Death in Paradise (TV Series) Pilot of the Airwaves (2021) User Reviews

Something went wrong

[jdonalds-5 · 6/10 · 5 May 2021]

Like most others we've watched every episode for 9 years and very much looked forward to the new season. But something went wrong.

The show lost some of its charm. This story was fine, in fact quite good. Changing so many characters was a shame but we've been through that so it will be fine. I guess I'd have to say it was the director who came across in such a way that the charm of the island was a bit smothered. It was a little too flashy and hurried. The pace was off.

As for Neville he's a fine detective but those personal quirks spoil the episodes. I hope the character can find a cure and put all of that nonsense behind him.

Changing the theme song was a mistake.

Episode 10.1

[Prismark10 · 6/10 · 8 January 2021]

Death in Paradise beat the pandemic and arrived for its 10th series. Ah that bit of sunshine in cold gloomy January.

It was a shame that the trailers gave away the return of one important character.

The new series has seen several cast changes. DS Dumas and Ruby Patterson have gone to France. DS Florence Cassell returns to the island and the police courtesy of Commissioner Patterson.

Along with DI Neville Parker, Florence is soon examining the murder of an investigative reporter on a popular television morning show. She was found dead in the pool and she had claimed to have a red hot expose.

Florence also has to deal with her new boss, DI Parker and his various allergies. He also claims to be suffering from sick building syndrome.

I thought they might have dialled down the allergies but Parker seems to have even more now that Florence has arrived on the scene.

There was an odd bit where I'm sure all the viewers realised that it was not the murder victim running to the house at the beginning. Given that the main suspect was broadcasting at the time of the alleged murder taking place. I had suspicions that some elements of the mystery would be borrowed from a Columbo story or two. I was not far off.

It was an enjoyable opener but not the strongest. It needed tighter direction to keep it more of a whodunnit.

Why isn't Florence DI?

[futuretype · 6/10 · 23 August 2022]

After being away a number of years, presumably improving her detective skills, why hasn't DS Florence Cassals returned at the DI? Wouldn't that be a logical outcome for her to have the promtion?

Neville Detracts so Much it's Ruin

[vintagegeek · 6/10 · 3 April 2021]

Why they brought the sickly DI Neville back is hard to comprehend. He is a major distraction and shouldn't be there to begin with. Such a great series being ruined by him. Thank God Cassall is back.

A feel good factor when you need it

[paulsarah-14069 · 10/10 · 7 January 2021]

So happy to have this back and Ralf is a very similar character to Ben when he was in it, albeit his allergies. The series is so successful because it does what it says on the tin and in these hard times it's so good to see it back. Might have to binge watch them on i player although I own all previous 9 series on dvd. Long may it continue for another 10 series. Excellent writing and casting.

Sick English DI Syndrome

[ygwerin1 · 7/10 · 16 April 2021]

I have seen none of the Episodes from Series 10 and this is the very first so after just rewatching Series 9, I am interested to see what occurred next for DI Neville Parker.

The Commissioner was obviously looking forward to finally getting shot of DI Cooper, and he made absolutely no effort to hide his feelings.

"As no one more suitable has presented themselves we could put you, on some sort of rolling contract if we must" Is not exactly either the height of magnanimity or a ringing endorsement, towards your Chief of police from the very Head of the force.

Welcome to Saint Marie indeed from your esteemed boss, Selwyn or Uncle Sellie.

This is to say the least of it rather a strange start to the new Series especially given the way the previous Series 9 had ended.

To see the Saint Marie police station with non other than the, Police Commissioner Selwyn Patterson behind the desk. Dealing personally with a long queue of people, the first of whom was concerned about her missing cat.

It was wonderful to see the return of DS Florence Cassell, returned to the fold at her old home at the Saint Marie nick.

But the veritable catalogue of what had supposedly occurred between, Series 9 Episode 8 and Series 10 Episode 1 stretched credibility.

A month earlier DS Madeleine Dumas had been offered a promotion in Paris, that at least is plausible but her managing to secure Ruby a secondment.

But all that pales in comparison to what we see of the new DI Neville Parker he is firmly ensconced in his pit Sick watching daytime telly.

While the entire Saint Marie police force is diminished to the newly promoted, Police Sergeant JP Hooper plus Uncle Sellie Patterson.

The raving paranoid hypochondriac DI Parker has managed to acquire yet another new ailment .

"Sick building syndrome, as long as I don't go anywhere near the police station I should be okay".

How the hell has Saint Marie death toll not gone up by 1 DI Neville Parker, done in by Police Commissioner Selwyn Patterson?

Just when the world thinks he just can't get any worse DI Parker manages to surpass himself, managing to burn his home and destroy his precious property.

What a complete dipstick, DS Cassell feels sorry for him and takes pity on him actually proffering her couch for him to kip on.

And what does he promptly whine about?

With his actually asking when the covers were laundered, and even saying he could do it himself.

With Ruby enjoying herself so much in Paris the Sainte Marie police force are an officer short, and JP is not exactly chuffed at her stand-in the 2nd Officer Patterson.

It's nice to be back in St. Marie

[Q-Man · 9/10 · 4 August 2021]

After a miserable year of the pandemic, it is nice to be back on the beautiful island of St. Marie, with the familiar faces and situations. It was good to see a favorite character return. Unlike some of the reviewers, I like Neville. Yes, his neuroses are overplayed, but he is still quite a likable character. I can see potential romance with Florence in future episodes.

I do miss the Ruby character and hope she returns.

The show is predictable, which is a comfortable feeling. I can escape and enjoy the show for its entertainment value and find it to be a short vacation on an island paradise. I hope it stays on for years to come.

Major cast changes to start season 10

[safenoe · 7/10 · 5 May 2021]

It's disappointing for season 10 to start off with the unexpected departure of DS Dumas (Aude Legastelois) who replaced DS Cassell a few episodes back, and Officer Ruby Patterson (Shyko Amos). DS Cassell (Joséphine Jobert) returns, replacing DS Dumas! In real life we haven't had word from Aude from her unceremonious departure from Death in Paradise, but I guess she's very professional and seeks to avoid making waves.

DI Neville Parker is quite irritating with his allergies and self-swatting. Hopefully this will have dissipated by the next episode please. Otherwise can the producers please replace Ralf Little? I think maybe the producers should look at replacing Ralf with a black actor please. Chiwetel Ejiofor perhaps?

I love the series ... absolutely hate the hypochondriac inspector!

[ritakc-46893 · 8/10 · 10 April 2021]

I was soooooooo hoping they would have a new Detective Inspector... just now watching Episode 1 of Season 10. This used to be a must-watch for us. Hope he doesn't ruin Season 10.

I'm really warming to Neville.

[agnabeya · 10/10 · 22 February 2021]

After Ben Miller left- it was never the same for me. I like Chris Marshall- but didn't like him on St Marie. Now, with Ralf Little- it's beginning to feel like the old days. It's become a 'must watch' for me.

I am delighted it's back on, but sadly this was poor.

[Sleepin_Dragon · 5/10 · 7 January 2021]

I have waited for this for so long, after the miserable year of 2020, one thing myself, and family all agreed on, we were looking forward to the return of Death in Paradise for cold January nights.

Neville, oh Neville .... he made a pretty poor start in Series nine, with his quirks intensely irritating, and overtaking the actual story, he did however develop nicely, and become a good character. If I'm honest, I feel like they've regressed him back to that early stage, and made him irritating once again....but.

You can see the way the wind is blowing, he is going to be changed, by the glorious, demure, returning Florence, who is obviously going to change him as the series goes on, please don't let them fall in love.

Best of all was J.P. who as always gives a sincere, honest and excellent performance, he remains a cut above. Patrick Robinson as always was very good.

There was a crime in there somewhere, but it was lost among the sneezing, citronella candles and nonsense of Neville. I know they're trying to write him in a way to make him very different to his predecessors, but come on, don't just make him out to be total idiot, Little is so much better than this.

I didn't think it was particularly good, but I know only too well that it will get better, anyway, I'm just super glad it's back on, I applaud them for making it, sadly this opener was poor, 5/10.

Welcome back!

[kmarsha-43002 · 10/10 · 17 April 2021]

I was so excited to see my favorite show was finally back with new episodes. 10 years since the pilot and it's still going strong.

I do hope the new DI becomes more lovable just like the others did.

As usual, the story line is brilliant and Guadalupe looks as inviting as ever!

It's so refreshing to find a "whodunnit" that's so easy to watch. This shows manages to entertain every episode without the need for blood and gore.

I just can't recommend it enough!!

Great episode

[therealjackneedham · 8/10 · 9 January 2021]

A great way to start the new season off. A very interesting case which was straight forward to understand. Di Parker was a lot better with his medical issues. A new theme aswell but I prefer the other one.

Another amazing season so far

[dskala · 10/10 · 17 April 2021]

I'm so happy to see Florence back so that was a great surprise. I love Marlon but I really miss Ruby because she was such a ray of sunshine and funny. I loved her from day one. I think they did a great job bringing in Marlon in her stead. He's definitely quite a character. Bravo!!!

Oh, Neville. Embrace things, or just leave it to Florence

[studioAT · 4/10 · 11 January 2021]

Back we go to the island, for the 10th series of the BBC's highly successful drama.

In one line of this first episode two of last series characters are written out, and while blunt, is probably no bad thing.

It does pave the way for the lovely Florence to return, it's just a shame that she's paired with Neville.

Oh, Neville. Towards the end of the 9th series I really felt like the writers had turned a corner with him, and were toning down his constant state of anxiety. He'd had an epiphany moment, he could move on.

Nope. If anything the writers seem to have misread all the comments about how annoying people found him, and have loaded him up with more little 'quirks'. If by the time he leaves the island he's completely cured then it'll be the biggest turn around since Ruby, and look what happened to her!

The murder plot was ok, nothing special, and more than a little far-fetched, even by 'DiP' standards.

This show is always a bit hit/miss, I hope for better next week, because at the minute it mirrors how you feel when you go back to the same holiday destination 10 years running - content but looking for something new.

Love Neville!

[JaneBingley · 4/10 · 8 January 2021]

I have been an exited fan of this show since the beginning. I can not pick out a favourite, I loved Richard, Humphrey and Jack. And now Neville. I feel so sorry for him, struggling with his allergies and the heat. At no point do I find him irritating, like Ruby was (thank God, she's gone)

The episode was dull, and the crime took a backseat to the regular characters and the introduction and return of Florence. I like Florence, she's smart and cute, and its good to have her back. But please, no romance!

JP is still a nice guy, and Selwyn Patterson is amazing. Hopefully, we'll see JP's lovely wife, Rosie and the newborn babytwins.

Not that good.

[harrykivi · 5/10 · 24 September 2021]

"Death in Paradise" has been one of my favorite series for some while now, but it took quite some time for the 10th season to come to my area. Well it finally did. After the previous season was pretty good for the most part ( with only "Death in the Salon" being not good at all), I expected the 10th season to start strong as well. Sadly, I did not get that awesome premiere. This episode is not bad (it's far from the series' worst), it's just not very memorable or interesting.

Let's start with the good aspects first, shall we?

. The episode is well-directed and the music fits the scenery as always. The acting's solid. Ralf Little does what he can with DI Parker, Tobi Bakare and Don Warrington are always charming in their roles. It was nice to see Josephine Jobert back as DS Cassell too. Out of the fine guest stars Patrick Robinson gives a very captivating performance.

. Most of the humor works and there are moments of fun here.

But...

. The murder mystery could have been far more engaging with twists, red herrings and turns. At the end of the day, the story feels too straight-forward for "Death in Paradise" with Garfield turning out to be the killer. I would say:" How the murder was committed and who did it were very easy to figure out. There was not a single surprise in this entire script to be honest, which was hugely disappointing.

. Also, Neville's allergies and his whining become irritating after a while and feel like a streched out joke. I am waiting for the show to do something compelling with the character. Hope it's going to happen soon!

Overall, not that good of a "Death in Paradise" episode.

5/10 HK.

Could be time to call it a day

[bizlats · 2/10 · 9 January 2021]

Not sure exactly what they hoped to achieve with this episode but it failed from the start. The story was flat and the acting was no better unless they stop loosing cast members this show is doomed. Ralf Little's (DI) is a joke they are turning him into a clown act and most of the rest of the cast looked bored. I switched off after 30 minutes

Worst episode sine Kris Marshall

[jamiecmay · 1/10 · 30 January 2021]

What a disappointment! In fact can't be bothered any more. Awful. Different writer.over acting. Plot was weak, devoid of usual Clever method. Allergies redirected "on steroids" and annoying. Time shift was obvious from beginning. Commissioner involved doesn't work. So sad really downhill.

Enjoyable series until Season 10

[rolandholloway · 5/10 · 20 November 2021]

Ralf Liitle's DI Neville character with his quirky behavior I have to say is the most annoying character on film. It's hard to enjoy . When he is not scratching, twitching, swatting and jerking around the storyline is rather good . However the writers seem to think it's funny or lifts the show up when in fact it years it down.

No, no no

[Casino-Royale · 2/10 · 7 February 2021]

Every replacement for Ben Miller has just got progressively worse. The storyline which actually wasn't even a story was awful. Bits and pieces with no coherence. Time to go.