Death By Lightning; Shetland

“Death by Lightning pays careful tribute to [former US president James] Garfield, a quietly extraordinary statesman, but its focus is Guiteau and, if this show is a hit, he might finally get his wish. If so, it’ll be because Charles Guiteau has become a byword for the sort of pitiable crank that Matthew Macfadyen plays better than anyone else on television. Macfadyen has obviously been cast on the back of his portrayal of greasy climber Tom Wambsgans in Succession, but here he takes his mastery of grasping losers to another level.”
Jack Seale, The Guardian

“Writer Mike Makowsky keeps things smart and succinct, and your attention will never wane. What could have been a fusty historical footnote is a pacy drama infused with humour. You’ll come away with two things: greater knowledge of an obscure period in US political history, and a renewed appreciation for Macfadyen’s talents.”
Anita Singh, The Telegraph

“Comparing the various FairIsle patterns was about all I really took from the first 20 minutes of series ten, given how low-powered things initially were. One wouldn’t want to be unfair on Shetland, though, because somehow, as is its way, the lo-fi crime vibes started to settle in: the secrets, the barren beauty of the landscapes, the sadness that’s akin to Wallander’s red-rimmed eyes. It all dovetails, almost by stealth, to lull you into a northern-noir trance.”
James Jackson, The Times

“This is Shetland as we know and love it. The beautiful, sweeping landscape shots, the dark, isolated atmosphere are comfortingly familiar and the cast of loveable characters have come to feel like old friends – yet somehow the mysteries remain as gripping as ever.”
Emily Bootle, The i