TV: Shetland’s explosive ending could have grave consequences for major character

There was an explosive ending to Wednesday night’s Shetland with the life of one of the key characters left hanging in the balance.

Warning: Article contains spoilers for this week’s episode of Shetland

In an unmissable episode of the BBC murder mystery series, starring Douglas Henshall, the team’s investigation saw them uncover details of missing boy Connor’s ‘safe place’, a caravan in a remote spot on the Shetland mainland.

But this breakthrough in the case could have deadly consequences, leading DS Alison ‘Tosh’ MacIntosh (played by Alison O’Donnell) towards grave danger.

Douglas Henshall to depart Shetland as award-winning drama returns for a seventh series

Believing she might find Connor or evidence of where he’s gone, Tosh entered the caravan where she uncovered strange drawings and nautical charts.

She called her boss, DI Jimmy Perez (Douglas Henshall), to tell him what she had uncovered – but noticed large chemical drums, wires and a timer counting down.

Realising it was set to explode, Tosh frantically tried to escape the locked caravan whilst a stunned Perez and Sandy [Steven Robertson] could only listen on helplessly as the caravan burst into a ball of flames.

Could this be the end for Tosh? We’ll have to wait until next week to find out!

Shetland is in its seventh series, which will be Henshall’s last.

The show will, however, return for an eighth series in 2023, with a new lead and further casting to be announced.

Henshall debuted the role of DI Perez on BBC One in 2013 in the first TV adaptation of the award-winning novels by crime writer Ann Cleeves.

After nine years in the role, Henshall said he made the decision to depart Shetland to explore other acting opportunities.

Fans have speculated that Line of Duty star Martin Compston could be in line to take on the lead role.

Shetland returns next Wednesday (31st August) at 9pm on BBC One, BBC iPlayer and BBC Scotland.