Folge #8.1

If you had never seen seasons one to seven of Shetland you would watch this without any concept of just how much Douglas Henshall owned the series and the quizzical rather dour character of Jimmy Perez ... and you would think it was pretty good TV. As good as Tosh is though she is not Jimmy Perez. This has a rather lightweight feel to it without his presence and the ring in DI is just OK for me. I'll keep watching it though because I love the cinematography, the Scottish accents and Shetland, beautiful Shetland. The story line so far feels a bit disjointed but it's early days I guess and the visual treat that this show has always been is still there for me. I would doubt that they'll be pursuing another season though ... it's just not strong enough!

What makes Shetland is Shetland. This vast pristine island with windy landscapes and a frothy sea. While Jimmy was there, he was fantastic but his character was stuck and the writing often dull. His daughter is in and out; they don't know what to do with her. The dual role of fathers was going nowhere. Jimmy's inept romances were tiresome. Henshall himself said he was weary and wanted out of the series. Not all 7 seasons with Jimmy have been that great. But, I've always liked Tosh. Ever since the first time we see her hungover from a chocolate liquor drink waking up on the floor full of other partygoers and getting that call for her first day on the job with Jimmy.

In S8, Det. Calder comes in slow and unobtrusively with great insight. The story is well written better than previous ones because it is all new and different and not clinging to past characters. I really hope there is a S9. The writing is solid. It feels fresh. It feels like Shetland. Breathtaking.

Bloody brilliant work done in the casting and tone of this 'refresh' episode - I loved Perez but I'm so glad they haven't lingered on his absence and made it a really somber tone. It's like they've shedded a heavy winter coat: there's still mystery, intrigue and spooky windswept islands but a whole new perspective and probably a whole bevy of new regulars. I'm looking forward to it! And also, a great decision to bridge the loss of Jimmy by amping up Tosh's role which is so satisfying for long-time viewers who recall her hungover and spewing up her guts in ep 1. Can't wait to see more and I hope there are renewer seasons on the way.

It's taken me a couple of weeks but I blitzed this from Series 1 episode 1. Today I just started season 8 ep. 1. Hang on...what is going on?

This is not like Shetland I have come to love.

Oh, hang on... it's leading up to a new DI, who has been sent to Shetland. So, I'll keep watching - then I'll finish the review.

Oh, okay, Ashley Jensen, a really good idea to cast her she's great. Some light relief with her comedy prowess.

But I miss Perez. I'm glad he is happy and with someone now though. I got very invested in these characters. Sign of good writing.

Well, so far so good. I'm glad Shetland is back for a new series. I look forward to it everyday. Once I'm caught up I'll have to wait a week - what will I do.

Unfortunately the segment where we're presented with DI Ruth Calder (Ashley Jensen) entering the story is bland and as far as dialogue is concerned surprisingly weak. Most of the actors here read lines as if they're pretty much cardboard figures. Shockingly bad.

Maisie Norma Seaton as Ellen Quinn is acceptable and does her part with some conviction. It's sad writers have to resort her being a bit on the daft side in order to propel the story, but it's done quite well and works.

Fortunately once we hit Shetland the usual crew with Tosh (Alison O'Donnell), Sandy (Steven Robertson) keep up their end as well as usual even if Perezs (Douglas Henshall) absence is felt as no-one fills in his place. I think that's smart, because that's too much to ask for .

Ashley Jensen comes back here and feels a lot more alive for the rest of this episode. She's a bit laidback in her acting, but this works for her as Calder. Much better than in the intro.

The bad guys are OK. Not boring nor exciting or irritating. Their trajectory could have been a little more interesting. But this is only the first episode.

Hopefully this will pick even qualitywise as we go. The story is at least somewhat interesting, so might build into something worthwhile.