Premiered: March 10, 2013

On: BBC One

Starring: Douglas Henshall, Alison O’Donnell, Steven Robertson, Lewis Howden, Mark Bonnar, Erin Armstrong, Sandra Voe, Claire Rafferty, Jim Sturgeon, Gemma Chan, Geraldine Alexander, Lindy Whiteford, James Greene, Martin Wenner, Alexander Morton & Sophie Rundle

Based on the Ann Cleves novel Red Bones, the first season of Shetland is a quick watch, but you’ll be glued to the screen trying to solve the murder.

When Mima Wilson (Sandra Voe) is found murdered by her grandson Constable Sandy Wilson (Steven Robertson), Inspector Jimmy Pérez (Douglas Henshall) is put on the case. Feuding families the Haldanes and Wilsons – both related to Mima – are under suspicion.

Because the season is only two episodes, there’s a large information drop within the first episode where you’re trying to keep track of characters and relationships but once you have that down pat, you’ll be fully intrigued by the story.

Henshall is fantastic in the lead role but gets overshadowed by Alison O’Donnell as his Sergeant Alison “Tosh” McIntosh, who delivers great deadpan comedy.

Final say: Intense from the start. ★★★★☆