Death in Paradise’s new detective breaks the mould in more ways than one

As a long-time fan of Death in Paradise, I must say that this Christmas special has truly been a game-changer for me. Don Gilet’s debut as Mervin Wilson has not only brought fresh energy to the show but also shattered the antiquated colonial subtext that has lingered since the arrival of Richard Poole.

Death in Paradise certainly made Detective Gilbert’s first appearance unforgettable, with a relentless investigation into Santahood and the main character becoming the chief suspect.

In the Saint Marie series, Mervin Wilson, played by Gilet, replaces Neville Parker (portrayed by Ralf Little) as the main detective during the holiday special. His appearance on the island transforms this traditional Christmas viewing into a significant shift in the franchise’s history – the most impactful change so far.

For the past year, the Paraverse has seen quite a bit of change, initiating with the transition of Anna Samson into the character of Mackenzie Clarke, marking her as the franchise’s inaugural female lead detective in “Return to Paradise”.

Samson may have suggested that a woman taking control doesn’t significantly alter the DNA of the show as much as one might assume, but we would counter that it does. The series “Return to Paradise” may follow a rhythm similar to other shows in the franchise, but it fundamentally reshapes our perspective on power dynamics, just as the franchise’s first Black lead detective, Gilet, does.

From the moment he enters the room, the strong, seasoned African-American detective’s aura instantly challenges and redefines the narrative, erasing the outdated colonial undertones that were ingrained from the tenure of Richard Poole (Ben Miller) and all his successors.

As a keen observer, I trailed clue by clue, supported by my African-American colleagues who undeniably played significant roles in the investigation. However, the narrative occasionally subtly suggested a white-savior trope, implying that their abilities were somehow inferior to mine, which I found regrettable.

For decades as a gamer, I’ve appreciated Don Warrington’s Commissioner Selwyn character. Despite not being the main actor or the one spearheading investigations, Selwyn’s high rank within the police force made the white detective/Black sidekick dynamic more acceptable for many years.

However, it seems the long-time actor from Death in Paradise is finding it increasingly difficult to carry on with his role, an issue that the creative minds behind the show have finally recognized.

While Gilet’s ethnicity plays a role in his casting, it’s not the only reason he’s ideal for the part. He brings a unique, refreshing perspective to the role of Britishness that goes beyond his racial identity.

If you enjoy experiencing cultural differences, rest assured that it remains an integral part of the setting, but instead of a stiff and formal white man struggling in the tropical heat of the Caribbean, it’s presented differently.

Rather than having him, there’s Mervin, who communicates casually and has a casual style. His demeanor carries an undercurrent of disdain towards anything that doesn’t happen immediately, which we refer to as his “swag” – a term here used to describe this swiftness-valuing attitude.

Instead of impatiently pressing a London elevator button over and over again, hoping the 57th press will speed up its arrival compared to the 56th, you might say:

In contrast to the leisurely life on Saint Marie, Mervin consistently finds himself annoyed by various minor inconveniences throughout the episode, such as weak cell phone reception, absence of air conditioning, and numerous small complaints that pile up.

His grumpiness stands out all the more, as he seems reluctant to participate or be present at all. He expresses his displeasure quite clearly, making it seem as if he had traveled back in time.

For the first time, Death in Paradise has given viewers characters that move away from the usual British male stereotype (with Ardal O’Hanlon being an exception). These new characters, while still possessing endearing quirks, do not carry the air of upper-class formality that was previously associated with them.

To clarify, Mervin’s relaxed demeanor doesn’t in any way lessen his qualifications or intellect; he still retains his unique traits. In fact, it presents a contemporary aspect of British culture for fans to savor, making it quite refreshing.

You can now watch the Death in Paradise Christmas special on BBC iPlayer.
Both Beyond Paradise and Death in Paradise air on BBC One, and can be streamed on BBC iPlayer as well.
For more news about Beyond Paradise, visit our dedicated homepage.

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2024-12-22 11:19