Key Highlights
- The article reviews the tenth season of “Shetland,” a Scottish crime drama on BBC One.
- It suggests that while the series used to be highly regarded, it now appears ordinary compared to its previous seasons.
- A recent review in an Irish newspaper criticized “Shetland” as “Dad TV.”
The Decline of a Once-Premier Scottish Crime Drama
Home Entertainment Television has published a critical review of the latest season of “Shetland,” one of Scotland’s most beloved television shows. According to Pat Stacey, who penned the piece on November 4, 2025, the tenth installment of this BBC One production has lost much of its former luster.
Stacey begins by acknowledging that “Shetland” was once considered one of the BBC’s finest offerings, known for its nuanced and engaging storytelling. However, he argues that the current season has been flattened into a familiar genre that lacks the complexity and depth of earlier episodes. This transformation is exemplified through the characters’ portrayal as simple good cop/bad cop types, such as DI Ruth Calder (played by Ashley Jensen) and DI ‘Tosh’ McIntosh (played by Alison O’Donnell).
The Critical Reception
A recent article in a British newspaper also dismissed “Shetland” with the term “Dad TV,” which Stacey found to be an unfair characterization. He defends the show, stating that it has always been more sophisticated than many other prime-time crime dramas.
The Changing Landscape of Scottish Television
The review highlights a broader trend in Scottish television, where once highly acclaimed series are facing scrutiny and criticism for their perceived decline in quality. Stacey suggests that this might be symptomatic of the broader entertainment landscape, where viewers increasingly demand fresh content and innovative storytelling.
Conclusion
A Mixed Bag
In conclusion, while “Shetland” still has its moments, according to Stacey, it is no longer the groundbreaking series it once was. The tenth season, as reviewed by both Home Entertainment Television and a recent British newspaper, paints a picture of a show that has lost some of its edge but remains worth watching for fans of the genre.
