Idris Elba makes a welcome return to BBC One to reprise his role of Luther, the highly acclaimed drama which got the nation talking – the deeply thrilling crime series was beautifully shot and full of exhilarating stories, distinctive characters and intense, psychological drama.

Idris Elba stars as DCI John Luther, the super-intuitive detective struggling to cope with his own demons, in two new distinctive, thrilling crime stories.

Two new specials

Crackling with energy the two new specials see Luther take bigger risks and face even darker challenges.

Cast

Idris Elba won a Golden Globe nomination for his role as Luther and was also honoured at the 42nd NAACP Awards for Outstanding Actor in a Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special.

The second series sees the return of Ruth Wilson as Alice Morgan and Paul McGann as Mark North; they are joined by Kierston Wareing as new character Caroline Jones.

Episode 1

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 (Dermot Crowley – Babel, Bleak House).

Luther quickly gathers together his team, rescuing his old partner Detective Justin Ripley (Warren Brown – Occupation, Shameless) 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...

Episode 2

Luther is devastated by the news of his colleague's abduction and throws himself into the investigation, knowing Cameron has an ultimate plan that is far more horrific than any of his previous murders.

A desperate call from Caroline forces Luther to put his investigation on hold. At Caroline's house he comes face to face with Baba, Jenny's ruthless and vengeful gang boss. Baba considers Jenny her property and wants compensation from Luther for taking Jenny from her. Luther must either help her or both Caroline and Jenny will die. Baba wants him to prevent a witness, currently held in a safehouse, from implicating her grandson, Toby, in a forthcoming trial. Unable to see an alternative, Luther agrees, frustrated at once again finding himself forced to act outside of police procedure.

Episode 3

As Luther's affection grows for Jenny, the quirky girl who is integrating herself into his life, so does his determination to protect her, as the crime drama continues. His wish to get her back on her feet even overrides his obsession with work and, for the first time in too long, he takes a holiday to help her. Their domestic morning is interrupted, however, by news of a violent attack at a petrol station. Luther reluctantly leaves Jenny, warning her to be careful.

Meanwhile, Baba and her heavies continue to make their demands on Luther. As yet, he has been unable to find a way to end their blackmail. However, when Toby and Frank set Luther another task, he sees an opening through the obvious antagonism between the two men. For Jenny's sake he knows he must do what they say but, slowly, a plan to exploit Frank's frustration with Toby starts to formulate in his mind...

Episode 4

Luther's personal and professional life spirals out of control as he tries to cover up a death and appease a suspicious Baba, in the concluding part of the crime drama. 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?

Confronted with the gruesome reality of his actions, Luther has a momentary flicker of doubt, questioning whether he can go through with his plan. He knows that by continuing he is moving further into the dark abyss of the criminal world than he ever has before. But he must, for Jenny. Steeling his nerves he commits to his plan before hurrying back to work.

◄ Luther Series One details

Luther starring Idris Elba Episode Guide Series 2

DCI John Luther returns to work and starts on the case of a serial killer

Starring Idris Elba, Dermot Crowley, Warren Brown, Ruth Wilson, Paul McGann and Kierston Wareing

Photograph of Idris Elba in character as DCI John Luther for BBC police drama Luther