Alice is out there, threatening. She is devious and psychotic. Luther doesn't know what to do to keep her away from Zoe. The last scene was almost too much for me and seemed so out of character. The main case involves a guy named Owen, ex-military. He is upset about what happened to his father and goes on a killing spree. Numerous cops are killed. When Luther finally apprehends him, what happens. This is after a contrived game of Russian roulette. The authorities promise to make it easy on him if he gives them the father. I can't imagine them lightening the load for a multiple cop killer. Luther's scene with Owen near the end is just too much to believe. He could easily have been killed (almost certainly). What does he have to gain. He knew the guy was there. Why risk so much? I'm still teetering on this series. I'll do another soon.
10 Reviews
A very strong episode.
Sleepin_Dragon5 February 2018
After the intense, psychological battle between Luther and Alice in the opening episode, Luther must track down a cop killer. A much more action packed episode sees Luther use his brain to quickly work out who's behind it and why.
So often when a series debuts with such impact what follows can often disappoint, not so here, though not the intensity of the opener it's still gripping, compulsive viewing. A gripping story, coupled with strong performances, Sean Pertwee brilliantly cast, very sinister. Arguably Ruth Wilson dominates scenes once again, Alice is like a time bomb, you have no idea what she'll do next or to whom, a fascinating killer.
You need to suspend belief in one or two scenes, particularly the Russian Roulette scene, you ask yourself if that would really have played out that way.
Gripping. 8/10
So often when a series debuts with such impact what follows can often disappoint, not so here, though not the intensity of the opener it's still gripping, compulsive viewing. A gripping story, coupled with strong performances, Sean Pertwee brilliantly cast, very sinister. Arguably Ruth Wilson dominates scenes once again, Alice is like a time bomb, you have no idea what she'll do next or to whom, a fascinating killer.
You need to suspend belief in one or two scenes, particularly the Russian Roulette scene, you ask yourself if that would really have played out that way.
Gripping. 8/10
Getting better
Tweekums12 May 2010
Warning: Spoilers
After a slightly disappointing opening episode this Idris Elba vehicle showed a noticeable improvement. Luther is still getting calls from Alice Morgan who pays visits to his estranged wife and the man in a coma who Luther let fall in the first episode, this however isn't the main story, that concerns a former soldier who has gone to war against the police, gunning down several officers. Once identified Luther believes he is acting on the orders of his father for is in prison for killing a policeman.
This episode was pretty taut and there were a few surprises, there was little or no warning when the police men got shot which made me jump. The scenes between Luther and the killer's father were particularly good, I loved how Luther persuaded him to give him the information needed to find his son. I hope this series manages to provide more quality episodes like this, it is still not perfect but it is certainly a move in the right direction.
This episode was pretty taut and there were a few surprises, there was little or no warning when the police men got shot which made me jump. The scenes between Luther and the killer's father were particularly good, I loved how Luther persuaded him to give him the information needed to find his son. I hope this series manages to provide more quality episodes like this, it is still not perfect but it is certainly a move in the right direction.
Apart from the last two of this first series this is the strongest episode of series one.
maureen_smith516 April 2015
Warning: Spoilers
After a terrific first episode we get a gripping and action packed episode with a majestic plot,superb acting and a nail biting ending.
After getting away with the punch up with Mark, John who also still has psycho Alice bothering him turns his attentions to Owen Lynch(Sam Spruell) a ex Marine who has become a sniper and is viciously taking out a number of policemen all over London. Luther visits Owen's father in jail and finds out also ex soldier Terry(a mesmerising Sean Pertwee)is behind his son's actions and after a searing confrontation finds Terry won't call Owen off so John decides he needs to confront Owen and draws him out of hiding by dissing him on television before a corking showdown between the two.
A pulsating second episode with the acting a particular highlight with Idris Elba on spectacular form along with Ruth Wilson's Alice Morgan and Warren Brown's Justin(who becomes a bigger part of the puzzle after a quiet first episode).Also on amazing form is Sean Pertwee as Terry who's confrontation with Luther is extremely tense and either could blow up any minute and hit the other(Pertwee is currently superb in Gotham)and their scene is one of the best in the show's short history.
This episode also has some brilliant action and suspense with Owen taking out the coppers in bone crunching fashion and the first scene is pretty graphic.Another top scene is him taking out police from on a roof where Luther tries to get them away from danger and I was gripped.But no doubt the last part of the episode was the best as Luther confronts Lynch in a apartment block and you generally think that Luther has gone into this without thinking as Owen starts beating him and even though you know he must survive he does get pushed to the very limit here.
A awesome second episode and already this show was heading for legend status with some edge of your seat action and suspense along with some award winning acting especially from Mr Elba and Mr Pertwee.
After getting away with the punch up with Mark, John who also still has psycho Alice bothering him turns his attentions to Owen Lynch(Sam Spruell) a ex Marine who has become a sniper and is viciously taking out a number of policemen all over London. Luther visits Owen's father in jail and finds out also ex soldier Terry(a mesmerising Sean Pertwee)is behind his son's actions and after a searing confrontation finds Terry won't call Owen off so John decides he needs to confront Owen and draws him out of hiding by dissing him on television before a corking showdown between the two.
A pulsating second episode with the acting a particular highlight with Idris Elba on spectacular form along with Ruth Wilson's Alice Morgan and Warren Brown's Justin(who becomes a bigger part of the puzzle after a quiet first episode).Also on amazing form is Sean Pertwee as Terry who's confrontation with Luther is extremely tense and either could blow up any minute and hit the other(Pertwee is currently superb in Gotham)and their scene is one of the best in the show's short history.
This episode also has some brilliant action and suspense with Owen taking out the coppers in bone crunching fashion and the first scene is pretty graphic.Another top scene is him taking out police from on a roof where Luther tries to get them away from danger and I was gripped.But no doubt the last part of the episode was the best as Luther confronts Lynch in a apartment block and you generally think that Luther has gone into this without thinking as Owen starts beating him and even though you know he must survive he does get pushed to the very limit here.
A awesome second episode and already this show was heading for legend status with some edge of your seat action and suspense along with some award winning acting especially from Mr Elba and Mr Pertwee.
Cliches Anyone?
Warin_West-El3 February 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Let's cut to the chase . . .
How many times have we seen the "wait for the backup" command that isn't followed? A Zillion perhaps?
The problem with screenwriters is, they don't live in the real world, they live in their imaginations. In the real world, police wait for the backup. It's just too dangerous not to. If real police behaved the way screenwriters suggest, then there would be mass funerals every week.
And how about the "Deer Hunter" rip-off scene? How are we to suspend our disbelief with a set-up like THAT?
Perhaps one of the few good scenes was the intrusion by Alice Morgan, which vindicated Luther's warnings to Zoe. ALSO another reviewer posited that perhaps Alice is Luther's Nicole Wallace, which is a good take, imho. This show wouldn't be nearly half as enjoyable were it not for the superb performance of actress Ruth Wilson. She manages to steal every scene she's in.
I STILL don't like the pathetically weak character portrayal of Luther. However, except for three violations of suspense of disbelief, this episode was better than the first.
How many times have we seen the "wait for the backup" command that isn't followed? A Zillion perhaps?
The problem with screenwriters is, they don't live in the real world, they live in their imaginations. In the real world, police wait for the backup. It's just too dangerous not to. If real police behaved the way screenwriters suggest, then there would be mass funerals every week.
And how about the "Deer Hunter" rip-off scene? How are we to suspend our disbelief with a set-up like THAT?
Perhaps one of the few good scenes was the intrusion by Alice Morgan, which vindicated Luther's warnings to Zoe. ALSO another reviewer posited that perhaps Alice is Luther's Nicole Wallace, which is a good take, imho. This show wouldn't be nearly half as enjoyable were it not for the superb performance of actress Ruth Wilson. She manages to steal every scene she's in.
I STILL don't like the pathetically weak character portrayal of Luther. However, except for three violations of suspense of disbelief, this episode was better than the first.
Last scene ugh
Namastevoila16 May 2021
Strong quality from episode one continues
Horst_In_Translation13 October 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Here we have the second episode from the UK series Luther that won Idris Elba an SAG Awards and Golden Globe. The series I mean. The episode ran longer than most television episodes otherwise, but still stayed under the one-hour mark, even maybe a bit more than it says here on imdb. Episodes one and two are often shown as a double feature. We are thrown right into the action this time as we see how a man pretends to be unconscious to trap a few police officers and he murders them in cold blood. So men in uniform are the killer's target here and we find out about a most unusual connection with his imprisoned dad (Sean Pertwee, who reminded be a bit of Gary Lewis) as the latter seems to be the one really behind these crimes. Involving him, perhaps Luther's moment with what he shows the man in prison to frame him, was the most memorable moment. Otherwise, this is a really tense episode too. The very start already, but also when the killer opens fire at these police officers while they take a look at a previous crime scene. And also how he out of nowhere shoots the woman in the stomach. Luther there smells quickly that something is wrong, but not quickly enough. In general, his perception was top-notch, maybe a bit too good to be true. I am talking about how he suspects the killer is a former soldier, but also how quickly they really get on his trail as there was almost no evidence pointing to him or so. Still some smart inclusions otherwise too with the exchanged phones for example. The confrontation between Luther and the perpretator near the end with Luther provoking him felt a bit rushed as well and also how then he is really almost won over by Luther despite his hatred against him and the consequence is a round of Russian roulette. Here and there, Luther reminded me a bit of Bobby Goren from Law and Order: Criminal Intent, because of the way he dresses and also because of how he sees through everything so easily.
The story line from the first episode involving Alice Morgan (is she his Nicole Wallace?) is picked up here and there again and we realize that for sure she will be a recurring character in this show and a bit of a nemesis to Luther, even if there seems to be not 100% hate from his side. Also the other way around. To some extent, they are impressed by each other's genius and perfection. Just on different sides of the law. Morgan (Ruth Wilson before The Affair) maybe more than Luther who mostly wants her to leave him alone or at least leave his wife / ex-wife alone. The idea of Luther getting in trouble with internal affairs is wiped away quickly at the very start because the guy hit by Luther in the first episode (his wife's new romantic partner) is convinced by said wife to not ruin Luther's career. There are also always these moments in which Luther's dedication plays a huge role, also his masculinity. It is even a bit of an issue between Zoe (the wife) and her new partner as they have an argument there that has directly to do with Luther. Admittedly, these moments when Luther calls her and the new man asks if it is him and shows us that he is not too happy about it were a bit cheesy. But yeah, no love between these men and the character's statement that Luther only defended himself is the only positive between them. He also thinks that when Luther warns them about Alice Morgan it is just another lie or trick, but she still finds them and we know it is not and Luther was right all along. Even if she disappears quickly again afterwards. But they know that she can find Zoe anytime. Alice is a bit busy here anyway with hanging around on the bedside of the fella who fell down in episode one after his confrontation with Luther and is in a coma ever since.
Another thing that caught my attention here is really the connection to a death wish that may or may not be a part of Luther. Does he have one? He is even asked that explicitly by the bad guy. Does he still see purpose in life with his wife gone, but with all his demons still there and new ones coming? He is standing up there on a roof and there is talk about jumping and falling and the colleague rather focuses on America's Next Top Model instead of (suicidal) discussions like these. Then there is the aforementioned Russian roulette scene as well that is perhaps the dramatic highlight of it all, even if the scene in/after which the bad guy tricks everybody to stand very close to each other, so they make for great targets, is also quite close. The third execution basically with these people storming the building was also devastating, but not as memorable as the previous two assaults. Interesting though how the killer always ruthlessly exploits the errors from the police. Anyway, still with the Russian roulette scene, Luther was never closer to dying you could say than in that one. Okay, this is only the second episode, but he was really close, even if we kinda knew he won't die there. The villain (played by Sam Spruell, who reminded me a bit of a British Jesse Plemons) lives in the end and is not shot and does also not commit suicide as it was suggested earlier with the 50% reference and his last words in the interrogation scene were also quite memorable. How he completely turns into a soldier there, a man taken captive by the enemy. That is all now. I enjoyed this episode really a lot, also because of Elba's great physicality, and I think it deserves a pretty high rating. I hope the show continues as strongly as it has started. Namely among television's very finest from 2010. Not just from the UK, but worldwide. Big thumbs-up.
The story line from the first episode involving Alice Morgan (is she his Nicole Wallace?) is picked up here and there again and we realize that for sure she will be a recurring character in this show and a bit of a nemesis to Luther, even if there seems to be not 100% hate from his side. Also the other way around. To some extent, they are impressed by each other's genius and perfection. Just on different sides of the law. Morgan (Ruth Wilson before The Affair) maybe more than Luther who mostly wants her to leave him alone or at least leave his wife / ex-wife alone. The idea of Luther getting in trouble with internal affairs is wiped away quickly at the very start because the guy hit by Luther in the first episode (his wife's new romantic partner) is convinced by said wife to not ruin Luther's career. There are also always these moments in which Luther's dedication plays a huge role, also his masculinity. It is even a bit of an issue between Zoe (the wife) and her new partner as they have an argument there that has directly to do with Luther. Admittedly, these moments when Luther calls her and the new man asks if it is him and shows us that he is not too happy about it were a bit cheesy. But yeah, no love between these men and the character's statement that Luther only defended himself is the only positive between them. He also thinks that when Luther warns them about Alice Morgan it is just another lie or trick, but she still finds them and we know it is not and Luther was right all along. Even if she disappears quickly again afterwards. But they know that she can find Zoe anytime. Alice is a bit busy here anyway with hanging around on the bedside of the fella who fell down in episode one after his confrontation with Luther and is in a coma ever since.
Another thing that caught my attention here is really the connection to a death wish that may or may not be a part of Luther. Does he have one? He is even asked that explicitly by the bad guy. Does he still see purpose in life with his wife gone, but with all his demons still there and new ones coming? He is standing up there on a roof and there is talk about jumping and falling and the colleague rather focuses on America's Next Top Model instead of (suicidal) discussions like these. Then there is the aforementioned Russian roulette scene as well that is perhaps the dramatic highlight of it all, even if the scene in/after which the bad guy tricks everybody to stand very close to each other, so they make for great targets, is also quite close. The third execution basically with these people storming the building was also devastating, but not as memorable as the previous two assaults. Interesting though how the killer always ruthlessly exploits the errors from the police. Anyway, still with the Russian roulette scene, Luther was never closer to dying you could say than in that one. Okay, this is only the second episode, but he was really close, even if we kinda knew he won't die there. The villain (played by Sam Spruell, who reminded me a bit of a British Jesse Plemons) lives in the end and is not shot and does also not commit suicide as it was suggested earlier with the 50% reference and his last words in the interrogation scene were also quite memorable. How he completely turns into a soldier there, a man taken captive by the enemy. That is all now. I enjoyed this episode really a lot, also because of Elba's great physicality, and I think it deserves a pretty high rating. I hope the show continues as strongly as it has started. Namely among television's very finest from 2010. Not just from the UK, but worldwide. Big thumbs-up.
Military Maniac
ZegMaarJus15 August 2021
Warning: Spoilers
This episode begins with Owen, he shot two police officers to death. Luther arrived at the crime scene. Owen shot down Jenny, she got brought to the hospital. Owen shot a couple of police officers down with a sniper, it was all a trap. The police get a tape from Owen, he wants revenge for his father. Alice stalks John on the phone. John visits Terry in jail, he is Owen his father. Owen blew up his place, the police team was there. A part of the squad that went in died, others are injured. Alice broke in to Zoe her house. John found Owen. Owen knocked down John. Owen plays Russian Roulette with John. John arrested Owen. Ian and Rose are interviewing Owen, but he says nothing at all. Amazing Episode of Luther Season 1, what a exciting episode. So much action, drama and tention mixed up in one episode!
Can't believe this rates so high
lizzieqever8 November 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Wow, talk about mindless drama. I haven't seen a show the stupid in a while. This to me seems like a typical drama kind of reminds me of 24, it's just all drama, but nothing even remotely realistic. I suppose if you like mindless drama, this is for you.
Couple of things, not an exhaustive list, but he goes in and threatens a guy who is an experienced trained special forces killer, who is already in for life. If you watch this, I just want to ask you what do you really think a man like him would do, when a guy comes in and starts threatening to tell all these apparently horrific lies by the guys reaction was just at this guy from just killing him? I mean what's he got to lose? The show is stupid!
Then, when he meets the bad guy who is berated on TV, what is the bad guy. Do talks to him? Unbelievably stupid! He killed a lot like 10 cops at least up till then?
Anyway, this will be the last episode I'm watching.
Couple of things, not an exhaustive list, but he goes in and threatens a guy who is an experienced trained special forces killer, who is already in for life. If you watch this, I just want to ask you what do you really think a man like him would do, when a guy comes in and starts threatening to tell all these apparently horrific lies by the guys reaction was just at this guy from just killing him? I mean what's he got to lose? The show is stupid!
Then, when he meets the bad guy who is berated on TV, what is the bad guy. Do talks to him? Unbelievably stupid! He killed a lot like 10 cops at least up till then?
Anyway, this will be the last episode I'm watching.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
