In the heart of the Shetland Islands, the penultimate episode of Season 9, sees DI Ruth Calder and DS Alison "Tosh" McIntosh delving deeper into a case that has become increasingly personal and perilous. As the shadows of the past cast long over the present, the duo finds themselves entangled in a complex web of lies, betrayal, and a quest for vengeance.
The episode commences with a poignant flashback to a younger Annie Bett, who crosses paths with Professor Rossi in a pub. Annie, hesitant about Rossi's offer to join him as an analyst, is reassured by the impact her work could have. The scene culminates in a dramatic raid by undercover police, arresting a man planning a bombing, a success attributed to Annie's cryptographic skills.
Returning to the present, Noah's bedwetting incident is a gentle reminder of the domestic challenges faced by the characters amidst the turmoil. Meanwhile, the investigation into Annie's murder takes a sharp turn as Tosh and Calder discover Rossi's room, littered with evidence of his own probe into the case. Calder's ex, Rob Harding, arrives to assist, shedding light on Rossi's past and Annie's discharge from service following a botched sting operation in 2013.
Flashing back to 2013, Annie and Rossi are seen orchestrating the ill-fated sting. Rossi's insistence on Annie's presence at the operation, despite her lack of training, foreshadows the tragedy to come. In the present, the team learns of a connection between the bullet that killed Bergen and a case in Manchester, suggesting a single gun and shooter.
As the memorial for Annie approaches, Noah's recurring nightmare hints at deeper connections yet to be uncovered. At the station, the team races against time to piece together the puzzle. Rossi's stolen van and his pursuit of Stefan Jackobson escalate the tension, leading to a confrontation where Karin Jakobsen is revealed as a more complex character than initially perceived.
The revelation that Karin was Brutus, the agent who shot Annie in 2013, adds a layer of intrigue. However, the plot thickens as evidence suggests she was not involved in Annie's murder. Calder and Tosh's interrogation of Rossi uncovers his drug addiction and the truth about the 2013 operation, where he framed Annie to hide his own failings.
As the memorial unfolds without Tosh, the team continues to unravel the case. Karin's denial of any involvement with Annie is met with skepticism, especially as Rob investigates her MI5 past. Meanwhile, Lisa's confrontation with Alan and her prayers in the church hint at a hidden agenda, further complicating the narrative.
Shetland Season 9 Episode 5, "Echoes of the Past," masterfully weaves together the threads of past and present, loyalty and deceit. The episode leaves viewers on the edge of their seats, with the truth about Annie's murder and the identities of those involved more enigmatic than ever. As the series approaches its climax, the stakes are higher, and the consequences more dire, promising a finale that will not soon be forgotten.