Shetland Review: Who Needs Jimmy Perez When You Have This New Female Power Duo?

Shetland, UK — The hit crime drama Shetland has been a fan favorite for years, known for its atmospheric, Nordic noir-style storytelling, and gripping mysteries. But with the departure of longtime lead Douglas Henshall, who portrayed the beloved detective Jimmy Perez, many fans were left wondering how the show would move forward. Fortunately, the introduction of Ashley Jensen alongside the brilliant Alison O’Donnell has proven that Shetland can thrive without its former leading man—especially with the powerful chemistry between these two dynamic female characters.

While Henshall’s absence is certainly noticeable, Shetland has reinvented itself in a way that feels fresh, engaging, and surprisingly revitalizing. For long-time viewers, there’s a sense that the show has always been about more than just Perez, with a deep investment in the characters that surround him. Now, with O’Donnell’s character, Alison “Tosh” McIntosh, stepping into a more prominent role, the show feels more inclusive, diverse, and equipped to tackle complex emotional storylines with strength and heart.

The Absence of Jimmy Perez: A New Beginning

With the departure of Jimmy Perez, it would have been easy for Shetland to flounder without a central anchor. Perez, with his quiet intensity and steadfast loyalty to justice, was the heart of the show for many years. Yet, despite his absence, the show finds new life through Tosh and the arrival of Jensen, who plays the dynamic and driven DI Ruth Calder.

What makes the transition work is the rich emotional depth that O’Donnell’s character, Tosh, brings to the forefront. Once merely Perez’s sidekick, Tosh has gradually evolved into one of the series’ most beloved and compelling characters. Over the course of the series, Tosh has gone from being a strong supporting character to someone viewers are deeply invested in. O’Donnell’s portrayal of Tosh is heartfelt, empathetic, and genuine—qualities that have endeared her to fans.

Her character’s development, particularly after the emotionally challenging storyline in Season 3 where Tosh was sexually assaulted, made Tosh one of the standout figures in the series. This storyline, which was sensitively handled by both O’Donnell and Henshall, allowed the show to tackle real, heavy issues with grace and sincerity, creating a stronger bond between viewers and the show. It’s a testament to the power of writing and performance that Tosh’s emotional journey has turned her into a character that many now feel as strongly about as Perez.

A New Female Power Duo: Jensen and O’Donnell

In Season 10, Shetland introduces Ruth Calder, played by Ashley Jensen, a role that brings an entirely new energy to the show. Jensen, known for her roles in Extras and Agatha Raisin, brings her unique blend of charisma and vulnerability to the role of Ruth, giving her a compelling presence that perfectly complements O’Donnell’s more grounded portrayal of Tosh.

The partnership between Ruth and Tosh feels like the natural next step for the show, offering a fresh dynamic that still honors the core of what made Shetland so captivating in the first place. The two women may not have the same chemistry as Perez and Tosh had, but their partnership brings a different, more evolved energy to the table. It’s a pairing that feels authentic, with both women pushing each other to be better, to think differently, and to dig deeper into their cases.

The shift from a male-led ensemble to this new female-driven narrative marks a bold new direction for the series, and it works. In fact, it might be just the change the show needed to move forward.

The Sinister New Case: Crime Drama Tropes Take Hold

In the latest episode, Shetland dives into new crime drama tropes, beginning with a bold twist: for the opening eight minutes, the show takes a detour from its usual isolated setting on the Shetland Isles and heads to London. There, we meet Ellen, a young thief played by Maisie Norma Seaton, who steals from the wrong luxury flat and unwittingly becomes entangled in a dangerous crime ring. Ellen ends up on the run with a bag of money, pursued by ruthless hitmen.

This departure from the typical Shetland setting is a refreshing and somewhat unexpected choice for the series. The contrast between the grim, isolated landscapes of Shetland and the busy, high-stakes world of London’s organized crime scene is stark, but it provides a new angle on the show’s storytelling. Fans who might have expected the typical slow-burn murder mystery will find the intense chase and the new crime plot a thrilling change of pace.

Eventually, the story returns to Shetland, and the stage is set for the detectives to investigate Ellen’s connection to the murder mystery that will become central to the rest of the season. This plot shift is more than just a visual departure; it allows for a more complex and layered storyline that brings a fresh urgency to the series.

A Show Evolving: Fans Are Here for It

Even as Shetland evolves, it continues to capture the elements that made it a fan favorite: atmospheric tension, compelling character arcs, and the deep moral dilemmas that each investigation brings. The dark, Nordic noir-inspired setting is still a character in itself, with the windswept isles of Shetland providing an eerie and haunting backdrop to the drama that unfolds.

The shift away from Perez as the central figure has not only revitalized the series but also opened the door for more diverse storytelling. Shetland has proven that it’s not just about the detectives at the helm but about the people and places that surround them. With a new duo at the center of the show and a compelling new direction, Shetland is poised to continue captivating audiences for seasons to come.