Shetland: Who was Cal Innes, what happened to him, and how he's linked to series 10
Cal was a big part of DI Ruth Calder's past
Shetland resurrects the memory of character Cal Innes in the current series 10, but what happened to him, and how was he linked to DI Ruth Calder?
He was a key protagonist in series 8 of the BBC One detective drama, who had a special connection to DI Ruth Calder’s past.
In fact, Cal was one of very few people who could crack Ruth’s icy exterior…
Here’s everything you need to know about Cal Innes in Shetland, including who he was, what happened to him, and his link to DI Calder.
Who was Cal Innes in Shetland?
Jamie Sives played Cal Innes in Shetland series 8, which was Ashley Jensen’s first as DI Ruth Calder. Many fans of the BBC drama were reluctant to embrace DI Jimmy Perez’s replacement after actor Douglas Henshall left in series 7, but it wasn’t long before Calder put her own stamp on the show.
When she first arrived, DI Ruth Calder wasn’t very happy. In fact, it would be fair to say she was pretty peed off about being called to Shetland to investigate a case.
Now living in London, it was clear there was no love lost between Ruth and her hometown. But there was one person she seemed happy to see – local Cal Innes.
Cal lived with his brother James in Shetland. He dabbled in criminality, but was essentially a good egg. Although he’d clearly been some sort of small-time drug dealer in the past, Cal was trying to put that all behind him.
What was Cal’s relationship with DI Ruth Calder?
In episode 1 of Shetland series 8, viewers discovered that DI Ruth Calder had a colourful past on the island – where she was born. Let’s just say, she was something of a teenage rebel. We saw her bump into old flame Cal Innes and, although it was awkward at first, it was clear the flame was still burning.
However, that all changed when a tense meeting with her brother prompted her to revert to her old ways… She turned up on Cal’s doorstep with a bottle and subsequently spent the night.
In episode 2, Ruth’s one-night stand was revealed when police called Cal in for routine questioning. When Sandy (Steven Robertson) asked where he was on the night of the murder, he promptly gave away his alibi – he was with Ruth. Great first impression, Ruthie!
As the series continued, it was obvious there were still feelings between Cal and Ruth. They shared memories about their joint pasts while sat on the beach together. Later, after Cal had gone, Ruth paid tribute to her old flame by running into the ocean fully clothed reliving past times. She subsequently decided to stay in Shetland.
What happened to Cal Innes in Shetland?
Sadly, Cal died before his re-found relationship with Ruth could truly flourish. In the penultimate episode of series 8, his silver Transit van was involved in a road traffic accident. Viewers wondered if his death had been a tragic accident or if his van had been tampered with.
However, in the Shetland series 8 finale, Tosh delivered some important news to Ruth about her former flame Cal. Having received the traffic report on Cal’s car crash, the evidence showed that his death was an accident. He had not been murdered, and there were no other vehicles involved.
Cal was twice over the limit, and had drugs in his blood stream.
Who played Cal Innes in Shetland series 8?
Scottish actor Jamie Sives, 52, portrayed DI Ruth Calder’s love interest in the cast of Shetland series 8.
Jamie has been on our screens ever since 1999 when he made his first ever TV appearance as Ellie’s ex in Holby City. TV viewers will know he’s gone on to appear in dozens of high-profile TV shows. These include The Bill, Taggart, Glasgow Kiss, Rockface, and Waking the Dead.
He played DCI Jack Gosforth in In the Dark, McTaggart in Frontier, and Lee Foulds in Secret State. Jamie also played Karl Mortensen in the miniseries Too Close on ITV. Chernobyl fans will recognise him as Sitnikov, a character he played across two episodes.
Eagle-eyed Game of Thrones fans will recognise him as Jory Cassel, a role he played in five episodes. Jory was the Captain of the Guards to House Stark. Like so many GOT characters, he was swiftly killed off, and only appeared in series one. One set, he struck up a close friendship with co-star Jason Momoa, and still classes him as “one of my best mates now, and basically my American agent”.
These days, Jamie is probably best known for playing Jake McCall opposite Mark Bonnar in BBC Scotland drama Guilt in 2019. He also played DS Michael McAndrews in Annika, and James Hardy in Dept. Q.
His film roles have included Wilbur Wants to Kill Himself, Valhalla Rising, Clash of The Titans, Last Chance Harvey, and Get Him to the Greek.
What is Cal’s link to series 10 and Ed Tulloch?
Shetland series 10 introduced a new guest cast, including Ed Tullock, the son of murdered Eadie. As well as being a possible suspect, it’s quite possible the handsome character might become a love interest for DI Ruth Calder.
In the first episode of Shetland series 10, Ruth discovered that Ed is, in fact, an old pal of Cal’s. Turns out they were in a band together back in the day. He told her: “I know we’re not friends, but I knew Cal. I’m closer to [his brother] James, but Cal and I were in a band together way back.”
British actor Stuart Townsend plays Ed Tulloch.
