Shetland (TV series)
Shetland is a Scottish crime drama television series, adapted from the Shetland novels of Ann Cleeves. The series began airing on BBC One in the United Kingdom in 2013.
Synopsis: The series primarily follows Detective Inspector Jimmy Perez (played by Douglas Henshall in the first seven series), and later Detective Inspector Ruth Calder (played by Ashley Jensen from series eight), as they investigate murders and other crimes within the remote Scottish archipelago of Shetland. The plots often explore the complexities of the close-knit island community and the challenges of policing such a geographically isolated region.
Production: The series is produced by ITV Studios for BBC Scotland. While the series is set in Shetland, filming often takes place in other parts of Scotland due to logistical and financial constraints. However, efforts are made to capture the distinctive landscapes and atmosphere of the islands.
Characters:
- Detective Inspector Jimmy Perez (Douglas Henshall, Series 1-7): The lead detective, known for his empathy and dedication.
- Detective Sergeant Alison "Tosh" McIntosh (Alison O'Donnell): Perez's trusted colleague and a skilled investigator.
- Detective Inspector Ruth Calder (Ashley Jensen, Series 8-present): Returns to Shetland after years away and takes the lead detective role.
- Sandy Wilson (Steven Robertson): A local police officer and a long-time friend of Perez.
Broadcast: The series has been broadcast in numerous countries around the world and has garnered a dedicated international following.
Reception: Shetland has been generally well-received by critics and audiences, praised for its atmospheric setting, compelling characters, and intricate plots. Its depiction of the Shetland Islands and the challenges faced by its inhabitants has been a recurring theme in reviews.
Adaptation: The series is based on Ann Cleeves' Shetland novels, but it has also deviated from the source material in later series, creating original storylines and character arcs. Some series are based on a single novel, while others feature entirely new plots.