Return to Paradise

Beautiful scenery backdrops a murder mystery show led by a quirky detective with a shady past. The humor is light although the first episode didn't have the intriguing plot that the French/British series it's based on has. It's passable, but the lead actress doesn't seem' comfortable in her role as a weird police officer with commitment issues and an emotional retinue understaffed. Her facial expressions tend towards pantomime. She over does the confusion of other's responses to her which seems unlikely given it's a personality trait. The second episode was better and the lead seemed more convincing in her role as a sociopath. This is an ok show but lacks the Caribbean vibe of the original. Recommended to soft mystery fans.

The main attraction of the main series and its spin-offs is always nature. As an Australia and nature fan, you will of course get your money's worth. The plots have not been reinvented. It's the old "Death in Paradise" concept with a little "Beyond Paradise" sprinkled in. For me personally, it was nice entertainment to watch the team getting together and solving cases. What I personally could have done without is the love triangle. This concept is outdated and boring for me. I was annoyed that it was used again for the series. It would have worked well without it. The stylistic device "will they or won't they" rather annoyed me. I don't think it's still appropriate for people of that age, who have learned to communicate better and are better able to self-assess their actions than previous generations.

The formula is the same as Death in Paradise (which I have enjoyed over the years). The first episode was a little slow but after just watching the second episode I think the show is starting to come into its own and it too is enjoyable. The characters are starting to be fleshed out and their individuality and quirkiness is nice to see. I do think Anna Samson is probably the weak link in the cast however I've only seen a couple of episodes and she may soon shine. The rest of the cast seems great. The scenery is also great and typical of NSW. I'm looking forward to future episodes. I recommend watching!

With the first series of 'Return To Paradise' just finished on the ABC, the question most viewers will be asking is "When will series 2 arrive?".

As amiable and entertaining as the British 'Death in Paradise' from which it sprouted, this six part series has been a delight. The setting of Dolphin Cove (cousin of Porpoise Spit?) is quintessential Aussie coastline, with a perfect surf break and touches of Byron Bay.

The Police team have a few sit com quirks -- slightly stilted dialogue on occasions, regular moments when all they have to do is stand around listening to the main characters talk -- yet they became endearing, especially Lloyd Griffith as Det SC Colin Cartwright.

Anna Samson's DI Mackenzie Clarke did what some might consider impossible: create a new detective who has her own voice and unique character. She is the backbone of the series and eminently watchable throughout.

Plots were solid and well constructed, especially the final episode which cleverly tied the police procedural to the simmering connection still charging the atmosphere between Mackenzie and her ex.

There were few surprises across the half dozen eps, but the writing was certainly good enough to keep fans of the genre guessing (and happy!).

We approached this series with a little trepidation. Would it be simply a half-hearted re-hash of the original? But it was much more than that. Fresh as an ocean breeze and entertaining throughout. We really hope to see DI Mackenzie Clarke back in Dolphin Cover soon.

I will check out the next episode, not least because I tend to like seeing things shot in Australia.

But I have to wonder why some creators seem to feel the need for "weird" in every series. The lead character, Mack, has a nasty back story and a problematic current situation, an absent mother -- whom I fear will not be absent long, and who will add to the "weird" already contributed by the "volunteer police person."

The single best thing about this for me was the reference to Inspector Mooney, to whom Mack referred as "Jack." That's OUR Inspector Mooney, from the original Death in Paradise, and it holds out a little hope that Ardal O'Hanlon may make a cameo or even guest appearance at some point. The postcard on his desk that said "Visit Saint Marie" was another nice touch.

But this was a rather clunky debut, with too much time spent on telling us Mackenzie Clark, including that she is "brilliant." As a result the other cop regulars-to-be got very short shrift, especially Catherine McClements, whom I suspect is going to be criminally underused.

Let's hope it sharpens up -- a cop show in Australia always has potential, as does a Thorogood spin-off, but there have been too many first-rate Australian cop shows for one to coast on his reputation. This one will have to raise its game.