Melissa Lammers

In the very first episode, we meet the stunning landscapes of the Shetland Islands and the complex and sympathetic main character, Jimmy Perez. He is a man with a past, with strong relationships, a moral compass and an understanding of human beings and he is --- alone. His easy manner belies his intelligence and his fearsome determination to get his man (or woman). As the crimes become more and more complex and almost absurd (this seems to happen with all crime series(, his character, and that of the main supporting cast, is unwavering. They are humans who stray but do not substantially depart from their moorings. In the final episode, which I just watched, Jimmy Perez proves to be the man you think he is in episode 1 / season 1. He is someone you want to know and definitely someone you want on your side. The characters are all very well-drawn and well-acted. I feel sad to leave them. This is a lovely series, well worth watching. Although I just finished watching tonight, I am sure I will miss them all for quite some time to come and I look forward to visiting Shetland some day. (And as an aside, this American is having a devilish time trying to pronounce "murder" as they do in Shetland!)