Tom Burke and Holliday Grainger are set to reunite in the latest chapter of the popular crime drama, “Strike: The Running Grave.” This series continues the engaging story of private detectives Cormoran Strike and Robin Ellacott, adapted from J.K. Rowling’s bestselling novels under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith.
Overview of “Strike: The Running Grave”
“Strike: The Running Grave” marks the seventh installment of the BBC drama. Co-produced with HBO and Warner Bros. Discovery, this new chapter consists of five episodes, each lasting approximately 60 minutes. The previous season, “The Ink Black Heart,” reached an impressive audience, averaging 7.1 million viewers during its run in 2024.
Returning Cast and Characters
In this installment, Burke reprises his role as Cormoran Strike, while Grainger returns as Robin Ellacott. The series features a talented supporting cast:
- James Fleet as Sir Colin Edensor
- Nichola McAuliffe as Shelley Heaton
- Keeley Forsyth as Mazu Wace
- Fabian McCallum as Will Edensor
- John Lynch as Jonathan Wace
- Ruth Sheen as Pat, Strike’s office manager
- Jack Greenlees as Sam Barclay
- Tupele Dorgu as Midge
- Natasha O’Keeffe as Charlotte
- Sarah Sweeney as Lucy
- Ben Crompton as Shanker
- Stephen Hagan as DCI Richard Murphy
- Caitlin Innes Edwards as Ilsa
Plot Synopsis
The plot centers around the Edensors, who seek the help of Strike and Ellacott to reconnect with their estranged son, Will. The family believes Will has been manipulated by the Universal Humanitarian Church, a cult led by the persuasive Jonathan Wace. The church, complacent in its operations, protects itself with the guise of philanthropy and a team of aggressive lawyers.
Robin Ellacott goes undercover at the cult’s Norfolk headquarters, Chapman Farm, to uncover evidence of abuse. As she delves deeper, she faces significant psychological challenges. Meanwhile, Strike seeks insights from former cult members to unravel the mystery surrounding the Drowned Prophet, a central figure in the cult’s beliefs.
Behind the Scenes
Directing this installment is Sue Tully, who has previously collaborated on multiple “Strike” series. The screenplay is crafted by Tom Edge, who has adapted earlier episodes. The executive production team includes J.K. Rowling, Neil Blair, and Ruth Kenley-Letts.
Critical and Commercial Success of the “Strike” Series
The “Strike” novels have been monumental successes, topping bestseller lists in over 50 countries and translated into 43 languages. With sales exceeding 20 million copies globally, the series affirms Cormoran Strike as a leading figure in contemporary crime fiction.
