Death Valley

This show is great fun and a new spin on murder mystery show. I loved the relationship between Timothy Spall's character and Gwyneth Keyworth's character. I've always loved these two actors and they work so well together. Lovely setting in Wales and lots of other good actors. Murder mystery with some comedy. I binged watched in two days. I hope they make more! Just give this show a chance. If you like Death in Paradise, and Midsomer Murders, I am sure you will enjoy this. I also loved the Welsh accents and when some characters spoke in Welsh. The relationship between Gwyneth Keyworth and her mum is great too.

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.

Baded on the first episode, Death Valley is one effing annoyingly charming comedic mystery series.

Once I saw Timothy Spall and Gwyneth Keyworth together on screen, I immediately know I'm gonna enjoy the series. Those 2 can banter and it looks like a father-daughter scene, not related and it's not a spoiler. The chemistry was brilliant.

For those who remember Spall from Harry Potter, he's the rat friend of Harry's dad. And when you watched Death Valley, don't be surprised that Spall looks like an everyday old British elder. That's how hood his acting skills is.

Anyway, I personally recommended Death Valley for a light entertainment and a smile.

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.