An online game turns lethal in ‘C.B. Strike: The Ink Black Heart’
An online game turns lethal in ‘C.B. Strike: The Ink Black Heart’
A toxic fandom and a mysterious death pull Strike and Robin into their most dangerous investigation yet.
I’ve read every one of Robert Galbraith’s (the pen name of J.K. Rowling) Cormoran Strike novels. My two favorite books in the series are the first, “The Cuckoo's Calling” and the most recent, “The Running Grave” – which is some of Rowling’s best writing ever. I was obviously thrilled when the BBC decided to adapt the books into a TV series – a format far preferable to a film because of how much more detail you can go into in a limited series. So, with the upcoming Max premiere of Season 6 of “C.B. Strike,” covering the novel called “The Ink Black Heart,” dropping on Thursday, Jan. 23, let’s get you caught up with everything you need to know.
Everything you need to know about ‘C.B. Strike: The Ink Black Heart’ Season 6:
What happened at the end of ‘C.B. Strike’ Season 5?
Spoiler Alert: There are spoilers below for “C.B. Strike: Troubled Blood,” the show’s fifth season.
In “C.B. Strike” Season 5, “Troubled Blood,” private detectives Cormoran Strike and Robin Ellacott tackle their first cold case when a woman named Anna asks them to find out what happened to her mother, Dr. Margot Bamborough, who vanished back in 1974. The investigation turns out to be a tough one, filled with dead ends, conflicting stories, and secrets that have stayed buried for decades.
At first, it seems like Margot’s disappearance might be linked to a serial killer named Dennis Creed, who was active around the same time. But as Strike and Robin dig deeper, they realize the truth is even more personal. Margot was actually murdered by her nurse colleague, Janice Beattie - a serial poisoner and killer - who had been hiding her involvement for years.
While the case drives most of the action, the season also focuses heavily on Strike and Robin’s complicated feelings for each other. Their friendship has always had some unspoken romantic tension, but in “Troubled Blood,” it becomes harder for both of them to ignore. Robin, still healing from her divorce, starts to open up more, while Strike, closed off as ever, struggles to deal with his own emotions.
The tension boils over late in the season when Strike, after a few drinks, tries to kiss Robin. She pulls away, worried he’ll regret it when he’s sober and unsure if he really meant it. Later, Robin admits the moment hurt her - she feels like Strike keeps sending mixed signals. Strike, ever uncomfortable with vulnerability, pulls back even more, leaving their relationship in a complicated emotional limbo.
Heading into “The Ink Black Heart,” their romantic tension remains unresolved, but with both characters clearly struggling to balance their feelings and their work, there are bound to be more emotional twists ahead.
If that quick recap isn’t enough to get you ready for Season 6, you can stream that last season of “C.B. Strike” either on Max or (if it’s unavailable due to broadcast restrictions), by renting on Prime Video or another video-on-demand service.
Strike
A war veteran turned private detective operates out of a tiny office in London’s Denmark Street. Although wounded both physically and psychologically, his unique insight and background as a military police investigator prove crucial in solving complex crimes that have baffled the police. Based on the bestselling novels written by J.K. Rowling under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith.
What is ‘C.B. Strike: The Ink Black Heart’ Season 6 about?
“The Ink Black Heart,” picks up where “Troubled Blood” left off, as private detectives Cormoran Strike (Tom Burke) and Robin Ellacott (Holliday Grainger) return for their next gripping case - this time centered around the mysterious death of Edie Ledwell, the co-creator of a hit animated web series called “The Ink Black Heart.” When Edie turns up dead after facing online harassment tied to the show’s fanbase, Strike and Robin are pulled into a dangerous world of digital obsession, fandom conflicts, and dark secrets hidden behind online personas.
As the investigation deepens, the duo must navigate a complex web of anonymous threats, internet trolls, and deeply personal betrayals to uncover who was behind Edie’s murder. The case challenges them both professionally and emotionally, especially as tensions between them continue to simmer following Strike’s attempted kiss last season. With their personal dynamic getting hotter and heavier, and the case becoming increasingly dangerous, The Ink Black Heart promises suspense, high-stakes twists, and a deeper look into the lives of Strike and Robin as they face their most difficult mystery yet.
Who are the main characters of ‘C.B. Strike: The Ink Black Heart’ Season 6?
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Cormoran Strike – Tom Burke takes on the titular character of Strike, a former military police investigator turned private detective. Strike is known for his sharp investigative skills and stoic nature, including a complicated relationship with his business partner, Robin.
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Robin Ellacott – Played by Holliday Grainger, Robin is Strike’s dedicated and resourceful partner in the detective agency. She’s intelligent and empathetic, often going undercover to gather crucial information, all while navigating her evolving feelings for Strike.
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Edie Ledwell – Mirren Mack plays Edie, the co-creator of the popular animated series The Ink Black Heart. Edie seeks the agency’s help after facing online harassment from a mysterious figure known as Anomie.
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Josh Blay – Blay, played by Jacob Abraham, is Edie’s creative partner and ex-boyfriend. He’s deeply involved in the world of The Ink Black Heart and becomes a key figure in the investigation following a violent attack that leaves him paralyzed.
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Grant Ledwell – David Westhead plays Edie’s wealthy and alcoholic uncle, Grant. Grant is eager to continue Edie’s plans for a movie adaptation of The Ink Black Heart after her death, primarily for money.
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Katya Upcott – Emma Fielding plays Katya, Josh’s agent, and Edie’s former agent. Katya is connected to several individuals in the art collective associated with The Ink Black Heart.
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Inigo Upcott – Christian McKay plays Katya’s husband, Inigo, a gifted musician forced to retire due to illness. Inigo is self-centered and abusive, exerting pressure on his son to pursue a musical career.
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Gus Upcott – Jack Donoghue takes on the role of Gus — Katya and Inigo’s adult son — a talented musician who is bullied by his father. Gus becomes a person of interest in the investigation due to his connections to the online game related to The Ink Black Heart.
When will ‘C.B. Strike: The Ink Black Heart’ Season 6 episodes be released?
The first episode of the four-part miniseries drops on Max on Thursday, Jan. 23, probably around 3 a.m. ET. Then, you can watch new episodes each week on Thursdays, with the season finale on Thursday, Feb. 13.
How can you catch up on ‘C.B. Strike’ before Season 6 drops?
If you want to catch up on the series ahead of the Season 6 debut, you can watch seasons 1-3 of “C.B. Strike” on Max. Max offers three subscription plans: an ad-supported plan for $10 per month, an ad-free plan for $17 per month, and the ultimate tier that includes 4K for $21 per month. For the other seasons, you may have to rent it on a VOD service like Prime Video.
Max
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