Craving some Caribbean sunshine? No problem, soak up some sun on the sandy beaches on the island of Saint Marie– “Death in Paradise” returns for a 12th season on Friday, January 6th, on BBC One and will stream in the USA shortly after on Britbox.
“Death in Paradise” recently enjoyed its second Christmas special and is currently streaming in the US on Britbox, HERE.
The Christmas special revealed some details about what to expect in the new season. The opening episode sees a group of astronomers gather on the cliffs of Saint Marie to watch Jupiter and Saturn align — a once-in-a-lifetime planetary event. But one of them, renowned professor Bertrand Sworder, is murdered! Neville and Namoi investigate, while Darlene reveals she has passed her police exam.
For those unfamiliar with “Death in Paradise,” the series is both a fish-out-of-water comedy and a classic British mystery wrapped into a tasty tropical treat.
It all started when Scotland Yard DI Richard Poole (Ben Miller) is sent to the Caribbean island of Sainte Marie to solve a fellow policeman’s murder. Having done so, he is seconded to the local police force as the dead man’s replacement. Poole proves to be a brilliant detective, solving several complex murders. He’s not quite suited to and doesn’t like, the pace of island life or the heat and the sand.
After 18 episodes Ben Miller left the series and other actors playing English and Irish police officers took over, namely Humphrey Goodman (Kris Marshall- 30 episodes, 2014-2017), Jack Mooney (Ardal O’Hanlon – 24 episodes, 2017-2020) and Neville Parker (Ralf Little – 25 episodes, 2013-current).
There have been many cast changes throughout the series’ 11 seasons, but one constant has been Don Warrington as Commissioner Selwyn Patterson. One night I was watching “Rising Damp,” a 1970’s Brit-com, and realized the handsome Black guy playing “Philip” was none other than Don Warrington, the Commissioner on Death in Paradise.
Elizabeth Bourgine, who’s been in the show since the second-ever episode, will return as Catherine Bordey. Plus Tahj Miles (Officer Marlon Pryce), Shantol Jackson (Sergeant Naomi Thomas), and Ginny Holder (Darlene) are all confirmed for the new run.
Season 12 guest stars include Chelsea Edge (I Hate Suzie), Robert Webb (Peep Show), Hakeem Kae-Kazim (Black Sails), Jo Martin (Doctor Who), Christopher Villiers (Top Secret!), Kevin Eldon (Sanditon), Amit Shah (Happy Valley), Jo Hartley (After Life), Barney Walsh (The Larkins), John Michie (Coronation Street), Fiona Button (The Split), Okorie Chukwu (Kate & Koji), Gamba Cole (The Outlaws), Cara Theobald (Downton Abbey) and more.
One of my favorite DIs was DI Humphrey Goodman played by Kris Marshall. Guess what? DI Humphrey Goodman is returning in his own spin-off series, Beyond Paradise. DI Humphrey Goodman will not be going back to the island of Saint Marie, this time DI Humphrey Goodman will be staying on more familiar ground as a cop in rural Britain, and there are plenty of murders for him to solve! Kris Marshall will star alongside Sally Bretton, who plays Humphrey’s fianceé, Martha.
Here’s a look behind the scenes of Series 5, covering so many aspects of filming with interviews from producers, a director, wide range of crew members, and several cast members. Absolute must-watch if you’re a fan of Death in Paradise.
 |
Death in Paradise |
| Network: BBC OneGenre: ComedySeasons: 15Episodes: 120 | |
OverviewA brilliant but idiosyncratic British detective and his resourceful local team solve baffling murder mysteries on the fictional Caribbean island of Saint Marie. |
