Since its debut on BBC One in 2017, Strike, the crime drama based on the novels by JK Rowling (writing as Robert Galbraith), has steadily woven itself as part of the channel's programming fabric. The latest installment, The Ink Black Heart, marks the sixth season of the series, which continues to follow Cormoran Strike (Tom Burke), the gruff, one-legged former military man turned private investigator, along with his sharp-witted assistant, Robin Ellacott (Holliday Grainger). This season adapts Rowling's 2022 novel of the same name, which spans over 1,000 pages, condensing it down to four hour-long episodes. A considerable task, and not one without its challenges.
Set against the moody backdrop of internet trolling and online defamation, the story follows Edie Ledwell (Mirren Mack), the creator of the hit web cartoon The Ink Black Heart, who seeks Strike’s and Robin’s assistance as she grapples with the harsh reality of being stalked online. With not only her career at stake—her cartoon is being transformed for the big screen—but her life threatened, Edie’s desperation drives her to Strike’s office. Yet, she’s not particularly interested in Strike himself, but rather the reputation and skills of Robin. "Why isn’t your name on the door alongside his?" she questions Robin, highlighting the tension and complexity of their professional relationship.
These opening moments encapsulate the essence of the series: character-driven narratives interwoven with mystery. The clashing dynamics between the two leads are palpable—Strike is earnest but emotionally inhibited, and Robin is exuberant yet cautious. This combination provided viewers with deeply engaging character arcs over the previous series, but The Ink Black Heart attempts to push these boundaries even more, introducing romantic tension alongside the central mystery.
The season kicks off with personal encounters as Strike takes Robin to dinner—an outing oddly set against the charming backdrop of Christmas lights. The ostensibly romantic evening takes a turn when Strike leans in for what many anticipated would be the start of something more, only for Robin to recoil, leading to yet another misstep in their already complicated relationship.
But it’s not just the romantic escapades viewers are treated to. Once Edie is tragically murdered soon after her visit, the duo shifts their focus from personal to professional, tackling the vague, nebulous threat known as “Anomie”, the online troll believed to be connected to her death. Desperately trying to piece together Edie’s last days and the identity of the unknown aggressor leads Strike and Robin down rabbit holes of both the real world and the dark underbelly of digital societies.
Some critics highlight the adaptation's struggles with pacing, claiming the necessity to cram Rowling's lengthy narrative resulted in scenes feeling rushed or convoluted. According to The Daily Mail, the adaptation can sometimes resemble gibberish, suffering from the tension between narrative ambition and time constraints. Strike’s escapades compel him to track down various online suspects, but the complexity of their interactions presents challenges. Christopher Stevens points out moments where scenes devolve to rapid-fire dialogue; the result can come off as “lists of character names, recited at speed.” For viewers unfamiliar with the myriad of online aliases and characters, this may flatten out some of the suspense and mystery, hindering overall engagement.
Yet, there’s charm found within the performances. Burke and Grainger deliver strong portrayals as partners who share perhaps the most tantalizing love story of modern television—one built on years of will-they-won’t-they tension. Their banter is delightfully layered, with each yearning glance and awkward encounter drawing viewers closer to their eventual, though consistently delayed, romantic resolution.
Despite the criticisms thrown at its pacing, especially as the six episodes rushed through significant character backstories and motivations to get to the crime-solving, some viewers found value in how the essence of the original series remained intact. The Guardian noted how the series, even when faltering, manages to stay grounded by focusing on the relationship of its characters. It echoed sentiments shared by many viewers who acknowledged the show is more about the interplay between Strike and Robin than about the murder mystery at its core.
The holistic drama of The Ink Black Heart plays heavily on themes of fame and consequence, as reflected through its tragic protagonist Edie. The investigation unravels threads connecting the more disturbing elements of online culture and fandom, examining how passion and obsession can drastically transform lives. Skeptics, like those at The Telegraph, noted how Rowling's commentary on modern online interactions appears to reflect her own experiences with the fandom and myriad public scrutiny, drawing parallels between Edie's fate and Rowling’s encounters with online backlash.
Mixed reviews arose not only around the storyline but also about adaptations drawn from longer source materials. Critics expressed this “unfilmable” dilemma led to uneven pacing and nodding toward broader societal themes, which they believed diluted the heart of what could make the narrative gripping. The adaptation has thrown the spotlight on the portrayal of the internet as both facilitator and predator, illustrating how anonymity can hand over untold power—a theme prevalent among many contemporary discussions.
Viewers leaned on the familiarity of the Strike universe for comfort, as many found solace not only in the mystery but also through the unchanged landscapes of the characters they have grown to admire. And with each awkward dinner conversation paired with suspense and rich subtext, the series retains its old-school charm, offering something refreshing amid darker narratives gripping other modern detective dramas. Amidst the storms of online turmoil, the audience was treated to sparks of dry humor—both within the love story and the mystery itself.
Robin’s forays as she delves more deeply to assist Strike often entail periods of levity, balancing the otherwise serious subject matter. Critics often celebrate the lighter moments interspersed with heavier themes and complicated relationships, believing it gives heart and relatability against broader issues. Relationships tinge not just the light-hearted aspects but weave through the more serious murder investigation, continuously elevating the storyline. The tragic event implores serious discussions about the traumas associated with online notoriety but does so without losing sight of the humanity present within the personal dynamics at play.
Strike’s chronic struggle against the shadows of his past mixes artfully with Robin’s determination to carve out her identity within her own messy psychological backdrop. The series tends to meander through moments of healing, pain, love, and longing, and throughout this season, the will-they-won’t-they dynamic reaches new heights by collecting complex threads of tension from the investigative efforts and personal lives of both characters.
So, as viewers find themselves drawn to yet another chapter of Strike, they also find enduring comfort amid chaos, continuously enthralled by the relationship dynamics and the layered narratives. The premiere of The Ink Black Heart reminds audiences of the importance of character-driven storytelling amid the tumultuous waters of modern socio-political landscapes, leaving patrons for the series still invested, hopeful—perhaps even impatient—about how and when Robin and Strike will finally navigate the treacle of their unspoken feelings.
