]

I'd already read the book, but Strike as portrayed was more convincing than my own prior vision.

You get a nice range of people in one limited slice of London, as well as a series of puzzles that get solved.

They improve the ending, giving a better excuse for the murderer doing something I can't detail without giving away the plot.

Quality that is missing in many series these days...here in abundance.

[timothy-price-794-581328 · 10/10 · 11 December 2022]

Absolutely love this series, this programme. Really clever stories with depth and great characters. But what takes it to another level is the perfect casting of Tom Burke and Holliday Grainger. They are just perfect. Not perfect characters, certainly, damaged in their own ways, but living a life, real - and that is the best approval rating you can give. They feel real people, with real problems. But living a real life. But Tom and Holliday just inhabit these people. And the expertise that JKR produced in creating the Potter characters, she has done again in this real, true to life situation. Just one complaint. They will only make a programme based on an original JKR story. So she needs to write faster. Need more Strike and Robin.

Quietly brilliant

[rich-mac · 8/10 · 21 December 2022]

For my money Tom Burke and Holliday Grainger do a fine job of providing the focal point and anchor for these superb detective whodunnits penned by Galbraith aka. JK Rowling. I suppose it's fair to say that you'll either find chemistry between Strike and Robin (the leads) or you won't.

These shows are based upon crime novels that are crammed with detail and the nuance of relationships and events, which make them a fun read - and that the series' screenplays do a great job of adapting for the screen.

Now on it's fifth novel this series only goes from strength to strength spinning fascinating and engaging tales.

As others have mentioned, locations and style also play a leading role - the result is a satisfying sense of place which complements both the action and backstory.

The Brits have a particular style to how they go about their crime dramas, an angle which places a concentration and importance on drawing out character, a recognition that the journey to the conclusion is as important as the resolution and the untangling of the 'crime' itself. We end up with an understanding of both the perpetrator and their supporting characters, and a deeper relationship with the investigators - and in this sense Strike is as much a highly successful human drama series as it is a crime and whodunnit proposition.

I'd recommend giving Strike a watch if you haven't already done so - but, although each series stands alone covering one novel (except for series one which is two novels in succession), there is a strong cumulative backstory revolving around a central group of characters, so for best results and viewing pleasure start with series one and binge from there.

Well cast update on Private Detective 'tropes.

[efwkidlightning · 9/10 · 2 September 2017]

Tom Burke and Holiday Grainger are a stand out team in what could easily have been a tawdry run of the mill Detective trawl.

Cormeran Strike is a lovable mess of a reinvented down at heels gumshoe. The pacing manages too drag the fashionable locations and characters into the gutter along with him, humanising them all in his search for the truth over the death of a model.

There is an endearing quality to this show which so readily could have been destroyed by bad casting. Ignore any opinion drawn from knowing the writer. Approach with a fresh face. Definitely a good first outing for Strike.

Somewhat disappointing adaptations

[cherold · 6/10 · 11 March 2018]

As a fan of the Cormoran Strike books, I looked forward to seeing them brought to life. But ultimately I felt like they were only half brought to life.

It's hard to say what it is, exactly. I thought the leads were well cast. The first episode has a very stylish, intriguing intro.

But the series just lacks personality. I watched all from the first book and found it nothing but watchable. The first book's strength was its more realistic portrayal of detective work as painstaking and detail oriented, but that is, unsurprisingly, flattened out in the adaptation.

While the first series left me cold, I still watched the first episode of the second season, which comes from my favorite book in the series Once again, I just found it difficult to keep interested. I decided I would stop there.

While perfectly watchable and fairly true to the series, it all just lacks something. I was never pulled into the characters lives or into the mysteries.

LIKE THE SERIES; LOVE THE GIRL

[r-angle · 8/10 · 16 June 2018]

Holliday Grainger lights up the screen. She is one of the best actors I have ever seen. She conveys so many moods and emotions with slightest glance.

Also, I enjoy the story. It is my cup of tea.

It's worth watching but...

[annamorton-16531 · 6/10 · 26 December 2022]

I enjoyed the first case, but after that I started to find the female lead annoying and I really didn't feel any empathy towards her character. Who in real life walks around London like that, smiling at everyone?! I can't help but think they cast a lot (not all) of female leads for male viewers these days. Also what really bugged me was the fact that Strike has a prosthetic leg but the foot and ankle bend perfectly on some occasions when he's walking, and some of his acting is a little wooden in places. I'm very critical I know, but with a series like this I want to believe in the characters. A much better series is the Danish 'The Killing', if you don't mind subtitles.

OVER TOO SOON!

[donna1953 · 8/10 · 30 January 2023]

I really enjoyed watching this show. Each series within the series had a new mystery bringing about a need for great investigative instinct to solve the mysteries presented. The episodes were complex with twists and turns along the way. Watch this when you have the time to really listen to the dialogue or you will miss a clue or two along the way. At first blush and thereafter this is not a glamourous role for the co-stars, but they have tremendous screen chemistry. The only disappointment was the series was too short. This all takes place in England and shows the real streets of downtown as well as the English countryside. A nice mix of cinematography along the way.

Good atmosphere

[MissyTheCat · 7/10 · 13 October 2022]

This program does what a lot of British police/detective dramas do which is successfully create a great atmosphere. I say this as I finished the first 3 episodes which was one story, and the ending solution, to me, made little to no sense, but I still enjoyed the program. It has a great protagonist that displays both strength and vulnerability at the same time and is play very well by Tom Burke. His assistant is beautiful and charming and excellent at her job, even though he stumbles upon her through a temp agency. You can see romantic sparks, at least on her part, so they make her current beau and bit of an ass I'm guessing so we won't feel too bad when she finally dumps him for Strike.

As I mentioned the solution to the mystery, specifically who did it, makes no sense, but getting there was a good and enjoyable journey. If you like other British crime TV shows such as Hinterland or Shetland or Wallender then you'll probably enjoy this series too.

Leaves out a lot from books

[macb-47646 · 5/10 · 17 October 2019]

I've listened to first 4 audiobooks and really liked them so was looking forward to watching series. Maybe the series would be more satisfying if I hadn't "read" the books! So much was cut to condense them to just 2 or 3 episodes. Really disappointing. I note 4th season has 4 episodes so maybe it will be somewhat more satisfying. That said, the acting is superb - just wish the seasons were longer developed plots better.

Every Detective needs a good coat

[myangel109 · 9/10 · 3 September 2017]

I LOVE these books. I was very anxious about watching the show because I personally hate the Harry Potter adaptations. The casting was great especially Robin. I honestly thought they might have changed the ending from the book, it had me guessing (and I've read the book more than once). I have read mixed reviews about this show and I understand the criticism, however, I think it deserves a bigger audience. There are a few nitpicks I had, when I read the books I pictured Luther.. and Tom Burke seems to have stolen his coat from BBC props.

Read the books and watch the show. I am not sure how I would have felt if hadn't read them. So to conclude.. best JKR adaptation out there. Watch this show.

Brilliant

[lindastroud45 · 10/10 · 4 September 2017]

All I can say is watch it....I watched the first three episodes In one go it was that good.i was only going to watch one but it got me hooked immediately . The acting was brilliant,Tom Burke who I have to admit I've never seen before played a brilliant part,he was like a young modern day Columbo..The story line had you guessing from the start and there was a great twist at the end. 10 out of 10. I can't wait for more.

Compulsive viewing.

[Sleepin_Dragon · 10/10 · 25 November 2017]

It feels like ages since we've had a Private Investigator series on mainstream TV, enter Cormoran Strike, from a series of books penned by J.K. Rowling. I have to admit my expectations were high, and after ten minutes of watching The Cuckoo's Calling I realised I wasn't to be let down. This series is absolutely incredible, of course the plots and production values are impeccable as would be inspected, but it's the performances and character play that are the key. Tom Burke, always a quality actor, has possibly found his star role as Strike, he is absolutely brilliant, as is Holliday Grainger, the pair work beautifully together.

I can't decide if I preferred The Cuckoo's calling or the Silkworm, both are superb. Awesome guest performances from Sian Phillips, Monica Dolan, Tara Fitzgerald, Martin Shaw, Tim McInnerny, and a huge shout out to Leo Bill.

Bring on Career of Evil. 10/10

Mystery thriller realistic

[nasimzhosein-695-794748 · 9/10 · 28 November 2022]

Another show i happen to chance upon and it's worth watching if you are a fan of mystery, cop/detective and realistic scenes. Acting is very good script writing is detailed focus on the theme and plot of the drama. It's a must watch for amateur sleuths and those who like a down to earth drama.

Ignore the bad reviews as they are an extreme outlier. This show has a lot of character and it's sort of a modern day Colombo.

Only watched the first series thus far but i can only guess that the remaining series are just as exciting and thrilling for the viewers. Lets hope that they keep producing more series and stick to the clean, intriguing script that outlines this series.

Harmless

[steveo122 · 6/10 · 11 September 2017]

Director: Michael Keillor Screenplay: Ben Richards (based on the novels by Robert Galbraith (J.K. Rowling)) Certainly we can't judge the source material based on what we see here, except for the basic set up. It's clear that a lot more care and skill has been applied to something because the 'Rowling' name is attached. It's a new/another 'shamus' set up and it has very high qualities in many departments, including music choices and tone/atmosphere. I almost didn't survive the 'meet/cute' introductory scenes. Tom Burke (The Musketeers - Athos) plays an injured war veteran-turned-private eye. Because of the scar, I thought of him as the British Stacy Keach. He's got a good air about him and the character has Holliday Grainger - (the British Alicia Witt) plays his neophyte 'Watson'-in-training. As an actor she's not at all incompetent, but there's a point when being a baby faced starlet makes playing a 'normal' person a distraction. The 'mystery' is formulaic, but (if you can't do it different, do it better) the decent script, the developing character relationships make it harmless fun for those who like this kind of mystery.

Compelling viewing

[writeus-1 · 8/10 · 3 September 2017]

I have just watched 'The Cuckoo's Calling'. This is a great take on the hard on his heels private investigator gets an opportunity story. JK Rowling's content is as well written as a John Grisham/Agatha Christie with the added frisson of cool London locations and culture. I particularly like the casting of Tom Bell as the rough-round-the-edges sleuth and the engaging Holliday Grainger as his ever so capable assistant; they are both so watchable. I look forward to the next series (and for any critics of this series yes I am perfectly happy to overlook any plot holes).

Enjoyable For Book Reader

[krisnadexter · 7/10 · 3 August 2022]

I have read the novels and I like them very much. When I heard there will be TV series adaptation I was excited. After watching it I have to say this series quite good.

I really like the actor playing as Cormoran Strike. He is a bit different than what I imagined in the book, he's better looking. And the actress playing as Robin is just as good. She's not far away from the novel description.

The acting and the cinematography is good enough. My personal favorit moment is in Career of Evil. When I finished the novel my mind started singing Don't Fear The Reaper by Blue Oyster Cult. And to my surprise in the ending of that episode they play the song.

But after second thought, maybe I like this because I already read the story. And the series just confirm the visual that I have in mind while reading. Because if I've never read the novel and watching this, I might not really engaged by the story.

The novel depict detective works in detail. How Cormoran unveil the crime layer by layer. These things didn't portrayed good enough in screen. There are things that's missing. And viewers who haven't read the novel might get confused.

So the conclusion is, as a detective series this is quite good. As a novel adaptation this series is enjoyable.

Dark Tale About Missing People

[Pairic · 9/10 · 20 December 2022]

Strike Series 5: Troubled Blood. Once again a multilayered case is investigated by Cormoran Strike and Robin Ellacott. Robin is still disentangling herself from a past relationship while Strike has his own family problems with both his adoptive family and his birth father. The case is about a woman who disappeared in 1974. She might have been the victim of a manipulative serial killer who still pulls strings from his prison cell. They find the diaries of a deceased policeman which suggest occult motives. Other rumours of Black Magic abound. Other relatives of missing people emerge, muddying the waters yet also providing more clues. Several potential culprits emerge. There are many flashbacks to 1974 and even earlier, we see characters when they are young and in old age. Many engaging odd characters even in small parts. Directed by Sue Tully and scripted by Tom Edge from the novel by by J. K. Rowling under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith. 8.5/10.

Great cast, cliché storytelling

[starving_college_student · 6/10 · 7 May 2019]

CB Strike has a lot going for it. The leads are extremely likeable, the production is well done, and the idea of splitting up the mysteries over multiple episodes is great. The problem is, the storytelling is really old fashioned, to the point of being cliche. The ideas here (a PI down on his luck, many of the characters, etc) are well trodden and this series surprisingly doesn't put any new twists into the format. This is especially apparent when each mystery comes to a close. The resolutions feel like 80's B mystery TV episodes - not quite realistic, but works with some major suspension of disbelief (ie. "the murderer was secretly this guy in disguise!"). And to a modern day audience, which is rather sophisticated from viewing so much of those old shows and media, the stories can sometimes feel over-simple and easy to predict (in one, I joked that the most cliche choice was the murderer, and it turned out to be true). That said, the show is enjoyable to watch. It's something to relax to at the end of a long day.

Disappointing

[bjane-61915 · 5/10 · 26 February 2018]

Really thought this series was going to be worth watching but I am not enjoying it. It has an interesting hero in Strike played by a good actor in Thom Burke and I thought it would turn into a gripping murder mystery. It doesn't at all, its become a romantic drama with the crimes as a sort of backdrop. It didn't need all the clichéd stuff and its disappointing because it looked like it was going to be a bit quirky and different. Its ok to have romance in the story, but it cant BE the story and still be a crime series. Great theme tune though

Excellent location scouting

[lamsherlck · 8/10 · 30 December 2020]

I lived in London for nine years and worked all over the city. I think that the location scouting for this series is excellent and I am truly impressed. The series is very good as well.

Enjoyable

[bradthebrratt · 8/10 · 29 August 2022]

Really enjoyed watching this series. The chemistry between the two main actors, Tom Burke and Holliday Grainger is a joy to behold. You could almost forget that they are playing a part. Have read the books and the television series is a bit different from the books but it doesn't make too much of a difference. The show is just so much fun that it would be a shame to find fault with the difference between the books and the television series. Hopefully there will be many more seasons to come. Normally, I would first read the book before watching the screen adaptation but in this case, I went the other way around. Most sidekicks in detective shows are there just for filler but not in this series. If you don't find this series enjoyable, you are an extremely difficult person to please.