TV - BBC Drama - 'Luther'

'Luther'. It’s quite the experience. Seriously, this show wipes the floor with other detective dramas. From the moody Massive Attack title track ('Paradise Circus') to the casting and cinematography (Julian Court) and direction (Brian Kirk), it's damned near perfect. It’s a big ol’ mash-up of fast shapes and blurred colours. It's edgy and fast, and dark and devilish; it's stretched and serious and sexy. It’s everything a BBC detective drama should be.

Brooker-nominated, ‘Spooks’ writer, Neil Cross has come up with a script which punches hard, leaving you with a sly smile and want for more. Everything is included here; a gritty city setting, filled with a host of characters - sociopaths and nicotine-stained officers, confused wives and puffed-up lovers - Cross has added them all. Then there’s Idris Elba, fresh of ‘The Wire’, as Luther himself. In lead, he holds the part superbly. He’s pinned down that taunt point between protector and aggressor, with with a mean kick and a few good lines to go.

So, it's all good. However, whether Cross' script will stand the test of time is yet to be seen - well, whatever, whatever, right now, this is a great terrestrial show...