The dark psychological drama starring Idris Elba as John Luther, the near-genius detective struggling with his own demons, returns with two distinctive, thrilling crime stories. Devastated by the brutal murder of his wife, John Luther returns to policing in a different world. His old unit has gone and he's working in the newly created Serious and Serial unit, headed by former police complaints officer Martin Schenk. Luther quickly gathers together his team, rescuing his old partner Detective Justin Ripley from uniform. It's not long before they're dealing with their first case. A masked man wanders the streets of London, carrying out ritualistic murders in historic locations, working his way up to one final masterpiece... Crackling with energy and beautifully shot this series sees Luther take bigger risks and face even darker challenges.

The dark psychological drama starring Idris Elba as John Luther, the near-genius detective struggling with his own demons, returns with two distinctive, thrilling two-part crime stories.

Devastated by the brutal murder of his wife, John Luther returns to policing in a different world. After Zoe’s death and best friend Ian Reed’s betrayal, Luther spent some time working on cold cases.

Now he’s back. His old unit has gone and he’s working in the newly created Serious and Serial unit. Headed by former police complaints officer Martin Schenk, it is Luther’s chance for a fresh start. But is it one he really wants?

Luther quickly gathers together his team, rescuing his old partner Detective Justin Ripley from career oblivion. Joining them is ambitious Detective Erin Gray. She’s heard of Luther’s reputation, seen what’s happened to Ripley and doesn’t want her own job prospects tarnished in the same way

It’s not long before they’re dealing with their first case. A masked man wanders the streets of London, carrying out ritualistic murders in historic locations – Smithfield, Petticoat Lane… He’s taking Luther on a tour through the narrow alleyways and back streets of the city, using murders to mark out his territory and working up to one final masterpiece…

Crackling with energy, beautifully shot and full of exhilarating stories, distinctive characters and snappy, clever dialogue, this series sees Luther take bigger risks and face even darker challenges.

Episode 1

Still plagued by the death of his ex-wife, Luther returns to work to face a surreal and nightmarish case of a masked murderer determined to enter into folklore. As the body count rises, Luther must use all his skills to stop the killer, at the same time trying to rescue an old acquaintance's daughter from the dangerous world of prostitution.

Episode 2

Luther must rescue Ripley, abducted by Cameron, in time to prevent Cameron's final murderous set piece. But Jenny's ruthless and vengeful boss is demanding compensation for stealing her protégé. Luther is torn. Will his visionary mind provide the team with the tools to save Ripley and the killer's intended victims, or will his focus be compromised?

Episode 3

As Luther's affection for Jenny grows so does his determination to protect her and help her back on her feet. Baba, however, is determined to keep Luther on a tight leash. To add to Luther's difficulties, he is called in to investigate a man whose brutal and escalating murders seem to have no motive, leaving Jenny alone and vulnerable.

Episode 4

Luther's personal and professional life spirals out of control as he tries to cover up Toby's death and appease a suspicious Baba. He must also protect Jenny from any further harm. At work there's also a killer at large whose actions are ruled by his dice. How do you stop a man who sees life and death as a game and whose actions can't be predicted?

Starring: Idris Elba (The Wire, American Gangster) , Ruth Wilson (Small Island, Jane Eyre) , Dermot Crowley (Babel, Bleak House) , Warren Brown (Occupation, Shameless) , Nikki Amuka-Bird (Survivors, Small Island) , Paul McGann (Withnail, I, True Dare Kiss) , Pam Ferris (Harry Potter, Matilda) , Aimee-Ffion Edwards (Skins, Being Human) , Kierston Wareing (The Shadow Line, The Take)