TV Show review
Review basis: 6 seasons, 19 episodes · through December 24, 2024
August 27, 2017 · TV-MA · Returning Series
Woke Score
Lower is better
Review
Strike is a British detective series. It follows war veteran Cormoran Strike and his partner Robin Ellacott as they solve complex murder mysteries in London. The stories focus on traditional crime-solving and police work. A few minor characters belong to the LGBTQ+ community, such as a married lesbian couple in season five. Season six also explores themes of internet bullying, far-right groups, and online cancel culture.
Breakdown
These are the editorial factors and ratings behind our score for Strike.
Woke representation / casting
The cast is mostly traditional and matches the books. It does not use forced race or gender swaps for the main roles. Most characters are white and British, fitting the London setting. However, season five introduces a married lesbian couple as minor characters, which adds a noticeable queer representation element to the casting.
Woke political dialogue
The characters speak naturally. They do not give speeches about modern identity politics, white privilege, or systemic oppression. The dialogue stays focused on the crime cases and the relationship between the two lead detectives.
Identity-driven story themes
The core stories are traditional murder mysteries. However, season five includes a storyline involving a married lesbian couple, which introduces a minor queer narrative element. Season six deals with online cancel culture, internet mobs, and extreme political groups, but the show treats these activist groups as troubled or villainous rather than heroic.
Western institutional / cultural critique
Production
The show features corrupt wealthy figures, bad husbands, and criminals, but this is standard for detective dramas. It does not critique Western institutions like capitalism or the family from a modern activist perspective. The police force is sometimes shown as slow, but the series maintains a respectful view of traditional institutions.
Woke character or canon changes
Not relevant
Anti-woke backlash and complaints
There is no record of conservative or anti-woke viewers complaining that this show pushes a progressive or activist agenda. Instead, the main complaints have come from left-wing activists who accused the series and its creator of being offensive or outdated.
Creator track record context
The creators, directors, and producers have an extremely low woke rating. Key creator J.K. Rowling is famous for opposing gender identity ideology. Screenwriters Ben Richards and Tom Edge do not use their work for activist purposes. Producers Neil Blair and Ruth Kenley-Letts actively oppose woke culture or focus on traditional storytelling. The directors also keep a standard professional focus on drama.
