The BBC’s latest adaptation of the “Rebus” detective series, starring Richard Rankin, has sparked considerable controversy following its premiere. The new series, penned by Gregory Burke, reimagines Ian Rankin’s iconic Edinburgh detective novels by focusing on Rebus’s younger years.

The reboot’s first episode showed Detective Sergeant John Rebus, played by Richard Rankin, violently attempting to suffocate a gangster in the back of an ambulance. This sequence, along with its overall bleak tone, was met with shock and criticism from viewers and critics alike. Kathryn Flett, a television critic, described the episode as “violent and uncompromisingly bleak,” suggesting that it may deter discerning viewers.

Writer Gregory Burke, known for his Olivier Award-winning “Black Watch,” has a contentious past himself. He was banned from Stirling University in the 1980s after a severe assault on a fellow student, which nearly resulted in the student’s death. Burke later attributed the incident to the “culture shock” of transitioning from a tough environment to an academic setting.

The six-part series has reimagined several characters and themes from Ian Rankin’s original novels while updating the timeline to the present day. This modern take includes new characters like Rebus’s boss, Gill Templer, and his sidekick, Siobhan. The series explores contemporary issues such as economic divisions and social change in Edinburgh.

Despite the mixed reactions, some critics have praised Richard Rankin’s portrayal of Rebus, noting his compelling embodiment of the troubled, maverick cop. The show is available for viewing on BBC One and iPlayer.