Strike’s Tom Burke, Holliday Grainger on future: ‘It feels worthwhile playing it through to the end’

As a devoted fan of J.K Rowling’s works, I have been captivated by the intricate world she has crafted through her Cormoran Strike novels. Watching the adaptation of “The Ink Black Heart” was an absolute delight, and I couldn’t help but be drawn into the complex characters and gripping storylines that are so characteristic of Rowling’s work.

In the popular BBC show Strike, the characters Cormoran Strike (played by Tom Burke) and Robin Ellacott (portrayed by Holliday Grainger) have left audiences guessing with their intriguing dynamic. However, in reality, these two talented actors share a friendly camaraderie off-screen, rather than any romantic tension.

Since 2017, I’ve been part of a duo that has filmed six captivating seasons, portraying the characters of war veteran Strike, a one-legged hero, and his cunning sidekick Robin in the screen adaptations of Robert Galbraith’s (JK Rowling) intriguing novels.

The actors quickly transition into their characters when they’re on set together, but they acknowledge that the boundaries between their roles and real lives have become less clear. As Grainger puts it, “Sometimes I get so engrossed in Tom’s acting that I forget where Strike ends and Tom begins.” During breaks, he would sometimes instinctively reach out to help Tom because of his convincing performance, only to remember that Tom has two legs in real life and doesn’t require assistance.

As a film enthusiast, I found myself involuntarily reaching for my phone while engrossed in Holly’s other drama, The Capture, every time she was on-screen texting. This reaction happened so naturally that I even laughed about it!

Returning to the set of Strike after working on other productions feels like the comforting nostalgia of unpacking your school supplies following summer break. For Burke, stepping into the iconic coat and recalling Strike’s Cornwall-tinged London accent is all it takes for him to slip back into character. He mentions that he no longer needs to emphasize script words or work hard on perfecting his performance as it now comes naturally, offering a sense of relief.

Regarding the coat, I’m not sure where it is located, but wouldn’t it be in a box lined with velvet? That’s what people often suggest when talking about wearing it in real life. However, if you saw me strolling around in it, you might find it peculiar, as it is an exceptional coat that seems more suitable for formal events than everyday wear.

Grainger mentions, “I’ve actually done something similar before. Once, I took one of Robin’s coats and left the store wearing it, causing someone to do a doubletake. It was an accident.

In “The Ink Black Heart,” Strike and Robin share a meal, leading some readers to speculate that their long-standing romantic tension might finally resolve, hinting at a potential relationship development since the book’s publication in 2022.

However, it must be noted that the anticipated kiss between them is not shown by the end of this chapter, instead they resume their professional interaction, filled with significant glances and meaningful silences as before.

In simpler terms, Burke describes a situation where they are enjoying dinner, their defenses are lowered since they’re not working on a case, and they’ve had a few drinks too. There’s a nearly missed opportunity; it’s an intriguing instance of poor timing. As a result, they back off from the situation.

Why can’t they both recognize the depth of their feelings for each other? I almost beg to understand. Grainger clarifies, “Their relationship is tangled with complexity and there’s a genuine apprehension about crossing a line that might not be crossed back. The book portrays Robin’s inner turmoil beautifully – questioning if he’ll regret it tomorrow, if he’s had too much to drink, or if this isn’t the right choice for him, and considering the impact on their business. It’s only later that she realizes, ‘Ah, there could have been something there, perhaps I was overthinking it.’

In that particular instance, it strikes her clearly about her feelings for him, as far as I can tell. Yet, even at this juncture, there’s an undercurrent of apprehension – fear of being rejected and potentially losing their friendship. Robin values her close friendships deeply, and he has very few of them, which is a significant aspect.

What’s Strike’s take on everything? Burke explains, “Sometimes there comes a moment when the lights dim, candles are lit, and the world seems to change. It’s like, why not give in to it? Yet, there’s a fear of spoiling it all. That apprehension is what draws you into the story, as I believe many people experience friendships similar to this, where they teeter on the edge of transformation and one thinks, let’s maintain the balance, because things could easily go awry.

There’s a multitude of online platforms where fans passionately debate whether Strike and Robin might end up together. The actors often find themselves fielding this question frequently. Burke chuckles, “People ask with an almost uncomfortable eagerness. They seem to revel in the suspense, the anticipation. They grow restless for an answer, yet they seem to savor it. I don’t believe they genuinely want to know.

Will Strike and Robin ever be a romantic item on screen, since J.K. Rowling hasn’t written it into the books yet? If so, would it take away from their will-they-won’t-they tension or instead make the series even more intriguing by adding another layer of complexity? Could it possibly deepen the storyline instead of detracting from it?

Burke draws a parallel to the Richard Linklater film series featuring Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy, starting with the romantic drama “Before Sunrise” in 1995 and culminating with “Before Midnight,” released two decades later. He points out that despite their union, there’s no air of smugness about them, which he attributes to their exceptionally well-crafted characters. In a similar vein, Burke imagines that Strike and Robin might never become a smug couple, making their relationship an intriguing prospect to follow.

Grainger mentions, “I’d definitely like to check it out or go through it, but I’m not sure if that’s the kind of thing people are interested in reading and watching. Perhaps it isn’t.

Although Strike and Robin are quite close, they have distinct personalities. One might wonder if Robin, who is more polished, would grow tired of Strike’s disorganized lifestyle – his penchant for drinking and smoking, coupled with a perpetually cluttered workspace. However, Burke offers a defense: “There’s a certain meticulousness about him,” he says, pointing out that Strike makes his bed every morning and has a military background, which means he can be very organized when required.

Apart from any romantic feelings, Strike and Robin still have tasks at hand, and in “The Ink Black Heart,” Robin encounters an artist who’s terrified due to being cyber-harassed. She initially declines to handle the case but is saddened when the woman is brutally murdered soon afterward. Moved by the tragedy, she decides to investigate the case even after the victim’s death and explore the ominous realm of social media – a domain neither of them were familiar with as they don’t personally use such platforms.

To be honest, I’ve chosen to steer clear of social media platforms, which might sound a tad unusual when spoken aloud. However, it suits my lifestyle just fine. Initially, I did create an account on Instagram primarily to track a fantastic kebab truck in Devon and discover their weekly locations since they’re simply outstanding. But now that they have a permanent spot, I no longer need the app.

Just like Burke, you’ll find him offline currently. He’d like to clarify that the individual posing as “Tom Burke” on social media, soliciting funds, is not him. In fact, he recently found himself delving into a deep abyss of research due to his usual habit of keeping his head in the sand. This recent investigation was triggered by the concept of being ‘followed’, something that has always given him unease, especially on Twitter.

As a moviegoer, I found myself reflecting on an intriguing observation: In this film, moments of strife between characters often elicit an uncanny resonance, mirroring real-life disagreements with loved ones. There are instances when a subtle exchange of glances can transcend the verbal argument, revealing layers of emotion that render every potential victory meaningless. This production delves into the profound complexity of non-verbal communication, which unfortunately cannot be replicated through written or digital dialogue. As such, I find myself questioning the authenticity and depth that this medium is capable of conveying.

The TV adaptation of the book series hasn’t quite matched up with the source material just yet, but last year saw the release of the seventh novel titled “The Running Grave”, and the eighth, “The Hallmarked Man”, is expected to follow suit next year. J.K. Rowling has expressed her intention to write at least 10 more novels in this series, which is promising news for fans. Fortunately, both the production team and Grainger appear committed to filming as long as the books continue to roll out. Grainger has already read “The Running Grave” and can’t wait to see where J.K. Rowling (who also serves as an executive producer) will steer the narrative next.

As a die-hard cinema enthusiast, I can share an intriguing tidbit: occasionally, she graces the film set with her presence. On such occasions, she might drop hints about upcoming significant scenes, which always pique my curiosity. This role has become more than just a job to me; it’s intertwined itself deeply into my life in a unique manner. I’ve had numerous conversations with Holliday about this, and we both agree that the value of it stems from its slow-building arc, rather than individual stories. That’s why playing it through to the end feels incredibly rewarding.

2024-12-05 04:15

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