Isle be damned... how BBC really lost the plot over Shetland TV finale
IT’S the last mystery for detective Jimmy Perez – was the final dramatic plotline in BBC’s Shetland based on a legal mistake?
Viewers of the hit show were saddened when the closing episode saw DI Perez, played by Douglas Henshall, sensationally quit.
After seven series he stepped down from his job policing the UK’s most northerly islands after refusing to let an innocent man, Lloyd Anderson, be extradited to the US to face the death penalty for a crime he didn’t commit.
But his shock departure caught the attention of legal experts, who pointed out a flaw.
Leading lawyers Morton’s Solicitors said: ‘The UK would usually seek assurance that the person would not receive the death penalty should they be extradited. Should there be no assurance given, then UK law would prohibit the removal of that person.’
Shetland is made by Silverprint Pictures for BBC Scotland and a spokesman played down the blunder.
He said: ‘Perez clearly and accurately references the law by saying, “I thought if you were facing the death penalty that you couldn’t be extradited to the US?” In response, Rhona, the procurator fiscal, says, “The Home Office will seek assurances that he won’t face execution”. However, Perez fears due process won’t be followed and therefore sacrifices his career.’
Despite Perez’s departure, fans can still look forward to another series.
Henshall said: ‘It’s going to take some time to sink in that I’ve left the show.’