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Shetland (2013)

2013 · Crime,Drama,Mystery · crime-detective-puzzle, crime-procedural

Shetland poster

Shetland is a slow-burn British crime drama set on the remote Scottish island archipelago, where DI Jimmy Perez investigates murders rooted in the tight-knit local community. The show is defined by its spectacular, atmospheric location — which reviewers treat as a character in its own right — and by Douglas Henshall's unusually warm, morally uncomplicated portrayal of its detective lead, a deliberate counterpoint to the tortured-genius archetype. The whodunit plotting rewards active viewer participation, and the pacing is deliberately measured, prioritizing gradual revelation of truth over action. Adapted from Ann Cleeves's novels, it delivers comfort-crime satisfaction with genuine emotional investment in recurring characters and a strong sense of place.

From the reviewers

Douglas Henshall manages to invest it with a convincing, emotional gravitas that goes beyond what's written in the script.
There are few detective stories where the main character is not only a deductive, sharp-minded person, but also an honest, justice-loving, decent guy without a tormented past, or weaknesses, or complex moral contradictions.
It is not a fast-action show, but very thrilling with a brilliant management of suspense, the whole who-dunnit thing and the gradual unveiling of the truth shared by the team.
the landscapes and the atmosphere, which are enthralling and make you yearn for the place even if you've never been there.
The wind and rain swept treeless Shetland location gives a wonderfully authentic atmosphere to the tried and true detective series.

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