Another way the show differentiates itself is that the episodes are never really mysteries. You know who the culprit is immediately. The show is more about the pursuit than the investigation.
Do you think they will do an episode with a knife wielding maniac jihadist on the loose in London? haha jk, that would be unrealistic... But they did do an episode with a psycho PTSD soldier killing cops, just like in real life...
If you don't mind watching illegally http://www.solarmovie.so/tv/luther-2010/ September 3rd is for America I believe. The show comes out in England first. Third season started July 2.
I saw it a while back and really liked it, though I agree it can get a bit too melodramatic. Different strokes I guess. I had to watch all the Sherlocks, and I thought the writing and the show generally, but especially the writing, was pretty mediocre. Especially after I saw the Alley Theatre do the Suicide Club and made me realize by comparison how facile the show's villains are, how annoying they make Sherlock to be, and what a whimpering pathetic creature they make of Watson.
don't mind watching that way... IF I can do so with a clear stream, on my tv. otherwise i'll just wait.
The putlocker streams should be high enough quality for you. The bad guy for the first 2 episodes is of course middle age white people (I feel like this isn't a spoiler since Luther always introduces you to the bad guy in the first scene).
I just finished watching all 3 seasons (14 episodes total). This show is special. I very strongly suggest it to any and everyone. Wow! I sure hope the movie project happens.
So, in a way, it's a British Columbo. That's how Peter Falk's series always began. I've yet to see Luther, and need to watch the first season. I like mysteries, police detective series, private eye series, and stuff like that. Love the new Sherlock.
Watch the first season and you will finish all 3. Promise. You might also want to try The Fall. The first season was 5 episodes. Very solid, mature show that delivers the goods and will keep you coming back for more. I'm love these British dramas that are 4-6 episodes per season. They have no filler and there are almost no wasted moments. Each episode is packed and satisfying.