An online debate has erupted around the Bafta-winning crime drama Shetland, as fans have complained the new series is not the same without Detective Inspector Jimmy Perez, played by Douglas Henshall.
The landmark 10th series of the acclaimed Scottish TV show, starring Ashley Jensen and Alison O’Donnell, kicked off last night, with episode one following Calder and Tosh travelling to the remote village of Lunniswick after the brutal killing of a retired social worker.
With the body found exposed to the elements for days, the investigation quickly led the team to a web of secrets and disturbing truths lurking beneath the surface of the close-knit community.
The murder mystery, which stands as one of the BBC’s most successful long-running dramas, had both fans and critics waiting in anticipation for its return, but some were left disappointed with the character development and storyline.
Most notable was the discourse around the absence of DI Jimmy Perez, who was replaced by Ms Jensen’s DI Ruth Calder all the way back in season eight.
The Scottish actor played Detective Inspector Jimmy Perez, the lead character in Shetland, from the show’s inception in 2013 until the seventh season in 2022, and some fans still struggled to accept Mr Henshall’s departure.
“Love #Shetland. I know there’s regulars #Sandy #Tosh #Billy but still miss #JimmyPerez,” posted one disgruntled fan on X during Wednesday’s season 10 premiere, while another penned: “@bbc Shetland without Douglas Henshall is not Shetland!!!”
However, other viewers welcomed the new series, and hit back at the complaints with their praise for the new instalment.
“First episode of #Shetland didn’t disappoint,” one user posted, while another added: “So glad #Shetland is back and that was a strong first episode!”
Despite the praise, other complaints rained in from some who were left unimpressed by the series 10 premiere, with one comparing the experience to “watching paint age”.
“#Shetland isn’t like watching paint dry. It’s like watching paint age!!! My God BBC! You have to try harder,” they wrote.
Another viewer explained: “I used to like #Shetland a lot more when the plots were stronger; the actors looked a little less pained and the melodrama was dialled down.”
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Away from social media, TV critics have been quick to share their reviews of the new series.
The Times said it felt the character replacements worked well, and thus awarded season 10 four stars.
“Ashley Jensen’s down-to-earth DI Ruth Calder remains a decent enough replacement for Douglas Henshall’s DI Jimmy Perez, and if Calder and Tosh don’t quite have the sparring crackle of the best detective duos, they showed a modicum of chemistry while teasing the new boss, who is struggling with his long-distance relationship,” the publication said.
The Killing Times noted how character development is key to the series, saying the show is “fairly basic stuff, and Shetland now depends more than ever on the strength of its characters.”
Its review added that “one standout here is the victim’s son, a poet and pub owner, whose quiet, spiritual presence gives the episode a flicker of the old magic. Calder, you sense, is drawn to him. We’ll see what happens there.”
Radio Times predicted strong viewer ratings for the new series. “Each year, it quietly goes about its business, delivering slow-burn mysteries where the suspects harbour long-standing secrets, which they keep close to their rough-hewn hearts,” its review said.
“No doubt the ratings will be strong and the press attention minimal, but that kind of suits Shetland’s unassuming nature and secret inner confidence.”
Mr Henshall isn’t the only actor to have sparked online discourse with loyal show viewers this year.
In a major shift for series 10, Lewis Howden’s character, Sergeant Billy McCabe, is taking on a much bigger role, stepping into the spotlight of the new storyline.
This marks the first time that Mr Howden, who has appeared in previous seasons of the Scottish-based drama, has been given a prominent part.
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