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Rating: 3.5 out of 5

Starring: Tom Burke and Holliday Grainger

Streaming on: Hotstar (in India)

To watch or not to watch: A decent watch for whodunnit lovers

CB Strike (or just Strike) is based on the Cormoran Strike book series created by Robert Galbraith (JK Rowling pseudonym). Strike is a Afghanistan war hero, who returned minus his left leg. He also has a dark background, estranged rockstar father and overdosed supermodel mother. After honorable discharge, he started his private investigation agency, which became is focal point of existence. The series picks up from when he needed a temporary assistant to help manage the business a little.

The series starts with a case of apparent suicide of a super model from her third floor penthouse. Strike has been hired by her foster brother to investigate into the death as he suspects foul play. This brings forth the old-school detective work of following witnesses, obtaining files under subterfuge and harmless deception. This is exciting work for Robin, who has always wanted to be a detective and agrees to be a full-time assistant for lesser pay (and hence a permanent cast member). The first season has 3 cases spread over 7 episodes.

Tom Burke and Holliday Grainger are a strikingly gorgeous duo. They are a reason enough to watch the series. That being said, the series itself is a typical formula detective story. The protagonist is brooding with a heart of gold, unapparent intelligence and down-on-his-luck (in contrast to Sherlock Holmes’ sociopathic tendencies which make him a better detective). Robin is smart and resourceful, who knows where she see herself in the next 5 years. As to the solution to the real case, which should be the whole point of the series, Strike just has many off-screen insights and clues appearing to him which are revealed in the climax of each case. If someone is looking for something not essentially smart but decent enough, this is a good option.