Shetland (2013)
Located in the north of Scotland, closer to Scandinavia than to England, the Shetland Islands are home to one of the most memorable crime dramas in television history, thanks to their distinctive geography and harsh natural condit…
Overview
Located in the north of Scotland, closer to Scandinavia than to England, the Shetland Islands are home to one of the most memorable crime dramas in television history, thanks to their distinctive geography and harsh natural conditions. Launched by BBC One in 2013, Shetland is a Scottish crime drama adapted from Ann Cleeves' Jimmy Perez novels. At the heart of the series is Detective Inspector Jimmy Perez, who works to unravel the dark secrets hidden within a small, isolated community.
One of the series' most notable features is that filming actually took place on the Shetland Islands. This choice makes the production's atmosphere remarkably authentic and realistic. Windswept coastlines, misty hills, desolate roads, and a tightly knit small community are among the core elements that shape the show's visual identity. With contributions from technical crew members such as Martin Wenner, the series' visual language has been shaped with a consistent aesthetic sensibility from beginning to end.
Over the years, the series has built a loyal audience and carved out a distinctive place for itself among UK-based crime dramas. Moving beyond the classic "whodunit" structure, it favors a narrative approach that focuses on character depth and social dynamics.
Plot
Detective Inspector Jimmy Perez, who serves on the Shetland Islands, rediscovers with each new case just how complicated human relationships can be within this seemingly calm little community. The islanders' closeness to one another also means that secrets are buried even deeper. Alongside his colleagues Tosh and Sandy, Perez tries to solve the murders that arise each season, all while contending with the island's closed social structure.
In the show's storytelling, it's not just who committed the crime that matters — the social and personal roots of that crime also occupy a central place. Perez's personal life, his past, and the relationships he builds with the islanders form the emotional backbone of the story. While each season revolves around a different plot, the characters' development and the sociological fabric of the island community are continually explored.
Why Watch It?
The most important quality that sets Shetland apart from other crime dramas is the importance it places on atmosphere. The geography itself becomes a character in the show; the isolated way of life, the harsh climate, and the closed nature of the community are felt at every step of the plot. As a result, viewers feel as though they've stepped into an entirely different world, rather than simply watching an ordinary crime drama.
The character-driven approach to storytelling is also one of the show's strengths. Jimmy Perez is built as a realistic character, far removed from typical detective clichés, with genuine human flaws and strengths. The fact that supporting characters also gain depth over time makes it easier for viewers to form an emotional connection with the show.
The production's slow-paced yet never tension-diminishing narrative style offers a satisfying experience for patient viewers. Rather than action-packed scenes, the show embraces a structure built on psychological tension and character analysis.
Who Is It For?
Shetland is an ideal choice especially for viewers who enjoy Scandinavian noir-style productions and are drawn to slow-paced, atmosphere-driven crime dramas. Those who value character development and are looking for stories that go beyond mere crime-solving mechanics will get a lot out of this series.
For those who prefer action-heavy, fast-paced crime dramas, the show may feel a bit slow in its early episodes. However, for those curious about natural landscapes, Scottish culture, and the inner dynamics of small communities, Shetland is a production well worth discovering.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
1. An authentic and striking atmosphere created through real filming locations
2. Deep, realistic character writing and strong acting performances
3. A script structure that successfully explores social dynamics and human psychology
Cons:
1. The slow pace can occasionally require patience from fans of fast-paced crime dramas
2. In some seasons, the plot can become predictable
Genre and Tone
Shetland offers a version of the classic crime genre blended with a Scottish noir aesthetic. Tonally, it carries a melancholic, contemplative, and at times gloomy atmosphere. The show's visual language is designed to reflect the island's cold, gray color palette, which serves to reinforce the overall mood.
The tension elements are skillfully dosed; rather than sudden shock moments, the show favors a slowly building sense of unease. In this respect, the series follows a line close to the calm yet deep tension sensibility found in Scandinavian crime dramas.
Runtime and Viewing Experience
Each season generally has a limited number of episodes, with episode lengths averaging between 45 and 60 minutes. This structure allows viewers to complete each season within a reasonable amount of time. The show's episode structure offers a good balance suited to both weekly viewing and binge-watching.
In terms of the viewing experience, it may take some time to get used to the show's calm pace, but once you adjust to that rhythm, the immersive quality of the atmosphere reveals itself. Especially in a quiet, focused viewing environment, the tension and atmosphere the series offers are felt much more effectively.Similar Productions
- Broadchurch (2013) – A similarly atmospheric crime drama centered on a murder in a small English town
- The Killing (2007) – One of the pioneering productions of the Scandinavian noir style
- Happy Valley (2014) – A character-driven, realistic British crime drama
- Vera (2011) – Another atmosphere-heavy crime drama set in the north of England
- Hinterland (2013) – A detective series with a similar tone, set in the remote landscape of Wales
- The Bridge (2011) – One of the strong examples of Scandinavian-European crime drama sensibility
Final Assessment
Shetland is a successful production that has built its own distinct identity by bringing an unusual geography and atmosphere to the crime genre. The story, built around the character of Jimmy Perez, doesn't limit itself to crime-solving mechanics alone but also delves deeply into human relationships and the social fabric of the community. Having been filmed in real locations is one of the most important elements that makes the show's visual identity truly unique.
Despite its slow-paced structure, Shetland draws viewers in with its character depth and atmospheric power, making it a series absolutely worth watching, especially for fans of Scandinavian noir and character-driven stories. In exchange for a patient viewing experience, it offers a realistic and compelling crime drama world.
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