Ep 3. Episode 3

After the intense events that took place in the previous episodes of season 5 of Shetland, Episode 3 slows down a bit to focus on some of the personal relationships of the main characters on the show. Detective Inspector Jimmy Perez (played masterfully by Douglas Henshall) is still reeling from the loss of his colleague and friend, losing himself in work to try and cope with the grief. However, when the body of a local man is discovered on the grounds of a historic estate, Perez and his team are once again thrust into a murder investigation.

The victim, William Summers, was known throughout the community as a bit of a recluse. He lived alone in a small house and kept to himself for the most part, leading Perez to wonder if his death was the result of a botched burglary attempt or if there was something more sinister at play. As the investigation unfolds, things become more complicated as it becomes apparent that William Summers was not the quiet, unassuming man that everyone thought he was. His past holds many secrets, and there are more than a few people in the local area with motives to see him dead.

Meanwhile, Perez's daughter Cassie (Erin Armstrong) is still struggling to come to terms with the fact that her mother has moved on and is seeing someone new. The tension between Cassie and her mother's partner Duncan (Mark Bonnar) is palpable, and their relationship is strained at best. However, Cassie's focus shifts when she meets a group of environmental activists who are camped out on the beach, trying to raise awareness about the danger posed by oil drilling in the area. She's immediately drawn to their cause and begins to spend more and more time with them, getting involved in their protests and trying to make a difference.

As the investigation into William Summers' death continues, Perez and his team begin to unravel a complex web of lies and deceit that stretches back decades. There are no shortage of suspects, from his estranged daughter who harbors a deep-seated grudge against him, to the wealthy landowner who wants to develop the estate where Summers was found, to a former colleague with a grudge of his own. It's a testament to the writing and acting on the show that every character feels fully realized and their motivations are crystal clear.

As always, the breathtaking scenery of the Shetland Islands is on full display in this episode, with sweeping shots of pristine beaches, rocky cliffs, and rolling hills. The setting is as much a character as any of the actors, imbuing the show with a sense of place and atmosphere that is truly unique. The show's signature slow burn style is still present, with each scene building on the last and ratcheting up the tension until the final reveal.

Overall, Episode 3 of Shetland's season 5 is an excellent entry in the show's long-running saga. While the murder investigation may not be as thrilling as some of the previous cases Perez has tackled, the focus on character development and relationships keeps the episode engaging and emotionally resonant throughout. Fans of the show will definitely not want to miss it.