Return to Paradise’s grand cliffhanger isn’t the best thing about the finale

As a seasoned detective myself, I have to say that Mackenzie’s journey in “Return to Paradise” has been nothing short of captivating. Her struggle to find her place and belonging in Dolphin Cove mirrors the experiences of many who find themselves in unfamiliar territories.


Return to Paradise season-one finale spoilers follow.

In the finale, I couldn’t help but hold my breath as Glenn (Tai Hara) finally confessed his feelings for Mackenzie (Anna Samson), a revelation that had been simmering within me all season long. It’s quite unexpected given his recent engagement to Daisy (Andrea Demetriades), yet it feels like he and Mackenzie are destined for each other, much like Martha and Humphrey.

It’s quite significant, but let’s delve into that detail later! There’s an even more crucial motive for popping open a bottle of chocolate milk in jubilation, and that’s all thanks to Mackenzie herself.

Six years after abruptly leaving Dolphin Cove and her engagement to Glenn, DI found herself back on the island in a perpetual state of ill humor. A common sentiment echoed among some residents was “I don’t belong here,” reflecting their desire for her departure – Trevor (Ron Smyck) among them.

Return to Paradise's grand cliffhanger isn't the best thing about the finale

However the Dolphin Cove police force’s latest case highlights just how untrue that is.

As a dedicated admirer, when the tour guide and landowner, Vince Ogden (Peter Phelps), tragically passes away under suspicious circumstances, possibly a suicide, Mackenzie and the team embark on an investigation to uncover the truth behind his death. However, what unfolds is far more than just a simple case of murder; it exposes a web of secrets and hidden truths that were buried deep within Ogden’s life.

As the investigation progresses, it’s revealed that Mackenzie has been exonerated from any charges back in London, allowing for their homecoming. Though Jack Mooney, a colleague and mentor, expresses joy, it appears he is the only one, as the news leaves Mackenzie emotionally overwhelmed, causing them to break down in tears in front of Glenn’s mother and their superior, Philomena Strong.

Return to Paradise's grand cliffhanger isn't the best thing about the finale

Later on, she shares the news with Glenn, who appears nothing but happy for his former fiancée. “This is exactly what you desired,” he says to her, understanding how much she yearned for London. However, it’s only her who seems less than enthusiastic about this news. In fact, her expression clouds over with confusion and a hint of disappointment, as if she was hoping for a different reaction from him. Essentially, she seemed to be trying to decipher his feelings towards her based on his response.

Glenn’s words may not reveal much, but his actions later on say a lot. During their conversation about fixing a doorknob from the case, Glenn invites Mackenzie for a drink. What surprises Mackenzie is discovering that Glenn has an entire fridge filled with her favorite brand of chocolate milk.

“Why?” she asks him.

“Because you’re here a lot, for work.”

Mackenzie finds that explanation unhelpful since many others also lack her specific brand of drink being cooled in the refrigerator.

Return to Paradise's grand cliffhanger isn't the best thing about the finale

Glenn seems to be hinting at more than just casual interest, but it’s hard to tell if he was also gauging her reaction. However, as soon as Mackenzie gets an idea related to their ongoing case, she quickly shares it with Daisy for confirmation.

Instead, They went to Glenn’s present fiancee and, after posing only a few swift inquiries, solved the mystery.

It’s deeply sad for Daisy to see how well these two work together, solving the case harmoniously, as it appears to be natural and effortless. However, she understands that this pairing is inevitable.

In the course of examining the case before him, Mackenzie experiences a significant revelation. The murder was driven by a poisonous affection as the newly widowed Priya (Sarah Roberts) and her stepson found themselves entangled in a romantic relationship. Desiring both the husband’s wealth and each other, they hatched a plot to eliminate the husband, intending to profit from the sale of family property after his death.

Return to Paradise's grand cliffhanger isn't the best thing about the finale

If her husband had survived, the money would undoubtedly have belonged to both him and Priya. However, she found it unbearable to abandon her lover, leading them to take his life instead.

As Mackenzie puts it to Priya in front of them all:

“You know that if you don’t have love, you don’t have anything.”

In that instant, the weight of those spoken words resonated deeply with Priya, stirring a wave of emotion within her, barely keeping her from shedding tears during the investigation. This emotional response, it seemed, was more poignant than any fictional crime depicted in Mackenzie’s novels.

As I delve deeper into her heartfelt words, it’s clear that they mirror her emotional journey with Dolphin Cove and my role within this enchanting island paradise.

Return to Paradise's grand cliffhanger isn't the best thing about the finale

Initially, she felt out of place, almost foreign, within the familiar confines of her homeland, lacking any sense of attachment. However, each case she handled served as a brick in a strong foundation, enabling her to forge profound friendships with individuals whom she has grown to cherish and who reciprocate that affection.

The identical reaction of “Oh my, how quaint!” from both, Lloyd Griffith and herself, when they independently learned the same fact suggests a deepening bond between them.

The connection she shares with the broader group has grown so profound that they gave her a boomerang as a farewell present, hoping it would bring her back someday.

Although she caused Mackenzie deep sorrow, Philomena harbors a unique affection towards Mackenzie too. As she bids Mackenzie farewell for London, it’s evident that Philomena wishes she could keep her here.

Return to Paradise's grand cliffhanger isn't the best thing about the finale

Even though many things had happened, it wasn’t until Glenn expressed it during their farewell that she started realizing she didn’t quite fit in, although she may never truly fit. Yet, this doesn’t imply she doesn’t have a place there.

She reiterates once more, “I don’t seem to belong here,” but her tone suggests she’s hoping for a different response this time. “You and Daisy are quite the opposite,” she remarks, “You both fit perfectly in Dolphin Cove.

Glenn agrees with her, before clarifying: “It was always the best thing about you, though.”

Over the span of the season, Mackenzie has been gradually realizing that her uniqueness is what sets her apart, and although Glenn was the one to explicitly express this, it’s a lesson she’s gleaned from everyone she’s allowed into her life. Each person has contributed to shaping her positively, perhaps enabling her to view herself as someone prepared for the kind of love that Mackenzie and Glenn continue to share.

Return to Paradise's grand cliffhanger isn't the best thing about the finale

Instead of saying “We say still” you could rephrase it as “We continue to find it necessary to tell” or simply “We keep having to inform”. In this context, a possible paraphrase for the second part would be “Glenn doesn’t hesitate and directly tells Frankie” or “Glenn has no problem letting Frankie know”.

He confides to Frankie, his dog, that it seems he still has feelings for Mackenzie. However, unbeknownst to him, Mackenzie was listening in on their conversation.

In terms of romantic suspense, it was quite remarkable. It seems likely that this event will significantly impact her plans to go back to London for now. Will Glenn risk pursuing Mackenzie in the next season or stick with Daisy? The outcome remains uncertain, but whatever transpires between them, at least Mackenzie has grown more self-aware, which we consider a positive development.

You can catch “Return to Paradise” every Friday at 8pm on BBC One, or you can stream all episodes right now on BBC iPlayer. Additionally, both “Beyond Paradise” and “Death in Paradise” are broadcast on BBC One and can also be streamed on BBC iPlayer.

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2024-11-26 01:19

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