In the sixth episode of Shetland's ninth season, the intricate web of lies and deception surrounding the murder of Annie Bett reaches a boiling point, as DI Ruth Calder and her colleague Tosh delve deeper into the case that has hit too close to home. The episode, set against the backdrop of the rugged Shetland Islands, sees the duo navigating a maze of personal connections and dark secrets that will ultimately lead to a shocking revelation.
The episode opens with a haunting flashback to the night of Annie's murder. Noah and Annie are seen waiting in a car for Bergen, with Noah reciting prime numbers to calm his mother. Bergen arrives, distraught, revealing that Stefan is aware of their plan to help Astrid and is furious. Annie suggests they hide at an old house, the same location where they will later meet their tragic end.
In the present, Tosh and Calder interview Kyle Frost about his connection to Lisa Friel and the shooting in Manchester. Kyle admits to dating Lisa but denies any knowledge of Annie's murder. As the investigation unfolds, Lisa is questioned at Alan's house, and it becomes clear that her relationship with Kyle is more complicated than initially thought.
The plot thickens as Lisa admits to possessing Kyle's gun, which she had taken for protection after an argument with Annie. Calder's frustration grows as Lisa remains tight-lipped about the details of her argument with Annie. However, Tosh's gentle approach pays off when Lisa finally reveals that she was sexually assaulted, and Annie was the only person she confided in.
As the team pieces together the events leading up to Annie's death, they realize that the gun found on Annie changes the nature of the crime, suggesting that the murder was not premeditated. Michael, Annie's brother-in-law, becomes the prime suspect, but his alibi checks out, leaving the team with more questions than answers.
The investigation takes a dramatic turn when Tosh visits Michael's friend Frank, who reveals that Michael did not stay with him the night of the assault as claimed. This contradiction in Michael's statement raises suspicion, but it is the CCTV footage from a garage that provides the biggest shock: it is Noreen, not Michael, who used Michael's debit card near the scene of the crime.
Calder confronts Noreen, who initially denies any involvement but eventually breaks down and confesses to the murders. In a heart-wrenching flashback, Noreen recounts her attempt to stop Annie from going to the police about the assault on Lisa, culminating in a tragic accident that spiraled out of control.
The episode concludes with Noreen's arrest and the devastating impact on Ian and Noah, who must come to terms with the fact that Noreen, Ian's sister, is responsible for the deaths of Annie and Bergen. Calder and Tosh's relationship evolves from professional colleagues to friends, as they share a bottle of wine and a laugh, signaling a new chapter in their partnership.
The final moments of the episode show a softer side of Calder, as she gifts Alan's cherished dinosaurs to Noah, indicating her growing comfort with children. The episode ends on a note of hope and healing, as Calder and Tosh's friendship blossoms, and the community begins to pick up the pieces after the shocking events.
This episode of Shetland is a masterclass in suspense and emotional storytelling, expertly weaving together the personal and professional lives of the characters to create a gripping narrative that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats until the very end.