After a hugely successful run in its first six hours, BBC's "Luther" returns for another go with four more episodes. Some have contended that "Luther" is unlike any other show on TV, and I'm not entirely sure that I would agree with this assessment. While "Luther" can certainly be wild and unpredictable, it is not breaking the mold of many other rogue cop hero shows that have populated the modern TV landscape. As the titular Detective John Luther, Idris Elba brings much passion, conviction, and gusto to the standard role of a cop who must sometimes cross the line to do what's right. But to the program's credit, Elba can be extremely erratic as well and does push the notion of a "good" cop to an uncomfortable, and at times, violent level. It is this anything-may-happen feel that livens up even the most standard of cases. By the end of Season One, Luther had become absolutely unhinged and Elba had served up a performance that would be nominated for both an Emmy and a Golden Globe award.

Season Two (again, this is only 4 episodes) may not be quite as strong as the previous offering, but it is still solidly entertaining television. The first two episodes deal with a serial murderer who liked to broadcast his crimes, while the last two dealt with a sociopath's increasingly violent crime spree. Of these two, the second was my favorite--as the case was twice as complicated as anyone suspected and the grisly crimes were, literally, being decided on the roll of a dice. There was such a palpable sense of randomness, the danger and tension were ratcheted up considerably. Both had their highpoints and both had moments of implausibility, but the show is done with such conviction--it's hard not to get wrapped up in the mayhem. Over the entire second season, there is also a continuing subplot where Luther is asked to rescue a young woman from the seedy world of adult entertainment which gets our hero in deep water with some nefarious criminal types. I'm not sure that all of this was entirely effective, but it did give Elba a chance to showcase a softer side (albeit only marginally).

For me, the element that made Season One so great was its leading lady Ruth Wilson. As a psychopath who develops an unsettling bond with Luther, every scene that they shared was elevated to exquisite uncomfortableness. It was brilliantly acted, written and refreshingly daring for series television. Wilson does appear in Season Two in a more abbreviated performance. It's still fantastic, but when she was gone--I absolutely missed her! Aside from Elba and Wilson, Nikki Amuka-Bird turns in some strong work as a detective who is wary of Luther's reputation and Warren Brown's role gets expanded as Luther's strongest advocate who finds himself in harm's way. While I preferred Season One, this is still an easy recommendation for fans. And if you haven't seen any of "Luther," treat yourself and start at the beginning. Solidly entertaining throughout. KGHarris, 10/11.

After a hugely successful run in its first six hours, BBC's "Luther" returns for another go with four more episodes. Some have contended that "Luther" is unlike any other show on TV, and I'm not entirely sure that I would agree with this assessment. While "Luther" can certainly be wild and unpredictable, it is not breaking the mold of many other rogue cop hero shows that have populated the modern TV landscape. As the titular Detective John Luther, Idris Elba brings much passion, conviction, and gusto to the standard role of a cop who must sometimes cross the line to do what's right. But to the program's credit, Elba can be extremely erratic as well and does push the notion of a "good" cop to an uncomfortable, and at times, violent level. It is this anything-may-happen feel that livens up even the most standard of cases. By the end of Season One, Luther had become absolutely unhinged and Elba had served up a performance that would be nominated for both an Emmy and a Golden Globe award.

Season Two (again, this is only 4 episodes) may not be quite as strong as the previous offering, but it is still solidly entertaining television. The first two episodes deal with a serial murderer who liked to broadcast his crimes, while the last two dealt with a sociopath's increasingly violent crime spree. Of these two, the second was my favorite--as the case was twice as complicated as anyone suspected and the grisly crimes were, literally, being decided on the roll of a dice. There was such a palpable sense of randomness, the danger and tension were ratcheted up considerably. Both had their highpoints and both had moments of implausibility, but the show is done with such conviction--it's hard not to get wrapped up in the mayhem. Over the entire second season, there is also a continuing subplot where Luther is asked to rescue a young woman from the seedy world of adult entertainment which gets our hero in deep water with some nefarious criminal types. I'm not sure that all of this was entirely effective, but it did give Elba a chance to showcase a softer side (albeit only marginally).

For me, the element that made Season One so great was its leading lady Ruth Wilson. As a psychopath who develops an unsettling bond with Luther, every scene that they shared was elevated to exquisite uncomfortableness. It was brilliantly acted, written and refreshingly daring for series television. Wilson does appear in Season Two in a more abbreviated performance. It's still fantastic, but when she was gone--I absolutely missed her! Aside from Elba and Wilson, Nikki Amuka-Bird turns in some strong work as a detective who is wary of Luther's reputation and Warren Brown's role gets expanded as Luther's strongest advocate who finds himself in harm's way. While I preferred Season One, this is still an easy recommendation for fans. And if you haven't seen any of "Luther," treat yourself and start at the beginning. Solidly entertaining throughout. KGHarris, 10/11.

You know the old joke about the women complaining about the food at a restaurant in the Catskills? "This food is terrible," says one. "Yes," agrees her companion, "and the portions are so small."

Luther is like that joke in reverse. "This show is so great, but the portions are too small."

Do four episodes really constitute a season? I was left wanting more after the six episodes of the first season. What am I going to do until Season 3?

The lead character is an intriguing mix of deeply flawed humanity and world weariness -- a hero for our times. While I wish there had been more of his unlikely ally crazy Alice in this season, the finale holds out the hope that she will reappear in Season 3. I can hardly wait.

More, more!