The 'Shetland' Season 8 Trailer Reboots The Series

When lead actor Douglas Henshall announced at the beginning of Shetland Season 7 that the season would be his last, it seemed unlikely the series would continue. The show was initially based on the novel Red Bones by Ann Cleeves and had been roughly following her books for the first few seasons before going off on its own path, but still telling stories that followed the same formula. However, the series' popularity meant the BBC wished to continue it if possible. After the season ended, it was announced the show would continue with Season 8 and new lead Ashley Jensen (Agatha Raisin).

Jensen will star as DI Ruth Calder, returning to the Shetland community after 20 years of living in London and working with the Metropolitan Police. The decision thus far has been somewhat controversial, with some fans believing the show should have concluded with Henshall's exit, others who feel the show should have been promoted from within the cast, and, of course, a few who grump at the change in general.

But the first trailer for the new season, which debuts in the U.K. on Wednesday, November 1, and follows on BritBox at the end of the month on Wednesday, November 29, feels more like a reboot than anything else.