First there was Ben Miller as DI Richard Poole, followed by Kris Marshall as DI Humphrey Goodman, then Ardal O’Hanlon as DI Jack Mooney, then Ralf Little as DI Neville Parker. Now, Don Gilet settles on the island of St. Marie as DI Mervin Wilson. His debut was in the Christmas special last December. Marshall now has his spin-off series “Beyond Paradise,” which will begin its third season later this spring.
Returning to the town of Honore on the island of St. Marie are Detective Sgt. Naomi Thomas (Shantou Jackson), Officer Darlene Curtis (Ginny Holder), Officer Dwayne Myers (Danny John-Jules), Commissioner Selwyn Patterson (Don Warrington) and Mayor/restauranteur Catherine Borday (Elizabeth Bourgnine). Plus, fans will be delighted that Harry, the cute little lizard, is also back.
Set on a picturesque, fictional island, the series is actually filmed on the Caribbean island of Guadeloupe, making for some beautiful scenery.
The season kicked off with a Christmas special last December. It was then that we were introduced to DI Wilson, who came to the island originally to locate his mother. Finding that she has passed away, he no longer feels the need to stay on the island — but is that chapter of his life really over? He now steps into some formidable shoes as his predecessors have all been great at their job, even though they each had their peculiarities.
Gilet told Radio Times about joining an already successful cast: “There was this feeling of excitement, that ‘come along and join us’ from the team.” He admitted everyone was very welcoming. He added that he hoped he would “be as brilliant as the previous detectives.”
With a long list of guest appearances, this season promises to be as intriguing and entertaining as the previous 13.
Why has this series lasted so long given the many changes of main characters over the years? Honestly, every character change has added a new dimension to the show, and with each new addition come new, personal elements that give viewers fun oddities and interpersonal actions and relationships.
The scenery in St. Marie also brings viewers back, as the beautiful backdrop of the Caribbean is enjoyable to see, especially for those viewers from northern climates who are now snowed in.
The scenery, interesting police cases and uniqueness of the characters add up to an entertaining series that has become a must-watch show for fans of all ages. All previous 13 seasons are available to stream for those just being introduced to this show.
The 14th season of “Death in Paradise” will be available with new episodes weekly beginning Wednesday on BritBox.
