So recently Netflix released “Luther: The Fallen Sun.” This film continues the series called “Luther” by the BBC. Although they say you can watch the movie without having seen the series, we decided to watch all five seasons first before watching the movie.

After watching the series, I feel fairly knowledgeable about the British detective rank structure. I’m also quite curious about how the police operate without routine firearms. There were many scenes where Luther faces criminals armed with knives, bars, or guns, yet the officers have limited tools to defend themselves with. It’s thought provoking to see a British officer identify themselves verbally while unarmed and facing someone who is armed. It raises genuine questions about how that approach plays out in real world situations.

I don’t want to dwell on it too much, but there were several moments where you could see the challenge these officers face. They are tasked with protecting people and enforcing the law, yet the circumstances can put them at a disadvantage. Coming from the U.S., where police are typically armed, it’s simply a different approach and one that takes some time to understand from the outside looking in.

It’s also interesting to see how certain situations are portrayed in the series. For example, there was a scene involving an individual causing a disturbance that led a crowd to scatter rather than respond collectively. It adds a layer of tension to the story and makes you think about human behavior in high pressure moments.

In any case, Luther is a detective, and a really skilled one. Like many great detectives in fiction, he sometimes walks a fine line between doing what’s right, what needs to be done, and what’s allowed by the rules. He’s a good guy and a good cop, but he’s not always playing by the book.

I do feel for his character because he rarely gets a break. He’s often stressed and things tend to go from bad to worse. I was hoping the movie would bring some improvement for him, maybe even happiness. While that may happen eventually, it hasn’t yet.

If you’re planning to watch the film, you can jump straight into it. Idris Elba himself mentioned that on TikTok. However, I found it more enjoyable to watch the entire series first, though it’s not necessary. The seasons are fairly short, with one even having just two episodes. The show is a bit older but remains a great watch, especially if you want to get more invested before the movie. Definitely worth it in my opinion.

Please note, I’m talking about the “Luther” series starring Idris Elba. I came across another version that appears to be a French remake or adaptation. That’s simply a different take on the story and has a very different feel to it.