Murder on Shetland - Season 4 - DVD

Content: Detective Inspector Jimmy Perez (Douglas Henshall) and his team must once again take care of a mysterious murder case on their island: A human hand is washed up on the beach, a little later more body parts are found. After intensive research, the victim can be identified as a young Nigerian who had been seen in Lerwick a few days earlier. However, the investigators are initially completely in the dark about a possible motive. But when then also the sister of the victim disappears, everything points to a dense network of drug and human trafficking, in which also the private environment of Jimmy seems to be involved...

Season 4 of the series "Murder on Shetland" tells again in a total of six episodes a longer, coherent story. What begins as a gruesome murder case, develops from episode to episode into a larger and more complex case, which also involves drug and human trafficking. During the investigation it becomes clear that Jimmy is also personally affected by the case and his small chance for a new happiness after the death of his wife again seems to be far away. It succeeds in the series again and again very well, comprehensive topics very intimate and personal, but also always authentic and credible to treat.

Douglas Henshall, who has just announced his departure from the series after its seventh (but not last) season, plays his role with an almost stoic composure, but always with an enormous intensity. His nuanced acting makes Perez a multi-layered character who, despite a certain aloofness, really grows on you over time. The same goes for his colleague Tosh (Alison O'Donnell), who seems to be opening up to a new relationship this season. Like Jimmy, one wishes her to find happiness, whereby she has the better chances.

The unobtrusive, yet very well constructed linking of investigative work and insight into the private lives of the main characters makes "Murder on Shetland" so successful in season 4 as well. The series is gripping, exciting and emotional, embedded in an engaging visual language. Anyone who appreciates atmospherically dense, slow but intensely told crime fare from Great Britain, should not miss this series. Absolutely worth watching!

Picture + Sound: As with previous seasons, the image quality of the DVD convinces with a good overall sharpness and an atmospheric color scheme. Image noise or similar weaknesses are not or only very conditionally discernible. The contrasts seem very well mixed, especially in the brighter moments. The sound is again in a rather restrained Dolby Digital 5.1 mix, which offers a coherent soundscape through the good tuning of the dialogue to the ambient sounds. Good!

Extras: Bonusmaterial has the DVD set unfortunately not to offer.

Conclusion: "Murder on Shetland" tells again in the fourth season a suspenseful criminal case that develops slowly but intensively to a great whole. Atmospherically staged and played well as usual - this is first-class crime fare. This is presented on three DVDs in good picture and sound quality. Unfortunately, there is no bonus material for this season either. All in all, quite clear: Absolutely recommendable!

An article by Frankfurt-Tipp