Shetland (2013-)

Wow, this series is really good.  In the BBC crime drama sense of the word, that is.  It has all the elements of a great series.  The writing is very tight, and the seasons have evolved into one story arch, so that more complicated plots can be presented.  The acting is top notch.  The three characters presented in the poster on the left and many who are not pictured are compelling.  Dennis Henshall is Jimmy Peres, the lead detective in the Shetland Islands.  He is dogged at solving cases, and overall a kind man.  He has recently lost his wife, he is raising a somewhat sassy daughter, he has excellent coworkers, and he has good social support.  The one shocking thing is that there are so many murders in such a small community.  Then again, without the murders you really don't have a murder mystery.  It is a really good series, and can't wait for the next season.