Having demonstrated his impressive dramatic skills to a wider audience, the big screen beckoned for Idris Elba after Sometimes In April. However, the crucial element in his rise through the ranks soon became apparent, as he sought to cement his presence in television, in addition to working in film. This move has played a significant role in the actor’s success, specifically because it came just ahead of a shift in the television landscape – harnessed by broadcasters such as Netflix and HBO – that saw talent previously associated with cinema embracing television.
This blurring of what had previously been a much harder line between media allowed for Idris Elba to deliver performances according to the role on offer, as opposed to restricting those choices to either the big or small screen as a result of some arbitrary bias – and this resulted in some excellent television. In 2009, for example, Elba joined the cast of The Office for a multi-episode arc as the very serious and reserved manager Charles Miner, who posed a threat to the authority of series lead Michael Scott (Steve Carell). In 2011, he earned a Primetime Emmy nomination for a four-episode arc on comedy series The Big C. But it’s the BBC drama Luther that truly highlighted Idris Elba’s abilities as a leading man.
Luther arrived as a miniseries event, with its first season comprising just six episodes. The show introduced us to DCI John Luther, who works for the Serious Crime Unit. He’s an obsessive and talented investigator, who never shies away from the darkest and most disturbing of cases – to the detriment of his own peace of mind. In the very first episode, he investigates the highly intelligent and homicidal psychopath, Alice Morgan (played by Ruth Wilson), and becomes locked in a battle of the wits. As the series progresses, he’s unable to bring a case against her due a lack of evidence, but instead cultivates her as a resource – exploiting her obsession with him, in order to gain her insight into the minds of the predators he pursues.
Each subsequent outing has consisted of less episodes – with seasons two and three having four episodes each, and season four having just two. The critical acclaim the show generates has continued at a high level, though – with Elba’s performance as the slowly unravelling detective being the main highlight (and also won him a Golden Globe), closely followed by the excellent writing. As a result, Luther has become one of the most high profile BBC properties, alongside Sherlock, which also stars actors now forging successful careers in Hollywood film.
Elba’s commitment to the medium of television remains – in spite of his big screen success. In addition to a fifth season of Luther for the BBC, he appeared in an episode of Playhouse Presents, as well as television miniseries Five By Five and Guerilla.
