Fans of the long-running BBC crime drama Death in Paradise have been on quite the emotional journey as the show launched its 15th season, airing Fridays at 9 PM on BBC One and streaming on iPlayer. The latest episodes have delivered a blend of heartfelt reunions, comic misadventures, and a fresh murder mystery, all set against the sun-drenched backdrop of Saint Marie.
The biggest surprise for many was the return of Commissioner Selwyn Patterson, portrayed by Don Warrington, whose apparent departure last season left viewers and cast members reeling. In the season 14 finale, Selwyn bid emotional farewells to colleagues Mervin (Don Gilet) and Catherine Bordey (Elizabeth Bourgine), seemingly closing the book on his time in Saint Marie. His exit, marked by poignant exchanges and a sense of finality, prompted an outpouring of grief and nostalgia from the show's devoted followers. Warrington himself admitted to being taken aback by the strong reaction, telling the BBC, "I thought it would just pass by under the radar. It's flattering, and I would be dishonest if I said it wasn't."
Yet, as the new season kicked off, Selwyn was back—reinvigorated and more determined than ever. Warrington explained that his character's departure was not a calculated stunt to boost ratings: "That was just the storyline." The narrative saw Selwyn grappling with an emotional crossroads, choosing to reconnect with his daughter in the UK before ultimately returning to his post. Now, with a renewed sense of purpose, he faces the challenge of regaining the trust of Saint Marie's residents after his absence, a journey that promises to be anything but quiet.
While Selwyn's return has been a focal point, season 15 also welcomes new blood to the cast. Catherine Garton joins as Sergeant Mattie Fletcher, a character described as both sassy and tenacious. Garton shared her excitement with the Edinburgh Evening News: "She's really fun to play. She's sassy, but she's like your big sister who will tell you what's what, but you can also come to her if you need to." Garton emphasized Mattie's passion and determination, noting, "She has something to prove to herself and to others and sometimes she can do that to her detriment, but it comes from a place of passion. They will see ups, downs and lots of sass!"
Don Gilet, who stars as DI Mervin Wilson, echoed these sentiments, highlighting Mattie's rebellious streak and her dynamic with Officer Sebastian Rose (Shaquille Ali-Yebuah). "There's definitely something of a rebel in Mattie. We haven't had that rebellious element, really. She's a bit younger, probably a similar age, give or take, to Officer Seb Rose, but she's seen a lot more. She's a sergeant and she's more experienced and is always on the front foot, whereas Seb is going through his rookie stripes. It’s great seeing how the two of them connect – there’s a nurturing side as well as a rebellious side. She’s a great addition to the team."
The heart of the new season, however, beats strongest in the evolving storyline of Mervin Wilson. Having previously embarked on a deeply personal quest to find his birth mother, Dorna Bray (Judith Jacob), Mervin now finds himself navigating the complexities of sibling relationships. Season 15 introduces viewers to Solomon (Daniel Ward), Mervin's rule-bending, impulsive brother. Their dynamic is a far cry from the show's traditional romantic subplots, instead offering a comedic and emotionally charged exploration of brotherhood.
Their relationship is anything but straightforward. In an episode that aired February 6, 2026, Solomon steals Mervin's belongings after being refused a loan, prompting a chase that ends with Mervin threatening to arrest his own brother. The confrontation takes a slapstick turn as Solomon pushes Mervin into a swimming pool, then confesses he's in debt and unsure how to repay it. Eventually, Solomon returns Mervin's things, but the tension lingers. As Solomon prepares to leave Saint Marie by boat, the two brothers exchange a bittersweet farewell. "Look, man, we tried this, and maybe it just wasn't meant to be. Look after yourself," Solomon says, hinting at the unresolved nature of their bond.
This focus on family marks a shift in the show's narrative approach. As Digital Spy noted, Death in Paradise has historically leaned on slow-burn romances to drive character arcs—think Richard Poole and Camille, or Neville Parker and Florence. Mervin's journey, however, has been defined by his search for belonging and connection, first through the discovery of his mother, and now through his complicated relationship with Solomon. The show's creator, Robert Thorogood, deliberately steered away from a predictable romantic plotline, opting instead to explore the emotional depth and comedic potential of sibling rivalry and reconciliation.
Viewers have responded enthusiastically to this fresh direction. The physical comedy—Mervin being tossed into a pool, the brothers getting drenched in hot sauce—injects new energy into the series, preventing it from feeling formulaic as it enters its fifteenth year. But beneath the laughs lies a poignant exploration of abandonment, forgiveness, and the yearning for family. As Mervin builds a "found family" with his police colleagues and the Saint Marie community, his relationship with Solomon remains a work in progress, fraught with setbacks but rich in potential.
Of course, no season of Death in Paradise would be complete without a tantalizing murder mystery. The premiere episode centers on the suspicious drowning of a couples therapist at an exclusive retreat. With all four clients seemingly possessing airtight alibis, DI Mervin Wilson and his team must unravel the truth, even as Mervin juggles his personal drama with Solomon. The case promises the usual blend of twists, red herrings, and the island's signature charm.
Returning favorites round out the ensemble: Elizabeth Bourgine as the ever-wise Catherine Bordey, Shantol Jackson as Detective Sergeant Naomi Thomas, and Shaquille Ali-Yebuah as Officer Sebastian Rose. Each character faces their own challenges, from Mattie Fletcher confronting shadows from her past to Selwyn Patterson striving to prove his worth anew.
For those eager to catch up, Death in Paradise and its spin-offs Beyond Paradise and Return to Paradise are all available on BBC iPlayer. The new season promises not only baffling cases but also rich character development, as the residents of Saint Marie confront old wounds and forge new bonds.
With its trademark mix of humor, mystery, and heart, Death in Paradise continues to prove why it remains a staple of British television, even as it dares to chart new territory in its fifteenth year.