Yes, John Luther is ultimately cleared of Zoe's murder, though the path to his exoneration is a challenging and pivotal storyline in the series.
The Framing and Initial Impact
Initially, John Luther found himself devastatingly implicated in the murder of Zoe, his estranged wife. He was tragically framed for her death by the show's antagonist, Reed, at the conclusion of episode 5. This brutal act left an emotionally shattered Luther reeling and roaming the streets, while Detective Chief Inspector Mark North, a close friend of Zoe's, arrived at her house to discover the horrifying news of her demise. This false accusation became a central conflict for Luther, forcing him to navigate both his professional duties and a desperate personal fight to clear his name.
The Path to Exoneration
The truth surrounding Zoe's death and Luther's innocence slowly unravels throughout the first series. The elaborate scheme orchestrated by Reed is eventually exposed, revealing the true circumstances of the murder and his manipulative actions. This crucial revelation ultimately leads to Luther's name being cleared, allowing him to move past the grave accusation. His exoneration is a significant turning point, affirming his integrity despite the profound personal cost and the deep scars left by the ordeal.
