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Why Death in Paradise’s most underused character needs their own storyline

BBG News

Death in Paradise season 14 episode 4 spoilers follow.

This week on “Death in Paradise”, Detective Inspector Mervin Wilson (Don Gilet) showed a tender and exposed side. It was a far more relatable and charming aspect of the stern detective we’ve grown accustomed to – an aspect that we wouldn’t have suspected, had it not been for Sergeant Naomi Thomas (Shantol Jackson) bringing it out in him.

As a dedicated viewer, I must admit that Mervin’s emotional journey in episode four was captivating and held everyone’s interest. However, it was Jackson’s outstanding performance that truly stole the show for me.

In every scene, Jackson managed to captivate our attention, standing out amidst Mervin’s story, leaving us eager for more and simultaneously highlighting the need for a compelling plot that truly showcases her acting skills.

Observing her boss’s difficulty adjusting to island living, Naomi suggested he break free from the solitary existence he craved and instead reconnect with his late, distant mother instead.

She warned him, “Here’s your single opportunity to discover more about your mom’s experiences in Saint Marie.” Her intention was to prevent him from living a secluded life, relying solely on an air conditioner and a satellite dish for company.

Through her kind persuasion, they ended up visiting their favorite seafood restaurant, The Flying Fish, which is particularly cherished by his mother.

Initially, I approached the development’s latest move with a mix of guarded enthusiasm, but as he hurried us through our working lunch, whizzing through the ordering process and scoffing down the food before asking me to pack mine up and meet him by the car – it quickly became apparent that he wasn’t ready for change.

As a devoted fan, I found myself taken aback by Mervin’s briskness, which unexpectedly brought forth a stern and prickly aspect of Naomi that I hadn’t witnessed before. This new facet added depth and complexity to her typically cheerful and amiable persona.

Upon reaching the car, Naomi displayed an uncommon expression and showed obvious agitation, which he hadn’t seen often. Consequently, she expressed her feelings forcefully.

She spoke candidly to him about his habit of rushing through tasks, including heartfelt endeavors like reaching out to his mother, and expressed directly that his behavior could sometimes be frustrating.

During their conversation, her feelings of annoyance would surge then subside, eventually turning into sympathy as she suggested: “There’s a lot you might overlook if you don’t take things slowly.

In a brief instance, yet significant, it offered a glimpse of Jackson’s versatility. This was made possible due to the relatively shallow development and story arcs assigned to Naomi so far on the series.

Even though Naomi is starting her fourth season, she hasn’t developed much of a personal storyline for herself yet.

It’s quite perplexing to note that the character previously portrayed by Florence Cassell (Joséphine Jobert), who served as Detective Sergeant, received compelling plotlines. These encompassed delving into grief following a distressing loss, undertaking an undercover operation aimed at capturing a mafia boss, and what appears to be a deeply moving love affair with the former lead detective, Neville Parker (Ralf Little).

As a gamer putting myself in Naomi’s shoes, I must admit that there was this one time when I shared a kiss with a colleague, but it turned out to be a mistake I deeply regretted. It seemed like things might be heading towards a romantic path after that, but alas, the storyline took an unexpected turn and suddenly, any hint of a budding romance was abruptly dropped, leaving me wondering if there would ever be another chance for a love story in this game.

Naomi, initially portrayed as an overly zealous DS who criticized her junior colleague Marlon (Tahj Miles) for tardiness on his first day, has evolved significantly since then. Although her character’s growth has been subtle, it’s occurred largely behind the scenes. However, now, she finally gets a chance to demonstrate this development.

Naomi often shows a stronger, more defiant personality in her interactions with Mervin, which gives her character room to develop and express this facet more frequently than before.

Her presence during his tough period, even though he hesitated to reveal his inner struggles, appears to have sparked some connection or understanding between them.

They have a growing bond characterized by mutual understanding and confidence. She encourages him to step beyond his familiar boundaries, compelling him to reassess his methods, and as a result, she uncovers an intriguing aspect of her personality that adds to her allure.

At times, it seems as though there could be a hint of something deeper than friendship blossoming. Subtle glances and an undeniable atmosphere, which might just be the brink of romance.

Although making a Mervin-Naomi romance central to Jackson’s character development might not be the sole method to give him a richer role, it could provide an opportunity for viewers to delve deeper into a multi-dimensional portrayal of Naomi.

Regardless of whether they become romantically involved or build a strong bond akin to partners in a comedy duo, it’s clear that Jackson shines independently and adds an enjoyable dynamic to the relationship.

And how she is deserving of her own storyline.

Beyond Paradise and Death in Paradise both air on BBC One and stream on BBC iPlayer.

Read more Beyond Paradise news on our dedicated homepage

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2025-02-22 01:49

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