Shetland

Series 5 - Episode 1

Review

by David Brown

It’s a welcome return for the always reliable Shetland, the windswept detective drama where the scenery is stark and the smiles in short supply. But there are good reasons why everyone looks miserable. It seems you can’t even go for a run on a deserted beach these days without encountering a dismembered arm on the shore. And no sooner has calm, world-weary Jimmy Perez (Douglas Henshall) turned up at the crime scene with the perceptive Tosh (Alison O’Donnell) in tow than word comes in that a head has now also been found.

As it turns out, the body parts belonged to a Nigerian man who’d come to the islands for an unknown reason, only to be brutally killed. Sorting the clues from the red herrings might prove difficult in this particular case, seeing as there appear to be links to a fish factory. But by the end of an intriguing first hour filled with granite-faced locals subtly arousing suspicion, answers are starting to rise to the surface.

Summary

When body parts belonging to a young Nigerian man are discovered on the island, Perez and the team investigate. They use CCTV to trace the victim's last movements, and after scrutinising his emails and social media accounts, the case takes a sinister turn. Return of the Ann Cleeves-inspired drama, starring Douglas Henshall, Alison O'Donnell and Steven Robertson.

Cast & Crew

DI Jimmy Perez Douglas Henshall

DS Alison `Tosh' McIntosh Alison O'Donnell

DC Sandy Wilson Steven Robertson

Duncan Hunter Mark Bonnar

Rhona Kelly Julie Graham

Sgt Billy McCabe Lewis Howden

Cora McLean Anne Kidd

Olivia Lennox Rakie Ayola

Chris Brooks Derek Riddell

Alice Brooks Catherine Walker

Daniel Ugara Ayanda Bhebe

Jamie Hayes Lorn MacDonald

Prentice Hayes Owen Whitelaw

Carla Hayes Tracy Wiles

Catrina Isabelle Joss

PC Alex Grant Connor McCarry

Gavin Laird Robin Laing

Mary Hunter Gail Watson

Calum Dunwoody Ryan Fletcher

Mags Meghan Tyler

Paul Kiernan John Kazek

Niki Frances Mayli McCann

Donnie Angus Miller

Rosie Emma Mullen

Trish Olivia Barrowclough

Zezi Ugara Titana Muthui

Director Gordon Anderson

Executive Producer David Kane

Executive Producer Kate Bartlett

Executive Producer Gaynor Holmes

Producer Eric Coulter

Writer David Kane

Drama

Full Episode Guide

Where is BBC crime drama Shetland filmed?

The breathtaking Scottish landscapes are a key part of the BBC1 crime drama – check out our guide to some of the best locations

Accessibility Links

Series 5 - Episode 1

Review

Summary

Cast & Crew

Where is BBC crime drama Shetland filmed?

Meet the cast of Shetland series five

When is Shetland series five on TV?

Shetland's author reveals why she is saying goodbye to her favourite character

Meet the cast and characters of Shetland series 4

Mark Bonnar: “I’ve always been attracted to the weird”

Douglas Henshall: "When you go somewhere like Shetland, you realise what quiet sounds like"

What time is Shetland on TV?

Shetland

Series 5 - Episode 1

Review

Summary

Cast & Crew

Where is BBC crime drama Shetland filmed?

Meet the cast of Shetland series five

When is Shetland series five on TV?

Shetland's author reveals why she is saying goodbye to her favourite character

Meet the cast and characters of Shetland series 4

Mark Bonnar: “I’ve always been attracted to the weird”

Douglas Henshall: "When you go somewhere like Shetland, you realise what quiet sounds like"

What time is Shetland on TV?

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