Shetland delivers unexpected Line of Duty-style twist involving long-serving character

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**Warning: Contains spoilers for Shetland season 10 episode 3.**

I was so excited to hear Line of Duty might be coming back, and now it looks like another one of the BBC’s crime shows is hinting at something seriously dark and twisty – the kind of stuff that would fit right into Jed Mercurio’s world! It’s definitely got me hooked already.

The investigation into the murder of social worker Eadie Tulloch continued in episode 3 of Shetland’s tenth season.

Colin, a neighbor, found her body in the first episode while dropping off groceries. He entered her house and, when he couldn’t find her, went outside where he discovered she was tied to the fence.

The forensics later revealed that she had been out in the elements for a couple of days at least.

But who was responsible for such cruelty?

Tosh and Calder’s investigation into the victim’s past revealed more and more potential suspects, including people who lived nearby and the Shannon sisters, Stevie and Amy – two women Eadie had previously worked with as a social worker. The investigation also raised several new mysteries, most notably, where did Eadie get £400,000?

Ed, who hadn’t spoken to his mother in years, claimed he had no idea where the money came from. Detective Calder, however, wondered if the cash itself might be the reason for whatever had happened.

Things became a bit more understandable in the latest episode, though the situation is still worrying.

Sandy, who had been investigating this, discovered the money actually belonged to Eadie’s late husband, Robert—a retired police officer.

For twelve years, he regularly deposited large amounts of cash into the account, but these deposits ceased when he retired. Since they had no other income, savings, or property – just their regular paychecks – it strongly suggested something was amiss, likely corruption.

Did Robert abuse his authority for personal gain? And is there a connection between his actions and the drug trafficking that emerged in Shetland during season 10?

Sandy wonders if the two missing bank statements might reveal where the money came from. Unfortunately, it seems Billy currently has those statements, making them difficult to find.

Lewis Howden has been a consistent and reliable presence on Shetland since the show began, always coming across as both a dedicated professional and a genuinely likeable person.

Yet, his sparkling reputation is now in jeopardy following Sandy’s findings.

Why would Billy take such important evidence – evidence that could either clear Robert’s name or completely prove he’s guilty?

When Billy started working with the police, Robert was his supervisor. They quickly became friends, and their wives also connected and became friends with each other.

Eadie originally brought Billy and Morag together. Before Robert passed away, he requested that they check in on his wife. Now, following both of their deaths, some troubling details are coming to light, and the police might have discovered something new.

What’s the reason Billy was keeping those statements secret, hiding them away at home until the very end of the episode? And why did he act so suspiciously, constantly looking to see if Morag had noticed what he was up to?

Before the new season begins, Alison O’Donnell discussed how the latest plotline will affect Billy and Tosh’s relationship, and looked back at how their connection first developed.

She explained that Tosh and Billy share a deep connection, shaped by their shared experiences. Specifically, the sensitive way their relationship was portrayed during season 3, following Tosh’s assault, has guided all of her and Lewis’s creative decisions since then.

It’s incredibly difficult for both of them to risk their close connection. Tosh will struggle with conflicting loyalties and a nearly impossible decision.

Things aren’t looking promising for the long-time sergeant in Shetland, but is this situation simply a mistake, or is something more serious happening?

The tenth season of Shetland premieres on Wednesdays on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. You can currently stream the first nine seasons on BBC iPlayer. If you enjoy the show, the original Shetland novels by Ann Cleeves are also available for purchase.

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2025-11-20 01:35