Return to Paradise is the best in the franchise for this one reason
As a long-time fan of Death in Paradise, I must admit that the latest spin-off, Return to Paradise, has certainly caught my attention. Having watched every episode since season one, I can say with confidence that Mackenzie is a breath of fresh air in the world of Paradise detectives.
Amidst sandy beaches caressed by lapping waves, the sun casts its rays over a fresh new murder.
At the heart of everything is Mackenzie Clarke, portrayed by Anna Samson, our detective who embodies the franchise-standard discomfort. She’s quick-witted and out of her element, but this isn’t a tropical paradise like the Caribbean, and it’s far from the setting of ‘Death in Paradise.’
In this story titled “Back to Eden,” Detective Inspector Clarke finds herself being summoned back, whether she’s pleased about it or not.
In a particular nook of the Paraverse, lies Australia’s fictional Dolphin Cove, where Mackenzie finds herself compelled to return due to troubles in London. Upon her arrival, she encounters chilly receptions from locals who have not forgotten her past actions from six years ago and appear unwilling to pardon her.
The film “Return to Paradise” stands as the second spin-off within the series, and it’s currently leading the pack for a compelling reason: Mackenzie Clarke, who’s undeniably the most outstanding lead detective the franchise has seen so far.
From one Paraverse fan to another, the instinct to become instantly defensive of [insert favourite detective here] is strong and valid. There isn’t a single weak link in the chain. How do you not revere Ben Miller’s Richard Poole, whose spectacular performance set the bar high? Then Kris Marshall’s Humphrey Goodman really stole the show. His seemingly scatter-brained mind was in fact a thing of wonder. He captivated audiences, drawing those fragmented pieces together to de-mystify the murders and did it with such whimsical charm.
Among Ardal O’Hanlan’s Jack Mooney, Ralf Little’s Neville Parker, and Anna Samson, it’s Anna Samson who takes the lead, making her a formidable act to watch.
Her understanding of Mackenzie Clarke is detailed, captivating, and carefully planned out. It appears as though this thoroughness mirrors Mackenzie himself, who is almost excessively meticulous.
Her focused nature has its appealing side, yet it’s her other character traits that truly shine, particularly when she’s tackling a mystery or case.
As a captivated observer, I can’t help but be drawn in by the piercing gaze that meticulously scans each detail of every novel scenario, collecting information like a magnet attracting treasures. It’s an irresistible spectacle that instantly pulls me towards the intriguing character.
Her distant demeanor as a detective sometimes makes it hard for others to connect with her, yet some individuals can tap into her vulnerabilities. In these instances, when she lets her guard down, a gentle, somewhat bashful warmth emerges.
Mackenzie’s former partner, Tai Hara, possesses a quality that reminds one of the dynamic between Humphrey and Martha ( portrayed by Sally Bretton ), Neville ( Ralf Little ) and Florence ( Joséphine Jobert ). In simpler terms, their story appears to have a similar intrigue or emotional resonance.
Viewing paradise through Mackenzie’s delicate and analytical perspective brings a unique layer of depth, yet maintains space for the playful, physical humor that suits the Paraverse’s cozy crime series perfectly. In fact, these comedic moments resonate even more profoundly due to her serious demeanor.
In addition to Samson, Return to Paradise offers something unique. While it’s the second spin-off, it stays more faithful to the original series compared to its counterpart, Beyond Paradise.
Instead of being similar to “Return to Paradise”, the spin-off led by Kris Marshall felt distinctly unique, even down to its fresher and windier atmosphere in Shipton Abbott, Devon. After all, why return to Saint Marie when you have the reliable strength of Marshall – a beloved lead from “DiP” – for support?
Marshall’s charmingly unique character, Humphrey, served as the connecting link between DiP and Beyond Paradise, enabling it to mold the Paraverse according to its likeness.
As a gamer, I can say that if “Return to Paradise” had gone all-in on the same approach, it would have been quite risky. Instead, they cleverly stayed close to the original blueprint, fitting snugly into the game’s puzzle like a well-crafted piece. However, Anna Samson is spot-on when she points out that it’s not an exact replica; it’s got its own unique charm and twists that make it stand out from the original.
Although it doesn’t completely reinvent the plot, the series creatively enhances its unique elements, respecting the importance of individuality while still preserving a sense of familiarity.
As a gamer, I usually prefer to go solo rather than joining teams like most others do. Unlike my predecessors who thrived on building connections with their peers, my past experiences have shaped me differently. This distinctiveness in my approach adds an intriguing twist to the game’s dynamics, making it more engaging for me.
Without fail, a Paraverse drama includes a baffling murder mystery, similar to the series “Beyond Paradise“. Just like its predecessor, “Return to Paradise” adheres to this traditional structure effectively. There is a pivotal moment leading up to the assembly of suspects for the climactic unveiling, and this particular drama adds a unique “Mackenzie” twist that feels modern, entertaining, and fitting. The remainder of the plot follows a predictable yet satisfying progression.
Another thread which is bound to please fans of the franchise is the Paraverse mascot. Like witches need their familiar, Paraverse detective inspectors need their animal sidekicks. Harry the lizard and Selwyn the duck now pass the baton on to Frankie the dog, who can often be seen wagging her tail by Mackenzie’s side.
However, there’s another animal that needs to be addressed and that’s the elephant in the room. After over a decade on air, Samson being the first female lead detective (much like Don Gilet becoming Death in Paradise’s first Black lead detective) is incredibly overdue and yet – like Samson states – it doesn’t change the DNA of the show from a storytelling perspective at all. What it does off screen has much more importance in reshaping systemically ingrained beliefs about women’s roles, especially as leaders.
Mackenzie exhibits intelligence, confidence, and assertiveness without hesitation or self-doubt, and she doesn’t shy away from taking action – all of which contribute significantly to the portrayal of women’s abilities in the story.
In terms of the diverse cast, there’s potential for further development. Characters such as Miss Rocco (played by Celia Ireland), who brings a lively exuberance to her role and helps ground Mackenzie in her past, are enjoyable but seem to lack the complexity that would make them more than just figures filling the scene. Some other actors share this quality.
Exploring Colin’s struggle with self-identity and personal conflicts as Mackenzie encroaches on his domain seems authentic and worth delving into. Yet, it appears that this narrative thread might serve more as a tool for narrating Mackenzie’s tale rather than an organic part of Colin’s journey.
Even though we’re still in the early stages of the season, there’s plenty of time for subplots and character development to unfold and deepen further. As the story progresses, the relationship between Felix (Aaron L McGrath) and Miss Rocco is becoming increasingly engaging and heartfelt.
Airs on BBC One every Friday at 8pm: Beyond Paradise and Death in Paradise are also available for streaming on BBC iPlayer.
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2024-11-22 10:19