Shetland: Critics Unanimously Praise TV Triumph
THE GUARDIAN: ★★★★
Douglas Henshall has departed, but Ashley Jensen’s arrival proves the hit crime drama doesn’t need a leading man – especially when paired with the brilliant Alison O’Donnell.
The well-worn story of criminal investigations stirring up long-buried pain, mainly for the investigators, always receives an unusually thoughtful treatment in Shetland – and it seems it will power a finely constructed dynamic between the new crime-solving duo, Tosh and Ruth.
TELEGRAPH: ★★★★
Fans of the BBC One crime drama need not have feared after Douglas Henshall's departure: the scenery and characters are as absorbing as ever.
Without all the old relationships to fall back on, this eighth series needs to rely more than most on its location and its plot. The former is a given, and you’ll once more be looking up holiday rentals in Shetland. The latter, in the hands of writer Paul Logue, is confidently done.
No messing about here, no flashbacks or mysteries, just confident and efficient storytelling.
Shetland continues to stand apart from run-of-the-mill detective dramas.
RADIO TIMES: ★★★★
Right from the off, this reset series felt thrillingly different.
This fresh dynamic fizzed, recalling classic female duos like Cagney & Lacey or Scott & Bailey.
On this evidence, the distinctive drama is in safe hands.
Ashley Jensen's casting is a wee stroke of genius which might just give Shetland a whole new lease of life.
INDEPENDENT: ★★★★
So what a relief that Shetland has successfully managed that tricky switch of lead detectives previously seen in other long-running crime dramas... In fact, it feels altogether refreshed, and so far, one of the more enjoyable series yet.
This is contemporary Scotland with a strong Scandi-noir vibe underlined by the spectacular, treeless vistas.