The gap between the end of Beyond Paradise and the return of Return to Paradise always feels longer than expected, which makes the arrival of Death Valley feel like the perfect comfort in between.
The first season of the Timothy Spall and Gwyneth Keyworth-led series proved to be a standout success, quickly drawing in viewers and earning strong reactions from audiences, ourselves included. Many viewers even compared its tone to the Paradise franchise on BBC, with a subtle hint of Grantchester-style storytelling woven in.
Still, while comparisons are inevitable within the cosy crime genre, Death Valley managed to establish its own identity, becoming a series that worked strongly on its own terms.
With season one setting a high standard, expectations were naturally raised for the follow-up. Fortunately, season two manages to meet that challenge, delivering another engaging chapter that continues the show’s momentum.
Series creator Paul Doolan once again brings a strong sense of charm to the show by reuniting its central characters in a story that continues to lean into their dynamic partnership. In season two, the relationship between DI Janie Mallowan, played by Gwyneth Keyworth, and retired actor-turned-police consultant John Chapel, played by Timothy Spall, remains at the heart of the series.
Viewers who enjoyed their constant back-and-forth in the first season will find that the familiar chemistry between them is still very much intact, with their interactions continuing to provide much of the show’s appeal.
The performances from Spall and Keyworth remain a highlight, blending humour with a subtle emotional layer that hints at a deeper, almost familial connection between the two characters.
One of the most notable developments in the new season is the evolution of their relationship, especially as the story explores Janie’s personal life more deeply. The reappearance of her estranged father introduces new emotional weight to her journey and adds complexity to her character arc.
His return brings unresolved feelings to the surface and creates tension that could influence the direction of her life moving forward. While some outcomes may feel familiar, the way the storyline unfolds still allows space for emotional moments and a few unexpected turns.
While the personal storylines add depth to the series, the core strength of a show like Death Valley still lies in its mysteries, which continue to take centre stage.
Season two delivers a new set of engaging cases for DI Janie Mallowan to take on, but it also raises questions about how she is adjusting to her recent promotion and whether she is truly ready for the role she now holds.
This season presents a different kind of professional challenge for Janie, one that is tied closely to her sense of self and confidence in her abilities.
Where season one focused on her determination to prove she deserved advancement, season two shifts the focus inward. Now in the role she worked toward, she begins to question herself in a quieter but more persistent way, with self-doubt gradually influencing how she approaches her work.
Death Valley still manages to feel grounded despite its heightened village crime setting, where trouble always seems to appear a little too often for comfort.
At the centre of it all is Janie, a character many viewers can relate to. She starts off unsure of herself, suddenly placed in a position where everything feels overwhelming and fast-moving, having to adjust while figuring things out as she goes.
That sense of pressure and uncertainty makes her feel real, and it adds an extra layer to the show without taking away from the cases themselves.
The series continues to balance humour, emotion, and mystery in a way that feels easy to watch and engaging throughout. While it follows familiar genre patterns, it still finds small ways to keep things interesting, showing that Paul Doolan knows how to keep the formula feeling fresh enough to hold attention.
Death Valley season 2 is available to watch on Sunday, 17 May, on BBC One and iPlayer, at 8.15 pm.
Source: Various