It's finally here. The third series of BBC One's Luther will debut on Tuesday night (July 2, 2013) with the first of four 60 minute episodes. The lengthy instalments will please drama aficionadas, though perhaps a longer overall series wouldn't have gone amiss.

Idris Elba

Nevertheless, John Luther - played by Idris Elba - is once again on the hunt for a murderer in the capital - this time, a copycat killer whose murderous spree is reminiscent of an unsolved case from the 1980s. Luther's focus is divided when a reluctant Schenk assigns him to another case - a malicious internet tormentor found murderer in his home, with all his possessions stripped from the flat. With multiple potential suspects, Luther must apply brute force to a key witness for more information, unaware that his every move is being watched.

Of course, nothing ever comes easy for DCI John Luther, and sticklers for the flawed cop character will have a field day with the new series. Anti-corruption officer Erin Gray and DSU Stark will stop at nothing to punish those who work outside of the perimeters of the law, leaving the under-pressure Luther at loggerheads with his superiors. 

Idris ElbaIdris Elba With His Golden Globe Award For 'Luther'

Elba - who is still widely tipped to replace Daniel Craig as James Bond once the British actor departs the franchise - won the Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Miniseries at the 69th Annual Golden Globe Awards in 2012, a year after his nomination in 2011.

Luther season three premieres on BBC One at 9pm. 

Watch a preview of the first episode of Luther season three: