Rebus

Those who have read Ian Rankin's originals, and seen the earlier TV series based upon them, may be somewhat disconcerted by this revival. It is well done - although the conclusion of the 6-part series suggests more has to come.

The originals were set in their time; the technology of our era now moves on differently. The revival reflects this, it's not an attempt to dive back into the past - and perhaps that's commendable.

But I'm concerned about why the producers felt the need to provide us with this - unless it's simply a blatant attempt to capitalize on a successful formula with the attendant risk of alienating those who revere the original. I'd like to believe otherwise!

My Review- Rebus Streaming on SBS on Demand

My Rating 810

I hope there will be a second series of Rebus as I really enjoyed the first series which is based on Ian Rankin's best selling novels concerning Detective sergeant later Inspector Rebus described as a hardboiled Edinburgh cop.

I liked this tough but vulnerable character played by Richard Rankin who regrets the recent breakup of his family and the resulting divorce from his ex wife Rhona .

Now Mrs Rhona Moncrieffe they maintain a good even affectionate relationship together as John Rebus is a good father to their daughter Samantha.

However Rebus is constantly reminded of his failures and inadequacies by the wealthy success and vastly improved lifestyle of Rhona and his young daughter Samantha provided by Rhona's new husband Locke played Nick Rhys.

The action of the story increases dramatically when John Rebus is drawn into Edinburgh's criminal underbelly when investigating what appears to be a fued between two rival families that are suspected to be involved in drug and human trafficking.

Rebus also has a difficult relationship with his brother Michael a returned soldier who like his brother saw service in Afghanistan .

Michael and his family appear to be going through difficult financial woes and like many returned veterans feel ignored and neglected. Michael seeks a way out of his financial problems that brings him into a dangerous conflict with his brother John.

I enjoyed the different story threads and characters in Rebus performed by an excellent ensemble cast that includes Amy Manson as Rhona , Brian Ferguson who plays Michael Rebus and Stuart Bowman plays Ger Cafferty a dangerous Edinburgh gangster who has violent history with John Rebus.

I recommend this 6 part series well written and adapted to television by Gregory Burke and skilfully directed by Niall MacCormick and Fiona Walton it left me wanting more .

I recommend subtitles as the Edinburgh accents at times are a little difficult to understand.

I am from Edinburgh (EH7 -poor rough bit) and I like this sort of drama.

I love that Rebus books and various tv series show all sides of Edinburgh.

I have often explained to English people that there are very rough areas of Edinburgh and some well off areas of the West of Scotland but the Glasgow cliches live on.

But I am not a huge fan of the books although Ian Rankin seems to be a good person and very intelligent.

So to this latest version of Rebus.

I like all 3 versions that have been on tv so far,think this one is best then Hannah then Stott.

I love Stott in The Vice for example but felt he overacted in his Rebus,but it had great moments.

I give no spoilers but no secret that this Rebus is different from the other 2.

It is written by Gregory Burke a Scottish writer who looked like he was going to be a huge name but faded from view.

Hopefully there will be another series of this and Burke will become a big name again.

Some of the dialogue is brilliant.

I think you can tcompare he evolution of Rebus on tv to the Bond franchise,or to Doctor Who.

They are all the same thing but they evolve over the years,this is like Daniel Craig era Bond.

No plot spoilers but this is very gritty.

There are letters in this week's Radio Times (the main British tv magazine) complaining about the amount of swearing in this,there is a lot of what you could call industrial language but realistically criminals swear in real life.

I love the Edinburgh locations ,I have guessed most of them.

One thing I loved about this was that Caroline Lee-Johnson is in it.

She is a very convincing actress in everything she is in but she has not been in much for years.

In fact the casting and the look of this series are both first class.

The plot is complicated but convincing.

I have little time for people saying that it is not like the books or the other tv versions.

The character has evolved in the books and in any case fans don't own the character and can't dictate what happens to him.

I find it rather funny that All these reviewers are complaining that Ian Rankin won't like what's been done to his creation and they are obviously oblivious to the fact that he fully supports this reimagining of a younger Rebus set in the present day. I think Richard Rankin does a great job as Rebus and I can't wait for 2nd series. The supporting actors are growing on me . This Rebus is a bit more violent than I really remember and I personally could Do with a bit less of gratuitous violence but all in all It's a winner . Good writing , good acting, not much to dislike here. I can see this series doing well .

The BBC's latest adaptation of Ian Rankin's iconic Edinburgh detective, Rebus, boldly reinvents the character for a new generation-setting him in the present day as a younger, more volatile DS rather than the weary DI of past series. While this reboot leans into violence and realism, it manages to stay true to the spirit of Rankin's creation-something the author himself fully supports.

Richard Rankin is a standout as Rebus, bringing a brooding intensity and emotional vulnerability to the role. His fractured relationships, particularly with ex-wife Rhona and his brother Michael, ground the show in personal drama, while the unfolding criminal plot adds the necessary suspense and grit. The supporting cast, including Amy Manson and Brian Ferguson, deliver compelling performances that grow stronger as the series progresses.

This version of Rebus doesn't shy away from the darker sides of Edinburgh, with plenty of bleak cityscapes, complex moral dilemmas, and "industrial language." The violence may be more graphic than earlier adaptations, but it serves the narrative's tone rather than distracting from it. Gregory Burke's adaptation is sharp and well-paced, and the direction by Niall MacCormick and Fiona Walton ensures a cinematic feel throughout.

This Series has earned its place, combining solid writing, atmospheric visuals, and a fresh yet faithful take on a beloved character. Grittier than expected, but undoubtedly engaging, Rebus is a welcome return for the troubled detective.