DEATH IN PARADISE s14 - Fri 31st Jan. 9pm bbc. TV PACE NO SPOILERS

[Blondeshavemorefun]

yah. It’s back. For 8w

We're transported back to the tropical island of Saint Marie, and this time with a new Detective Inspector in place - but will DI Mervin Wilson (Don Gilet) remain in the job for long?

Following the recently cracked case of ‘who shot the Santas?’, along with the revelation that his estranged mother has passed away, Mervin is ready to get back home and leave the island for good.

But when a case close to the hearts of those at the station presents itself, is he tempted to extend his stay?

As Mervin continues to ruffle feathers, the police team pull together to solve some of the island’s most confounding cases yet.

And making their mark across the series is a host of fantastic guest stars including: Tobi Bakare (Kingsman), reprising his role of Sergeant JP Hooper, Michelle Greenidge (Kaos), Joy Richardson (Dreamland), Stephen Odubola (Boiling Point), Anthony J. Abraham (The Acolyte), Simon Lennon (Our Girl), Bhavna Limbachia (Brassic), Adam James (The Day of The Jackal), David Avery (Gangs of London), Sofia Oxenham (A Very Royal Scandal), Patricia Allison (Sex Education), Imogen King (Love Rat), David Mumeni (Bridgerton), Madeline Appiah (In The Long Run), Siobhan Redmond (Two Doors Down), Chantelle Alle (Hijack), Rita Bernard-Shaw (The Power), Bobby Gordon (Three Little Birds), Tony Marshall (Casualty), Charlotte Spencer (The Gold), Tala Gouveia (McDonald & Dodds), Trieve Blackwood-Cambridge (Holby City), Gerard Horan (Detectorists), Judith Jacob (The Five), Lily Nichol (Renegade Nell), Lyndsey Marshal (Inside Man) and more.

Elsewhere, Commissioner Selwyn Patterson (Don Warrington) must deal with momentous news from the Chief Commissioner in Jamaica that rocks the police department to its very core.

As an unexpected foe attempts to enforce the unfathomable, Catherine (Elizabeth Bourgine), in her role as Mayor, acts as the last line of defence in a battle to save the team as we know it.

In an unexpected twist, Naomi (Shantol Jackson) finds herself at an emotional crossroads when an old flame from St Barnabas makes a surprising appearance on the island, while Darlene (Ginny Holder) becomes a mentor when a new officer joins the ranks, but is left questioning whether she’s the right person for the job.

And with the opportunity to learn more about his mother’s life, Mervin begins to discover things may not be all that they seem in Saint Marie. As everything he thought he knew unravels, will his life ever be the same again?

Death in Paradise was the UK’s most watched returning drama in 2024 across all broadcasters and streamers, with last year's series watched by over 8 million viewers. BBC Studios, who distribute the series, have now licensed Death in Paradise to over 230 territories across the globe.

Following the successful launch of spin-off series Beyond Paradise in 2023, the Death in Paradise franchise has built on its international success with new Australia-set spin-off series for the ABC - Return to Paradise, which launched last year on BBC iPlayer and BBC One.

Filmed on the French Caribbean Island of Guadeloupe, Death in Paradise continues to delight audiences with the perfect blend of exciting escapism, puzzling mysteries, and juicy plot twists set against an idyllic sun-drenched backdro

The producer bloke looks familiar

now 15m behind due to a friend calling. Don’t they know not to disturb me 9/10 on a Friday night 😂

I’ve just realised how much Don Gilet sounds like Alan Sugar. It’s very distracting

Pineapple new recruit looks fun

Just watched the first one.

Also liked the new recruit.

Is Don Gilet's "thing" going to be that he's always on his way back to London?

Or did they do that with Ben Miller?

Nice to see JP!

I enjoyed that , I’d guessed how it was done but hadn’t got the murderer . Hope they don’t drag out the Selwyn story too much .

If it’s Neil Stute, he was in DIP in 2011 also, according to Wikipedia.

I thought he had been in it before

So I was right. Killed before well wounded

though not sure how a pin through the clothes /body /kidney would actually make someone bleed to death via a tiny mm hole

Is the producer guy Adam James? Recently the nuclear power boss in Dalgliesh, the rotter from Belgravia and a naval commander who died saving Suranne Jones on a submarine in Vigil?

I think Don Gilet's thing is that he is a London urbanite - despite his character's Caribbean heritage. He assumed than nothing on Saint Marie would meet his London standards.

Also he seems to be a demon at the ironing!

Sorry yes. Got totally confused

this is who I meant - I think he played Neil someone in some thing

he was in various things hustle - dr foster - Virgil - diary of call girl

Got all cosy to watch in bed. Big mistake - fell asleep and woke up to see the reveal! So annoying.

I think a shame about officer Brice could have been a decent addition. Can’t comment on the pineapple officer yet as didn’t see enough of it.

I like pineapple officer. He thick blew his cotton socks. Reminds me of one they used to have

As a direct consequence of recommendation on one if the Book threads, I’m now reading the first in DiP book, and really enjoying it.

Enjoying this series so far. I liked Ralf Little in the role but Don Gilet makes a good replacement. Liked him in Eastenders😍😍

Tonight’s e3

Melvin and the team investigate the suspicious death of a wellness business owner after she suffers an allergic reaction at her skincare launch

I can't remember the start of the Ardal O'Hanlon one but iirc with him his 'otherness' was more around losing his wife than any antipathy either way.
I don't remember anyone disliking Humphrey either? But he had to deal with coming into a group dealing with the shock of Richard Poole's murder.

DS sent me this as he knows I always watch. Death in Paradise condensed:

That sounds similar to a previous plot.

Kris M and team decamped to London for a bit for a case. JP stayed behind, IIRC. Dwayne went looking for his Dad in his spare time. Ardal was their local contact. Kris stayed in London so he could pair off with whatsername and go to Devon. Ardal and daughter went out to Sainte Marie, supposedly for a short time, but of course he ended up staying for years.

Another good episode. I Suspected there was peanut oil on the glass she drank and/or the epipen was faulty.

Death in Paradise won’t be the same without the commissioner. I’m guessing Don Warrington wants to retire.

Also missing in action is Harry the Lizard.

Really liking Don Gilet as the inspector. Good choice.

I find DS Thomas really smug and self righteous

Me too, she's really annoying me. I think the new inspector would have been better paired with Florence. Also, how come Darlene's ready to be a sergeant so quickly?! I'm only just getting used to her being an officer.

We enjoyed it again tonight , I really like the new inspector and the new recruit .