This is an interesting article but don't go there if you don't want to see detailed discussion of what goes on in Episode 5, Series 3. Don't even look as the title of the article gives it away. As does the URL I've made a tinyurl link:
http://tinyurl.com/z3p93yq
This is a really good article by Ann Cleeves, the author herself. She brings up so many good points, there's none I don't agree with. Thanks for posting! :)
There's a quite big difference between to graphically portrayed violence against women, and as she says, just for the sake of showing it, especially if it's just glossed over and the narrative move on to more extreme events. There's a disrespect of the victim, and rape is not just a good plotline, and it's definitely not sexy.
I rewatched "The Accused" with Jodie Foster a month ago and I believe it's the same reason that Kaplan chose not to show the rape scene until the end of the film when the trial was held. I think it's one of the worst rape scenes I've ever seen, and then the film of 1988. But in the same manner, that scene isn't shown for speculative purposes, because during the movie, we have unknowingly been fed with "opinions" about what kind of woman Sarah Tobias is, both good and bad sides, for better or worse, but unfortunately crucial for the verdict. But Kaplan was wise enough to show the scene at the end of the film, during the trial, when it clearly had a purpose.
That's why I think Shetland handled the rape of Tosh in the very best way, and was indeed carefully thought through. The opening scene in episode 5 where the camera zooms in when Tosh comes walking, barefoot and dirty, had a much larger impact on me, than if I've seen parts of the act. And later on trying to cope with the situation, closing down, blaming herself. And what is worth mentioning is the backup and support she got from her colleagues.
And whoever on this board who thought Alison O’Donnell isn't a great actress, I couldn't disagree more. I think she's simply brilliant.
The accused was a very brave effort at a taboo subject. All classes of males have this not so great ability to not only rape but encourage the event even if not participating.
Shetland develops in a slow manner with very little action thriller bang bang scenes. I must admit the Jimmy is so BORING. If [Kalinda] does need the work then I will not mind seeing her next time out. Might perk Jimmy up a bit.
The whole rape of Tosh story showed something very difficult. The character is a very appreciated member of the small team. Almost close family Therefore it has an effect on all. No doubt all wanted to reach out and give contact comfort. The fatherly figure sergeant was not even welcomed. Such a sad moment. It gave me a few bits of eye liquid. For this to happen it is body movement and face acting not words that is required and here it was well done.
No problem with the drawn out type story but they do need to make sure that the viewer does not see loose ends or as they suggest plot holes.
Spoiler.
In truth Sasha [kalinda] might have been a better mole for the story. But if Jimmy is going to get the odd bit of slippy slidey tantra massage [on screen for the viewer of course] then it's all to the good.
Thank you, mmurray57, for this post and for obscuring the article title. After binge-watching almost the entire series I decided that I *do* want spoilers -- I'm in the US and won't be able to see the final two eps for a few weeks -- so this is very helpful, as is your kindness to imdb users who don't want any hint of a spoiler. Thanks again.
"All you need to start an asylum is an empty room and the right kind of people."