Collyns

My rating is based on seasons 1-7. Season 8 gets a solid 3 and that's all down to Tosh and Sandy. Shetland is one of the best crime dramas out there. Great chemistry with the cast, super talented lead with Douglas Henshall. Stunning scenery and well developed story lines. Right up until the end of Season 7.

The new season is such a disappointment. Ashley Jensen is such a pathetic replacement for Douglas. It's an insult to fans of the show to have such an unbelievable casting of Agatha Raison in a serious crime drama. She's truly awful and each episode gets worse. If the writers are smart, they will kill her off and either make Tosh lead or find another actor more suited to the role please.

It's like watching a car wreck in slow motion. You keep hoping it's going to stop but it gets worse and worse. The only reason to keep watching is to see which characters win the worst actress/actor award. The exaggerated expressions, the overwrought emotions, the kids who pathetically seem invested in every move of their parents against all laws of teenagers, not to mention how cringe worthy the detective work is, it's all awful. At least the first season seemed to have plots and a more believable character in Leila. Since she left it's just stereotype after stereotype. Siobhan is truly awful, Concepta interfering busy body (actually who isn't?). My award for absolute worst is Nicole for actress and Finn for actor. Oh and Taylor/Shay/Niamh are tied for worst young adult acting.

Draws you in with the human interest stories, the quirky characters without the perfect teeth/body/clothes Americanization that renders most programs unwatchable. The cinematography is wonderful with the sweeping panoramas playing a major starring role and rightly so. This show has history, drama, geography, multi-cultural themes that don't feel force fed. Yes, there is some weak acting and confusing story lines. It grows on you though and keeps you wanting more. The issues the characters deal with have a surprisingly wide range. I found it entertaining and enjoyable, sincerely hope its picked up for a second season.