The beloved British crime-comedy series, Death in Paradise, returned for its fourteenth season with the premiere episode titled "Bad Tidings," introducing viewers to the new lead, Don Gilet. This season, which aired during the festive season of 2023, has been noted for revitalizing the show, which many critics felt had stagnated during Ralf Little’s tenure.
Don Gilet, known for his versatility, steps confidently as the lead character, garnering praise for his ability to blend seriousness with lighthearted comic timing. Carol Midgley of The Times remarked, "It would still be watchable with a potato in the lead role, but Gilet is a gifted actor who often stands out in supporting performances.” Gilet's arrival seems to inject fresh energy, which some feel is needed following seasons perceived as tired.
The storyline of the premiere revolves around the murder of the writer of a 1980s Christmas hit song, presenting a twisty plot filled with classic whodunit elements. Anita Singh from the Telegraph commented, "Don Gilet is a welcome shot in the arm for Death in Paradise, which had become tired during the Ralf Little years. He does noticeably less mugging than some of his predecessors." This shift might just be the change fans have been hoping for, emphasizing character depth over overt comedy.
Within this narrative, Jim Howick shines as one of the suspects. Christopher Stevens of the Daily Mail praised his performance, saying, "Any gripes about the quality of this episode are easily overridden by a terrific turn from Jim Howick." His character’s antics, including comically attempting to stuff a handgun down his pants, add to the episode's humor, balancing the lighter elements with the darker themes of murder.
Despite the playful tone, critics were quick to note some shortcomings. Lucy Mangan from The Guardian described the episode as "stretched a bit thin – it is an hour’s worth of material at best spread over 90 minutes," indicating potential pacing issues. The depth of character development also seemed lacking, particularly when compared to notable past episodes featuring heavyweights like Timothy Spall and James Nesbitt.
Benji Wilson echoed these sentiments, stating, "Bad Tidings was precisely the kind of undemanding television…" This comment hints at the episode’s light, breezy viewing experience, suitable for the holiday season but perhaps less satisfying during the following months. Such critiques could portrait potential hurdles for the show as it attempts to maintain viewer engagement going forward.
Yet, this premiere was not devoid of charm or creativity. It provided insights behind the series' production, showcasing the depth involved in creating such episodes. Rebecca Nicholson remarked, "There is a lot of detail...It is a peek at how a TV show is made." This enriching glimpse allows fans to appreciate the behind-the-scenes efforts, creating a connection to the cast and crew.
Overall, Death in Paradise's season 14 premiere has elicited varied reactions from fans and critics alike. With Gilet at the helm, viewers can anticipate new dynamics and storylines, aiming to retain the lighthearted yet engaging format established by its predecessors. It brings not just fun mystery, but re-establishes the need for narrative depth alongside its traditional charm. Whether this shift will solidify the show’s legacy remains to be seen, but for now, the series appears poised to deliver more holiday cheer and intriguing murder mysteries.
