BBC Shetland viewers spot 'unusual' change minutes into new series

Shetland makes epic return to the BBC

Shetland fans were left distracted during the first instalment of series nine on Wednesday night over an 'unusual' change minutes into the episode.

The scene was set as the opening featured DI Ruth Calder, played by the talented Ashley Jensen, engaging in tense dialogue with a visibly agitated Malcolm Kidd, played by Stuart Campbell, who clutched a shotgun with demands to see Eleanor Douglas.

In what unfolded as a chilling turn of events, it was revealed that Malcolm had fatally shot his brother, whose body lay on the ground between them. Fortunately, DI 'Tosh' McIntosh, portrayed by Alison O'Donnell, backed by her crew, was poised outside for any contingencies.

The gripping moments with Ruth and the unnerved Malcolm escalated towards a struggle for the firearm, culminating in a gunshot as the scene abruptly transitioned to the opening credits, reports the Daily Record. 

Taking to Twitter, now X, viewers were quick to comment on the 'unusual' start as one person said: "This is a really unusual opening for #Shetland. Wonder if we’re going to go back in time", a different account wrote: "That was one hell of a long start #Shetland", another put: "Opening credits after ten minutes #Shetland", a different fan said: "Well that's some opening, right into a mad scene #Shetland" while a different viewer added: "An interesting opening for Shetland tonight #Shetland."

Shetland fans were left distracted during the first instalment of series nine on Wednesday night over an 'unusual' change minutes into the episode (Image: BBC)

In a later scene, Ruth, who was thankfully okay after the gun struggle, had a conversation with Eleanor, portrayed by Christina Gordon. Eleanor was engaged to Malcolm, who was currently in custody.

Ruth couldn't understand why Malcolm would want to kill his own brother, and after speaking with Eleanor, she confessed to having an affair with her brother-in-law, explaining Malcolm's anger and motive.

However, the drama didn't end there. Later that evening, Tosh attended a friend's birthday party where she witnessed a heated argument between two married friends, Annie and Ian Bett, played by Sarah MacGillivray and Robert Jack.

Their nine-year-old son Noah (Jacob Ferguson) later revealed to Tosh that his parents were separating, something she had suspected due to their cold behaviour.

Malcolm was menacingly holding a shotgun and demanding to see a woman called Eleanor Douglas (Image: BBC) SUBSCRIBE Invalid email

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Before leaving the party, Annie arranged to meet with Tosh the following morning to discuss something important. Annie and Noah were staying with mussel farmer John Harris (Vincent Regan) and his sons. However, when Tosh arrived the next morning, there was no sign of Annie, Noah or their car.

Unable to contact them, Tosh and Ruth decided to search for their friend. The situation took a distressing turn when they found Noah alone and covered in someone else's blood.

They eventually located Annie's car and discovered her lifeless body inside a nearby building, marking a chilling twist in the story. In another harrowing turn, they also discovered another body, which wasn't Ian's, and the mystery man's French ID revealed his name to be Anton Bergen. So, who is Anton, what has happened to Annie, and where is her estranged husband Ian?

Shetland continues on Wednesdays at 9pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

BBC Shetland viewers spot 'unusual' change minutes into new series

BBC Shetland viewers spot 'unusual' change minutes into new series

BBC Shetland viewers spot 'unusual' change minutes into new series

BBC Shetland viewers spot 'unusual' change minutes into new series

BBC Shetland viewers spot 'unusual' change minutes into new series