When Idris Elba last donned his character’s iconic tweed coat four years ago, I had already concluded that the series had pretty much run its course. Don’t get me wrong, I still love Luther as character, and he’s surrounded by a decent supporting cast too, but the show has steadily declined since its stellar first season. Nonetheless, I was still excited for Luther: The Fallen Sun. I mean, I remember opining that season five would’ve worked better as a movie, given some of its over-the-top moments. So, to me, the series transitioning to a bigger, longer format represented the only way it can get its momentum back. As it turns out, I was wrong.

Other than Elba, the best thing about Luther: The Fallen Sun is its premise, which is pretty timely and creepy. Andy Serkis plays David Robey, a wealthy psychopath who gets his kicks surveilling and blackmailing decent folk before eventually murdering them or forcing them to commit suicide. And the guy’s prolific too; he’s shown to have killed dozens of people. The core concept of a psychopath utilizing the internet as a tool to collect info and intimidate innocents is an intriguing one. Also, the idea that the internet creates an environment in which like-minded psychos can gather and be themselves, rather than having to suppress their proclivities, is incredibly scary. Unfortunately, writer Neil Cross and director Jamie Payne are neither Nic Pizzolatto nor David Fincher, and so, they’re unable to maximize their conceptions. This means that Robey, who should’ve been demonic, ends up being cartoonish (his hair didn’t help).

In addition to Serkis, Luther: The Fallen Sun adds Academy Award-nominated actress Cynthia Erivo as DCI Odette Raine, the lead detective on Robey’s case. Erivo is a skilled actress, but she’s given very little to do in this film. Nothing about her character is surprising, to the extent that I was predicting her lines almost word for word in acts one and two. Things get a little juicier for her in the third act, but by then, all eyes are on Elba vs Serkis. She simply gets overshadowed.

Ultimately, what has come to undermine Luther is Neil Cross’ insistence on making his titular character a quasi-superhero. And I understand that inclination; Idris Elba is an awesome leading man. There’s a reason he’s been a front runner to play Bond for years. The thing is: Luther is not Bond; he’s a London detective, and that’s all he needs to be. I don’t need epic – and frankly, laughable – arcing shots of Luther standing atop a skyscraper like he’s Batman. I don’t need him to survive a prison-wide brawl like he’s Ethan Hunt. All I need him to do is delve into London’s darkness and investigate murders while accompanied by a righteous rookie, á la Justin Ripley. Maybe if Cross had returned to that mold, he wouldn’t have had to draw up bland supporting players or villains that come off like Christoph Waltz’s Blofeld, but somehow shittier.

As much as I want to skewer other elements of Luther: The Fallen Sun, like its preposterous Piccadilly Circus set piece, I’m choosing instead to wrap up on a positive: Idris Elba. The guy is still terrific as John Luther, even without Ruth Wilson as a dance partner. Seeing him throw on the tweed jacket and cruise around in a Volvo is still satisfying, mainly because he’s the one doing it. Elba clearly remains invested in the role that transformed him from a known commodity to a top superstar, and that investment will be good enough for some (including the person I watched this with). For me, however, I want something else: I want the old Luther. I’m just not a fan of this cinematic reformation.

If I had to score it, I’d give Luther: The Fallen Sun a 5/10.