Phone sex, drug raids and alfresco corpses. It’s all go in Shetland
By Alison Rowat
Alison Rowat explores the highlights and low points of the week's television, from the return of the drama Shetland to sports documentaries and reality contests.
Television Highlights
- Shetland made a gripping comeback on BBC One this Wednesday.
- A documentary celebrating Celtic and Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish drew attention from football fans.
- The Bake Off final delivered its familiar mix of tension and sweetness.
- The Troops added a thoughtful note to the week’s viewing.
Reality Show Shuffle
BBC One seems to be following a “one-in, one-out” rule this week. Celebrity Traitors bids farewell while Celebrity Race Across the World steps in. Viewers might struggle to recognize some contestants, prompting more than one puzzled “Who’s that again?”
The Return of Shetland
Season ten opened with detectives Tosh (Alison O’Donnell) and Calder (Ashley Jensen) investigating a suspicious fishing boat reportedly carrying drugs. Before long, another call interrupted—this time about a body discovered in the quiet village of Lunnswick.
Retired social worker Eadie Tulloch was found outside her home, tied to a post. Inside, there were no signs of disturbance. “It was as if,” Calder observed, “she went out gently, like a lamb to slaughter.”
As if the mysteries weren’t enough, a new face appeared in town: Matt (Samuel Anderson), an ambitious fiscal struggling with his long-distance relationship back in Edinburgh. His candor might soon prove ill-advised.
Author’s Summary
The week’s TV lineup balanced crime, competition, and character—none more compelling than Shetland’s dark and windswept return.