Luther season 5 teaser: Who’s tormenting John Luther now?

Luther season 5 is premiering before too long, but don’t be too angry at the BBC for not sharing a premiere date. That’s just not something they like to do in advance and if you are a long time Luther fan then you are probably already used to that. This is one of the most patient networks out there … which of course means that they frustrate viewers at a pace that few other networks can ever possibly match. After all, we do dwell within a culture where so many demand answers to what they want, when they want it and wanting a premiere date for a show that’s airing any day now is an easy one to grant us.

In the sneak peek that CarterMatt has for you below, at least you do get a sense as to some of what’s ahead for John Luther … and it includes some pretty hard times. Idris Elba’s character is finding himself tormented over the whereabouts of George’s missing son Alistair, which he claims he doesn’t know where he is. Yet, that is not stopping George from giving him all sorts of hell. This preview is painful, visceral, and hard for Luther (and hard for us to watch!). While we know this man to be as hardened an investigator as they come, every man has their limits and this season could end up being his.

How much is too much for John Luther? Will we reach the point when the man crumbles completely? We feel like one of the big reasons why there is so much time between seasons in that it does enable this character to have a lengthy recovery period, one in which he can come to terms with the past, reconcile its relationship with the present, and then try to take another step forward. It’s what has kept him going since the ‘departure’ of Alice Morgan (just a reminder that she may not be dead, as evidenced by Ruth Wilson being open to a spin-off). It’s certainly a part of what keeps him going now. He has to focus on what stands before him, even if what this is a most-unpleasant and certainly trying situation.

This has turned out to be quite the week for Elba, given that earlier this week he was named People’s Sexiest Man Alive — quite an achievement for a man who was once known mostly for his work on The Wire. There are going to be some out there who routinely think of him more for this role than almost any other; yet, there are others who may feel like John Luther is his signature performance. Count us in that boat. While he may not put on the tweed coat as often as we may like, we’ve come to cherish the character for every opportunity in which he does. It’s almost venturing into TV event territory given that it’s hardly an annual occurrence anymore.

Once Luther season 5 does have a formal return date, we will be sure to let you know. For now, we advise you to share some of your thoughts and insight regarding the new preview in the comments. (Photo: BBC.)