Rebus star Richard Rankin gives his honest opinion on the possibility of season 2 as he talks about the future of the BBC crime drama
Rebus star Richard Rankin has opened up and given his honest opinion on the possibility of a second season of the crime drama.
The BBC1 series, written by Gregory Burke, is a 'reimagining' of Ian Rankin's popular Edinburgh-set detective novels and now follows the policeman's exploits in his younger days.
It follows other reboots of the books, including the hugely popular ITV series which aired between 2000 and 2007 starring John Hannah and then Ken Stott.
The new series premiered on Friday 17 May, and Richard, who is known for his role in Outlander, has appeared optimistic about the likelihood of another installment.
He told the BBC: 'I hope people take out of it what we put in. The entire ensemble of cast and crew are immensely talented individuals who all brought their A-game to the series.
Rebus star Richard Rankin has opened up and given his honest opinion on the possibility of a second season of the crime drama
The new series premiered on Friday 17 May, and Richard, who is known for his role in Outlander, has appeared optimistic about the likelihood of another installment
'I think that really shows. I hope audiences will develop an appetite for more so that we can bring another series their way further down the line.'
Adding: 'I really hope that people will fall in love with Rebus in the same way that we have.'
At the time of writing, the BBC has not yet announced whether the show will be getting a second season.
Given that there are 24 novels that follow the life of Inspector John Rebus, the writers of the show certainly have the material to continue the story.
However, some critics didn't react well after watching the first episode - especially its brutal opening scenes.
The first episode of the prequel opens with Rebus trying to suffocate a notorious gangster in the back of an ambulance. Only the intervention of a commanding officer prevents the killing.
'The BBC's Rebus reboot is so violent and uncompromisingly bleak that I had to force myself to keep watching past the first five minutes,' said appalled television critic Kathryn Flett.
She added: 'I suspect discerning viewers won't care, they'll recoil. And switch off.
The BBC1 series is billed as a 'reimagining' of Ian Rankin's (pictured) popular Edinburgh-set detective novels, and now follows the policeman's exploits in his younger days
Some critics didn't react well after watching the first episode - especially its brutal opening scenes. Pictured: John Rebus and Darryl Christie face off in the show
However, some fans are in disagreement and have taken to X (formerly Twitter) to praise the reboot and ask for a second season
'I didn't want to spend time with Gregory Burke's version of Rebus because he is patently a violently unhinged thug and life is far too short to be repulsed in the name of entertainment.'
However, some fans are in disagreement and have taken to X (formerly Twitter) to praise the reboot and ask for a second season:
'The new #Rebus is excellent.'
'I've watched the whole of the new "Rebus" and it's terrific, all the way through to a climax which may be too close to reality for some Highland viewers.
'Brilliantly acted, with Richard Rankin and Aberdeenshire's Amy Manson leading the way. Bring on the second series! #Rebus.'
'Lovely to see the AMAZING @NoofOusellam on my tv in #Rebus. Just caught up with the penultimate episode! Intense to say the least! Blimey!!'
'It’s brilliant, just how I imagined a young Rebus. Season 2 please.'
'Best thing I've seen in ages.'
'Brilliant indeed, with some superb acting! I wasn't sure to start with, expecting a young Rebus in a retro setting, but this worked perfectly! Yes, more please!!!'
The Rebus reboot is available to watch on BBC iPlayer now
