Season 1 – Death in Paradise

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ernanda s It seems that this series is only popular in the UK and France, usually airing in January during winter so that explains its longevity because it gives escapist tropical fantasy in the peak of the cold. As a follower of the show since 2011, would like to give my take here. For new viewers it really depends on what you expect from this show, but I suggest you manage expectations after Season 3, here's why: S1 & S2 are a gem, a unique premise of murder mystery show in a multicultural, exotic setting, with genuine chemistry among the diverse, charismatic cast with better story arc, better acting. Richard, Camille, Dwayne, Fidel feels like a family and especially by the end of S2 there's a chance of poignant character growth like the opposite attract/romantic tensions between Richard and Camille (complemented with their own backstories), and also Fidel as a young cop who has ambitions and just started a family of his own. (These subplots ended in the following seasons without proper closure and then recycled with different sub-par casts). Some of the episodes in the superior Season 2 also rightly give nice touches on some deeper local issues, such as colonial/slavery history, folklores that relate to resource exploitations, social inequality, tropical hurricanes etc while still maintains the right balance without being too dark or political. The use of various authentic locale settings in the tropics (which not only the luxurious resorts and beautiful beaches but also market towns and village life) was also incredibly charming and what makes it different then other shows of this kind. The direction in these early seasons were also striking the right balance between comedy-drama with just a dash of crime thriller. It was a bit like Northern Exposure meets Poirot set in a tropical paradise. Later, I see HBO's White Lotus take this kind of premise to another level, and it works. I've stopped watching after S3 because it's clear afterward it's going to head down to Midsomer Murders or Grantchester franchise. The vibe is changed, no depth, recycled plot is tedious and even you can feel the original cast losing their interest and less engaged afterward. It's so jarring. I think the showrunners missed the opportunity of something greater by the beginning of S3 with Ben Miller leaving. Why didn't they make Camille DI especially since Fidel already became DS too? This is a potential story growth and more relevant to current social trends. And this is the proper continuity to think it begun with the death of the former DI with the DS as the murderer, and that the inequality in the police dept was even her motif in the first place. It was also what set the tension and rivalry between Richard and Camille so engaging, how they gradually become equal and find mutual respect (this is something that very insultingly lacking in the later seasons, whilst Camille is a challenging, equal partner, her replacements were all more like subservient assistants to the leading male Brit). If they want another Brit guy it could've been a new character who doesn't have to be a cop, there's so many potential characters of expats stranded in tropical island to be mined actually. Richard also did not have to be killed off, even if the plot sent him back to Englans it is also still plausible because his belonging in the Caribbean has always been a theme anyway, and the intriguing part of his character is, though irritating, he always honorably refuses to be tourist or just another predatory expat occupying & exploiting the place, and Ben Miller played this complexity really well. He could've come back as recurring character or in Christmas Special episode the way BBC shows usually have. That way it could've opened up more dynamics within characters and story arcs while still remaining a comedy-drama-mystery show with a bit more depth and relevance. But no, because the showrunners insist that it has to be a (replaceable) male Brit detective being placed in the island (with a sexy French female sidekick) leading the cast with the same recycled plot over and over again. That Midsommer Murders weekly cozy mystery drama template that you can watch randomly while cooking or housecleaning. I guess the showrunners never take it too seriously either and this is what they want from the start. Maybe the logistics get in the way also I suppose. What's ironic is that it now got a spin-off which is set back in rural England rather than exploring the best qualities of the Caribbean setting! Guess that's what BBC budget and demographics give you. The show still gets viewers anyway while being stuck in mediocrity, and the cast & crew get to have Caribbean work trips every year. I think White Lotus picked this genre up better in the end and being a superior formula. Pity. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/05/23 Full Review Audience Member It's the best show on BBC every year, and I'm waiting with great excitement for the new series to start in 2017 Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/09/23 Full Review mark v a fresh very clever simple series. A "fish out of water" story line. Beautiful location with talented unknown actors. Hawaii 5-0 meets Murder she wrote :) Rated 3/5 Stars •  Rated 3 out of 5 stars 03/30/23 Full Review Audience Member WOW! Brilliant! Funny! and wonderful twist ending! I love British TV shows! and British people did it again! Rated 4.5/5 Stars •  Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 01/09/23 Full Review Read all reviews

Death in Paradise — Season 1

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