Jimmy Perez: why Twitter loves Shetland's down to earth detective dad

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Shetland lived up to its growing reputation and came to a typically gripping finale last night.

At the centre of the drama was, of course, DI Jimmy Perez.

Despite the maelstrom of horror which unfolded around him, the ever resilient dad warmed audience hearts. His dogged approach to work paired with a care and affection for his daughter and fellow islanders left social media users in awe of the lead character.

'The best actor on TV just now'

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Audiences were quick to praise Douglas Henshall's performance as the down to earth dad. The actor has been praised for his emotional portrayal.

One Tweeter went as far as claiming he was the best actor currently on television.

This is the best actor on TV just now and I will arm wrestle anyone into submission who says otherwise #Shetland @djhenshall pic.twitter.com/5uI1O9qYKv

— richard peace (@rppeace) March 20, 2018

User @thekniv summed up the character as "simply awesome".

BBC Shetland is bloody brilliant, DI Jimmy Perez played by @djhenshall is simply awesome. #shetland

— Jack knivett (@Thekniv) March 20, 2018

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Catriona Scott suggested that this was the actor's finest work yet.

Can’t wait for #Shetland tonight. Last week’s episode was amazing. I forgot just how well acted and atmospheric this show was. Have always been a fan of @djhenshall work but his Jimmy Perez is just flawless, as are all the actors involved.

— Catriona Scott (@blakesbabe7) February 20, 2018

A modern male figure

What made Perez so appealing for many was his difference to fellow TV detective male leads.

Macho cliches which plague other shows, were swapped for warm and benevolent characteristics so often lacking in male characters.

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Twitter user Claire Simpson claimed that Perez's affectionate side made him a timely male lead.

DI Peres is the perfect hero for our times. A modern masculinity embodying empathy, compassion and strength. #Shetland

— Claire Simpson (@clairelsimpson) March 20, 2018

The lead's vulnerability made fans feel empathy with the character. This tweeter wasn't the only person who felt the desire to put an arm round emotional wreck Jimmy Perez.

Wow. What a fantastic, devastating ending. Brilliant series. A real nailbiting episode, I'm an emotional wreck. I want to give Jimmy Perez a big hug. Very happy there's going to be another series next year. #Shetland

— Jaks 🌠📷 (@CatWithSausages) March 20, 2018

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User Googleyecat couldn't help but express her affection for the sensitive detective.

Until next week DI Jimmy Perez pic.twitter.com/fKm2g99IMt

— googlyeyecat 😻 (@googlyeyecat) March 6, 2018

While one Tweeter was slightly more forward...

Jimmy Perez so sexy when he is angry #Shetland

— Caroline Taleb (@rosa_the_red) March 7, 2018

Cult fandom

Perez, played by Douglas Henshall, has grown a cult following during his six week stint on the small screen.

One fan has plotted her own gritty form of fan-fiction.

It’s vital that Televisually speaking #Shetland joins up with The Bridge in Denmark 🇩🇰 and I’m particularly thinking that Jimmy Perez and and Saga form a romantic relationship over some joint investigation . Please. https://t.co/vvmUxgcy05

— CharlotteH (@5132N) February 28, 2018

While @JoshsMomm has provided the character with a bold nickname.

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Time to catch up with the beast from Scotland, Jimmy Perez @djhenshall #Shetland

— Sue Kirwan (@JoshsMomm) February 28, 2018

Another immortalised the detective in this drawing.

drew @djhenshall as Jimmy Perez in Shetland cos the new series is so damn good pic.twitter.com/F8gDXpIjy2

— Nunya Bisniss (@BisnissNunya) March 11, 2018

Another fan was infuriated when Perez was deprived screen time.

I found them. The most infuriating sentences ever written in the English language. pic.twitter.com/bbe8U2B6iZ

— Alasdair Beckett-King (@MisterABK) February 27, 2018

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But with a further season confirmed and rumours of a departure for Jimmy Perez heating up, fans fear a world that doesn't contain DI Jimmy Perez.

Could this love for Perez be short lived?

This man is not allowed to be bumped off....period!..ain't happening...I mean come on no Jimmy Perez?! Unthinkable https://t.co/sDmsoHrf0K

— Annie Haynes (@AnnieH24601) March 10, 2018