Death in Paradise made a welcome return to TV screens on Sunday, 2 February, with the 14th series premiering on One.
The new season saw the official introduction of DI Mervin Wilson (Don Gilet), who has replaced DI Neville Parker (Ralf Little) as Saint Marie’s new lead detective.
The series kicked off with a fresh mystery, as new recriuit Benjamin (Anthony J Abraham) failed to turn up for his first shift at the police station, with his body later being discovered by the side of a road.
Mervin had been planning to jet back to the UK, having been reluctant to stay on Saint Marie, but after stumbling across Benjamin’s body, he stuck around to find out what had really happened to him as things didn’t quite add up.
Fans were quick to notice a huge plot hole in the first episode’s series of events, as Mervin’s lack of enthusiasm about staying on Saint Marie seemed unrealistic.
Don Gilet as DI Mervin Wilson in Death in Paradise (Image: BBC)
Taking to social media, Death in Paradise fans pointed out that it seemed unlikely that the character would be so eager to ditch the picturesque island in favour of heading back to London.
“I think it’s gas that every lead detective in Death in Paradise has a mad obsession with getting back to London when they’re literally in the most stunning location imaginable,” one fan wrote on X, adding: “Like you want me to go solve crimes on Saint Marie I’m there in a heartbeat, no questions asked.”
Another viewer joked: “London or a shack in the Caribbean, with Harry, overlooking a setting sun, on a golden beach. Oh gee let me think. #DeathInParadise.”
The new DI has ruffled a few feathers with his blunt tone and straight-talking manner on Saint Marie, but it seems Don’s character has won over TV viewers at home.
Naomi Thomas (Shantol Jackson) with DI Mervin (Image: BBC)
Fans have delivered their verdict on DI Mervin (Image: BBC)
Many praised the new series on social media, as they praised Don’s performance and the introduction of DI Mervin.
“Love the new series of #DeathInParadise being back. Don doing a great job at the helm,” one person wrote, while a second commented: “I do really like Mervin though! Really looking forward to the rest of the series with him! @DonGilet #DeathInParadise.”
A third viewer said: “I love Mervin… Sarcastic, with a good heart. Stern, but understanding and wants off the Island but he ain’t leaving,” and a fourth added: “I know Mervin is rude and blunt, but I just love him.”
Death in Paradise airs on One on Sundays at 9pm