Absolutely. Whether you are a die-hard mystery fan or just looking for a comforting, clever show to unwind with, the first season of Death in Paradise is perfect. Just remember to bring a fan—Richard Poole would want you to stay cool.
When a British expat is murdered on the fictional island of Saint Marie (a British Overseas Territory in the Caribbean), Poole is sent to oversee the investigation. His mission: solve the murder and fly home. However, fate (and the Commissioner) has other plans. He is forced to stay and lead the island’s under-resourced police department. Death.In.Paradise.S01.All
A land developer is found dead on a golf course, but his body disappears before the police arrive. By the time they find it, the time of death has changed. The Twist: The victim was not killed at the golf course. He was killed elsewhere, driven to the course, and staged. The timeline shift implies two different murderers acting independently. Why it matters: This is the season’s most complex plot. It introduces the possibility that the victim was so hated that two people tried to kill him on the same night. Absolutely
The remaining episodes (2–8) are standalone murder mysteries, but a slow character arc runs through them: When a British expat is murdered on the
The success of the first season rested on the chemistry of its lead ensemble:
If you have not yet experienced , you are in for a treat. It is a masterclass in character-driven mystery writing. Ben Miller’s performance as the grumpy, brilliant Richard Poole is iconic. And the transition from "I hate it here" to "I suppose this will do" is a character arc for the ages.
When viewers look back at , they are witnessing a show that refuses to compromise on its central gag: the detective is miserable. Unlike other shows where the protagonist might quickly fall in love with the island lifestyle, Richard Poole (played brilliantly by Ben Miller) remains steadfastly British. He wears a wool suit, keeps his jacket buttoned, and longs only for a cup of tea and a return ticket to Croydon.