2 weeks Ago By David Stephenson
No one makes much of a fuss about Shetland. But maybe they should. Created by Ann Cleeves, it’s been quietly going about its bloody business for a decade now without fanfare.
Although it’s celebrating its 10th birthday, no one is singing, and not a single candle has been blown out. That's because a gripping cliffhanger is playing out in a farmhouse kitchen on these bleak, but picturesque islands. Don’t imagine though some Joanna Trollope-style Aga saga here, with dainty afternoon teas.
They do things differently on Shetland; brutal and blood-soaked. Doing her best to stay calm while a shotgun is pointed at her head is DI Ruth Calder (Ashley Jensen). She’s only been on the island for two years, and is understandably prattling on a bit – “Why am I here?” she asks.
Quite. But who, in their right mind, would return to the Met? With subtle direction, the camera slowly pulls back to reveal a young man very dead on the flagstones with blood oozing from his head, and standing over him a very nervy chap, whom we later learn is Malcolm. It’s his brother on the floor.
Within moments, Ruth’s police partner Tosh (Alison O’Donnell), and armed police storm the kitchen, and make an arrest. We can rest easy again. Cue, a tour of the remote beauty of these islands from a sky-high drone.
I half expect inveterate Scottish traveller Susan Calman to narrate from her campervan. Before long though, more grisly crime. We’re searching for a missing couple and their son.
It’s not long before their young son Noah treads hauntingly up a deserted road into a barn where he reveals his blood-stained shirt. He was in no danger of being run-down; it's one car per road on Shetland. The pace quickens, the boy’s mother is found dead in the most dimly lit croft ever, along with a slain Frenchman called “Burgen”.
Remember that; it’s the password for the B&B! With a crime tally to rival Midsomer Murders, we now have – in 60 minutes of drama -- three murders, a missing father, two divorces, a traumatised child and one broken engagement. Oh, and a mystery about Monsieur Burgen. Many happy returns, Shetland.
I need a whisky..
