DRAMATIC MINISERIES C.B. STRIKE, PREMIERES MAY 12 EXCLUSIVELY ON CINEMAX

BASED on the best-selling crime novels written by Harry Potter creator J.K. Rowling under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith, CINEMAX seven-part miniseries C.B. Strike will premiere in Asia before the U.S., on Saturday, May 12 at 11pm, exclusively on CINEMAX (Astro Ch 412). 

New episodes debut every Saturday at the same time. The series will also be available on HBO On Demand (via Astro GO).

Starring Tom Burke, the story centres on Strike, a war veteran turned private detective, operating out of a tiny office in London’s Denmark Street. Although wounded both physically and psychologically, Strike’s unique insight and his background as a military police investigator prove crucial in solving three complex cases that have baffled the police.

The series launches with three one-hour episodes based on the first book in the trilogy, 'The Cuckoo’s Calling' (directed by Michael Keillor), followed by adaptations of the remaining two books, 'The Silkworm' (directed by Kieron Hawkes) and 'Career of Evil' (directed by Charles Sturridge), both of which will consist of two one-hour episodes.

Episodes include:

#01 “The Cuckoo’s Calling: Part 1”

Debut date: Saturday, May 12, 2018 at 11pm

After supermodel Lula Landry is found dead outside her London flat, war-veteran-turned-private-investigator Cormoran Strike is visited by Lula’s adoptive brother John Bristow, who disputes the police’s assertion that her death was a suicide. 

Strike tasks his temp secretary Robin Ellacott with background research on the case, but instead she uncovers details about Strike’s own illustrious yet troubled past. Meanwhile, 

Strike attempts to track down DI Eric Wardle, the chief investigator on the case, as well as those who may have seen Lula in her final days, including her wealthy neighbour Tansy Bestigui, famous rapper Deeby Mac, designer Guy Somé, and Lula’s best friend Rochelle. Written by Ben Richards; directed by Michael Keillor.

#02 “The Cuckoo’s Calling: Part 2”

Debut date: Saturday, May 19, 2018 at 11pm

Strike connects with a model, Ciara, who offers insights into Lula’s complex friendship with Rochelle and introduces him to Lula’s volatile boyfriend Evan. Robin learns more about Strike’s past from his sister Lucy, and contemplates taking a more stable position in a corporate office. 

Strike questions Tansy about her changing accounts of the night Lula died, and tries to get to the bottom of Deeby Mac’s whereabouts – and why the building’s security guard didn’t see anything that night. Written by Ben Richards; directed by Michael Keillor.

#03 “The Cuckoo’s Calling: Part 3” 

Debut date: Saturday, May 26, 2018 at 11pm

Robin gets a taste of private investigating at a high-end shop Lula visited the day of her murder. Later, she and Strike try to track down a hooded figure in the CCTV footage that Strike obtained from police, as Lula’s long-buried family secrets come to light. Written by Ben Richards; directed by Michael Keillor.

#04 “The Silkworm: Part 1”

Debut date: Saturday, June 2, 2018 at 11pm

Strike investigates the disappearance of a provocative author, Owen Quine, whose wife Leonora has come to Strike for help. Questioning those in Owen’s inner circle – agent Liz Tassel, author Andrew Fancourt, publisher Daniel Chard and editor Jerry Waldegrave – Strike is eventually led to a gruesome crime scene plucked from the manuscript of Quine’s next book, 'Bombyx Mori.' 

Finding herself caught between Strike and her fiancé Matthew, Robin sets up an introduction between the two. Written by Tom Edge; directed by Kieron Hawkes.

#05 “The Silkworm: Part 2”

Debut date: Saturday, June 9, 2018 at 11pm

Strike tries to convince DI Anstis, the lead investigator on the Quine case, that their prime suspect is not the murderer. Later, Strike lunches with Quine’s agent, Liz Tassel, while Robin tails Quine’s rival Andrew Fancourt, finding a possible clue at Fancourt’s wife’s gravesite. 

Delving deeper into the hidden meanings and concealed secrets in Quine’s “Bombyx Mori,” Strike and Robin scour all corners of London’s literary world to unmask the killer. Written by Tom Edge; directed by Kieron Hawkes.

#06 “Career of Evil: Part 1” 

Debut date: Saturday, June 16, 2018 at 11pm

Arriving at the office, Robin is horrified by the delivery of a gruesome package: the severed leg of a teenage girl, Kelsey Platt. Convinced the girl’s killer is sending him a message, Strike looks into suspects from his past who each have vendettas against him. 

As Robin’s relationship with Matthew hits an impasse, the investigation takes her away on an overnight trip with Strike. Written by Tom Edge; directed by Charles Sturridge.

#07 “Career of Evil: Part 2”

Debut date: Saturday, June 23, 2018 at 11pm

As Strike and Robin search for clues on their three suspects, Robin's mother arrives in London to encourage her to make a decision about the wedding. 

After visiting with Kelsey’s sister, Strike is scolded by an angry DI Wardle for meddling with police business, while Robin questions a suspect’s girlfriend. 

With the killer continuing to taunt them, Robin inadvertently puts herself in danger as she and Strike arrive closer to the truth. Written by Tom Edge; directed by Charles Sturridge.

The cast is led by Tom Burke as Strike and Holliday Grainger as Robin. Recurring guests include: Kerr Logan as Robin’s fiancé Matthew, Killian Scott as detective Eric Wardle, and Ben Crompton as Shanker, Strike’s friend and fixer. Other notable guests include: Jeremy Swift, Monica Dolan, Kadiff Kirwan, Tim McInnerny.

C.B. Strike is a CINEMAX Miniseries presentation in association with BBC; a Bronte Film and Television production. 'The Cuckoo’s Calling' executive produced by Ben Richards, Neil Blair, Ruth Kenley-Letts and J.K. Rowling; 'Career of Evil' and 'The Silkworm' executive produced by Tom Edge, Neil Blair, Ruth Kenley-Letts and J.K. Rowling; Jackie Larkin produced.

[CREDIT: Cinemax]