Settled in after last week’s dramatic opener, the Saint-Marie police are sent in to investigate the murder of a surfing instructor, who was killed by a gun he did not own, in a locked room from where the killer couldn’t have escaped.
Death in Paradise packs in a lot this week, despite its easy pace: we have a crime of passion, an illegitimate child, jealousy, a false diagnosis, an apparent suicide and an illegally acquired firearm all adding weight to the story or being a pleasing part of the stories misdirection, like some sort of tropical Cluedo.
The romantic subplot is also given room to breathe, providing Kris Marshall with some lovely comic flourishes as he shows his visible jealousy towards Camille’s ex-boyfriend Nicky (Paul Sculfor) and inquires with her mother over what kind of man is her type. Marshall and Sara Martins, who plays Camille, have a wonderfully believable chemistry and you find yourself rooting for Humphrey to finally get the girl.
Casting-wise, newbie Josephine Jobert becomes more established here as Officer Florence Cassell. Immediately, she is paired off with Officer Dwayne (Danny John-Jules) and the two provide some great comic touches as they size each other up. Plus, another female presence in the mix definitely adds a different dynamic to the team.
Guest casting is once again strong in the central murder plotline including Simon Day (The Fast Show), Claire Goose (Waking the Dead) and Dean Lennox Kelly (Shameless). The only problem with having such a strong ensemble cast is that not everyone has that much to do. Kelly’s appearance is basically a cameo, Hetti Bywater (in her first role since leaving EastEnders as Lucy Beale) has only one scene of substance, as does Day and Plebs star Joel Fry.
However, Goose and Will Mellor (Broadchurch) fair much better, leading to the best possible outcome to reveal the killer and their motives. The traditional Death in Paradise third act twist is brilliant as well this week, though heartbreaking in its origins.
With everyone finding their feet and feeling more established it’ll be interesting to see where things develop from here. Season 4’s future, much like the weather in Saint-Marie, is looking sunny.
Aired at 9pm on Thursday 15 January 2015 on BBC One.
> Buy the Season 1-2 boxset on Amazon.
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