Idris Elba as Luther: The Realities Behind the Crime Drama
Nothing beats a good, cosy crime drama. Following a detective as they retrace steps, interview suspects and wander into gruesome crime scenes without even a hint of hand sanitiser. All of that while having a cheeky late night cup of tea? Can’t beat it.
That being said, how accurate are these shows in depicting what actually happens during an investigation? We know that it’s not quite as glossy as it is on screen, but are the important details factual?
Well, not so much.
Digital Spy spoke with Sophie Harris, a forensic assistant apprentice who revealed that not only is most of it not factual, but for shows like Luther, even the premise is off.
In a lot of crime and detective shows, there is one person fronting the investigation who not only does the paperwork, but gets their hands dirty in the nitty gritty of the crime scenes and is responsible for speaking to witnesses and suspects.
Harris explained that this isn’t quite so straightforward in the real world, saying: “On a lot of crime dramas, they show everything being done by one or two people, but that’s not true. You have a first officer attending the scene who alerts other people about what’s going on.
“After that, when forensics get involved, you’ll have a forensics scene investigator come, you’ll have crime scene coordinators, you’ll have all sorts of different people attending the scene.”
This may come as a surprise to fans of Luther, where we see Idris Elba’s character, DCI John Luther, single-handedly solving complex cases and taking down criminals. While it may make for great television, it’s not an accurate representation of how investigations are actually carried out.
Another very satisfying plot point in many crime scenes is somebody being identified from a single fingerprint. Usually, you’ll see one tech whizz sits in front of a screen, who scans the fingerprint and boom – we have our criminal.
Harris said: “On NCIS, I remember, they found a fingerprint and just popped it onto the system and then they got a suspect straight from that.
“But, you’ve got to be able to find a certain amount of characteristics on a fingerprint to be able to compare it to a mark, so it’s not that straightforward.”
Reality is, as ever, a little more admin-heavy than fiction. While it may not be as exciting to watch someone sift through paperwork and wait for lab results, it’s a crucial part of the investigative process.
But let’s not forget the main attraction of Luther – Idris Elba. The British actor has become synonymous with the character and has won critical acclaim for his portrayal of the troubled detective.
Elba’s performance as Luther has been praised for its intensity and depth, with many fans and critics hailing him as one of the best actors of our time. His ability to bring a complex character like Luther to life is a testament to his talent and dedication as an actor.
But it’s not just his acting skills that make Elba the perfect fit for Luther. He also brings a certain charm and charisma to the character, making him both intimidating and endearing at the same time.
Elba’s portrayal of Luther has also broken barriers in terms of representation on screen. As a black actor playing a lead role in a major crime drama, he has shattered stereotypes and opened doors for more diverse casting in the industry.
Moreover, Elba’s involvement in the show has also brought attention to important social issues, such as mental health and police corruption. Through his character, he has sparked important conversations and shed light on these important topics.
In addition to his role as Luther, Elba has also become a household name for his work in other popular shows and films, such as The Wire, Thor, and Beasts of No Nation. He has proven time and time again that he is a versatile and talented actor, capable of taking on any role and making it his own.
In conclusion, while Luther may not be the most accurate representation of real-life investigations, it still manages to captivate audiences with its gripping storylines and compelling characters. And at the heart of it all is Idris Elba, who brings his own unique charm and talent to the role of Luther. So, let’s raise a cup of tea to Idris Elba as Luther – a true icon of the crime drama genre.
