User reviews

British TV viewers have been spoiled with great detective shows over the past decades. Bergerac, Inspector Morse and Frost have trained us to expect quirky, interesting shows with characters who become part of British culture. It's early days yet, but I think that 'Death in Paradise' has the chance to join them.

Backed by Danny John-Jules, Sara Martins and Gary Carr, Ben Miller brings the quintessentially quirky detective to life in this brilliant show. A fish out of water, DI Richard Poole must handle the transition from safe, temperate London to the bright colours of a small French Caribbean island, St. Marie, and bring the essence of British policing to its very un-British environment.

The show's funny, interesting and very addictive. The writing is great and the acting just perfect. Carr and John-Jules bring the underdog policeman to life in the time-honoured way (complaining whilst showing just how much more they know than their boss believes) and Miller plays the lost Brit abroad perfectly whilst adding that touch of off the wall brilliance that a British detective is meant to bring to a show. Martins adds a sparkling performance as his sidekick with a wonderfully wry view of the British policeman's inability to adapt to the island's lovely lifestyle.

This show's one to watch and one I hope will carry on in this vein. If it does, we'll see it treated with the same respect as the big names in British detective shows.

Easily 8/10 stars.

well the stereotypes are pleasant and the program is very easy to watch.

it's set in a lovely part of the world and the characters are well played.

there's nothing taxing about this program but it's a very pleasant hour with your feet up watching TV.

the Englishman abroad that hates the sun and misses the rain is such a stuffed shirt role and it should be irritating as it is such an unrealistic stereotype but somehow all the characters work well together and it just works.

it's like your comfortable slippers and the cardigan with a hole in it that you just can't throw away.

It's 2020, and I'll try and give my thoughts, a snapshot on the series so far. It's still remarkably successful, it's even now commanding massive audiences, greater than the first few series even.

It's normally transmitted in January, it's cold, wet and after Christmas, a little bit grim. Death in Paradise offers sunshine, fun and murder.

We will all have our favourites as to best Detective and favourite cops, but each has had their moments, I've enjoyed them all. We've had some terrific episodes, my favourite story thus far has been 2019's Beyond the Shining Sea, it showed that years after it started it could still shock, entertain and remain hugely relevant, the show has never suffered fatigue or become stale.

It comes as no surprise to me that it keeps on going. 8/10

Death in Paradise is very easy to watch, even if you despise the old fashioned workings of the likes of Miss Marple and Poiroit you can grow to love this murder mystery.

Set in more sunnier climbs than your usual crime drama, the quirky Caribbean police force combined with some brilliant acting from Ben Miller (The hapless, yet genius detective)this has all the recipe for a fun loving watch that isn't as dark and dreary as other such shows allowing for the thrill of the chase as the team track down the evidence in their ramshackle police hut and jungle 4x4 (not as classy as your usual detective company car)

All in all a brilliant series that is brimming with rich and colourful characters and story lines that captivate the imagination as this somewhat old genre is taken to new territory. Whether you watch one episode in a bit of spare time or you decide to emerse yourself with all 8 episodes, Death in Paradise does not disappoint and hopefully will return for a second series with even more Carribbean Crime!

The brits never seem to get tired of their sherlock holmes stories but I guess we Americans like our Inspectors with lots of Gadgets...Anyways, I only watched this show because one of the reviewers on here said that the lead character was a classic in the making. I have to agree with that. What makes this show interesting is the characters. With a title like "Death In Paradise" it sounds like a dark drama but it's really quite light and very enjoyable watching the typical stiff arrogant brit making his way a round a crime scene in Saint Marie island while also looking for afternoon tea and biscuits in the noon hour. This show has huge potential. I like it a lot

I agree with the other reviewers of this show, that it is witty, charming and strangely addictive. I think the reason it works so well is not the murder mysteries themselves, but the interplay of the characters and the quirkiness of DI Poole (a great role for Ben Miller). All the actors involved seem to be having a good time and there is great chemistry between them. The list of guest 'suspects' is also impressive. The beautiful setting doesn't hurt either! It is an old school, comfy, Brit detective show - but with a unique style - and I hope it runs for as long as "Midsomer" did. I'm finding I need my weekly fix of Ste. Honore!

Totally delightful. Very clean so far which is refreshing. I don't have to worry about who watches it, or be embarrassed. My hubby and I are veteran mystery fans in all genres. We seldom guess the ending or the twists along the way. Clever plots. Accents do take a little getting used to and I sometimes just don't catch what they say. And like most productions these days, the ambient noise blurs the dialog a bit--wish all films would just quit doing that. Lead man, DI Poole, is a great character--combines a little of Miss Marple and Poirot. Sara Martins is exotically gorgeous and a good character. Sometimes it starts to slide towards cheesiness but usually stops short so keeps the show from becoming slapstick. Goofy characters make me switch channels and this show doesn't have one. Have now got other family hooked on it. I hope it has a long run.

I love this show despite the constant character changes. Sadly, it seems the writing and characters are all losing authenticity and the storylines are getting weaker and weaker. Having lived in the Caribbean, I love the blend of Europe and the Caribbean, but I would humbly suggest going back to the original seasons with Ben Miller and Sara Martins to find that old magic that worked so well back then.

Special mention to Danny John -Jules, Josephine Jobert, Gary Carr, Tobi Blake and Ardal O'Hanlon from previous seasons. Dan Warrington of course, and Elizabeth Bourgine continue on as favourites.

This series is an absolute winner. It was created with flair, humour and suspense. The actors were well chosen and truly work well together. I just love watching each episode and with my PVR able to watch them over and over again. This is one series that must be and should be continued. Each show is well photographed, acted and well written. This is truly a top rated show and I really hope it will continue. It is such a relief to be able to watch a series that is both entertaining and interesting. The tropical setting adds a totally different aspect and is well integrated. Very well done. Whoever thought this one up should be proud of their effort. Let's keep this one going. As usual another British show is first class and puts the USA and Canadian programmes out in the cold. Keep up the good work folks!

This show began as a master craft of wit and a perfect balance of sexual tension .. I gave the first 2 seasons with Ben Miller and Sara Martins a perfect 10 .. Then the wit and sarcasm were replaced with the fumbling milquetoast Kris Marshall and thus began the descent ...then Sara Martins leaves and poof ..the decline hastens ... Oh, I almost failed to mention the replacement of Gary Carr, this was just the last nail in the coffin.. From a solid 10 to a marginal 7 .. What a shame ... This was my favorite show .. Once upon a time. The entire premise of the show was replaced with characters ,who in other venues might have added something to the story but us viewers having feasted on the wit and sarcasm of D.I. Poole which played off perfectly against Sara Martins attempts to loosen his tie and her admiration for his intellect are now left asking

who these characters are and why we should be interested in the mundane .

The cast to begin with. Ralf Little does a good job for the most part but the supporting cast has suffered since the departures of Dwayne and JP. The Marlon character cannot match Dwayne's humor and mischievous charm and Darlene is no JP, The Sargents have always been a great companion to the lead detective but but not now which is a great deal due to the writing.

The script writers at present are not up to par with the earlier ones. The supporting cast has suffered as well, the casting has not lived up the previous seasons.

I have always loved this series but I'm beginning to lose interest for the reasons listed above.

It's time for major changes.

It is on in 2013. It has no episode titles.

Ben Miller/DI Richard Poole is very funny. He looks serious, does his job, is transferred out of London and sent to this island to become a supervisor over other police.

He solves the crimes in distinct funny way. At the end of the program he has all the people like Poirot gather together in one place. All the people that had a reason to commit the crime. He puts on a one man show and puts the pieces together of the crime and solves it.

The good features about this series, there is no sex, no swearing, good music and nice clean cut characters. Sarah Martin/Camille has a crush on DI Poole. The show has light hearted fun and a lizard that lives in Poole's cottage. It started that he cannot stand the lizard but now he considers the lizard his friend and named him Harry.

DI Poole is kind of stand-offish. He does not show much emotion but he works well with his police crew and respects them all. CPTV is running the series.

As an Aussie I obviously lean towards British titles when it comes to favoritism. Death in Paradise is no exception. I love it. The characters are great (particularly DI Richard Poole, played by Ben Miller), he is exemplary.

But what really sets the show apart is its mood and setting. It seems to maintain all the murder and intrigue without going down a dark path. Which, come to think of it, would undoubtedly be difficult considering its set on an island in the Caribbean. The location gives the genre a whole new spin and ultimately a unique direction.

Check it out.

Personally I absolutely love detective shows, I grew up on them you might say, and British TV was basically all I got while growing up. We have been spoiled by all the really good detective shows from the UK, although the US shows are right up there with the best now.

Death in Paradise is destined for greatness in my opinion as well. The first two seasons were nothing short of brilliant. Ben Miller is just superb in the roll of DI Richard Poole and is well backed up by the characters played by Danny John-Jules, Sara Martins and Gary Carr. You also can not leave out the Commissioner played by Don Warrington.

DI Richard Poole gets transplanted overnight from his cushy surrounding in London to the bright sunshine and heat of small French Caribbean island, St. Marie. Something he does with much reluctance.

The show is extremely funny and will have you laughing out loud at some of the antics the characters get up to, in particular DI Poole and Dwayne played by Danny John-Jules. You will be addicted very quickly and if you are like me you will be hanging out for the next installment.

The writing is great and the acting is spot on. Particularly the lesser if you can call them that of Fidel and Dwayne played by Gary Carr and Danny John-Jules.

Death in Paradise is very easy to watch, set in such a great location with lots of sunshine and heat it is not your usual crime drama, and this is what sets it apart. With the quirkiness of the Caribbean police force combined superb acting from Ben Miller in the first 2 seasons and Kris Marshall in the 3rd season this show is one you should not miss.

The thrill of the chase as the team track down evidence is made even funnier by the use of great locations and very basic Police buildings and vehicles that you will not be used to seeing in most Police shows.

Do not miss this show. I cannot recommend it highly enough.

Love this series; however, the character traits of the current DI is exceedingly annoying. I suggest the writers do away with them with some sort of magic cure all pill and dispense with all of these traits about bugs, etc. Get back to making the series we all love. Otherwise, this series will go down the tubes.

What on earth has happened to what used to be a 'must watch' programme ?

In recent times, it has deteriorated so badly as to be bordering on the unwatchable. The acting is stiff and wooden and the stories formulaic, the direction jumps around all over the place and the scripts are on the verge of becoming ludicrous. The cast have become stereotypical and unattractive, with only Don Warrington and Elizabeth Bourgine surviving from the original series and now providing the only relief from the tedium created by a series of almost identical story lines which are dull, tedious and boring.

Ben Miller, Kris Marshall and Ardal O'Hanlon with the wonderful support of Danny John-Jules, Sara Martins and Josephine Jobert brought character and interest to the programmes, almost all of which has now been lost with a third rate cast of nonentities. I'll give it 6 out of 10 on the basis that the earlier series were worth 9s and 10s, while the recent episodes barely rate a 1 or 2.

Time for 'Death in Paradise' to be its own final victim.

I give Death in Paradise a "10" not because I can't imagine a better show, but simply because I can't think of any specific thing I would change.

Yes, Sara Martins is wonderful as Camille and it was nice to see Ben Miller again (after Primeval) as another stiff, grumpy guy (but considerably more brilliant in this series).

But I am particularly impressed by the whole ensemble, where each character is so thoroughly distinct, much more so than in many other shows.

To somebody who watches a LOT of detective stories there are of course familiar plot devices, but they are few hints of what's coming next in these scripts. (After all, each victim and potential perpetrator either DID or did NOT take part in the deed, so the total "universe" of detective plots probably numbers in the hundreds to thousands in one way of looking at things, but it's the WAY those possibilities are revealed that makes for a good detective yarn).

I'm sorry to read that Ben Miller will be leaving the show during the third season. It's hard for me to imagine that the show will improve, or even maintain its level.

But I'll be there watching, once it reaches the USA.

I really enjoyed the first 6 seasons - but after so many of my favorite actors left and were replaced with truly AWFUL ones - I stopped watching. The lizard had more appeal than any of the new cast -

The plots became boring. Watched the first 10 minutes to see who died, and the last 10 minutes to see who did it, the rest of the show became boring and tedious and frankly I didn't care at all about any of the characters.