The enduring reputation of Dying in Paradise isn’t any accident. Within the gloomy winter months, its sunny setting brings heat into our properties. The lovable, rotating solid retains the viewers engaged, and the intriguing instances by no means fail to seize our consideration. So, it is no shock that the BBC aimed to increase on this success, resulting in the creation of Return to Paradise, the second of two official spinoffs.
The inaugural spinoff was the Kris Marshall-led collection Past Paradise. This present follows Detective Inspector Humphrey Goodman, the second lead from Dying in Paradise, as he navigates life within the charming coastal city of Shipton Abbott, England. Whereas it showcases the beloved characters of Humphrey and his companion Martha (Sally Bretton), together with their endearing sidekicks, the premise strays considerably from the unique. In Martha’s hometown, there’s an evident lack of murders, leaving DI Goodman to deal with thefts, arson, and different non-murderous crimes. Past Paradise definitely provides its attraction to the so-called “Paraverse,” however there’s at all times been room for extra adventures.
That is the place Return to Paradise steps in. Now accessible in full on BBC iPlayer within the U.Okay. (with new episodes airing each Friday on BBC One), the primary season reintroduces homicide mysteries, freshening the narrative with its personal distinctive perspective. As an example, the present is about within the lovely area of Australia, departing from the fictional Caribbean island of Saint Marie. Moreover, the main Detective Inspector is a twist on the acquainted fish-out-of-water trope; as an alternative of being an outsider despatched to help the locals, DI Mackenzie Clarke hails from Dolphin Cove, a picturesque Australian coastal city.
Nevertheless, there is a catch: whereas she’s again in her hometown, Clarke finds herself underneath scrutiny from the Metropolitan Police. Together with her boss (a well-known face from the unique collection) having suspended her from energetic responsibility, she should search refuge in Dolphin Cove, the place the neighborhood is rocked by an surprising homicide. In gentle of the newfound crime wave, Clarke decides to remain, residing in her mom’s well-worn seashore cottage, which visually connects her to the brand new setting.
Is Return to Paradise Well worth the Wait?
Creating Return to Paradise definitely got here with its challenges, primarily as a result of the format intently mirrors its predecessor. With quite a few homicide instances—many even involving these traditional locked-door mysteries—Mackenzie usually finds herself connecting the dots on her trusty crime board, dramatically revealing her deductions in entrance of all of the suspects gathered. Comparisons to Dying in Paradise, revered worldwide, are unavoidable. But, Return to Paradise manages to carve out its personal id, largely as a result of dynamic of a feminine detective taking heart stage.
Dying in Paradise, for all its acclaim, has largely revolved round a succession of white, middle-aged male detectives. Whereas these British leads undoubtedly contributed to the present’s success, the premise of a British man main a Caribbean police power has sometimes felt misplaced, relegating native officers to the sidelines. Notably, Dying in Paradise’s upcoming 14th season is about to introduce a brand new paradigm, with Don Gilet making his debut as DI Mervin Wilson within the 2024 Christmas particular. This marks a watershed second because it’s the primary event because the collection started in 2011 {that a} Black actor will step into the main function, reflecting a broader shift towards inclusivity.
On this context, Return to Paradise is a refreshing shift, introducing a feminine lead who breaks the mould. Mackenzie Clarke isn’t any mere duplicate of her predecessors; she embodies a extra nuanced character. Her sullen demeanor and intense expressions might take a while to heat as much as, however she grapples along with her personal skilled dilemmas whereas rekindling previous ties in her childhood city and adjusting to new skilled relationships.
Detective Clarke is undoubtedly good—akin to all of the detectives within the Paradise franchise—however she approaches instances with a extra analytical and inquisitive mindset. Her enthusiasm for unraveling mysteries provides depth to her character, harking back to DI Richard Poole (Ben Miller), but distinctly her personal. As somebody deeply intertwined with the neighborhood—having private historical past—and love pursuits, there stays a lot to find about her character. The intrigue of the murders parallels the enigma surrounding Mackenzie Clarke.
General, Return to Paradise proves to be a commendable second spinoff of the franchise. Whereas it pays tribute to the weather which have endeared Dying in Paradise to followers, it does so with out merely replicating the unique formulation. I am excited to study extra about Mackenzie Clarke, and as soon as the present is on the market within the States, I anticipate that audiences will share on this pleasure.
(Return to Paradise season 1 is anticipated to premiere in North America in 2025, although it is nonetheless unsure whether or not it should air on BritBox or one other platform corresponding to Acorn TV.)
