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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:
NewAgeNewMe · 06/07/2025 06:21

No she wasn’t.

diddl · 06/07/2025 08:08

Neither was I!

Unless there isn't another series or there is but she's not in it much!

Not sure it would really add much.

DMCWelshcakes · 08/07/2025 21:15

I really enjoyed it. Entertaining and didn't require loads of brain power and copious notes to keep up with.

Also I had lots of fun playing "spot the location" and "what have I seen them in before?"

DangerQuakeRhinoSnake · 20/07/2025 22:17

We're only on ep 3 and pleased to say it's the first 'grown up' show we feel able to watch with our kids, as they enjoy it too!

There is something about Timothy Spall isn't there? It's not just me is it? He's about 20 odd years older than me but oh my!!

Blondeshavemorefun · 21/07/2025 13:22

Doesn’t do it for me but …….

OP posts:
DangerQuakeRhinoSnake · 21/07/2025 14:12

I expect he's an acquired taste- was pleased to see when I looked it up he's had a long and successful marriage.

mum2jakie · 26/07/2025 10:32

DangerQuakeRhinoSnake · 20/07/2025 22:17

We're only on ep 3 and pleased to say it's the first 'grown up' show we feel able to watch with our kids, as they enjoy it too!

There is something about Timothy Spall isn't there? It's not just me is it? He's about 20 odd years older than me but oh my!!

Erm, I think it's just you 🤔 And hopefully his wife!

purpleme12 · 26/07/2025 10:38

Yes I can't say I have a thing for Timothy Spall! 😆

DangerQuakeRhinoSnake · 26/07/2025 14:49

Well, fair enough 😅 less competition for me and his wife I guess!!!

Autumnleaves82 · 26/07/2025 21:12

I read the first few posts on this thread a few weeks ago, after some of you had seen episode 1 and decided not to start watching this (there seemed more negative comments than positive). However, I’ve been unwell the last few days so thought I’d give it a go. I’ve ended up watching all 6 episodes over the last couple of days and really enjoyed them. Nice, easy viewing. I’ve skimmed through this thread and it seems lots of you are pleased you came back after the first episode.

purpleme12 · 26/07/2025 21:21

I liked it from the off

Blondeshavemorefun · 26/07/2025 22:33

I loved it as well

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moto748e · 26/07/2025 22:59

So did I. Nicely written and a lot of fun.

diddl · 28/07/2025 18:52

There is something about Timothy Spall isn't there?

I don't find him attractive but I imagine him to be charming & excellent company.

bombastix · 28/07/2025 19:49

Glad to see it’s got better as it went along.

Anyone who likes Timothy Spall should check out his performance in “the Sixth Commandment” which is genuinely brilliant but definitely not light viewing as true crime. If you can stand it, it’s one of the best things he’s ever done.

Steelworks · 28/07/2025 19:58

If you like Death Valley, you should try Shakespeare and Hathaway. A superb cozy mystery series (BBC).

CarpetKnees · 28/07/2025 23:28

Steelworks · 28/07/2025 19:58

If you like Death Valley, you should try Shakespeare and Hathaway. A superb cozy mystery series (BBC).

Yes, I enjoyed that too.

Also The Detectorists in similar vein.

NewAgeNewMe · 29/07/2025 05:37

bombastix · 28/07/2025 19:49

Glad to see it’s got better as it went along.

Anyone who likes Timothy Spall should check out his performance in “the Sixth Commandment” which is genuinely brilliant but definitely not light viewing as true crime. If you can stand it, it’s one of the best things he’s ever done.

Sixth commandment is excellent.

Nourishinghandcream · 29/07/2025 09:46

Steelworks · 28/07/2025 19:58

If you like Death Valley, you should try Shakespeare and Hathaway. A superb cozy mystery series (BBC).

Yes, they hit the nail on the head with this one.😁
Watching S1-4 (again!) at the moment and looking forward to the brand new S5 very soon.

I love seeing places I recognise being used as filming locations and although set is Stratford, much of the filming is actually done in Warwick and I love seeing buildings and remembering what scenes were filmed there.
Likewise Dangerfield.

Steelworks · 29/07/2025 10:44

Nourishinghandcream · 29/07/2025 09:46

Yes, they hit the nail on the head with this one.😁
Watching S1-4 (again!) at the moment and looking forward to the brand new S5 very soon.

I love seeing places I recognise being used as filming locations and although set is Stratford, much of the filming is actually done in Warwick and I love seeing buildings and remembering what scenes were filmed there.
Likewise Dangerfield.

I may have watched all the series several times as well… .

Blondeshavemorefun · 29/07/2025 22:52

Shakespeare is having s5? Whoop

OP posts:
moto748e · 29/07/2025 23:05

Is the first new season in a while? I was fairly confident I'd seen them all, and thought they'd been repeats for ages.

Steelworks · 30/07/2025 05:58

Yes, the first new series. The earlier series were broadcast between 2018 and 2022.

OP posts:
moto748e · 11/05/2026 22:19

Ah, the Timothy Spall one! I liked that.