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DEATH VALLEY - sun 8pm bbc 1 - TV PACE NO SPOILERS

161 replies

Blondeshavemorefun · 21/05/2025 12:52

Timothy Spall and Gwyneth Keyworth play an unlikely crime-solving duo in the BBC's upcoming comedy drama Death Valley

The show is a comedy drama, much like the recent David Mitchell success Ludwig (https://www.tvguide.co.uk/streaming-guide/ludwig-series-2-return-series-1-ending-explained-bbc-one-iplayer). And it was created and written by the talented Paul Doolan, the man behind Mammoth, and Trollied - so we know we're in safe hands!

Penned and created by Paul Doolan, this six-part murder mystery charts the unlikely crime-solving alliance between a quirky national treasure and a charming Welsh detective sergeant.

BAFTA award-winning actor Timothy portrays John Chapel, a retired actor and star of the popular fictional detective TV show Caesar, while Gwyneth Keyworth steps into the role of DS Janie Mallowan.

John played Ceasar which was set in 1959 but made in the noughties but when his wife died he turned into a recluse and stoooed acting

Their paths intersect when John's neighbour is shockingly murdered in the show's opening scenes.
In their pursuit of truth, John and Janie unravel gripping murders each week, with various breathtaking Welsh locations serving as the backdrop to their investigations,

Despite their differences, they soon realise they are the closest thing each other has to a best friend, and unwittingly help one another move on from the past," the synopsis continues.

He teams up with Welsh detective sergeant Janie Mallowan to make a rather unlikely crime-solving partnership. While he can turn the charm on (when he wants), she is as subtle as a brick.

They are thrown together when John's neighbour is murdered. The BBC synopsis tell us: "John and Janie are an odd, yet hilarious duo, with opposing instincts.

"Every week, they get to the bottom of gripping murders, with various stunning Welsh locations providing a backdrop to their investigations."

We're told that when John and Janie are not arguing about a case, they're inevitably being nosy about each other's personal business.

The show's impressive cast also features Steffan Rhodri, Melanie Walters, Alexandria Riley, Kiell Smith-Bynoe, Sian Gibson, Patricia Hodge and Jim Howick.

At a press event for the series, Timothy discussed the challenges he faced transitioning into a more comedic role, following a string of recent drama appearances.
The actor notably starred in the BBC (https://www.express.co.uk/latest/bbc) miniseries Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light, as well as The Sixth Commandment and Summer of Rockets.
Timothy divulged the challenges of comedy, saying: "It's only hard because the expectation of making people laugh. Humour is big taste thing, some people like certa
in aspects of it and some people don't.

OP posts:
BillStickersIsInnocent · 28/05/2025 19:41

Just clocked it’s directed by Simon Hynd, of Ghosts and Motherland fame.

purpleme12 · 28/05/2025 19:42

I couldn't get into either of those

BakeOffRewatch · 28/05/2025 22:25

BillStickersIsInnocent · 28/05/2025 19:41

Just clocked it’s directed by Simon Hynd, of Ghosts and Motherland fame.

I love both of those!

moto748e · 28/05/2025 22:35

Just watched the first ep. I did find Janie pretty annoying, but hopeful signs, and I imagine her character may well tone it down a bit now. TS looked to having a lot of fun.

mum2jakie · 29/05/2025 21:03

Just seen first episode. I liked it, definitely has potential. Much better than the likes of the Madame Blanc Mysteries and that ilk.

Davros · 29/05/2025 21:37

I love Madame Blanc 😡

mum2jakie · 29/05/2025 22:17

Davros · 29/05/2025 21:37

I love Madame Blanc 😡

Different tastes, I suppose. I preferred this series and the ex-tv detective storyline.

Pinkpurplepeony · 29/05/2025 22:21

Theyreeatingthedogs · 25/05/2025 20:57

It's on now. Absolute shite. And I like Timothy Spall. God knows why he would be involved in this crap.

Exactly what we said. I was very disappointed as I had high hopes. But I didn’t like Ludwig either..

Davros · 29/05/2025 22:29

@mum2jakie fair enough. I watch all of them!

heartsinvisiblefury · 29/05/2025 22:31

It’s got some very funny lines and the chap who plays her boss is brilliant!

mum2jakie · 29/05/2025 22:35

heartsinvisiblefury · 29/05/2025 22:31

It’s got some very funny lines and the chap who plays her boss is brilliant!

Her boss is Dave Coaches from Gavin & Stacey!

ThereWillBeSigns · 30/05/2025 10:42

I had super high hopes but Ep 1 was not great.

Timothy Spall is class, though, even with a terrible script.

I will keep watching but I'm downgrading it from Ludwig replacement to Shakespeare and Hathaway replacement.

Blondeshavemorefun · 31/05/2025 20:41

mum2jakie · 29/05/2025 22:35

Her boss is Dave Coaches from Gavin & Stacey!

Whose boss is Dave From g&s

OP posts:
mum2jakie · 31/05/2025 20:57

Blondeshavemorefun · 31/05/2025 20:41

Whose boss is Dave From g&s

Dave Coaches (Steffan Rhodri) plays the DCI - boss of the police woman who is working with Caesar (Timothy Spall)

BakeOffRewatch · 31/05/2025 20:58

Blondeshavemorefun · 31/05/2025 20:41

Whose boss is Dave From g&s

Janie’s boss, DCI Barry Clarke, played by Steffan Rhodri, the one who wants her to gather evidence and says don’t run before your shoelaces are tied m.imdb.com/title/tt32409123/

DEATH VALLEY - sun 8pm bbc 1 - TV PACE NO SPOILERS
Blondeshavemorefun · 31/05/2025 21:15

omfg. I didn’t recognise him

OP posts:
Blondeshavemorefun · 01/06/2025 19:54

E2 tonight

a Walker is found dead on a Welsh mountain - Janie ropes John into helping her via joining the walking group with her mum

OP posts:
mum2jakie · 01/06/2025 21:11

Episode 2 was better. I like this series - quirky and entertaining.

mum2jakie · 01/06/2025 21:26

Recognised the woman who played Leah from the climbing group from the Red King. Obviously also Gwen, Stacey's mum, playing the police woman's mum in this too!

daffodilandtulip · 01/06/2025 21:33

I am loving this! Perfect Sunday night feels.

Catarinabella · 01/06/2025 21:45

I’ve suddenly developed a post menopausal crush on Timothy Spall 🤦‍♀️

Wingedharpy · 01/06/2025 21:51

Episode 2 was better - I'm warming to it a bit now.
Wales looks glorious.

bombastix · 01/06/2025 21:54

Yes it’s grower. Lots of nice touches and the acting is very good. Timothy Spall is perfect - reckon this has got real potential

moto748e · 02/06/2025 00:43

Just watched. Liked it a lot, certainly sharpened up on the first episode.

ToutesetBonne · 02/06/2025 10:57

Didn't like it at all and gave up after one episode, which surprised me, as I really like Timothy Spall.

Actually feel quite insulted (yes, maybe I'm too invested :-) ) that people are comparing it favourably to Ludwig, which was utterly, utterly brilliant! (imho!)