Death Valley

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.

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.

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.

Seeing Timothy Spall in a new detective series the first thing that I thought was I hope its good enough for him. I think he's a brilliant actor. Probably my favourite performance of his was as Ian Paisley opposite Colm Meeny. I was also a little concerned when I saw it was set in wales. Having just seen the first episode and the first face I noticed was that of Steve Mao (hoffeman in high hopes) raised my expectations and it turned out to be a pleasant surprise from there on. Spall is as always excellent and the support cast do a fine job. Welsh humour is on show and I had a few chuckles along the way. It fits well into the cosy mystery slot and I must say Im looking forward to the next. I have to say that Tim playing a retired actor sort of in the vein of the crew of galaxyquest is inspired.

Early in the first episode, there's a TV murder mystery on in the background and one of the characters comments that they're all the same. So there can be no doubt in the viewer's mind as to whether "Death Valley" is intended to be a serious murder mystery series or a tongue-in-cheek self-mocking amusement. There's a hint in the title as well

The actual murder mysteries are rather silly, but that's partly the point. The show is witty and amusing, and the characters are fun. The main draw is Timothy Spall, who is as wonderful as usual, playing a retired actor. Gwyneth Keyworth is also very good as the slightly goofy police officer who relies on Spall for help in solving the crimes, while trying to keep this fact away from her superiors.