Don Gilet is Death in Paradise’s grumpiest detective yet

January wouldn’t be January with no new sequence of Demise in Paradise, the cosy crime blockbuster wherein darkish deeds unfold within the sunny Caribbean. Its enchantment is apparent – with New 12 months blues in full swing, what higher distraction than a whodunit accompanied by hovering temperatures and white sandy seashores? 

But when the method is definitely understood, the programme has the perennially difficult downside of holding on to its top-billed actor; its revolving door of head detectives is vulnerable to turning into a little bit of a blur.

The brand new sheriff on the town, Don Gilet’s DI Mervin Wilson, is the fifth to parachute into tropical (and fictional) Saint Marie since Demise in Paradise debuted in 2011, along with his predecessors clocking in for a median of round 4 years. Neglect the murders; the true thriller is when somebody will take the gig on a longer-term foundation.

The charismatic Gilet is the primary black actor to play the lead character and he performs DI Wilson as a straight-talking Londoner who has seen a number of issues in his day. In an satisfying sequence opener, he gives a satisfying distinction to his nice-but-a-bit-dull predecessor, Neville Parker, as portrayed by Ralf Little.

Wilson can also be the tetchiest Demise in Paradise detective since its authentic copper overseas, Richard Poole (Ben Miller). He’s appalled by what he regards because the sluggish tempo of life in Saint Marie – although, not like the pensive Poole, his quibbles primarily revolve across the lack of meals supply apps and the standard of the native bacon sandwiches.

Gilet made his entrance in a Christmas particular final month, wherein he turned a vacation detective by mistake. DI Wilson was in Saint Marie to be taught extra about his late mom – a neighborhood to the island and a girl he had by no means identified. However then, two Father Christmases have been got rid of in suspicious circumstances, and he supplied his experience as a homicide investigator.

The brand new sequence picks up the motion with Wilson speeding to make his flight again to London. However earlier than he can jet off house, an keen new recruit to the Saint Marie police is discovered lifeless, having seemingly sustained a deadly concussion in a biking crash. Wilson’s detective senses tingle and he decides to stay round.

No one watches Demise in Paradise for its dazzling storylines. This newest thriller pulls a last-minute switcheroo by tying the demise of Officer Benjamin Brice (Anthony Abraham) to a uncommon and invaluable stamp that isn’t talked about till nicely into the hour-long episode. Brice has been killed by his brother, who wished him to retrieve the stamp from the police station the place it had been locked away following a failed try and rob it from its authentic proprietor.

As at all times, the enjoyment flows from the extra acquainted characters. It’s heartbreaking to see Saint Marie police chief Selwyn Patterson (Don Warrington) be taught that his place is to be eradicated – the authorities again at HQ have determined his job is surplus to requirement. In the meantime, DS Naomi Thomas (Shantol Jackson) has the measure of the cocky Wilson and enjoys watching him modify – or not – to island life. Wilson is endearingly grumpy and, like every wise particular person, finds Saint Marie’s boundless sunshine and dazzling temperatures insufferable.

He additionally discovers his mom’s demise might not have been an accident, a twist delivered simply earlier than the ultimate credit which means that the sequence will play out as an ongoing story with Wilson attempting to find who killed his mum and why.

However that’s for the longer term. For now, the large Demise in Paradise fanbase can be relieved Gilet has taken to the job like a pure. Fingers crossed, he sticks round lengthy sufficient to go away a long-lasting impression.

‘Demise in Paradise’ continues subsequent Friday at 9pm on BBC One