Beyond Paradise (2023– ) User Reviews

It's okayyyyyyyy, not what I was hoping for.

[debrarachelle · 6/10 · 11 March 2023]

When they said "Beyond" Paradise. I didn't know it would be completely different. I like a good Ole Cozy murder mystery. I know in real life murder is the most horrible thing. But Agatha Christie, Matlock, Murder She wrote, Death in Paradise are fun fake murder mysteries. That is what I love about them not too serious and fun acting and fun mystery.

I don't care about thefts of paintings and such. It's sooooooo not what I loved about Death in Paradise and its definitely no fun to have serious stories of not being able to have a baby... why? Why would you put in such a serious story line? It just makes Humphrey sad and it's not fun. Oh well just my opinion.

Take a page from the original series

[dklecan · 6/10 · 25 March 2023]

Enjoyable to watch, but please follow some of the examples provided by the original series which is super popular and in season 8. First you have Martha with a cafe or better yet a pub. Use it to develop the characters, give them some more depth and interest, like the ocean-side bar in Death in Paradise.

Directors and writers just tease us with the quirky young policeman and the secretary. In Death in Paradise we get hours of and background about the crazy locals. Why don't they do the same here instead of all that boring IVF, depressing Martha and her bully mother. I can't imagine any couple involved in IVF, when Martha is just opening a cafe and the Humphrey starting a new job at a new precinct. The director is probably male. They've barely unpacked their stuff on a boat around episode 3 and they dive into IVF, plus why is everyone drinking if trying to get pregnant.........save all that stuff for a season 3 or 4. Stick with developing the locale and the locals.

And why Archie? Humphrey is the sweetest, kindest of all the St. Marie detectives, why drag in a super handsome ex for Martha especially the first season. Martha's mother could help with cafe instead of just standing or sitting around doing nothing but criticize her daughter. I feel that any of us fans of the original show could write and direct a 10 times better script than what is being filmed and shown.

DI Goodman is back on the case.

[Sleepin_Dragon · 8/10 · 25 February 2023]

DI Humphrey Goodman takes up his new post in Devon, leaving The Caribbean well and truly in the past.

If you're a fan of Death in Paradise, you should like it, if you were a fan of Kris Marshall's spell in Saint Marie, then I think you're going to love it.

It's different enough from Death in Paradise, to not just be DiP without the weather, but there's also something very familiar and cosy about it.

It's quite light, it's verging on afternoon drama, but it's engaging, intriguing enough, and has a few laughs.

Spinoffs don't always work, and very few seem to last, but there's enough here, providing it does well, for this to run.

I adored Humphrey, and he's as goofy here as he was before, but additionally he's as sharp, clever and observant, he's lost none of his quirkiness, none of his character, he's picked up exactly where he left off.

It's nicely produced, it's an area I know very well, mixing up Devon and Cornwall, that's going to rile a few people, hopefully it'll put both counties on the map.

It's a winner, 8/10.

The series I didn't know I needed.

[sicklittlebunny · 8/10 · 19 March 2023]

I'm a big fan of Death in Paradise and Humphrey in particular. I'm also a fan of Johnathan Creek and this series has the same kind of feel.

I've rewatched Death in Paradise so many times and the Humphrey episodes are just that little bit more fun, and now we have more of the kindest, most unintentionally funny, brilliant detective St. Marie ever had. What's not to love?

I'm really enjoying the series so far, the cases are weird and new and enjoyably confusing, and I love that they've found a way to bring it home but still base it in a small community. Plus they've actually kept the character, there's even been a couple of call-backs to the original series. So many spin-offs take a beloved character and throw their entire personality and history out the window, as if just the name and the actor are enough, they aren't. But this series is obviously created by someone who really appreciates DI Goodman in all his bumbling glory.

Was liking it...

[aloujaxon · 4 March 2023]

Until the ex-fiancé was introduced into the mix. She's that naive to think it's okay and it's strictly a business arrangement and it's going to stay that way. And Humphrey is okay with it. Humphrey is enough of a clueless dork who spends money on another useless boat, that we don't need Archie in the story to cause friction. Humphrey does that on his own well enough. Reverse the roles and let's see if she would be okay with an ex coming into the picture... Was interested in this to see if I would enjoy it as I was a fan of Death In Paradise, but it's more of the same predictable writing. Same old predictable tropes that are still prevalent in the year 2023. I'll pass if the writing doesn't improve.

We loved it

[wood-gledhow · 10/10 · 26 February 2023]

We love these well plotted and amusing crime series. The acting is nuanced, the script witty and it's an ideal length. At around an hour it's long enough to have enough plot without being convoluted. The cast are a good blend of cynical, open, sincere and honest. There's also an emotional subplot that fits neatly. None of it jars.

We've never watched Death in Paradise so can't say how it does or doesn't measure up in that respect. Kris Marshall is convincing as an eccentric police officer and the rest of the actors based at the police station are also entertaining.

So, please don't cancel this after one series. Let's keep it going to find out where it might take us.

It is OK!

[kimberleyrigg · 6/10 · 28 February 2023]

I really enjoy Death in Paradise and I really enjoyed Kris in the show so of course I gave this new show a whirl. In the context of what feels like a million police, detective, crime shows, however this one just does not stand out. I think the reason I like DinP is because of the tropical setting, when you take that away it is just another OK crime drama. BP just did not grip me and I found my mind drifting as I was watching. Do not get me wrong I did not hate it nor do I think it is bad but I think as a pilot I was left wanting more. I will watch a few more and hopefully it will grow on me or get better.

DITCH THE OPENING MUSIC

[pblossom · 10/10 · 15 March 2023]

Big fan of Death in Paradise & was looking forward to this Beyond Paradise spin-off. But UGH, was accosted by the vile opening title theme music & almost reneged on watching! PRODUCERS - please invest in better-fitting melody that aurally suits the intended vibe to accompany the gorgeous visual scenery! The overhead drone-view opening coastal scenery will encourage USA anglophile tourists to visit the Devon west coast area.

I'm hoping the awkward, bumbling and dorky Humphrey who staged end of episode big-reveal crime solutions with all suspects gathered 'round is more believable and worthy of continued loyal viewership. We need to respect and admire our quickly lead sleuth to continue tuning in!

The real mystery: no one mentions ADOPTION

[drhairstonpgh · 6/10 · 6 April 2023]

There is adoption in England - if Humphrey, or Martha's mum, had even mentioned it as an option, it would have cut out a lot of the strained melodrama. While the show did a good job of showing how physically and emotionally painful IVF was for Martha, it's not as if IVF is the only way to have kids for those struggling to conceive.

I do appreciate that we see a couple who didn't find each other until a little later in life (I'm also 40-something ; ) And I like Margo having fun with her hair color and style, her clothes, and having fun in general.

I 'm also fine with most of the episodes not having a murder; I appreciate the puzzles, and Humph's enthusiasm as he's getting close to the solution.

Lovely whodunnit set in gorgeous Devon!

[ar_brierley · 9/10 · 17 April 2023]

This is a lovely gentle series of local 'whodunnit' crimes set in a rural village in Devon. The countryside and aerial coast photography is gorgeous, will definitely encourage more tourism! Kris Marshall is as good as ever, continuing his 'bumbling genius' detective role from Death in Paradise. The support cast are wonderful, the local accents are delightful to hear, and the stories are interesting and varied, without murder and other gruesome crimes. The humour is wry and amusing, I think, and it's just a lovely comfortable show to watch, especially for those of us from the 'colonies' hankering for our British entertainment, rather than the usual brash American stuff.

Could be better

[bronwo · 6/10 · 23 March 2023]

As a fan of Death in Paradise I was excited to watch Beyond Paradise. Unfortunately I was let down. The characters are boring and stereotypical. The storylines around the crimes are pretty good, but the storyline about Humphrey and his fiancé is cliched and predictable.

However, a good twist at the end of the episode is when Humphrey and the team show how the crime was committed.

Overall, the show is reasonable watching if you are wanting something easy to digest and want to be entertained.

I'm surprised that Beyond Paradise shows Humphrey's fiancé drinking alcohol when she is trying to get pregnant. I'm not sure the British health advocates would be happy with that.

An amusing programme that is refreshing from the now dull Death in Paradise. A great watch!

[vntjfmcaw · 8/10 · 25 February 2023]

Kris Marshall is back as the best detective 'Death in Paradise' had to offer, now in Devon. His unique detective skills are still shown like his use of scrap pieces of paper and gripping ways of discovering the criminals, using is team to help go through his theories.

The first episode of 'Beyond Paradise' was so much better than the new series of 'Death in Paradise', it focused on the comedy that 'Death in Paradise' used to use. Kris Marshall is a far better and more believable actor than Ralf Little. The programme was of course not perfect, some of the supporting actors were not great, however as it is a comedy it is not as frustrating as 'Death in Paradise's' bad acting because that programme has become far too serious with a lack of jokes. The only things that 'Death in Paradise' has got over 'Beyond Paradise' is the theme tune and Harry the lizard.

I would definitely recommend this programme for a watch with the family in the evening, as a relaxing, humorous and gripping programme.

I wanted to love this...

[mgumsley · 6/10 · 26 February 2023]

Like anyone born in the West Country, I was interested in this but I was somewhat disappointed. It was like so many shows these days, just so-so, populated by stereotypical characters, and I cringed somewhat at the fart jokes.

DI Goodman seems less bouncy than he used to be (well, he is older and looks it), and Sally Bretton as his wife is a good choice as she smiles a lot and is easy to understand.

He seems to have a different way of going about his work, using the camera to good effect, which is a plus. The plot involving a witch didn't enthrall me either, it seemed like the writer was trying to imply people from this part of the world bred a lot of witches, but perhaps I am biased.

I remember when I first watched Doc Martin years ago, I loved the fact that Port Isaac looked relatively unspoiled. Now it seems that Devon and Cornwall are very commercialized, with lots of tourists. But perhaps this series will improve and I think it is a good thing that they say they will not focus exclusively on murders, although the first episode very nearly was.

So disappointing!

[Multifocus · 5/10 · 31 March 2023]

We cannot help but compare this series to Death in Paradise. DiP instantly showed its core identity and we were hooked. It was crime-solving with true friendship, joviality, trusted teammates and likeable characters. We enjoyed them in their off-time as if we were part of their merry making. The writers achieved a unique and tight balance; well written and a pleasure to watch, season after season.

I just finished season 1 of Beyond Paradise. I am disappointed at the product that has been delivered to a pre-existing captive audience! It struggles to find its identity: Is it a comedy, a comedy/drama or just a dark drama? BP has few likeable characters, it is thin on comedy. We want DI Goodman to be clumsy and endearing, to excel in his work and enjoy a home life - the formula we loved. Instead he is living a sad undercurrent at home. He has no reprieve from sleuthing. The best supporting character was supposed to be his fiancee. She instead offers nothing but pain. It is dark and depressing. We did not sign up for a soap opera home life. It distracts from the story and is a major disappointment that does not serve the series or its audience well. I would not be surprised if it is cancelled unless they change tack.

High hopes for this series - dump the infertility drivel!!

[hayesmikiet · 10/10 · 26 March 2023]

I have very high hopes for this series!! DI Humphrey was my very favorite in DIP. So happy to have him back. He's not lost one shred of his charm or appeal and is as wonderful and funny as ever!! He was the heart of the DIP series during his time and was surrounded by a fun, upbeat, and quirky supporting cast.

I am trying to get used to the differences in this cast. I'm only on episode 4, so I want to make sure I give everyone a fair shot. Williams and Hartford continue to grow on me... But the oh-so cantankerous and sarcastic Margo is not - her obvious unfounded disdain is tiresome and trite. The actress looks like she could be a lot of fun and add a lot of pizzazz to this... but, frankly, she's being miswritten. I'm ambivalent about Martha... I want to like her, I'm just not sure she has the right energy. So is it her or is it the fact that the writers saddled her and poor Humph with an infertility plot right out of the gate - such a mistake. Then a handsome and charming ex biz partner? Too much. Pick a plot. I say keep Archie - ditch IVF and the monthly hopeful ups and morose downs. It's making Martha dreary - and squandering all Marshall has to bring to Humph and this new series. I so hope the infertility plot doesn't continue throughout this season. In fact, it makes me hope that Martha runs away with Archie... And if not her, maybe Humphrey and Archie can run away together! (JK) The music is wonderful. The environs are terrific. The crimes are well thought out and interesting. It's really got so much going for it!! With awesome acting, a fantastic setting, terrific crimes - it's the writers game to lose. Ditch the difficult receptionist - make her fun and smart. Ditch the IVF. Rewrite Martha to be light-hearted and interesting - and with more chemistry between her and Humphrey - or let her run away with Archie - and then introduce Humphrey to a firecracker!! Here's to 13+ seasons for BP!!

A reasonable spin-off, should catch on.

[Tony-Holmes · 9/10 · 6 March 2023]

We've seen two of these so far (and revamping the review after ALL 6, and AGAIN after the second series has finished), and the people wailing because it's not Death in Paradise should give their heads a wobble. No, it's not the Caribbean, well done, but as the vast majority of British series are set here, so what?

The stories look set to be mysteries, not all murders, and that's fine too. We got used to the barmy spectacle of Midsomer Massacres wiping out half of southern England, the Oxford population being decimated (Morse), and that small West Indies island also having a murder rate slightly worse than the Colombian drugs suburbs.

The show looks like they've got a good cast, with a variety of characters to give the viewers a few funny moments along with the impenetrable crimes, the station has a well-meaning idiot, a nerdy junior detective, an old sourpuss, and Marshall's eccentric DI Humphrey, newly shifted to Devon as his fiancee has moved back home. Sally Bretton gives expert help in that role, and - JOY - the wonderful Barbara Flynn is playing her mother. Flynn can do no wrong - though we have to excuse her that recent ITV Kate & Koji tosh she was in, everyone has bills I suppose?!

I'd have to blast the frankly daft review from one Les Nicholls, moaning that it's not the warm & sunny Caribbean (Happy Valley and Morse weren't either - for just 2 of many?!) but then he thinks it's set in Cornwall, even though Devon has been mentioned zillions of times so far. He also didn't like Marshall in the original, but a recent poll put him and Miller as the joint most popular leads (about 2 thirds of the votes), and the other third about split between Ardal O'Hanlon and the recent chap, the leaden Ralf Little and his Increasingly odd boot polish hair dye. Sorry Les, you're way off beam there too.

This show should catch on, decent plots for the crimes, and a bit of a twist with Humphrey's lady having her ex boyfriend (ex-fiance apparently!) as her new business partner, bailing her out (Jamie Bamber in that role). Given the many series that the original series has had (so far, more to come), the viewers clearly like this type of thing, a little mystery to consider, and sympathetic characters, with a few funny lines thrown in. A further twist is the relative novelty of dropping the 2 detectives into the crime scenes as they work through the plot possibilities, a kind of enhanced flash-back? Seems to work well so far.

I see reviewers moaning about the co-star, and the IVF storyline, well, tough, she's an excellent actress, and coped well with a tricky storyline. The eccentric characters in the station are for light relief, and that IS EXACTLY what the supporting cast do in the Caribbean Paradise show!!

Hopefully this show does get further series, and with the final scenes showing Humphrey & Martha having a reconciliation back on St Marie, along with THAT cast, it was a reminder that hopefully they find somebody who is less irritating than Ralf Little to play the lead role when that one comes back?!

And NOW we've had 2 whole series -- with a third and a Xmas special announced -- it's clear it HAS caught on well, in fact the writing and characters put it ahead of the original DIP. It's greatly helped because the cases are far from all deaths, just mysteries. It's comfy TV -- but the public does NOT want Shakespeare, ballet or Newsnight on at prime time!

So far okay

[ukgreek · 6/10 · 25 February 2023]

One episode in and it's just... okay. Scenery is great. Acting is above average. Stories might be interesting. Characters are okay, but the sense of humour... why all the rolled eyes when he's doing reasonably good and *logical* police work? They all look amateurish and badly trained next to his lines of inquiry. He's not a loon, so their skepticism just comes off as small-town ignorance and uncalled for, which is not enjoyable. The plots and scripts need to be better to justify the direction. Humphries act is a bit bumbling and that's not exactly charming, but at least someowhat amusing.

The comparisons to Death in Paradise, IDK, they're not really worthwhile. DoP has become a parody of itself, nothng against the actors. But so much of the shows have to do with the locale, and they're different enough.

D.I. Goodman's return!

[drdestructo · 10/10 · 26 February 2023]

With all the drivel that calls itself TV programming that's on nowadays, it was an absolute delight to watch the Death in Paradise spin-off, Beyond Paradise.

Kris Marshall reprises his role as bumbling, but brilliant, Detective Inspector Humphrey Goodman. This time around, Humphrey and fiancée Martha, have settled in her home town, and his antics begin. No spoilers here, but suffice to say, I found myself chuckling all through the episode. Dinner with Martha's gran? Loved it!

Want a refreshing break from the monotony of the normal shoot-em up shows on today? Give this a try. Breathtaking scenery, superb acting, and a plot which keeps you guessing. It's the best way to enjoy a murder mystery!

Beyond idiotic!

[matthewhuk · 7/10 · 11 May 2023]

Was really looking forward to this death in paradise spin off, especially as Kris Marshal was one of my favourite DIs from the series, and also because being a West Country boy it's set in my part of the world.

Filmed in Cornwall but bizzatly set in Devon, obviously didn't want to be seen to be mimicking Doc Martin too closely, although actually it's just a police version of doc Martin with a less grumpy lead. Just like Doc Martin & other West Country based series such as the dreadful McDonald and Dodds the actors have been sent to the same school of generic West Country accent coaching, (clearly based in the middle of Bristol) and ridiculously unsubtle, over the top and of course spoken by every single resident.

The locals are depicted as the stereotypical dumb village idiots which is just boringly tedious, plane lazy and unimaginative writing.

You couldn't get away with depicting any other social group in this way these days but here we are yet again!

The police officers in death in paradise weren't written as being imbeciles so why are they in this, especially the incredibly irritating older female secretary character.

It's a shame because this stupidity really ruins what could be an acceptable series, the fact it's different mysteries rather than murders is an interesting touch and of course some lovely scenery and touching moments between Humphrey and Martha. However the tiring carrot crunching yokel routine just ruins it.

You can mix comedy with more serious issues as shown in Death in Paradise and other successful pats series such as Heartbeat, but beyond paradise just come across as being an idiotic farce than amusing light hearted police drama.

Looking forward to the rest of season 1.

[Avidviewer-02847 · 8/10 · 1 March 2023]

I really enjoyed the pilot. I'm familiar with Kris Marshall who played the same character DI Humphrey Goodman in "Death in Paradise", the bumbling detective who always solved the case. It's set in Cornwall and reminds me of the series "Doc Martin", which was also set in a coastal village in Cornwall.

Good script with enough twists and turns to keep the story interesting and a logical conclusion. Good cast Salley Bretton, Barbara Flynn, Felicity Montagu and others. Chris Jenks is so funny, he's a regular in "Sex Education" and "Karen Pirie", shame he's only in one episode. Looks like Jamie Bamber joins the series in episode 2m that should be fun.

It's okay but...

[frank-bales · 6/10 · 12 March 2023]

You should have more murders. Better yet, all murders. It is Kind of boring so far. A couple of the characters are weak, but it's early yet. They haven't synced into characters you like yet, except for Marshall, Bretton, and Ahmadi. You should follow what is already successful. An England version of Death in Paradise would be awesome. The excitement of Death in Paradise is missing. I can't for the life of me understand it. Every show is a risk, I guess, but why would you leave a successful formula? Death in Paradise has succeeded with major character changes. You should also drop the 600 word rule.

Gets better

[hazangel-89910 · 8/10 · 1 April 2023]

I just finished watching the whole series on Prime. I love Humphrey. He is my favourite detective on DIP. He was just so quirky and it suited him. I was a little disappointed with Beyond Paradise but as the series went on it got better.

I have to say the last episode's ending was fabulous!!! I did not see that coming but it was a pleasant and beautiful surprise.

I do hope there will be a second season as I am sure it will only get better. I hope Humphrey and his love end up getting the little bundle that he wants because he would make such a good father. For a short time I thought they were trying to get him together with his work partner but I am glad they did not (although I rather like her).

Cheers to Humphrey and his happy ending!

Innocent, not terribly intriguing

[bjhex1 · 6/10 · 12 March 2023]

Not quite the typical fish out of water scenario, unlike Death in Paradise, where each of the successive Detective Inspectors had their own unique idiosyncrasies. (Has it ever been explained that it seems only white British or Irish men were suitable for that position? Hmm).

Here, the socially awkward but unfailingly decent lead character is nothing so much as a comfortable pair of old shoes. Never terribly exciting, but neither is the audience entirely lost as to his bearings.

This is pretty standard, harmless fare. A mostly gentler kind of mystery than DIP, but with a dash of Jonathan Creek-ish preposterousness (thankfully, less the ominous "most fiendish plot a mind could devise" declarations). You probably can't help but like the show, but it's not one that necessarily inspires love.

A comedy miscarriage

[david-4672 · 5/10 · 26 March 2023]

I am pleasantly entertained by the comic police investigations by Humphrey and his police team.

However I find myself reaching for my phone every time Martha gets a scene. She is a potentially charming character, but she has somehow been burderned by BBC script writers who scrape the barrel for woeful daytime soap plots.

I cannot guess why the BBC has tried to mix overwrought histrionics with the otherwise comic and light theme of the detective work. This strange conflation of genres rather emphasises that the soap plots are tacked on, and so stand out like a sore thumb.

Perhaps it is BBC social propaganda, or perhaps it is a cast member or film maker who wants to do something more 'worthy' or 'serious'.

Either way it working like a reverse romance where I am rooting for Humphrey to find another girlfriend (or script writer).

No, not Death in Paradise. Much better, with more depth!

[bay-77008 · 10/10 · 4 March 2023]

It looks like some reviewers simply want DIP all over again but that would be unoriginal and tedious. Instead, this series is a bit more serious and emotional than DIP. Okay, so the first episode, like so many in a new series, starts off a little bumpy but by episode 2, everything falls into place. And despite what one reviewer said, Humphrey hasn't changed one bit from his clumsy, sweet self. In fact he's even more lovable now. I think the negative reviews are from those who either didn't give it a chance or wanted a repeat of DIP. Although I enjoy DIP, it can be a bit silly at times. Beyond Paradise is not silly. That's why it's so much better.