Death Valley

Whilst investigating a murder DS Janie Mallowan discovers that a mysterious reclusive man living by the scene is none other than John Chapel, better known as 'Caesar' a well known TV detective. After a frosty initial meeting, the pair team up to solve a number of cases.

I can see why reviews have fallen on both sides, I get it, I'd say it's all about expectation, just know what you're getting.

It's light, easy going, slightly silly, family friendly viewing, it's very much in the Sunday teatime group of shows, if you like Father Brown and Mallorca Files, you'll definitely appreciate this.

Wonderful location work, it's lovely to recognise to many of the wonderful Welsh locations.

Gwyneth Kenyon is bags of fun as the brash, outspoken Mallowan, Timothy Spall can simply do no wrong in my eyes, lots of well known faces pop up and it's good to see so much Welsh talent.

If you're wanting something serious, you'll be disappointed, if you want fun, easy viewing, you'll enjoy it. More please.

8/10.

Unlike some other reviewers, I am writing this after seeing all if the first series (6 episodes viewed in 2 days).

Yes, to a lot of English viewers this will be different to what they are used to seeing but the complexities of Welsh life is here to see and beautifully crafted by the writer and executed by the recognisable cast.

It's good see the Welsh language featured on prime time tv (there are 3 recognised spoken languages in the UK) and the sides for the shoe has been compared to last year's non-detective detective comedy show Ludwig.

It has to be said that the show does lose its way mid-series but the season finale has the show back on form.

It would be great to see it back (Bach?) but it does need a strong script to do so.

Timothy Spall as always is excellent but based on the first episode I found it very disappointing. It is advertised as a comedy drama but I felt more effort was put into the comedy than the drama. It did make me chuckle a few times but I was hoping it would be a drama with a slight comedic touch. What I struggle with most was trying to cram the story it into one episode. We seemed to jump from puzzling over a few random clues to all of a sudden having a Death in Paradise type ending where everyone was gathered together and the big rather complex reveal was made with no explanation as to how they got there.

I will give episode two a try but not hopeful I'm afraid.

Edit. Well I gave episode two a try and enjoyed it more, by the time I watched all of season one I had changed my mind and now look forward to season 2.

If you view this as another murder mystery show, then you might be vaguely disappointed. However, if you plant your taste organ in your cheek and let the show be itself, you'll find that it is ironic, does not take itself too seriously and while being being light hearted and fun never goes over board with it.

And takes a few of the more overused tropes of the genre down a peg or two in the process.

The show could so easily have been "Americanised" and become a mockery of iteself by being overdone, and we can only hope that it doesn't.

I've watched the first 3 episodes that have aired so far. I'll be back for all of them.

As with a few others, after 10 minutes of viewing the first episode, I almost switched off. Found it cringeworthy and struggled with some overacting. However, I persevered and am so pleased I did! Really enjoyed this once the characters started to develop. It's not meant to be true to life - hence its endearing quirky nature. Timothy Spall plays a great part as John Chapel and I warmed to the character, Janie. There are some great one liners that had me laughing out loud - especially from Janie's boss Steffan Rhodri who is so funny!

And the beautiful scenery of Wales is an added bonus!

Really hoping there's going to be a second series.