Part One of the BBC's latest crime drama, set amongst the dramatic scenery of Shetland, has brought a mixed bag of reviews from the critics, good and bad.
The eponymously-named programme does not bear the title of the Ann Cleeves' book, Red Bones, from which it is dramatised, but I guess this does allow for other books in the series to be aired under the same label.
None of the above withstanding, Our Lass and I watched the episode mainly for the scenery, not for any comparison to Scandinavian crime dramas of recent yore. And we weren't disappointed. Whilst a little greener in hue than we remember (don't forget that it was filmed during the unseasonally wet year of 2012), the stunning backdrop of Shetland was always going to steal the show. In addition, comparisons to other series are probably pointless, as the thing that really shines through is the precious sense of community that can be experienced on Shetland and Orkney (other outer islands are available). A fast-paced, weapons-heavy, tortuously-twisted plot would be hideously and erroneously out of place in this particular landscape. Long may it remain so.
So we will be eagerly awaiting this evening's denouement with happy anticipation.
11 comments:
Gosh, it's funny how different our opinions of episode one are. I honestly felt it has - so far - completely failed to capture the unique Shet scenery. It seems to have been shot in a very limited range of locations. The plot is fine but the acting average at best and for me doesn't capture the character of the Shetlanders - not to be confused with Scots - maybe it's because none of the actors will be familiar with the dialect and are playing the parts as Scots.I'll still watch pt2 cos I love the place but I hope it gets better. Up Telly Pha!
And having discovered that one of the actors is from Shetland I'm even more surprised they haven't got it - or at least as I remember - and I did conduct considerable research in local meeting establishments!
Ah, you went when it was sunny, didn't you? Still, Spiggie Loch and St Ninian's Isle were recognisable. Also, I don't think Simon King's in it (he failed the audition when the Arctic Tern died). But you must've liked the herds of otters sweeping majestically across the pl... oh, hang on, wrong programme.
LOL. By all accounts, he had to soften his accent, just in case we couldn't understand him!
They also appear to have moved Up Helly Aa - which takes place on the last Tuesday in January when the sun is not up much before 9am and sets at about 4pm - so half of the scenes should have taken place in the dark.
In the same vein, I did ponder whether an archaeological dig would be taking place in Shetland in January.
It's ironic then that "half of the scenes should have taken place in the dark", when many critics are saying the plot didn't keep us in the dark enough!
And still no otters :o(
Can see why you enjoy that part of the world. Time of year whoops!!!Pedantic sundialists Eh!
Captain S, I presume?
It's good to hear you're on the mend.
I'll look forward to some focussed ranting about the clouds obliterating the latest comet :o)
No Otters and not many seabirds, although an indiscreet Shag appears to have caused most of the problems :0)
ToaBV, good ID skills, man!
I always have trouble distinguishing them from the other species, "Cor, more, Aunt!"
It sounds like they have avoided the French tradition of subtitling their own language when it may be hard to understand the regional dialect...?
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