Death in Paradise fans are still reminiscing over some of their favourite detectives from years past.
Death in Paradise makes its much-anticipated return to BBC One, and this time viewers will see Mervin Wilson (portrayed by Don Gilet) beginning to settle into island life on Saint Marie. Things take an unexpected turn when he attends a local women’s football match and discovers at half-time that the team’s star player has been mysteriously found dead in the locker room.
Under scrutiny from Commissioner Selwyn Patterson (played by Don Warrington), Mervyn faces the challenging task of solving a murder that happened right before his eyes. While the audience gets to grips with the latest addition to the Saint Marie police squad, there’s also a touch of nostalgia as fans reminisce about their favourite inspectors from previous seasons.
Ardal O’Hanlon was introduced as DI Jack Mooney in the show’s sixth season, portraying him as a recent widower struggling with the death of his wife. He carried the role through to season nine, concluding his journey as he accepted his loss and chose to go back to London with his daughter.
Reflecting on his time on the series, O’Hanlon shared: “I’ve spent the last four summers in Guadeloupe playing DI Jack Mooney, solving over 20 murder cases in my time there. It’s been a hugely rewarding and unforgettable experience, working with incredibly talented actors, directors, and crew while discovering a magical part of the world.”
His decision to leave was driven by his eagerness to return to his roots in stand-up comedy and spend quality time with his family. He revealed to OK!: “I suppose I didn’t think I’d be doing anything for a fourth series. I really thought three series would be the max, you know.
“Because it’s quite a demanding show… it’s a tough old show in terms of being away from home for so long and in terms of the conditions that you film in the heat and the humidity.
“I think [Melanie – his wife] found it very tough because we’ve got three big grown-up kids living in the house and she’s got a lot on her plate, so I think she was finding it tougher as the years went on.
“And I was missing them all hugely as well, so I think it made sense.”
Fans have been vocal on Reddit about their favourite inspector of the series, with Ged_UK stating: “I always liked Jack. Down to earth, realistic and actually fitted in.”
Plastic-Leek-3306 agreed: “I love Death in Paradise because it’s a warm and feel good show, despite the murder. I think Jack adds to that the best so it’s always him for me.”
Steve3146 chimed in: “Jack definitely, the fish out of water English detective was such a cliche after a while, Jack was a breath of fresh air. “I loved the way he was polite but very rude in his questioning. He’d clasp his hands together and say something like, ‘I’m so sorry for your loss…. but how long have you known your wife was having an affair.'”
Carolinagirl9311 added: “Definitely Jack for me. So personable which is a wonderful trait.”
While Domak04 concluded: “Jack! He’s a very warm, realistic, down to earth kinda character who brought such a dad vibe to the role!”
Death in Paradise airs on BBC One on Fridays at 9pm
