 John Beresford of TV Scoop thought the acting of the cast in the beginning of the seventh series , including Armitage 's was " pitch perfect " , and noted he " looks and sounds like he 's been here all along , already , and having only seen him briefly in Robin Hood I 've been quite astonished by how good he is in this . " Sky TV described Lucas North 's character as a " refreshing change " for the series . The Bromsgrove Advertiser noted that Armitage " certainly has the looks needed for the part " with " classic leading man presence , " and while comparing past main actors of the series , Matthew Macfadyen and Rupert Penry @-@ Jones , the author believed that " the eye candy quota is being kept high . " Leigh Holmwood of The Guardian reacted positively towards the introduction of Lucas after Adam 's departure , believing the change has " more than made amends . " David Blackwell of Enterline Media liked Lucas " better than Adam Carter or Tom Quinn " and felt that his " dark and conflicted persona adds to the story and makes him a more interesting character than Adam or Tom ever were . " Blackwell also believed that Armitage 's portrayal gives the character " real intensity and mystery . " In the ninth series Metro 's Lewis Bazley believed that Lucas " continues to give a violent , powder @-@ keg edge to proceedings – thank heaven for small mercies as his continual scowl never convinces in comparison with his predecessors Matthew McFadyen and Rupert Penry @-@ Jones . " 
