Death In Paradise has once again captivated audiences with its latest series finale, which aired on March 28, 2025. The show, set on the fictional Caribbean island of Saint Marie, saw Detective Inspector Mervin Wilson, portrayed by Don Gilet, confront his past while solving yet another intriguing case.
Gilet stepped into the role of DI Mervin Wilson after Ralf Little's departure as DI Neville Parker. Wilson's journey began in the 2024 Christmas special, where he arrived on the island to investigate the mysterious death of his birth mother, Donna Bray. The series finale brought a dramatic conclusion to his storyline, revealing not only the truth about his mother’s death but also a family connection he never anticipated.
As the finale unfolded, Mervin was on the verge of returning to London after having solved the murder case involving his mother. However, his plans changed dramatically when he became a suspect in the murder of Rosa Martinez, a volunteer at the Marabar Turtle Conservancy. This twist forced him to stay on the island longer than he had intended.
In a poignant moment, Mervin shared a heartfelt conversation with Commissioner Selwyn Patterson, who encouraged him to reconsider his decision to leave. Selwyn, a character played by Don Warrington since the show's inception in 2011, revealed, "I think you are not at the end of your journey, but the beginning." This advice resonated with Mervin, who had been grappling with feelings of emptiness and loss throughout his time in Saint Marie.
During the episode, Mervin visited his mother’s grave, reflecting on his life and the choices before him. While there, he discovered flowers and a note from someone identified only as 'S'. This discovery sparked a series of revelations that would change Mervin's life forever.
It was later revealed that the flowers were left by Solomon Clarke, a man from Antigua who had been searching for Donna prior to her death. In a shocking twist, Selwyn informed Mervin that Solomon was not just a stranger but his half-brother. "Mervin, he’s your brother," Selwyn stated, prompting Mervin to reconsider his plans to leave the island.
The finale concluded with Mervin gazing out from the veranda of the Saint Marie Police HQ, contemplating the new family ties and the mysteries that lay ahead. Fans were left wondering if Mervin would choose to stay on the island to explore this newfound connection with Solomon in the upcoming series.
As for Selwyn Patterson, his tenure as Commissioner came to an emotional end. He announced his departure from the police force, expressing a desire to spend more time with his daughter, Andrina, in England. His exit was met with heartfelt tributes from fans, many of whom took to social media to express their sadness at losing such a beloved character. One viewer tweeted, "Noooooo I can’t believe the commissioner is leaving #DeathInParadise," while another lamented, "There’s no #DeathInParadise without Selwyn."
Selwyn’s departure was marked by a touching farewell scene with Catherine Bordey, the only original character left in the show. Their exchange was filled with emotion, as Catherine promised to look after herself, and Selwyn replied, "Au revoir then, my friend," before heading off to start a new chapter in his life.
Despite Selwyn's exit, the show is set to continue with filming for series 15 beginning in April 2025. While a release date has yet to be confirmed, fans can expect a festive episode in 2025, followed by the new series in 2026. The spin-off series, Beyond Paradise, will also continue airing on BBC One on Fridays at 8 PM.
With Mervin Wilson now faced with the reality of having a brother nearby and the unresolved mysteries of his past, the stage is set for an exciting new chapter in Death In Paradise. The show's ability to weave personal stories with engaging mystery continues to draw viewers back, eager for more twists and turns in the lives of their favorite characters.
As fans look forward to the next series, the emotional weight of family, loss, and new beginnings promises to keep audiences engaged. Death In Paradise has once again proven its knack for blending drama with heartfelt moments, ensuring that viewers will remain invested in the lives of Mervin, Solomon, and the rest of the Saint Marie team.
