BBC Shetland fans slam ‘all over the place’ final episode as they ‘give up’ with confusing plot: ‘Not coming back’

WATCH HERE: New trailer released for Shetland featuring Ashley Jensen and Alison O’Donnell

BBC
Lauren Williams

By Lauren Williams


Published: 11/12/2024

- 22:25

The beloved BBC crime drama came to an end tonight with newly promoted Detective Inspector Alison ‘Tosh’ McIntosh at the helm

BBC Shetland fans have been left disappointed during the final episode of the new series tonight, with many claiming they were left feeling lost throughout the plot.

Douglas Henshall portrayed DI Jimmy Perez from 2013 to 2022 and left fans devastated when he revealed he was walking away from the show.


His character rode off into the sunset with his partner Meg, played by Lucianne McEvoy, after a life of solving unimaginable crimes.

Alison O’Donnell stepped in and took over from his role and plays the character Alison 'Tosh' McIntosh who was recently promoted to Perez’s position.

As the final episode kicked off tonight, it didn’t take long for long-term viewers of the show to air their issues with the final episode – leaving some to claim they would not return to watch another series.

The episode synopsis read: “Calder and Tosh turn their focus to Lisa but her confession unearths a shocking event and leads the team back to Annie's inner circle.”

Shetland

Many Shetland fans said they would not return to watch another new series

BBC

Viewers took to their X account, with one commenting: “I HATE it when the final episode and eventual resolution have absolutely nothing to do with the 8 previous episodes.”

“Am so f*****g lost #Shetland,” someone else added before another expressed: “Not exactly the most gripping series. And I don’t care about any of the characters. Bring back, Jimmy and Duncan! #Shetland.”

A fourth said: “Buggered if I know what’s going on, the plots disappeared up its own bum.”

Another aggravated viewer wrote: “This really has been the worst season of #Shetland so far.

Shetland

Some fans were left confused with the potline

BBC

The writing is poor, the acting worse and it feels like the narrative has been strung out far longer than the story requires. Time to call it. A day.

Someone else chimed: “Wasn't sure about the first series of the new Shetland. I think this will be my last, it's all over the place. #Shetland” (sic)

O’Donnell previously opened up about how she felt carrying on the BBC series, saying: “Shetland has got under my skin, no doubt.

“I think there was something quite profound about thinking the show was over and having to say an emotional goodbye to this place that I’ve grown to love and that holds so many memories for me...

“And then discovering that I was going to get a second chance.

“There's something quite euphoric about that. I'm embracing every moment.”

Shetland

Alison O'Donnell admitted to feeling worried about taking over the role from Douglas Henshall

BBC

She continued: “The Isles are unique in so many ways but perhaps most importantly, they are so remote. So much further away from mainland Scotland than I think people might realise.

“You really do have a sense of being in the middle of the vast ocean, at the mercy of the elements, somehow apart in space and time. It's magical.”

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