Ep 1. Episode 1

Detective Inspector Jimmy Perez returns in the highly-anticipated fifth season of Shetland. In the season premiere, Perez is brought back to his childhood home of Fair Isle when a young archaeologist is found brutally murdered. This sets off a chain of events that will bring Perez and his team to the heart of a community that is steeped in tradition and folklore.

The investigation proves to be challenging from the very beginning, as Perez struggles to find leads and suspects in a town where everyone knows one another. The victim, Eleanor, was on the island to uncover the secrets of a local local legend, the 'Sleeping Warrior'. Was her death somehow connected to her research, or was it the result of something more personal?

As the investigation continues, Perez begins to peel back the layers of this small, tight-knit community. A number of potential suspects soon emerge, each with their own secrets and motives. There is Eleanor's colleague, who has a history of violence and a mysterious connection to the victim. There is also a jealous husband who was involved in an affair with Eleanor, as well as a witness who claims to have seen a strange figure lurking on the island on the night of the murder.

As clues and evidence begin to pile up, Perez faces the challenge of keeping his own demons at bay. He is still struggling to cope with the loss of his girlfriend Tosh, who was killed in the line of duty last season. At the same time, Perez is also dealing with the return of his daughter Cassie, who has come to the island to share some difficult news. All of these personal struggles threaten to distract Perez from the case at hand.

Shetland is known for its stunning visuals, and season 5 is no exception. The rugged landscape of Fair Isle provides a breathtaking backdrop to the investigation, and the show's cinematography expertly captures the beauty and isolation of the Scottish isles. Along with the stunning scenery, the show's cast delivers yet another round of excellent performances. Before long, the residents of Fair Isle come to life as fully realized characters, each with their own motivations and secrets.

Throughout the season premiere, there is a sense of tension and unease that cuts through the serene beauty of the island. Perez and his team are faced with an array of challenges, from a lack of resources to a stubborn witness who refuses to speak. As the episode draws to a close, we are left with a sense that the investigation is only just beginning. With a complex mystery and a cast of compelling characters, Shetland season 5 is off to a promising start.