What’s On My Tellybox: Crime Dramas

Luther (Series 1 BBC/Amazon Prime)

Ever since the series returned to our screens back in January I’ve been trying to catch up on this highly-recommended gritty psychological drama. We first meet DCI John Luther (Idris Elba) returning to his job based in suburban London after a break due to a mental breakdown. When watching the series it is very apparent that Luther is an extremely dedicated officer, however this dedication has it’s consequences as Luther often becomes consumed and obsessed with the crime being investigated. He also has quite the temper and can snap at the drop of a hat, often becoming violent. However all of this makes his character all the more captivating to watch and Idris Elba, as always, delivers an excellent performance that drives the entire series from episode to episode. I must warn though that this series is certainly not for the faint-hearted, there is the occasional gory close-up and/or characters suddenly appearing in mirrors (my pet hate). Although I feel that these elements combined with the fantastic casting and great cinematography make for an essential binge-watch. Hence why I’m already on Series 2!

Thirteen (BBC 3 – IPlayer)

Although this series is only available online due to BBC Three’s move, it has been become widely popular and is no-doubt one of BBC Three’s stand-out programmes of the year so far. This 5-part series follows the escape of 26 year old ‘Ivy Moxam’ after she has been captured in a cellar for 13 years, during the series she undergoes police investigation as to what happened to her during that time and where her kidnapper might be hiding. This series gripped me entirely from start to finish and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in dramas out there. Jodie Comer’s performance is absolutely amazing; I could not fault it or the entire series to be honest. Just watch it.

The People v.s OJ Simpson: American Crime Story (BBC Two)

This is currently being aired on BBC Two on Monday nights and so may have been missed by many readers. This season is the first of many planned ‘American Crime Story’ adaptations to air both in the US and UK; however each season aired will tell a different narrative much like ‘American Horror Story’. This first season is based upon the book The Run of His Life: The People v. O.J. Simpson by Jeffrey Toobin. The show therefore follows the story of how the african-american basketball player’s life was changed when his wife and her lover where brutally murdered outside their home. What I like most about this show, is that all the evidence seemingly points towards O.J, however the audience continue to be shocked by his “dream team” and their cowardly actions in order to attempt to save O.J from imprisonment. This show has to be watched to be believed.

Ramble Over.