Viewers of BBC's new series Strike: The Ink Black Heart have expressed widespread disappointment, describing the crime drama as confusing and tedious. The show, which is based on the sixth novel written by JK Rowling under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith, returned for its newest installment on December 16, 2023, after two years since the last season.
The premise of the series revolves around the dynamic detective duo of Cormoran Strike, played by Tom Burke, and his assistant Robin Ellacott, portrayed by Holliday Grainger. Together, they take on the investigation of the mysterious death of Edie Ledwell, one of the creators of the popular YouTube cartoon, The Ink Black Heart. Ledwell's demise unravels complex threads of online identities, mistaken loyalties, and family disputes, keeping viewers on their toes.
Despite the show's intriguing premise, many fans have taken to social media to air their grievances. A particularly vocal faction of viewers on the platform X remarked, "Well... completely confused, then fell asleep, not feeling this one," pointing to the episode's lack of cohesion. Another viewer stated, "Really disappointing new series … love the main actors but the storyline and script is awful," summing up the sentiments shared by many. The frustration didn't end there, with another comment noting, "I'm finding this particularly #Strike rather boring."
The episode aired at 9 PM on BBC One and quickly drew the attention of fans who had been eagerly awaiting its return. Yet, upon viewing, many found themselves disoriented by the rapid shifts and complexity of the plot. A particularly perplexing aspect of the series is the introduction of a character known as Anomie, whose identity remains shrouded and central to the narrative.
While some fans are quick to criticize, others rose to defend the series. Statements like, "Far from boring, great stuff. #Strike" and "Wonderful to have #Strike back on the Beeb, another excellent piece of telly filmed in London," showcased passionate support from members of the audience. This polarized reception highlights the varying expectations of viewers when it came to adapting such beloved material.
Screenwriter Tom Edge weighed in on the challenges of adapting The Ink Black Heart for television, explaining, "The book has a puzzle piece game... which gets to the heart of online identity, and the point at which it clashes with the real world." He continued, recognizing the difficulty of capturing the essence of such nuanced themes on screen, stating, "I think the core of the story... we were able to achieve without stacking everything on... the game."
Fans of the original books have harbored divisive opinions about the adaptation, with past installments receiving mixed reactions. This latest season's opening episode showcased Robin's attempt to navigate the murky waters of online culture and identity through the investigation, and many wished for more clarity. David F, one viewer, expressed, "I'm a tad confused, but sure it will make sense eventually."
Returning for its sixth season, Strike previously attracted high viewership numbers, averaging over 8 million during its last run with Troubled Blood. Viewers have been charmed by Burke and Grainger's portrayal of the lead characters, but the plot's recent convoluted arc seems to overshadow their talents. The mystery surrounding the show prompts the question: will future episodes bring resolution or prolong confusion?
All episodes of Strike: The Ink Black Heart are currently available for streaming on BBC iPlayer, and fans are left to wonder how the next chapters will evolve. With just two more books from JK Rowling's series yet to be adapted, viewers are eager to see how the narrative might develop, hoping for clarity and coherence as they continue on this complex path alongside Cormoran and Robin.