Death In Paradise spin-off branded ‘silly’ as first reviews for Aussie-set drama flood in
DEATH in Paradise fans react to the brand new Australian spin-off series – Return to Paradise – with female lead.
And a former detective made a surprise cameo appearance in the first episode.
Australian fans have been able to watch the first installment of Return to Paradise on Sunday night.
Many were stunned to see Ardal O’Hanlon, who played Detective Jack Mooney in Death in Paradise, making a cameo appearance.
It also starred the show’s first female lead, Anna Samson, who plays Detective Mackenzie Clarke.
Joining Anna as her sidekick is British actor Lloyd Griffith, who plays Detective Senior Constable Colin Cartwright.
However, the Australian fans expressed their disappointment over the new spin-off as they compare it to the original series, Death in Paradise.
Taking their thoughts to a fan Facebook page, one fan said: “Not as good as Death in Paradise, bit disappointed.”
Another added: “Just watched, DI Mooney involvement. A lightweight Death in Paradise, but so very enjoyable.”
A third penned: “Just watched it too. I can see how it’s based on the other two series to some extent.
“Might take some time to warm to the female lead, but we’ll see how it develops across the series.
“Some of the male leads on Death in Paradise did not do much for me when they first started too.”
The series’ synopsis reads: “Mackenzie, who left her hometown six years prior with a promise never to return, finds herself drawn back to Dolphin Cove amidst unresolved issues and lingering questions.
“Despite her successful career, she is met with a cold reception from the townsfolk, mirroring her own reluctance to be back.”
Sue Deeks, the Head of BBC Programme Acquisition said: “Everything we all love about Death in Paradise, the humour, the beautiful scenery, the likeable characters, the ingenious plots – now in a fabulous Australian setting.
“I cannot wait for BBC viewers to meet Detective Mack and the good (and not-so-good!) folk of Dolphin Cove. What a treat we have in store!”
Timeline of Death In Paradise Detectives
Death In Paradise started in 2011 and has welcomed four detectives so far to the island.
These are all of the actors who have played the lead detective in the hit BBC series so far:
Ben Miller as DI Richard Poole – Actor Ben played the first ever detective from seasons 1 to 2, and then returned as a guest star in the third and tenth series.
Kris Marshall as DI Humphrey Goodman. Next up My Family star took on the role for three years from series 3 to 6.
Ardal O’Hanlon as DI Jack Mooney. Father Ted star Ardal was a fan favourite and was the detective for three seasons from series 6 to 9.
Ralf Little as DI Neville Parker. The actor started in 2019 and is the longest-running star to have the detective role. He was on the show for four seasons from 9 to 13.
UK air date for Return to Paradise is yet to be confirmed.
Meanwhile Return to Paradise airs on ABC in Australia.