A gritty detective drama starring Outlander actor Richard Rankin has landed on Netflix and it’s safe to say fans of the time-travelling drama will be thrilled
Netflix UK has bagged a gem with the addition of Richard Rankin’s lauded series Rebus, based on Sir Ian Rankin’s esteemed Inspector Rebus novels. Starting way back in 1987, the book series boasts an impressive 25 narratives to date.
Outlander sensation Richard Rankin takes on the titular role, tackling crime in Edinburgh whilst juggling his own demons.
The series was showered with praise upon its debut, sailing to a perfect 100% approval score on Rotten Tomatoes based on the opinions of a dozen critics.
Richard’s portrayal won over audiences and critics alike, with The Spectator extolling: “Richard Rankin is so perfectly believable in the role that you never tire of watching him and keep rooting for him even when he’s being a complete and utter idiot.”
Adding to the accolades, The New Statesman remarked: “Part of what makes this Rebus so alluring is down to the beautifully concise manner in which the actor who plays him conveys his haphazard competence, his stoicism and feral endurance. He is so believable.”
Originally screened on BBC One, the show offers a slice of John Rebus’s life as he navigates through his divorce and a profession in flux.
This must-watch six-episode run showcases Richard delving deep into a character cherished by many. In conversation with Digital Spy, he shared: “He’s one of the, I suppose, most iconic Scottish detectives, and is still very much present in Ian Rankin’s novels. He’s got such a big fanbase.”
Richard acknowledged the weight of expectation that came with taking on the iconic role, stating: “So I think taking it on, I was probably aware that there’d be certain expectations and anticipation.”
He understood that fans would have their own preconceived notions about the character, admitting: “And they would have their own version of what they think the character should look like – which I think is good to be aware of.”
However, he highlighted the importance of setting aside those external pressures to authentically portray the character, saying: “To do the character as much justice as possible, I think you have to just acknowledge that, and park it, because you’re not going to be able to give every version of everyone’s expectations.”
Having conducted extensive research, Richard was eager to put his unique spin on the character, noting that the new series is a standalone interpretation rather than a revival or continuation of previous adaptations.
His approach earned rave reviews from The Guardian, which hailed him as “the most irresistible incarnation yet” and wrote: “Richard Rankin’s Rebus is physical, forceful and irresistible, his eyes twinkling by default yet capable of glazing over with regret or being suddenly clouded by crimson mist.”