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Calling all Death in Paradise fans! The BBC’s new quirky and cosy murder mystery will fill that gap

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Death Valley review is based on episodes 1-2.

The BBC has introduced a new mystery series to their lineup that shares some similarities with “Death in Paradise,” or maybe “Beyond Paradise” would be more fitting due to its lack of idyllic weather, and carries a hint of ITV’s “Grantchester.

In that respect, the Wales-set Death Valley is hardly breaking the mould with its format.

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To be honest, I’ve encountered similar scenarios quite often: a quaint hamlet with an alarmingly high fatality rate, and the causes of these deaths have a strange familiarity – they’re bizarrely ordinary yet seem improbable to the extreme.

Yet, the Timothy Spall-led comedy is still an enjoyable marvel you won’t want to miss.

In this role, actor Spall portrays a former actor named John Chapel, who is now retired and lives within the Welsh community. His fictional television detective character had gained him such popularity that he was cherished like a national treasure.

Ever since he stepped into the spotlight, John has grown somewhat secluded. However, this quiet life was disrupted when a tenacious young detective sergeant, who is also a fervent admirer, compels him to assist in resolving murder enigmas.

In the latest cosy crime series from the BBC, Gwyneth Keyworth takes on the role of lead detective, Janie Mallowan.

In a similar fashion to the team of vicar and detective in Grantchester, an unconventional duo emerges. While it’s clear that Janie contributes valuable skills to crime-solving, John doesn’t simply lean on his past acting roles to navigate cases. Instead, he utilizes his exceptional emotional empathy abilities to prove useful.

Much like the detective and vicar in Grantchester, an unusual pair is formed. It’s evident what Janie brings to solving crimes, but John doesn’t just rely on his past acting roles to stumble through cases. Instead, he employs his exceptional emotional sensitivity as a “skilled emotional empath” to contribute positively.

From the very start, the scenario is unconventionally designed, and this peculiarity is evident right away. Timothy Spall’s character, John, initially appears as part of a play-within-a-play, later reappearing in the ‘real world’ to assist Janie with her cases.

In “Death Valley,” the unique humor, woven throughout its comedic murder mystery, gives it an edge over similar shows. Unlike series like “Paradise,” humor in “Death Valley” stems from instances where the storyline serves as a tool to deliver the joke directly.

Rather than the plot solely driving the humor, many aspects of the show are inherently comical – for instance, the portrayal of two murder mysteries, one fictional within the series and another occurring concurrently in the village.

Or, as you’ll later see, there’s a whole bit about John’s acting master class – but, no spoilers!

Death Valley enhances the humor in the series by adding an unscripted, offbeat element to the narrative, reinforcing its quirky atmosphere.

Although Death Valley has many light-hearted scenes, it doesn’t neglect the crucial emotional cues that allow viewers to empathize with its characters.

The program displays an impressive ability to transition smoothly between humor and gravity, often catching viewers off guard.

In this part, Keyworth captivates us with her portrayal of Janie. There’s an appealing and mysterious aura around her that makes you feel like there’s much more to discover about this character. Her quirks are intriguing, and they contrast beautifully with John’s, though in a distinct manner.

John, despite not being naturally grumpy, has an endearing and humorous demeanor that can be described as a charming curmudgeon.

Or

Though he’s not inherently grumpy, John has a delightfully amusing character that makes him seem like a lovable curmudgeon.

Both sentences convey the same meaning, while using more natural and easy-to-read language.

Spall and Keyworth skillfully portray a dynamic between their characters that feels authentic as a reluctant mentor-protégé relationship. Keyworth’s portrayal of Janie exhibits a sparkle of enthusiasm, underlying optimism, and a hint of weightiness concealed beneath her cheerful demeanor.

Engaging with her role model initially fills her with excitement, yet gradually, a hint of disappointment seeps in as her idol transforms from an idealized figure into a tangible person.

It appears that this experience may deepen their bond – it’s through revealing their authentic selves to one another that they might cultivate a significant friendship. At least, that seems to be the course Death Valley is guiding them towards.

Only more episodes could possibly confirm that, which means viewers will have to stick with it.

There seems to be an irresistible allure about Death Valley; once you begin exploring it, you won’t want to stop. Similar to Death in Paradise, the thrill of armchair detective work will capture your interest just as much as its heartwarming aspects.

Death Valley, a series, airs every Sunday on BBC One. You can catch up with the entire series right away by streaming it on BBC iPlayer.

The inaugural print edition of Digital Spy’s magazine, titled “British Comedy Legends,” is now available! You can purchase this exciting read from your local newsagents or online for only £3.99.

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2025-05-26 10:49

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