Shetland Season 8 Episode 1: Don Gilet’s Villainous Role and More

 Don Gilet shines as the menacing John Howell in Shetland Season 8 Episode 1. Explore the gripping plot, cast, and fan reactions. Read now!

Introduction

Shetland’s back, and it’s kicking off with a bang in Season 8, Episode 1, which aired on BBC One on November 1, 2023. If you’re into gritty crime dramas set against windswept Scottish islands, this one’s for you. Don Gilet steps into the spotlight as John Howell, a hired hitman with a chilling presence, and the episode sets up a tense chase involving gangland murders and vulnerable witnesses. Why does this matter? Because Shetland’s knack for blending personal stakes with complex investigations keeps viewers hooked, and Gilet’s bad-guy role adds a fresh layer of menace. Think of it like this: you’re watching a show that’s been pulling in 7.2 million viewers in the UK alone, and this episode doesn’t disappoint. Let’s break down what makes this episode tick, from Gilet’s performance to the plot’s twists, and why fans are buzzing on X about it.

Don Gilet as John Howell: A Menacing New Villain

Don Gilet’s John Howell is a standout in Shetland Season 8, Episode 1. He’s a hitman hired by a crime lord named Cassidy, tasked with retrieving stolen money alongside his partner Nowak. Gilet, known for roles like Lucas Johnson in EastEnders and Jacob Harris in Sherwood, brings a cold, calculated edge to Howell. His performance is all about subtle menace—those quiet stares and clipped lines that make you feel he could snap at any moment. Why’s this matter? Because a good villain drives the tension, and Howell’s presence keeps you guessing about his next move.

How’s it done? Gilet leans into Howell’s ruthlessness, but he’s not just a cartoonish bad guy. The script gives him just enough depth to feel human—think a hired killer with a job to do, not a maniac twirling a mustache. Common mistakes in portraying villains? Overdoing the theatrics or making them one-dimensional. Gilet avoids this, grounding Howell in a believable mix of professionalism and threat. If the show had leaned too hard into cliché villain tropes, Howell might’ve felt like a generic thug, and the stakes would’ve fizzled. Instead, his scenes with Nowak in Episode 2, where they’re holed up waiting for an escape, show a dynamic that keeps you on edge. Fans on X are already raving about Gilet’s intensity, with posts calling him “terrifyingly good.”

The Plot: A High-Stakes Chase Begins

The episode dives right into action. DI Ruth Calder (Ashley Jensen) returns to her native Shetland to track down a witness to a gangland murder. Meanwhile, DI ‘Tosh’ McIntosh (Alison O’Donnell) is juggling her own investigation into mysterious animal deaths. The two cases collide when Calder’s witness becomes a target for Howell and Nowak, the hitmen sent to retrieve money stolen by a character named Ellen. It’s a lot to unpack, but the show balances the threads well, setting up a six-episode arc that aired weekly on BBC One, wrapping up by December 6, 2023.

Why’s this plot compelling? It’s personal. Calder’s back in her hometown, facing old ghosts, while Tosh’s case hits close to home. The mistake some crime dramas make is keeping things too procedural—Shetland avoids this by weaving in emotional stakes. If the writers had focused only on the murder or the chase, the episode might’ve felt flat. Instead, you get a mix of gritty action and character-driven drama. Fans noticed: one X post called the premiere “a masterclass in slow-burn tension,” though some griped about pacing, wanting more answers upfront. The consequence of rushing the plot? You lose the layered buildup that makes Shetland special.

Ashley Jensen and Alison O’Donnell: The Heart of Shetland

Ashley Jensen as DI Ruth Calder and Alison O’Donnell as DI ‘Tosh’ McIntosh are the glue holding this episode together. Jensen, who stepped into the lead role after Douglas Henshall’s exit in Season 7, brings a mix of grit and vulnerability. Calder’s return to Shetland isn’t just a job—it’s a homecoming with baggage. O’Donnell’s Tosh, newly promoted, feels like the island’s heartbeat, her investigation into animal deaths adding a quirky but dark subplot. Their chemistry is key: think two colleagues who trust each other but aren’t afraid to clash.

How do they pull it off? Jensen and O’Donnell play off each other naturally, with Jensen’s Calder being the outsider and Tosh the local. A common mistake in ensemble dramas is making every character too similar—Shetland dodges this by giving each detective distinct motivations. If their dynamic had been off, the episode’s emotional core would’ve collapsed. X posts praise their “Cagney and Lacey vibe,” though some fans miss Henshall’s Jimmy Perez, with one saying, “It’s good, but not Jimmy good.” The risk of miscasting or weak chemistry? A show that feels hollow, no matter how twisty the plot.

Fan Reactions and Criticisms: A Mixed Bag

Shetland Season 8, Episode 1 got people talking, but not everyone’s thrilled. On X, fans called the premiere “bloody brilliant” for its tense opening and Gilet’s chilling performance. But others weren’t sold. Some criticized the pacing, saying it felt “dragged out” compared to earlier seasons. A Daily Mail article echoed this, noting that Season 8’s narrative felt “strung out” for some viewers, with complaints about “poor writing” in later episodes. Why’s this feedback matter? Because Shetland’s loyal fanbase—7.2 million strong in the UK—expects a lot, and the show’s been a BBC hit since 2013.

What’s the mistake to avoid? Ignoring fan feedback. Shetland’s strength is its balance of new stories and familiar faces, but replacing Jimmy Perez with Calder was a gamble. If the writers lean too far into new characters without honoring the show’s roots, they risk alienating viewers. The consequence? Dropping viewership, which is a big deal when you’re the most-watched BBC drama in Scotland. Fans on X are already begging for Perez’s return, with one post saying, “Bring back Jimmy and Duncan!” But others defend Jensen, noting her “raw, real energy” as Calder.

Behind the Scenes: Production and Challenges

Making Shetland isn’t easy. The show’s set on the remote Shetland Islands, where howling winds and harsh weather mess with filming. A Den of Geek review mentioned the “cassette tape-hiss winds” that make dialogue recording a nightmare, requiring hours of post-production fixes. Why’s this relevant? Because the setting isn’t just a backdrop—it’s a character. The team at Silverprint Pictures, led by producer Louise V. Say and director Andy Newbery, nails the atmosphere, from bleak cliffs to cozy pubs.

What’s the process? Filming in Shetland means battling logistics—think one car per road, as an Express article quipped. Common mistakes? Underestimating the weather or rushing location shots, which can make the show feel less authentic. If they’d filmed in a studio with fake backdrops, the gritty realism would’ve vanished. Fans notice the effort: an X post praised the “stunning, brutal landscapes” that make every scene pop. The downside of cutting corners? A show that feels like any generic crime drama, not the unique beast Shetland is.

FAQs

Who plays John Howell in Shetland Season 8, Episode 1?

Don Gilet plays John Howell, a hitman hired by crime lord Cassidy to retrieve stolen money. Gilet’s chilling performance, built on his EastEnders and Sherwood experience, makes Howell a standout villain. Fans on X call him “scary good,” but some felt his screen time was too short.

What’s the main plot of Shetland Season 8, Episode 1?

DI Ruth Calder hunts a witness to a gangland murder, while Tosh investigates animal deaths. The cases connect when hitmen Howell and Nowak target the witness. It’s a tense, personal story that sets up a six-episode arc, aired weekly on BBC One from November 1, 2023.

Why did fans criticize Shetland Season 8?

Some fans on X and in reviews, like one from the Daily Mail, called the pacing slow and the writing weaker than past seasons. Others missed Jimmy Perez, feeling Calder’s arc doesn’t match his depth. But many praised the atmosphere and Gilet’s villain.

How does Shetland’s setting impact the show?

The Shetland Islands’ harsh weather and remote vibe shape the show’s gritty feel. Filming there is tough—winds mess with audio, and logistics are a nightmare. But it’s worth it for authenticity, as fans note on X, loving the “bleak, beautiful” backdrop.

Is Shetland Season 8 worth watching?

Yes, if you like slow-burn crime dramas with strong characters. Episode 1’s tense opening and Gilet’s Howell are highlights, though some fans find the pacing uneven. All episodes are on BBC iPlayer, so you can binge and decide for yourself.

Conclusion

Shetland Season 8, Episode 1 delivers a gripping start with Don Gilet’s menacing John Howell stealing the show. The plot weaves personal stakes with a tense chase, and Jensen and O’Donnell’s chemistry keeps it grounded. Sure, some fans gripe about pacing or miss Jimmy Perez, but the show’s 7.2 million viewers prove it’s still a BBC heavyweight. The Shetland setting, with its brutal beauty, adds a layer no other crime drama matches. Want to dive in? Catch it on BBC iPlayer and join the X debates about Gilet’s villainy or Calder’s arc. What did you think of the premiere? Share your thoughts below!